Chandra Steele
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Articles by Chandra Steele
This watchmaker has reportedly exited the smartwatch market
The Connected Calibre E5 looks to be the brand’s last. • Oct 16, 2026 — 4:46 PM ET • • TL;DR TAG Heuer reportedly ended production of its Connected smartwatches over the summer. There is no word on how long its smartwatches will get software updates or service. The move comes as screenless fitness trackers become more popular. Smartwatches deliver a constant stream of information to our wrists, but one thing they’re not always clued in about is their own demise.
Far Cry comes to Android devices with full touchpad and gamepad support
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority TL;DR First-person shooter Far Cry comes to Android devices with Sigma Touch port. With 64-bit and 32-bit ARM device support, it runs on even the oldest Android devices. Because it’s an unofficial port, you do have to own a copy of the game to use it. Android gamers don’t just have to play games built especially for smartphones.
This gaming phone gives Qualcomm's latest powerhouse the liquid-cooling treatment
The REDMAGIC 12 Pro Plus has an 8,400mAh battery and RGB liquid cooling. • Oct 15, 2026 — 2:16 PM ET • • TL;DR The REDMAGIC 12 Pro Plus launches today in China. It’s one of the first gaming phones to use Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. Global availability will be announced on November 3, but getting US carrier support remains tricky. Our reliance on phones has made the demands placed on them higher every day, but perhaps none have to work as hard as a gaming phone.
Survey shows that most of us aren't adventurous when it comes to weather apps
Pankil Shah / Android Authority Sometimes the reason for choosing a weather app can be as fickle as the weather itself: it’s the nicest-looking one in the Play Store, the widget for it lets you make decisions about your outerwear at a glance, or it’s the default one that came with your phone and you don’t want to spend time evaluating any others.
Pixel users report frustrating screen animation bugs after Android 17 QPR1 update
Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR September’s Android 17 QPR1 release has caused a problem for Pixel owners who are experiencing incorrect animations on the home and recent apps screens. The issue seems like it might be limited to the Pixel 10 series. Google is aware of the problem and is investigating it. For a phone that’s at the forefront of Android developments, the Pixel is also a leader when it comes to bugs. The latest has arrived with September’s Android 17 QPR1 release.
Sorry, audiophiles — Spotify is crashing when playback quality is set to lossless
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Spotify is crashing for those listening to tracks at the “lossless” setting on a desktop. Spotify posted that it’s aware of the issue. Switching media quality to “very good” seems to be the solution for now. Spotify outages happen almost as regularly as New Music Friday, and now we’ve got a fresh issue to deal with.
Older Snapdragon 8 Elite chips could be the secret to surviving the silicon crunch
The Snapdragon 8 Elite series is built for an AI world, but also the memory crisis. • Oct 13, 2026 — 5:44 PM ET • • C. Scott Brown / Android Authority TL;DR The chip shortage has led to three generations of the Snapdragon 8 Elite in phones hitting the market. Older chips don’t necessarily mean noticeably poorer performance. Qualcomm built a chip for an AI-driven world, but it also made one that might withstand the chip shortage that AI has caused.
Apple TV 4K offers Google TV users a more powerful, privacy-focused alternative (for a price)
Frustrated Google TV users might find that the set-top box is worth switching for. • Oct 13, 2026 — 11:43 AM ET • • TL;DR Apple announces the Apple TV 4K with an A19 chip. It’s pricey at $299, but that cost might be inevitable in a chip-shortage world. Google is reportedly working on an updated Google TV Streamer, but some might be frustrated enough with the platform to move to Apple. The Google TV Streamer just got its biggest competition yet.
Samsung reveals ultrathin Galaxy Tab S12 series and nearly a full day of battery life
We were expecting the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Tab S12+ to show up in September and they did; they just waited until the very last day. At least now we know everything about the Galaxy Tab 12 series. An ultrathin design with impressive battery life The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is Samsung’s thinnest Galaxy Tab, at 5.1mm and the Galaxy Tab S12+ is a hair more, at 5.3 mm. They both offer plenty of screen space with a 2X Dynamic AMOLED display and brightness up to 1,600 nits.
