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Google’s up to some monkey business with these Pixel 12 codenames

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority TL;DR Possible codenames for Google’s Pixel 12 series have just leaked: Galago, Sasquatch, Silverback, and Capuchin. These primate-themed names would follow the Pixel 11’s bear names and Pixel 10’s horse names. Expect the same sort of four-device lineup, including a foldable, for Google’s 2027 launch. In just a couple more months, we’re looking forward to meeting Google’s Pixel 10 lineup. We’ve already seen lots of good reasons to be excited about this year

Topics: 10 12 google names pixel

Pixel 10 camera leak reveals Google’s trick for better close-ups

Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR A new report claims the Pixel 10 will use telemacro photography. The ultrawide cameras may also retain macro functionality. There have been plenty of leaks regarding the Pixel 10 series, especially when it comes to the camera situation. Android Authority previously revealed the camera specs for the entire series. But new information is still coming out, like Google possibly giving the device tele-macro capabilities. According to a report from Android Head

Android 16 is out on all eligible Pixel phones, with new live update notifications feature

As usual, the new Android release comes to Pixel phones first, but others like Motorola and Samsung are doing testing. Google has released Android 16 to the masses, as it's now available for compatible handsets. The company says new devices will come preloaded with the OS in "the coming months." As usual, it's first coming to Google's own Pixel phones. The update includes several notable features. The biggest one might be live updates in notifications. This means that stuff like ride-shares an

I replaced my Pixel 9 Pro for this $750 Android phone - and didn't regret it

ZDNET's key takeaways The Redmagic 10S Pro will be available now, starting at $699. The 10S Pro harnesses impressive power, making it an absolute delight for gamers and power users. Average users might find they have to do a bit of tweaking to get the 10S Pro to their liking. View now at Redmagic View now at Amazon more buying choices I've been using Pixel phones for a long, long time, and every so often I think, "Is it time to try something different?" But each time I stray, I inevitably com

Android 16 update breaks button and gesture navigation for some Pixel users

Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Google Pixel users are experiencing an annoying bug after installing the Android 16 update. The bug results in navigation buttons and gestures becoming temporarily unresponsive. User reports suggest that the issue is not limited to a specific Pixel model, although not all users are affected. Google recently rolled out Android 16 on the stable channel, bringing several new features to its Pixel devices. However, the update also seems to have introduced a f

Survey shows people are deeply divided over Pixel battery issues

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Pixels are among the best Android phones money can buy, but if there’s one issue that keeps coming back to haunt them, it’s battery safety. We’ve seen battery overheating problems take down the Pixel 4a. The Pixel 6a took it further, and in one alarming case, it reportedly melted completely. More recently, Google acknowledged that a batch of Pixel 7a units was experiencing “unexpected” battery swelling. In response, Google pushes out software updates that re

Google Is Going Nuts, the New Pixel 9 Is at a Record Low Price Close to Entry-Level Models

Google’s latest flagship, the Pixel 9, is here to raise the bar on what one can expect from a premium smartphone – most notably in the fields of photography and video. Launched in September, this Android phone is very popular with its mind-boggling performance, seamless integration with Gemini AI, and, most importantly, world-class camera capabilities. While Pixel phones have been praised in the past for their incredible value and camera prowess, the Pixel 9 takes it to the next level – particu

The best budget smartphone you can buy

is a reviewer with 10 years of experience writing about consumer tech. She has a special interest in mobile photography and telecom. Previously, she worked at DPReview. Some of us take a kind of “I eat to live” rather than an “I live to eat” approach to gadgets. They’re tools that help you get things done, not something you want to invest a lot of time or money in. If that’s you — and there’s no judgment here from a certifiable gadget nerd — then you can probably think of more worthwhile ways t

Magic Cue on the Pixel 10 sounds like Pixel Screenshots on steroids

Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Google has reportedly been working on a new AI-powered assistance tool for Pixel devices since 2023. The system would monitor your screen and actions in apps, and offer “personal predictive suggestions.” First known as Pixie, and then Pixel Sense, a new leak suggests Google has renamed the tool to Magic Cue. Who doesn’t love a good mystery? In the smartphone world, upcoming high-profile devices sometimes leak so much that it feels like there’s nothing lef

This iOS 26 Feature Might Keep Me From Switching Back to Pixel

I switched from a Google Pixel 3 XL in 2021 to Apple's iPhone 12 Pro Max, and in the years since, I've dearly missed Google's Hold For Me. This feature is so useful in saving me from the misery of listening to awful hold music whenever I needed to call up a business, my health insurance provider, my cellphone carrier or any of the other myriad adulting tasks that still require speaking with a representative. Instead, the Google feature would helpfully silence my phone while keeping the call acti

