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Google Play Store won't allow apps to scan for other apps without a good reason
Google will start removing apps from the Play Store that use QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES without a good reason, starting June 1.
Android applications can check which other apps are installed using the QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES permission, but given the security and privacy risks, the functionality is only intended for apps that actually need it (such as app launchers or backup tools). Google said last year that it would start kicking apps off the Play Store that used the permission without a good reason, and now the rule has gone into effect.
Plex started off as a self-hosted media streaming solution, allowing people to create their own servers with movies, TV shows, and music and share access with others. The service has expanded over the past few years to include ad-supported movies and TV from Plex itself, and now Plex will organize media from other services alongside your own content.
Amazon and Roku avoid public slapping match with multi-year agreement
Roku spent most of last year publicly fighting with Google over YouTube access, but that won't happen with Amazon services... for a while.
Cable-style carriage disputes seemed like a thing of the past in this new age of streaming services, but paid placement or subsidized devices can spark the same public fights between large companies. Roku spent much of 2021 fighting with Google over YouTube and YouTube TV access, but thankfully, that has now been avoided with Amazon services.
Galaxy Buds 2 updated with 360 Audio feature from the Galaxy Buds Pro
Samsung is rolling out an update for the Galaxy Buds 2, with the same 360 Audio feature that first appeared on the Galaxy Buds Pro.
Samsung released the Galaxy Buds Pro last year, as a competitor to Apple's AirPods Pro. The earbuds included a 360 Audio feature, which changes the direction of audio to match head movements, similar to Apple's 'Spatial Audio' on the AirPods 3 and other headphones. Now the functionality is coming to the Galaxy Buds 2, thanks to a new software update.
April 2022 Android security update now available, rolling out to Pixel phones
Google has released the April 2022 Android security update, and it's already starting to roll out to Pixel phones and third-party devices.
Google releases a batch of security patches and bug fixes for the Android operating system on a monthly basis, usually on the first Monday of each month. Sure enough, it's the first Monday of April, and now a new security update is starting to roll out to Google Pixel phones and a few third-party devices.
Grab the Galaxy S21 FE for just $550 today ($150 off)
The Galaxy S21 FE is finally a good deal, as Samsung dropped the price by $150 at multiple retail stores.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE ("Fan Edition") was a good phone on paper when it was released earlier this year, but considering it had a year-old chipset and minimal improvements over the older Galaxy S21, the starting price of $699 didn't really make any sense. Samsung started dropping the price shortly afterwards, and now you can get one for $549.99 at multiple retailers — $150 below the original MSRP.
Google has been pushing developers to use the company's Play Billing system for in-app purchases, which gives a small cut to Google (usually 15%) as a processing fee. The deadline was technically last week, and we're continuing to see apps make changes to comply with the updated rules, which now includes book retailer Barnes & Noble and Amazon-owned Audible.
How to take a screenshot and screen record on the Samsung Galaxy S22 series
There are a lot of ways to take a screenshot on the Galaxy S22, and the phone has a built-in screen recorder too.
The Galaxy S22 series is finally here, with three different models to choose from: the smallest Galaxy S22, the larger Galaxy S22 Plus, and finally the Galaxy S22 Ultra. All three phones are packed to the brim with features, including everything you normally get with Android 12 and Samsung's One UI 4 layer on top. If you've never used an Android phone before, or if you just need a refresher, we're going to explain how to take a Galaxy S22 screenshot or screen recording.
Angry Birds returns to iOS and Android with no in-app purchases
The Angry Birds game that started it all has returned to mobile app stores, with an updated engine and no in-app purchases
Angry Birds was one of the first standout games on the iPhone and early Android devices, and eventually spawned an empire of related games and movies. However, the game that started it all hasn't been officially available for a while, as Rovio focused on newer Angry Birds spinoffs. Just in time for the game's 10-year anniversary (anyone else suddenly feeling old?), the original Angry Birds has returned to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Ken Pillonel adds an Apple Lightning port to an Android phone
Ken Pillonel, the engineer who modded an iPhone X to have a USB Type-C port last year, has now accomplished the opposite modification.
Swiss Robotics and data science student Ken Pillonel modded an iPhone X to use a USB Type-C connector last year, replacing the usual Apple Lightning connector found on all modern iPhone models. It was an impressive technical achievement, but now Pillonel is attempting the reverse: adding a Lightning connector to an Android phone.
Steam Deck adds Windows 11 support and BIOS fixes with beta update
Valve has released a beta BIOS update that enables Windows 11 installation and fixes a bunch of hardware and software bugs.