Android Auto's Gemini has a major problem when it comes to calling 911
Gemini in Android Auto is having yet another issue and this time it’s a real emergency. A user is reporting that they have used Gemini to call 911 in the past, but suddenly are not able to. A critical failure at a critical time In two posts, one on Reddit and one on the Android Auto community forum, what seems to be the same person details the sudden loss of being able to summon emergency services with Gemini.
With the release of the One UI 9 changelog, Samsung details everything coming to phones
We’ve been hearing about the rollout of Samsung One UI 9 for a while now, but the implementation has been slower than anticipated. While we’ve finally found out which Samsung phones are getting it and when, today we got the additional info of everything that is included with it. A Samsung enthusiast posted on X the changelog for an unlocked Galaxy S26 Ultra in the US. It announces the end of the beta program.
Why the Motorola Signature 27 can't win over Pixel users, even with GrapheneOS
The Signature 27 is Motorola’s biggest bet in a while. The flagship phone is likely set for sale in the US market, a place where it’s only found true success for some time with foldable phones. Aside from being a slab phone, it’s competing against other premium Android phones like the just released Pixel 11. Motorola is well-aware of the stakes and has made what looks like a carefully crafted phone that seems up to the task, but Pixel fans don’t seem to be won over.
Chrome's latest update saves you from endless scrolling on shared tabs
Google Chrome introduced a big boost to cross-device tab sharing today that is aimed at simplifying studying but can be used by anyone looking for a productivity boost via their browser. The ability to send a tab from your laptop to your phone or from your phone to your laptop has been around for a while, but now when you perform the action, Chrome remembers exactly where in that tab you were when you sent it over.
Google Maps on Android Auto rolls out real-time stop sign and traffic light alerts
Signs, signs, everywhere there’s signs. The lyrics may have been sung by Tesla, but if you’re driving your Tesla and using Android Auto (with a workaround, that is), there’s one place where upcoming signs have not been: on Google Maps. Related Upcoming signs rollout ahead That’s changing now.
Google Maps on Android Auto rolls out real-time stop sign and traffic light alerts
Oh no, not again: it looks like Samsung delayed its One UI 9 global release We were this close. What you need to know Samsung has reportedly delayed the global release of its One UI 9 (Android 17) update for Galaxy users. • The …
New blue Gmail stars and markers have users seeing red
If you’re looking at your Gmail and feeling a bit blue, maybe there’s a reason for that. Google is rolling out a replacement for those bright yellow stars and important message indicators that guided you in a sea of lookalike messages. Users on Reddit and Google Support Forums are venting about the change. Where there was once sunny yellow that stood out for those markers, there’s now a blue that blends in.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 leaks in full: Specs, price hikes, and launch date
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12+ and Ultra are at most a few weeks away from being revealed, but at this point, there’s likely nothing left to show that won’t surprise. That’s because leaks have given us a thorough picture of what to expect. The more things change Yesterday Evan Blass posted side and rear views of the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra. From the outside, nothing has changed from the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 leaks in full: Specs, price hikes, and launch date
Technology 4 hours ago Samsung’s 2026 55-inch Mini LED 4K TV just hit its lowest-ever price — where to buy for under $300 Mashable - Soumya Kumar • 4h Mini LED backlighting usually comes with a premium price tag, but Samsung’s 2026 55-inch set just hit a fresh all-time low. SAVE $48: As of Sept. 23, the Samsung 55-Inch M70H Series Mini LED 4K Smart TV is on sale at Amazon for $299.99. That's down 14% from its $347.99 list price.
Why Google's forgotten Pixelbook Go is still my favorite laptop in 2026
Let me tell you about my newest favorite piece of tech. It's from 2019. It's a Google Pixelbook Go that I bought new, even though it was manufactured seven years ago. It's the only thing that's filled the netbook-sized hole in my heart, and makes me wish Google would bring it back. Related On paper, the Googlebook sounds incredible, but everything hinges on Google delivering What went into my decision It fit all my requirements.