Pixel Camera update may have killed this handy sharing feature

Hadlee Simons / Android Authority TL;DR Google has pushed out a new Pixel Camera update to the Play Store. The update seems to remove the Social Share shortcut, which was introduced back in 2019. This menu pops up for a few seconds after taking a photo, allowing you to quickly share your snap via a selection of apps. Google introduced a Social Share shortcut to the Pixel Camera app back in 2019’s Pixel 4 series. This sharing menu would pop up immediately after taking a photo on your Pixel ph

I finally found the perfect 3-in-1 chargers for my Google Pixel devices

SwanScout 708G2 3-in-1 Pixel charger The SwanScout 708G2 is the perfect compact and foldable 3-in-1 charger for Pixel fans. With a 10W main wireless charging pad for Pixels (and other phones), a 3.5W wireless pad for Pixel Buds (and other earbuds), and a Pixel Watch 2/3 (or Fitbit Versa 3/4 and Sense 1/2), it's a wire tangle-free solution to top up your gear on your bedside table or at your desk. Since the launch of the first Pixel Watch, I’ve been keeping my eye on Amazon, AliExpress, Etsy, an

The latest Google Pixel 6a update may limit your battery - but you'll be glad to know why

Jason Cipriani/ZDNET At least for one device, the battery problems that have plagued some Pixel phones may be ending – but the fix is coming at a price. According to Alex Moriconi, communications manager at Google (Pixel phones), Google will soon release an update that will purposefully limit the battery capacity of some Pixel 6a phones, hopefully also limiting issues with overheating. Also: 4 exciting features Google just announced for Android phones (and why they're a big deal) In an email

Has the Pixel battery drama ruined your perception of Google’s phones?

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority 🗣️ This is an open thread. We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments and vote in the poll below — your take might be featured in a future roundup. The Google Pixel series is regarded by many as the pinnacle of the Android experience, offering excellent imaging smarts and plenty of AI features under the hood. But one area that apparently still needs plenty of work is the power storage stakes. Batteries have not been kind to Pixel A-series

Rendering Crispy Text on the GPU

It’s not the first time I’ve fallen down the rabbit-hole of rendering text in real time. Every time I’ve looked into it an inkling of dissatisfaction always remained, either aliasing, large textures, slow build times, minification/magnification, smooth movement, etc. Last time I landed on a solution using Multi-Channel Signed Distance Fields (SDFs) which was working well. However there was still a few things that bothered me and I just needed a little excuse to jump back into the topic. That e

Google won’t be showing the Pixel 10 to Superfans this month, after all

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority TL;DR Google invited Pixel Superfans to apply for a chance to experience “pre-release Pixel devices” at a June 27 event. The company is now telling them that due to “unforeseen circumstances” it’s planning a September 4 event. It’s unclear if release plans have been affected any, but the last leak we’ve seen points to a mid-August launch. Google’s Pixel 10 smartphones are on their way, and other than feeling a wee bit nervous about Pixel batteries in genera

Google Offers Pixel Tablet Cheaper Than Last Prime Day, Competing With Apple’s Deal for Android Fans

When you think about productivity on the go, you undoubtedly think about your phone first. But what if you need a larger screen? What if more real estate in general for your portable workspace is what you’re looking for? You need a tablet. And if you’re considering a tablet that does more than just stream videos and browse the web, the Google Pixel Tablet is a standout choice. It’s great for just about any use case, and it’s actually a lot more affordable than some of the bigger heavy-hitters ou

Google Pixel 10 may fail to live up to our MagSafe dreams, after all

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority TL;DR Google is preparing a range of “Pixelsnap” accessories for the Pixel 10 that support wireless charging. Despite Qi2 support, the phone may require the use of a case to add the magnets needed for alignment. In addition to Google’s own accessories, look for a range of similar Made by Google solutions from third parties. What is so hard about giving Android users what they want? When it comes to wirelessly charging our phones, we’re not asking for that m

This mandatory Pixel 6a update may limit your battery - but it's for your own good

Jason Cipriani/ZDNET At least for one device, the battery problems that have plagued some Pixel phones may be ending – but the fix is coming at a price. According to Alex Moriconi, communications manager at Google (Pixel phones), Google will soon release an update that will purposefully limit the battery capacity of some Pixel 6a phones, hopefully also limiting issues with overheating. Also: 4 exciting features Google just announced for Android phones (and why they're a big deal) In an email

Android 16 has finally arrived, and it’s time for your Pixel to upgrade

TL;DR Google has just released Android 16 stable for Pixel devices Other manufacturers can now follow suit with updates for their own device lineups. The Pixel 6 series and newer, including Google’s foldables and the Pixel tablet, are eligible for today’s update. Are you ready for the summer of Android 16? We’re just a week into June already, and while we missed the initially rumored June 3 launch, Android 16 is finally making its formal debut, as Google settles into its new release schedule.

