Latest news with #PixelPhone
Phone Arena
6 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
The Pixel Watch 2 is $100 off and a perfect match for your Pixel phone
Pixel phone users, now's the time to add a Pixel Watch to your ecosystem! Which one should you get? The Pixel Watch 2 — if you're looking to save big, of course. Right now, both the Wi-Fi-only and the LTE models sell for $100 off at Amazon, giving you great value for money. $100 off (40%) The Pixel Watch 2 might not be the latest Google wearable, but it packs a punch at its current Amazon price. Right now, you can save $100 on the model with Wi-Fi connectivity, which brings it to a way more affordable price. Buy at Amazon $100 off (33%) Want LTE on your wrist? No worries! The LTE-enabled Pixel Watch 2 is also on sale, offered for $100 off its original price. The promo is available across colorways, letting you pick your favorite model without missing out. Buy at Amazon Even though Prime Day saw a slightly steeper $120 discount, this deal is still a win — especially considering how much more the new Pixel Watch 3 costs at the moment. So, don't wait up and grab the Wi-Fi option for just under $150 (down from $250), or get LTE on your wrist for less than $200. Beyond the tempting price cut, what makes this Google timepiece a good choice? Quite a bit, actually. It features a skin temperature sensor and an improved heart rate sensor to deliver more accurate health data throughout the active users, the wearable packs Heart Rate Zone Coaching and Pace Training extras. These tools help ensure you maintain an optimal pace, aligned with your fitness goals and exercise. What's more, the timepiece alerts you whenever you go out of your ideal heart rate zone. This might not sound like a big deal, but it's surprisingly useful for users who struggle to maintain a steady pace or want to avoid overexertion during training. Like most smartwatches, this fella also monitors your sleep. You can expect pretty accurate data, though you'd need a Fitbit Premium subscription to get advanced sleep metrics. If you're still on the fence, we suggest checking out our Pixel Watch 2 review for extra details on overall experience, battery life, and more. But if the watch already sounds like a good fit, now's a great time to save $100 on it. Head to Amazon and take advantage of this tempting promo before it expires.
Android Authority
07-06-2025
- Android Authority
Got a Pixel phone? Grab these 5 Google apps because they're not installed by default
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Every time I set up a new Pixel phone, there is a list of apps that I immediately install. Spotify, 1Password, Slack, Todoist, DuckDuckGo, JotterPad, Backdrops, Plex, Wanderlog, and many more are at the top of my list, but so are a few apps developed by the company that made my phone — Google. Despite these being Google apps, they don't ship by default on Pixels and must be manually added to the phones. Some of them are known; others are more obscure. But there's a particular reason to use each and every one of them, so without further ado, here are the five Google apps I add to my Pixel and that I think you should consider as well. Chrome Beta Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Why install a beta version of Chrome when the official Chrome is already pre-loaded? Well, the reason is multiple account support. See, unlike almost all other Google apps, Chrome doesn't let me switch accounts very easily with a swipe across my profile picture. No, I have to log out and then log in with the new account each time, essentially resetting the app every time I do this. To counter it, I use Chrome and Chrome Beta (and Chrome Dev), and sign into a different Gmail account in each app. My personal account lives in Chrome, my joint account with my husband goes in Beta, and my Workspace account is in Dev. That way, I can access all my distinct bookmarks, browsing histories, logins, and autofill details in each one, without mixing business and pleasure. It's a bit of a cumbersome solution when I click on a link and see it open in my personal Chrome (which is set as default browser) when I know it should've gone in my family Chrome Beta, but I've learned to live with this limitation. I copy/paste the URL to manually open it in the appropriate browser. Besides that, this works beautifully and allows me to separate church and state with my browsing habits and data. Google Maps Go Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Google Maps is one of the most-used apps on my phone, but it has one glaring flaw: It becomes useless the moment I start navigation. I can't do a proper search, nor can I look up the details of a place I'm walking by. I have to completely stop navigation to do that, then search for my destination again and start nav a second time. Google Maps Go solves this by providing a second, lighter, smaller, less resource-intensive instance of Maps on my phone. So when I'm already following step-by-step directions to walk, drive, or take transit somewhere, I can just launch Maps Go to do anything else I might need Maps for. Passing by a cool-looking restaurant? I look it up and see if it has a good rating and bookmark it. Need to find specific details about some places while I'm on the subway? I can do my research without messing up my train times and journey. When I wrote about this benefit of Google Maps Go, a few users suggested I use Waze for navigation and keep Google Maps free. This is another workaround, but it only applies if you drive a lot. Most of my transport happens on foot or by transit, so I can't use Waze for that. Gallery Joe Maring / Android Authority Every time we mention this app on Android Authority, we get many comments from