Posts From Brandon Russell

Brandon Russell
Brandon Russell

Brandon's love of technology can be traced back to his childhood, when he would obsessively watch Back to the Future. Since then he's followed the industry and its many innovations, from handheld consoles to powerful smartphones. He's still waiting on a hoverboard.

Google is making machine learning faster and more consistent across Android

Google is making machine learning faster and more consistent across Android

May 19, 2021
Following yesterday's main presentation at Google I/O 2021, the company held several sessions that are now available on-demand via YouTube. One of the sessions covered what's new in machine learning for Android and how Google is making it faster and more consistent for developers. Machine learning is responsible for powering features Android owners use every day,...
Apple announces new iOS accessibility features ahead of WWDC 2021

Apple announces new iOS accessibility features ahead of WWDC 2021

May 19, 2021
Apple has announced a number of new features the company said are designed for people with disabilities, including a one-on-one sign language interpreting service called SignTime for shopping and support sessions. The announcement comes a few weeks ahead of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, where it’s expected to unveil updates for iOS, watchOS, and iPadOS. Speaking of...
HBO Max with ads pricing and launch details revealed

HBO Max with ads pricing and launch details revealed

May 19, 2021
WarnerMedia previously teased it would launch an ad-supported tier of HBO Max in June. With a deadline fast-approaching, the company on Wednesday finally shared final details, including pricing and launch timeframe. HBO Max with ads will be available for $9.99 when it launches in the first week of June, according to Warner Media, which announced details...
Apple Watch Series 7 leaked renders show off big redesign

Apple Watch Series 7 leaked renders show off big redesign

May 19, 2021
Apple will reportedly introduce a redesign to the Apple Watch when a new model is released later this year, and newly leaked renders provide an early glimpse of what the wearable could look like. According to a new video from Jon Prosser, the Apple Watch Series 7 will feature flat edges and a new green color....
Google’s Project Starline could transform the future of videoconferencing

Google’s Project Starline could transform the future of videoconferencing

May 19, 2021
Google’s redesign of Android 12 and partnership with Samsung on Wear OS grabbed all the headlines yesterday, but there was one announcement that shouldn’t go unnoticed. The search giant also shared details about Project Starline, an ambitious initiative that could transform how we communicate virtually. Google said Project Starline has been a few years in the...
Spotify will soon let you download music and podcasts to your Wear OS watch

Spotify will soon let you download music and podcasts to your Wear OS watch

May 18, 2021
The future of Wear OS is set to take an unexpected turn later this year, with Google and Samsung set to collaborate on revamping the software. But before any of that happens, Spotify is showing its commitment to the platform with a welcome new feature. During the Google I/O 2021 presentation on Tuesday, Spotify’s Jessika Malmcrona...
Android 12 will fade audio transitions between apps

Android 12 will fade audio transitions between apps

May 18, 2021
Google on Tuesday gave us our first look at the biggest redesign to Android in years. The updated Material Design will put an emphasis on customization and is fittingly being called Material You. But it’s not just looks that are new with the arrival of Android 12; Google is also making some key changes to...
Android TV’s outdated remote control app is getting overhauled

Android TV’s outdated remote control app is getting overhauled

May 18, 2021
We knew Google has been quietly preparing to introduce a new remote remote control experience for Android phones, and the company officially shared what that will look like when it becomes available later this year.. The feature arrives alongside a flurry of news at Google I/O 2021, including Android 12’s new Material You design. Google said...
Android now powers over 3 billion devices worldwide

Android now powers over 3 billion devices worldwide

May 18, 2021
Google kicked off its I/O 2021 conference on Tuesday, where it announced everything from Material You to more emphasis on privacy. At the event, the company also revealed a truly staggering milestone: Android powers more than three billion active devices around the world. Google shared the statistic as it was unveiling Android 12, which introduces a...
Google Maps gets tailored experience, richer info, and more

Google Maps gets tailored experience, richer info, and more

May 18, 2021
Google Maps is gaining new features that will make exploring even easier, including richer info and an experience that will tailor specifically to your likes. The new features were shown off at Google I/O 2021 in a virtual format from its Mountain View campus. One of the most exciting changes will provide users with more details...
Google Photos is testing a new feature to make finding images even easier

Google Photos is testing a new feature to make finding images even easier

May 17, 2021
Last month, Google Photos appeared to be internally testing advanced search filters to make it even easier to quickly find photos. Now, it sounds like testing for the feature is starting to roll out to some users, which means it could be available for everyone soon. Android Police was among the first to notice additional search...
Apple’s most expensive headphones won’t support Apple Music’s lossless streaming

Apple’s most expensive headphones won’t support Apple Music’s lossless streaming

May 17, 2021
Apple on Monday announced it will begin offering lossless and hi-resolution lossless streaming options through Apple Music at no additional cost beginning next month. Unfortunately, subscribers who own AirPods Pro and AirPods Max won’t be able to take advantage of the higher quality audio. According to T3 and Billboard’s Micah Singleton, neither model will support the...