Valve started shipping the Steam Deck console earlier this year, combining a vaguely Nintendo Switch-like design with the open hardware and software of a PC. Valve is mostly focusing on its own SteamOS platform for the Steam Deck, but the company allows installing other operating systems, and now a BIOS update in beta testing includes official support for Windows 11.
Android 13 may support multiple eSIMs, even if a phone wasn't built for it
Google is working on a way to use a single eSIM module for multiple eSIMs, according to code in Android 13.
Phones have traditionally used physical cards called SIM cards to connect to cellular networks, but there has been slow progress on switching to a digital version called eSIM. One of the reasons we haven't seen more phones dropping the SIM card slot entirely is that Android doesn't have great support for multiple eSIMs, which needs to happen first before most manufacturers can make the switch. The upcoming Android 13 update appears to be laying the groundwork for exactly that.
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G now available in the United States
The Galaxy A53 5G is now available to purchase in the United States from Samsung, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
Samsung revealed the Galaxy A53 last month as the company's new mid-range smartphone, competing with phones like the Pixel 5A and iPhone SE 3 (2022). Now the phone is available to purchase from Samsung's own store and multiple carriers in the United States.
Wyze knew for years that hackers could remotely access its cameras, but didn't tell anyone
Security researcher Bitdefender told Wyze in 2019 that hackers could remotely access Wyze Cam video feeds, but Wyze didn't tell anyone.
Wyze has been selling inexpensive smart security cameras since the original Wyze Cam in 2017, and has also branched out into other product categories (like earbuds). However, the company has also had its fair share of problems, and another significant issue has come to light — hackers could gain access to the video feeds from Wyze Cams.
Samsung's best (and most expensive) 8K TV is now available to purchase
Samsung has revealed its highest-end smart TV yet, the 8K QN900B, and you can get some store credit during the pre-order period.
Samsung makes a lot of TVs, to the point where it can be hard to keep track of them all. The company announced most of its 2022 lineup during CES 2022 in January, and now the highest-end model with a QLED panel and 8K resolution is available to purchase. As you might expect, it's not affordable at all.
Google temporarily banned an app developer's personal account due to another account's activity
Google suspended accounts belonging to Android game developer Raya Games after the personal account of a former employee was terminated.
It's a well-established fact at this point that Google's support system is terrible, especially for developers creating apps on the Google Play Store. Google has left countless developers with random app or account terminations in the past, and an especially ridiculous case occurred recently — Google allegedly terminated a personal Google account and Play Developer account, simply because another Google account linked to the Play Developer account was suspended.
Samsung will sell replacement parts for Galaxy phones and tablets
Samsung is partnering with iFixit to create repair guides and sell replacement parts for some Galaxy phones and tablets.
Tech companies love to tout how their products are more friendly to the environment, but it often amounts to little more than marketing. For example, while Apple uses smaller boxes and more recycled materials in its newer products, the company has also fought against right-to-repair legislation that could extend the life of older iPhones and Mac computers and keep them out of landfills. Samsung is now taking another small step towards sustainability, with the promise to sell replacement parts for repair to anyone.
Samsung opens pre-orders for its first OLED smart TV
Samsung has revealed its first OLED TV, the S95B, boasting deep blacks, 120Hz support for gaming, and more.
Most of Samsung's smart TVs use QLED (quantum dot light-emitting diode) panels, which are similar to regular LED screens, but with a special layer to improve colors and contrast. However, the company is now trying something different: an OLED smart TV, intended to compete with LG's lineup of OLED TVs.
Polestar 2 electric cars receive update to Android Automotive 11
The Polestar 2 electric car is being updated to Android Automotive 11, even though Android Automotive 12 is already available.
Android Automotive is Google's custom build of Android intended to power car infotainment systems. Unlike Android Auto, it doesn't rely on a connected smartphone, which means it has to be updated as if it was a smartphone or tablet itself. The Polestar 2 was one of the first cars to ship with Android Automotive, and now it's receiving an update to Android 11.
Motorola reportedly more than doubled smartphone sales in United States during 2021
Motorola reportedly became the third-place smartphone brand in the United States last year, thanks to LG leaving the market.
Motorola is immensely popular in Latin America and some other regions, but the company has struggled to maintain a decent marketshare in the United States, where competitors like Samsung and Apple dominate smartphone sales. However, if a new report is accurate, Motorola might have sold enough smartphones last year to reach third place in 'Murica.