people who didn't know Google Gallery existed. So here I go again. Gallery is Google's fast, light, on-device alternative to Photos. It scans all of the photos and videos on your phone, organizes them, does some light facial recognition, and stays offline the whole time. The first scan takes time, but after that, Gallery is fast and efficient. And most of all, it's private. It works pretty well as a local gallery app, and I use it a lot to access my screenshots, WhatsApp folders, and all the other media files on my phone. Google Translate Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Do I even need to introduce Translate to you? I don't know why Google has left out this essential app from its preloaded Pixel apps, forcing us to install it on every device manually, but here we are. Google Translate does what the name says: It translates things — text, audio, photos, full conversations — from one language to another. It can easily auto-detect the input language and supports offline translations for dozens and dozens of languages. I speak three languages nearly natively, and I can figure my way around two other languages, but that's not enough for a frequent traveler or culture addict like me. So when I'm in a country where I don't speak the language, like Hungary, Albania, the Czech Republic, Turkey, or Nepal, I resort to Google Translate to communicate with people who aren't very confident using English. As a matter of fact, my taxi driver in Turkey pulled out his phone and launched Google Translate by himself to organize my pick-up and drop-off — a proper border-crossing solution. Google Go Rita El Khoury / Android Authority There might be a pattern here; Google Go is the third light version of a default Google app that I use, and once again, there's a good reason for that. Google Go was built for less powerful phones and more limited internet connections, and that's part of its appeal. It's faster and lighter than Google's main app, but it still does the job. What I love about it, though, and the reason why it's earned a spot on my Pixel is that it supports two features that aren't available in the regular Google app. One of them is incognito searching. It's a tap away and allows me to do a quick search without it showing up in my Google history and without launching Chrome and rejecting Google's cookie pop-up each time. The other is the built-in reader mode, which is also available in Chrome but requires a few tweaks with flags to enable (and even then isn't as straightforward). In Google Go, any article page immediately shows a bottom bar with a play button in the middle. It starts reading the article for me so I can go about my day, make coffee or prepare lunch, start a new laundry cycle or brush my teeth, all while listening to the article. There are speed controls, 10-second skip and rewind buttons, too, plus an easy translation menu. It's sad that all these nifty additions aren't available in the main Google app because I'm sure a lot of people would love them and use them as much as I do. Honorable mentions Before ending this article, I wanted to mention some other Google-made apps that are not pre-installed on Pixel phones (or rarely are) and are still worth testing and adding to your phone. Google News is the most obvious one, if you like to stay on top of what's happening in the world of politics, tech, or any other topic you're interested in. Google Tasks is a basic but efficient task manager. It combines very well with Assistant voice commands when you set up reminders. Google Fit has lost a lot of its shine since Google bought Fitbit, but it remains an excellent way to aggregate data from various health apps. I also used it when I was tracking my blood pressure after a brief scare earlier this year. Find Hub (previously Find My Device) is essential if you own other Pixel or Android gear; it allows me to locate my Buds Pro 2, Watch 3, and other Android phones, as well as my Google-compatible Bluetooth trackers like the Chipolo POP or moto tag. Photoscan is a secondary Google Photos tool that lets me scan physical photos to add them to my library. It automatically crops and rotates the image and removes all glare, saving me from manually doing this tedious work. I have yet to digitize my old photos, but for the rare time when I get handed a physical photo as memorabilia from a place or adventure, it's my go-to solution. And there you have it; all the great Google apps that you should consider adding to your Pixel, even if they didn't come preloaded on it. Have any other favorites? Let me know in the comments!
The Verge
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Verge
Google says Instagram fixed a battery drain issue on Android
If you've been having unusual battery drain issues on your Pixel phone lately, Instagram might be to blame. In a new support post, Google says that Instagram has updated its app to address the issue. The fix comes in Instagram version 382.0.0.49.84, which you can grab from Google Play now. If you don't see the option to update, it could be that you've already got it. You can check by long-pressing the Instagram app, tapping 'App info,' then scrolling to the bottom to look for the version number. It looks like Instagram may have been responsible for complaints about battery drain on Pixel devices since a Pixel software update earlier this month. 9to5Google reports that, when asked about the battery drain issue, Google pointed to the support post announcing the Instagram update. The outlet wrote in mid-May that the issue seemed to impact every Pixel model that got the May update, from the Pixel 6 through the Pixel 9. It's not clear whether other Android phones were hit with the same issue, or whether Instagram was indeed the main culprit.
