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Android Authority's Tushar Mehta has used the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 exclusively for about a month and reports that its squatter, wider cover-screen design has made him view taller, conventional-sized flagship phones as unwieldy by comparison. He says he no longer wants to use phones with displays larger than 6.7 inches, a size that has become standard for Android flagships.
A longtime Gmail user who had relied on the service for about 15 years switched to Mozilla's Thunderbird email client earlier this year, using it on Windows and Android for roughly seven months. The user cites frustration with Gmail's promotional smart features, ads and AI-heavy interface, contrasting it with Thunderbird's local storage, which allows offline access to emails without an internet connection.
Android Authority's Stephen Radochia tested Google's new AI-generated battery summary feature on a Pixel 11 Pro XL for a week. The tool, found under Settings > Battery and charging > Battery usage, uses Gemini to translate battery drain data into plain-language explanations instead of raw percentages, flagging apps like TikTok and X as major power consumers.
Apple unveiled its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, at its September event, with retail availability expected later this month. An Android Authority columnist argues that Apple's entry into the wide, passport-style foldable category will likely prompt Android manufacturers to follow with similar designs, as has happened with past Apple product shifts like the thin iPhone Air and Liquid Glass software style.
Google has added a new Map tool to the Gemini app, currently available only on Android and iOS mobile versions. The tool shows users' location on a live map with zoom and search functions, and an 'Explore this area' button that adds map data to prompts. Separately, a beta version of the Google app is replacing the forward-slash shortcut with an @ symbol for accessing skills and connectors.
Google has acknowledged a bug affecting a subset of Google Messages users that disrupts delivery of RCS messages, particularly media attachments like GIFs and photos. A company spokesperson told Android Authority that a fix is already being rolled out and will reach all affected users over the coming weeks.
Google is reportedly preparing an update that would let users set different default durations for new events on each individual calendar, rather than applying a single global setting. This change was observed in the latest version of the Android Calendar app, indicating a shift towards more granular customization. Currently, users can only set one default event length across all their calendars, but the upcoming update could enhance scheduling flexibility for those managing multiple calendars.
Users on Reddit reported slowdowns and error messages, including an 'Internal error encountered' prompt, when using the Google Home app on iOS and Android, while the web version continued working normally. Google's official Nest Community account confirmed it is actively rolling out a fix, though no timeline was given for when all users will receive it.
The ARMSX3 PS3 emulator for Android has released version 1.0.6, adding support for CHD disc images, a compressed format that reduces file sizes compared to standard ISOs. The developers cite examples like Demon's Souls shrinking from 8.76GB to 6.25GB, and Bleach Soul Resurrection dropping from 4GB to 1.8GB. The update also includes improved frame generation and fewer stutters in games using the PS3's job system.
A Reddit leak combined with reporting from The Mobile Report outlines T-Mobile's unannounced T-Mix plan lineup, showing 15 total plans split into Standard, More, and Loaded tiers, each with regular, 55+, First Responder, Military, and Student variants. The leaked pricing, which excludes AutoPay or other discounts, shows costs ranging from roughly $55 to $180 depending on tier and number of lines, with some discounted plans capped at two lines.
Android Authority's Stephen Radochia initially criticized Google's higher Pixel 11 series pricing and the base model's reduced RAM, but after a month using the Pixel 11 Pro XL he reports the phone's display, cameras, battery life, and Gemini Intelligence features justify the cost. A reader poll cited in his piece showed 59% of respondents still plan to stick with their older Pixel rather than upgrade.
Android Authority ran a reader poll pitting the Motorola Signature 27 against the Google Pixel 11 Pro, drawing over 1,700 votes. The Motorola device won decisively, taking 73.9% of the vote compared to 26.1% for the Pixel, with the publication's own writer citing the phone's faster Snapdragon chip, distinctive design, and quicker charging as draws.