Google's newly released Pixel 11 lineup ships with several notable features—like the new Camera Looks color styles and Creator Suite tools such as a built-in teleprompter and social media grid overlays—turned off or set to basic modes by default. Reviewers note that getting the most out of the phone, particularly its camera customization and creator-focused options, requires manually digging into settings after setup.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-30
Android Authority outlines five foldable phones that could serve as alternatives to Google's new $1,899 Pixel 11 Pro Fold, including Motorola's Razr Fold and Razr Ultra, plus Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra. The comparison highlights that despite the Pixel 11 Pro Fold being thinner and lighter than its predecessor, it has a smaller battery than last year's model and faces stiff competition on price, charging speed, and battery capacity.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-30
A tech writer at Android Authority compiled ten practical features in Google Chrome for Android that they use regularly, including customizing the toolbar shortcut to open new tabs instead of Gemini, sharing links to highlighted text on a webpage, and forcing websites into dark mode. The list draws on years of personal use to surface settings many users may not know exist.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-30
A hands-on comparison of Google's new autonomous AI assistant Gemini Spark against Perplexity Computer finds that Spark's main advantage is deep native integration with Google Workspace apps like Gmail and Drive, letting it execute multi-step tasks without external connectors. However, the reviewer identifies at least one area where Perplexity's approach outperforms Spark, based on extended use of both tools.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-29
An Android Authority reviewer who tests dozens of phones annually reports being unable to put down the Galaxy Z Fold 8 nearly two weeks after switching his SIM into it. The writer, who has historically preferred clamshell foldables over book-style ones, says Samsung's latest model finally closes the gap between niche enthusiast gadget and a phone suited for everyday users. Despite acknowledging the device has flaws, the reviewer says its form factor outweighs them.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-29
Google Messages has begun rolling out a long-requested feature that lets users apply custom themes to individual chat conversations. The update, spotted on version 20260824_01_RC00, works on both stable and beta builds but requires RCS chats to be enabled. Users need to update the app via the Play Store and confirm RCS is turned on in settings to access the new option.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-29
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.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-29
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.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-29
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.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-28
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.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-28
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.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-28
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.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-28
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