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Tech News
A reviewer used the Acer Googlebook 14 and Dell XPS Googlebook as primary computers for two weeks, starting at $899. The first week revealed frequent slowdowns, unreliable basic features, and extensive troubleshooting, though a batch of software fixes in week two resolved some early issues, including setup problems with Better Together cross-device features and initial lack of Samsung phone support.
A review piece from Android Authority outlines how the author disabled several default Google Photos features—including memory notifications, print promotion alerts, and auto-generated collages—to make the app less intrusive. The adjustments are made through the app's Notifications and Create tab settings.
Apple's new Apple TV 4K 2026 has launched priced at $299, more than double the $129 starting price of the previous generation, matching the recently hiked Nvidia Shield TV Pro. Android Authority highlights five alternative streaming boxes, including the Google TV Streamer 4K, which despite its own price rise from $99 to $149 still costs about half as much while offering 4GB of RAM and strong performance.
An Android Authority writer prompted ChatGPT's voice mode and Gemini Live to debate which smartphone deserves the title of best overall, without specifying a year, price range or operating system. The experiment followed a similar earlier test comparing iOS and Android, and the piece also included a reader poll where 44% picked the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and 30% picked a Pixel model.
Android Authority found code in a recent Phone by Google beta (version 244.0.1001930441-publicbeta-pixel2026) enabling an early, non-functional Compact photo menu for Calling Cards. The feature would sit alongside the existing full-screen photo option and shows four colored tile presets but no way yet to add images from Gallery, Google Photos, or Camera.
Android Authority identified an in-development update to Google Messages, found in version messages.android_20261020_00_RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamic, that reorganizes the app's single long settings list into separate categorized sections. Individual settings pages, such as those for RCS chats and SIM/country selection, are also being redesigned with new graphics and subdivided menus.
A Reddit user flagged a counterfeit WhatsApp listing appearing in a sponsored slot ahead of the genuine app on Google's Play Store, as first reported by Android Authority. The fake app, from an unknown developer called 'Agment Assets sallu,' has over 500,000 downloads and copies WhatsApp's icon, screenshots and description text. Google has not responded to a request for comment, and the listing remained live at the time of reporting.
Android Authority released its latest weekly collection of Android wallpapers, sourced from both readers and its own team members. The feature is a recurring series offering free downloadable wallpaper images for phone users.
A Reddit leak attributed to u/desterpot details how many 'picks' T-Mobile's upcoming T-Mix plans will charge for each add-on perk. Items like DashPass, Sirius XM, Delta SkyMiles and YouTube Premium Lite cost one pick, while Google AI Pro, Xbox Game Pass Premium and YouTube Premium cost two, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs three, and ESPN Unlimited costs four. Founder members reportedly get Apple TV, Hulu with Ads, and Netflix Premium for one pick through mid-2027.
Amazon is selling the 256GB Nothing Phone 3 for $549, down from its $799 retail price, a 31% discount. The unlocked model includes 12GB RAM, a 6.67-inch 120Hz OLED display, a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, a triple 50MP camera system with OIS, and a 5,150mAh silicon-carbon battery with fast and wireless charging.
Android Authority released its weekly Wallpaper Wednesday roundup for October 7, featuring six reader-submitted images and three from its own team. The free, watermark-free wallpapers are available in both JPG and PNG formats, optimized for phones, tablets and PCs, with full-resolution downloads offered via a linked Google Drive folder.
Android Authority polled over 1,800 readers about how they sideload apps now that Google has rolled out new sideloading restrictions, including advanced warnings and a 24-hour wait timer. More than 63% said they manually download APK installation files from sources like GitHub, while only 20.7% use third-party app stores such as F-Droid or Obtainium.