Motorola debuts premium Signature 27 flagship with brand-new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme
The Motorola Signature 27 made its debut today at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit sporting the also just revealed Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 Mobile Platform. These details are all rumors that have now been confirmed. Alongside them, we also know that the Signature 27 has Android 17 and Motorola guarantees seven OS upgrades and seven years of security updates. But three big questions remain. The first is: When can you get it? The second is: Will the Motorola Signature be available in the US?
Full-featured Adobe Premiere app finally comes to Android and it’s free
Full-fledged video editing with Adobe Premiere is now available on Android. Today Adobe announced the app is in the Google Play Store. Adobe frames Adobe Premiere as being for “creators” because it can be used to create TikToks and Instagram Reels, turn video podcast moments into the phenomenon known as clips, and edit vlogs. But who isn’t a creator nowadays? Another thing Adobe subtly seems to have an opinion on is how many of those who create do so on an iPhone vs.
Googlebooks are here: Which one is right for you and where can you buy it?
Now that Googlebooks have arrived, one thing is apparent: they’re an investment. With a starting price of $899, they’re likely to be the only laptop you own. So as with any venture in which you’re going to sink a significant amount of cash, you should be as prepared as possible before you commit. While they all have haptic glass trackpads, backlit keyboards, Dolby Atmos speakers, and responsive touchscreens, there are some major differences between them.
Googlebooks finally make the Android ecosystem dream a reality
The Googlebook is finally here. Or, rather, Googlebooks, plural, as there are five of them. Separately and collectively, they represent the promise of an Android ecosystem, with an uninterrupted flow when moving between phone and laptop.
The Motorola Signature 27 seems like it’s headed for the US market next week
After some early signs, it looks like the Motorola Signature 27 is really headed for the US market when it launches next week. Motorola’s global X account posted a teaser today, signaling that the phone will have a wider audience than originally expected. Combined with the brief appearance of a banner for the Signature 27 on the US website that declared “a new perspective is coming,” it looks like a Motorola flagship is coming to US shores.
Pixel 10 owners might be about to get one of the Pixel 11’s best features
There’s plenty to admire about the Pixel 11 series and, if you have an older Pixel, plenty to envy. But it seems like there’s one less thing, according to something spotted in the Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5. YouTube channel In Depth Tech Reviews published a video yesterday that showed an option for the Pixel 11 feature Proactive Assistance in the settings menu of a Google Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Roku gives early access to experimental features and up to 30% savings on streaming services
Roku City is getting a new tenant: a lab where you can try out all the experimental things that Roku is working on. Roku Labs gives people early access to experimental, in-development apps.
Google Home gets a battery-efficient widget and camera fixes
Google Home is having a big day, first with the announcement that it's inviting outside AI agents into its ecosystem , and now with updates and fixes to the Home app and Gemini for Home voice assistant. A more efficient widget The Google Home widget is now more respectful of your phone's battery life. It's been optimized to pause background updates and polling when a phone's screen is powered off, locked, or running a screensaver. When you unlock your phone, the widget will refresh.
Google Home gets a battery-efficient widget and camera fixes
Google Home is having a big day, first with the announcement that it’s inviting outside AI agents into its ecosystem, and now with updates and fixes to the Home app and Gemini for Home voice assistant. A more efficient widget The Google Home widget is now more respectful of your phone’s battery life. It’s been optimized to pause background updates and polling when a phone's screen is powered off, locked, or running a screensaver. When you unlock your phone, the widget will refresh.
Google Home opens the door to ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI agents
Google announced that it’s giving Google Home access to any agent that supports calling Model Context Protocol (MCP). This includes ChatGPT, Claude, Hermes, and OpenClaw. The agents can control devices, analyze summaries, and build custom dashboards.
Samsung Galaxy S26 finally gets the Z Fold 8's best features with One UI 9
It’s time for the Samsung Galaxy S26 series to officially get all the bells and whistles that were introduced with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8. The Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra are getting One UI 9 in a rollout that starts today. One UI 9 went through seven beta releases to reach this stable update that also includes the September 2026 security patch. Today’s rollout begins for phones in South Korea and should start arriving in other countries soon.
