Category: Android

Planet Computers’ clamshell phone can dual-boot Android and Linux

[ad_1] You won’t lose over-the-air updates for Android by installing Linux, Planet Computers said. The multi-boot firmware is available for free, and there are instructions for installing Debian and other software. This still isn’t for the faint-hearted. However, it also represents one of the few instances where a phone maker has officially enabled support for […]

Amazon drops the Fire TV Cube to its best-ever price

[ad_1] The Cube is decidedly more expensive than the other Fire TV players on sale, but it might be the wisest purchase depending on what you’re looking for. It’s not just the speediest Fire TV, it doubles as an Alexa device. You might not need to pick up a separate speaker if you just want […]

Sony’s first 5G phone may be a souped-up Xperia 1

[ad_1] There would be other welcome tweaks, including a larger 4,000mAh battery (up from 3,300mAh), a 3X rear zoom lens instead of 2X, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of built-in storage. And yes, you’d still see a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Xperia 10 II, on the other hand, would be squarely aimed at the mid-range […]

Google is cracking down on apps with ‘disruptive’ ads

[ad_1] Google defines disruptive ads as ones that either interfere with device usability or display when the user isn’t actively using the app. For example, an app could serve a full-screen ad when a user unlocks their phone to make a call. These popups affect more than just users — advertisers end up paying for […]

Microsoft’s Defender security software is coming to iOS and Android

[ad_1] On Android and iOS, Defender will help prevent people from visiting online destinations that Microsoft deems unsafe, Rob Lefferts, a Microsoft corporate vice president, told CNBC. It may also prevent phishing attacks. Lefferts told CNBC that iOS and Android are “pretty safe, but pretty safe is not the same as safe.” It’s not yet […]

Carnegie Mellon built an ‘opt-out’ system for nearby tracking devices

[ad_1] The framework is cloud-based and lets stores, schools and other facilities contribute their data to registries. The limitations of the system are quite clear. It’s based on voluntary submissions, so it’s most likely to be used by those eager to promote privacy — if it’s not in the registry, you won’t know about it. […]

Google will review Android apps that request background location info

[ad_1] The policy will change in April, but developers can ask for feedback on their use cases starting in May. There will also be a grace period for the first few months. Only new apps will need background location approval when August 3rd arrives, but Google will start removing existing apps without that approval on […]

Your Google Fit stats are now just a swipe away

[ad_1] If you don’t have a Wear OS smartwatch, checking your Google Fit stats has usually involved a bit of work — not a lot, but enough to slow you down. It should be speedy from now on. Google has updated Fit to make your stats easily accessible, whether you’re on Android or iOS. Android […]

The Galaxy Z Flip’s hinge fibers aren’t enough to keep dust out

[ad_1] We’ve asked Samsung for comment. iFixit is planning to publish a full teardown in the early hours of February 19th that might shed more light. The Z Flip does have water-resistant circuitboards, at least, so it’s less likely to die if you’re unfortunate enough to spill water on your $1,380 pride and joy. This […]