GoKawiil
Tech News
A columnist who uses Google Maps daily outlines four persistent gaps in the app, starting with offline maps that still require manually drawing rectangles instead of downloading whole regions or countries at once. The piece contrasts this with rivals like Maps.me and Organic Maps, which allow single-tap downloads of entire areas.
A tech columnist reports that AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude become noticeably less useful over long-term use as they accumulate stored memories from past conversations. Outdated, one-off, or hypothetical exchanges get retained and later influence unrelated responses, degrading the quality of answers even after an initial 'sweet spot' of personalization is reached. The fix involves periodically reviewing and deleting old memory entries through each platform's settings menu.
Samsung has overhauled the Galaxy Z Flip 8's outer display, giving it a more phone-like interface with swipe-down notifications, quick settings, and an app drawer. The 4-inch cover screen now supports full versions of apps rather than the limited widgets Samsung previously favored, and it prompts users to install MultiStar, a Good Lock module that unlocks any app on the outer screen.
An old, otherwise unused Android phone can be repurposed to extend home Wi-Fi coverage into dead zones without buying new hardware like extenders or mesh nodes. Users can rely on the phone's built-in hotspot feature, which lets it connect to an existing Wi-Fi network and rebroadcast the signal as a repeater, requiring no extra apps or technical skill.
Google has pushed out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 to Pixel testers, two weeks after Beta 3, as builds CP41.260814.003.A2 or CP41.260814.003.B1 depending on device. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro remain excluded from this release, while the newly launched Pixel 11 is also not yet covered under QPR2 testing.
Google is rolling out a new Calendar setting called 'Get an email when guests respond,' letting meeting organizers or their delegates opt out of receiving RSVP confirmations and automatic replies like out-of-office messages. The setting is enabled by default but can be unchecked, and it applies to the whole series for recurring events. The gradual rollout begins today for Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers, and personal Google account users.
Some Fitbit Air users are removing the tracker from its wristband and taping it directly to their skin, with placements reported on the bicep or inside a sock on the ankle. Users say this unofficial method still tracks activity normally despite the device being designed for wrist wear. The trend emerged from posts shared on Reddit and was later compiled by 9to5Google.
Code strings found in Spotify Android version 9.1.82.19 suggest Free-tier users could soon be allowed to host Jam sessions, a feature currently restricted to Premium subscribers. Jams hosted by Free users would reportedly force shuffle play, cap skips, and limit queue size for all participants, even Premium ones. Spotify has not confirmed the rollout, and the evidence comes solely from unreleased app strings.
Apple's iOS 27 update brings major improvements to iCloud Shared Albums, including support for full-resolution photos and videos, custom emoji reactions instead of just likes, and easier one-tap saving. Android and Windows users can now contribute content via the web rather than only viewing shared photos, and users gain new participant permission controls plus the option to set album expiration dates.
Google has reduced trade-in credits offered toward Pixel 11 series purchases, ending the launch-window bonuses it previously offered. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold saw the steepest cut, dropping from $1,000 to $850, while most other recent Pixel models lost $50 or less in trade value. Google says these new lower rates will remain in effect through September.
Android phones let users set alarm volume independently from media, ringtone, and notification volumes, which can cause alarms to stay quiet even when other sounds are audible. Users can adjust alarm volume through the expanded volume menu or via Settings > Sound & vibration > Volume, and should also check Do Not Disturb settings to ensure alarms aren't being silenced.
AIArion is a website that collects free, ready-to-use ChatGPT prompts aimed at personal development, productivity and workplace skills. Rather than being an AI tool itself, it acts as a prompt library covering frameworks like PAR and CAR resume storytelling, the GROW model, procrastination-beating techniques and salary negotiation scripts.