6 new Android ecosystem treats that have this gadget geek grinning

Google / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET I've been using Android devices since 2007 and now have a rather large collection of Google devices in my home and office. The latest ecosystem updates will improve my efficiency with communications, safety, and daily commuting. Also: Your Android phone is getting a huge security upgrade for free - what's new While this week's focus has been on the release of Android 16, there are also six new features for Android that I am particularly excited about, and

After all the Pixel battery issues, I don’t think I can keep recommending Google’s phones

Robert Triggs / Android Authority I love a good Pixel. I’ve owned several, defended them in heated group chats, and even converted a few friends to the cause. But lately? I’m hesitating — hard. The elephant in the room, if you haven’t noticed, is batteries. Not in the “oh, it doesn’t last a full day” sense — we’re talking swelling, melting, and potentially exploding. The kind of hardware horror that once tanked a Samsung generation is now infesting Google’s own backyard. If you’ve missed the s

Missing Android 16’s Pixel VIPs widget? You’re not alone (Updated: Rolling out)

Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority TL;DR Google’s new Pixel VIPs widget launched with the release of Android 16. However, some Pixel owners report that the widget is missing. An update to the Contacts app is likely needed before the widget becomes available. Update, June 12, 2025 (07:05 AM ET): Users report that the Pixel VIPs widget now shows up correctly on their device. If you still don’t see it with the June Pixel Feature Drop installed, ensure your Google Contacts app is up to date thro

6 big features missing on Android 16

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority Google’s big Android 16 update has arrived a tad early in the year — and that’s good news as we get to play with new software a little ahead of schedule. It also means that the upcoming Pixel flagships will likely ship with the latest Android update out of the box, unlike last year. While the Pixel 10 series may get Android 16 at launch, the latest version still misses several noteworthy features in the stable release. Android 16 brings a lot of under-the-hoo

Pixel 9A Buying Guide: Everything to Know About Google's Budget Phone

Google's latest budget phone, the $499 Pixel 9A, arrived fresh off the heels of Apple's "affordable" offering, the $599 iPhone 16E. Very convenient timing. The Pixel 9A is $300 cheaper than the baseline Pixel 9 and therefore scales back when it comes to features like cameras and RAM. But it maintains other attributes, like display size, processor and AI features -- and even touts a higher battery capacity than its pricier Pixel counterparts. For more on what the new phone has in store, be sure

Topics: 9a ai features like pixel

AOSP isn’t dead, but Google just landed a huge blow to custom ROM developers

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR Google has made it harder to build custom Android ROMs for Pixel phones by omitting their device trees and driver binaries from the latest AOSP release. The company says this is because it’s shifting its AOSP reference target from Pixel hardware to a virtual device called “Cuttlefish” to be more neutral. While Google insists AOSP isn’t going away, developers must now reverse-engineer changes, making the process for supporting Pixel devices more difficu

I tested 10+ Pixel 9 Pro XL cases so you don’t have to: These are the picks I would buy!

Nick Fernandez / Android Authority I’ve tested out a ton of the most popular Pixel 9 Pro XL cases on the market and picked out a few that are worthy of Google’s most premium (non-foldable) smartphone. Check out our list for the best Pixel 9/9 Pro cases if you’ve got a smaller model. My favorite Google Pixel 9 Pro XL case is the Mous Limitless Nick Fernandez / Android Authority A phone as large and expensive as the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL needs solid protection, and the Mous Limitless case hits

Topics: case google pixel pro xl

June’s Pixel Drop gives Gboard the power to create stickers without Pixel Studio

TL;DR Pixel users will now be able to generate custom stickers right in Gboard. Stickers are created by typing a prompt and selecting an emotion. The custom sticker function is available for Pixel 9 and newer devices. Back in May, we found code in the Gboard beta that suggested Google could add the ability to generate stickers without having to open Pixel Studio. At the time, it seemed like the feature may have been in the early stages of development due to its lack of UI elements. But it app

Pixel VIPs widget is here to help you stay connected to your most important people

TL;DR Google has officially launched the Pixel VIPs widget for devices from Pixel 6 onward via the June Pixel Feature Drop. The home screen widget displays key updates like last calls, WhatsApp messages, locations, and birthdays for up to eight chosen contacts. VIP contacts can also bypass Do Not Disturb settings. Google has been working on a new Pixel VIPs widget for the Google Contacts app for a while now. Last month, we got a good idea about how Pixel VIPs would work, and earlier this week

June 2025 Pixel Feature Drop is here, and here’s everything new it’s bringing to your Pixel

TL;DR Google has released the June 2025 Pixel Feature Drop for supported Pixel devices. This Feature Drop includes the Android 16 platform update and Pixel-exclusive features such as Pixel VIPs widget, Battery Health Indicator, custom Gboard stickers via Pixel Studio, and more. Pixel devices are also getting Google app updates that bring even more features. It’s raining updates today for Pixels! Supported Pixel devices are getting a ton of new features today, courtesy of a combination of app