Geeky Gadgets
24-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Master Your Pixel Phone : 15 Essential Hidden Tricks You're Missing Out On
Your Pixel phone is more than just a communication device—it's a powerful tool designed to simplify your life, enhance productivity, and reflect your personal preferences. While you may already be familiar with its core functions, there are numerous hidden features that can elevate your experience. By exploring these lesser-known tricks, you can truly unlock the full potential of your device and make it an indispensable part of your daily routine. The video below from Sam Beckman gives us more details. Watch this video on YouTube. Master Gesture Controls for Seamless Navigation Gesture controls on your Pixel phone provide an intuitive and efficient way to navigate without relying on traditional buttons. These gestures streamline multitasking and reduce unnecessary taps, creating a smoother user experience: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the app drawer quickly. Swipe down from the top to view notifications and access quick settings. Swipe from the left or right edge of the screen to go back to the previous page. By mastering these gestures, you can navigate your phone effortlessly, saving time and enhancing usability. Unlock Advanced Camera Features for Stunning Photos The Pixel phone's camera is renowned for its exceptional quality, but its advanced features can take your photography to new heights. Whether you're capturing everyday moments or artistic shots, these tools offer professional-level control: Activate Night Sight to capture vivid and detailed photos in low-light conditions. to capture vivid and detailed photos in low-light conditions. Use Portrait Mode to create a depth-of-field effect, making your subject stand out against a blurred background. to create a depth-of-field effect, making your subject stand out against a blurred background. Edit your photos directly in the gallery with tools to adjust brightness, contrast, and even remove unwanted objects. These features allow you to experiment with creative photography and ensure your pictures always look their best. Extend Battery Life with Smart Power Management Battery life is essential for staying connected throughout the day, and your Pixel phone includes intelligent tools to help you conserve power: Adaptive Battery learns your usage patterns and prioritizes power for the apps you use most frequently. learns your usage patterns and prioritizes power for the apps you use most frequently. Enable Battery Saver mode to limit background activity and extend your phone's runtime during critical moments. mode to limit background activity and extend your phone's runtime during critical moments. Monitor battery usage in the settings to identify and manage power-hungry apps. These features ensure your phone remains reliable, even during long days or heavy usage. Enhance Privacy and Security with Built-In Features Your Pixel phone prioritizes your privacy and security, offering robust tools to protect your personal information: Use the Privacy Dashboard to review and adjust app permissions, making sure apps only access what's necessary. to review and adjust app permissions, making sure apps only access what's necessary. Enable Screen Pinning to lock your phone to a single app when sharing it with others. to lock your phone to a single app when sharing it with others. Turn on App Lock to add an extra layer of security to sensitive applications. These settings give you greater control over your data, helping you safeguard your information from unauthorized access. Boost Productivity with Google Assistant and Smart Tools Google Assistant is a versatile tool that goes beyond simple voice commands, helping you stay organized and productive: Set reminders, send messages, and control smart home devices with hands-free voice commands. Create custom routines to automate tasks, such as turning off lights and playing relaxing music before bedtime. Use the assistant to quickly search for information, check the weather, or navigate to your next destination. By integrating Google Assistant into your daily routine, you can save time and focus on what matters most. Personalize Your Pixel Phone for a Unique Experience Your Pixel phone offers extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor the device to your preferences and needs: Organize your home screen with widgets, shortcuts, and folders for quick access to frequently used tools. Experiment with themes, wallpapers, and the Dynamic Color feature to create a cohesive and visually appealing interface. feature to create a cohesive and visually appealing interface. Customize app icons and notification settings to match your style and priorities. These personalization options ensure your phone feels like an extension of yourself, combining functionality with individuality. Stay Updated and Troubleshoot with Ease Your Pixel phone is designed to stay reliable and efficient through regular updates and built-in troubleshooting tools: Enable automatic software updates to receive the latest features, performance improvements, and security patches. Use the Device Health feature to monitor your phone's performance and identify potential issues. feature to monitor your phone's performance and identify potential issues. Activate Safe Mode to diagnose and resolve problems caused by third-party apps. These tools ensure your device remains up-to-date and capable of handling any challenges that arise. Integrate Google Services for a Unified Digital Ecosystem Your Pixel phone seamlessly integrates with Google's suite of services, creating a cohesive and efficient digital experience: Sync your data across devices with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive, making sure you can access important information anytime, anywhere. Use Google Photos to automatically back up your pictures and videos, keeping your memories safe and accessible. Use Google Maps for real-time navigation and location sharing, simplifying travel and coordination. This integration enhances productivity and convenience, making your Pixel phone a central hub for managing your digital life. By exploring and using these hidden features, you can transform your Pixel phone into a versatile and indispensable tool. From advanced camera capabilities to productivity-enhancing tools like Google Assistant, these functionalities are designed to simplify your life and help you achieve more. Take the time to customize your device, optimize its performance, and integrate its features into your daily routine. With these tips, your Pixel phone becomes more than just a smartphone—it becomes a powerful companion for work, play, and everything in between. Browse through more resources below from our in-depth content covering more areas on Pixel phone gesture controls. Source & Image Credit: Sam Beckman Filed Under: Android News, Guides, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