Samsung Galaxy S26 finally gets the Z Fold 8's best features with One UI 9
Technology 16 hours ago Galaxy S25 and older models finally have a One UI 9 rollout date Android Authority - Hillary Keverenge • 16h The rollout roadmap also points to October for older Galaxy flagships. Add Android Authority on Google: Preferred SourceGoogle Discover Samsung’s stable One UI 9 rollout is finally underway, with the Galaxy S26 series first in line for the Android 17-based update.
Google Maps on Android Auto is finally getting a speedometer that’s always on
The speedometer on Android Auto in Google Maps is about to be a fixed destination. Android Auto is getting the ability to have the speedometer, speed limit, traffic signals, and stop signs show on Google Maps, even when a destination is not set, according to Mishaal Rahman, community engagement manager for Android. Rahman said the feature is still rolling out.
Google Wallet stacked design spotted as rumors of a return to iOS heat up
Google Wallet seems to be getting a whole new look and that look is: stacked. Some Google Wallet holders are reporting that their cards now display the vertical stacked look that’s familiar to anyone with Apple Wallet or Samsung Wallet. It also mirrors the app icon for Google Wallet. One user posted the new look on X, and others outside the United States have echoed that they have also gotten the redesign.
Apple prepares to steal the foldable revolution that Samsung started
Foldables are finally taking off and Apple is set to swoop in and take credit. “Android did it first” is a refrain as old as time, or at least time since the early 2000s, but in this case, it’s true. This week Apple showed off its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo. Despite how many firsts it might achieve for Apple, nearly everything about it is familiar to anyone who follows Android foldables. But the Duo has come along at just the right time.
A Fitbit Charge 7 could be on the horizon according to this FCC listing
A mystery wearable device from Google has been spotted again, this time in an FCC database. Last month, Google Australia ads showing the latest Pixel lineup popped up on YouTube. But they weren’t alone. Among them was a pill-shaped wearable that had not been seen before and was not explained by Google. While it does not look like the last Fitbit Charge, it does have the same vertical-style setup and would make sense as the next iteration of its design.
Apple takes on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 with $1,999 iPhone Duo
Apple’s September event kicked off with new CEO John Ternus getting an introduction from his predecessor Tim Cook, but it was Steve Jobs he quoted to show Apple’s most anticipated device since the original iPhone. “There’s just one more thing,” Ternus said as he introduced the iPhone Duo, which is two more things. The iPhone Duo is both a phone and an iPad mini killer. Actually, make that three more things. It’s also a direct challenge to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8.
Apple takes on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 with $1,999 iPhone Duo
Apple Intelligence 2 hours ago Everything Apple announced at the foldable iPhone launch Engadget - Kris Holt • 2h New CEO John Ternus positioned the iPhone as "an intelligent personal hub." Add Engadget on Google: Preferred Source Google Discover Apple's annual September iPhone reveal is one of the biggest events on the tech calendar.
Samsung ends support for two Galaxy watches
Samsung made a promise and kept it, but unfortunately for those with the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, it means the end of support for their smartwatches. Samsung said that the Wear OS-powered watches would get four generations of updates, and they have: Wear OS 3.5/One UI Watch 4.5, Wear OS 4/One UI 5 Watch, Wear OS 5/One UI 6 Watch, and the final Wear OS 6/One UI 8 Watch update for the Galaxy Watch 4.
Samsung ends support for two Galaxy watches
4 hours ago It was widely expected that the first foldable iPhone set to be launched later today would be named the iPhone Ultra. However, a report yesterday said that the device will instead be called the iPhone Duo. If accurate, it’s an interesting development as it might potentially point to the company …
Google Wallet now reads your transit card with a tap
Google Wallet has upped its functionality when it comes to making your commute easier. While being able to add transit cards to Google Wallet has long been a staple feature, it’s now possible to add those physical transit cards you already have and their balances to Google Wallet using NFC. The new feature is part of the latest update to Google Play Services. Previously, transit customers who wanted to transfer their physical card details had to type them in.
Ecovac’s Deebot X12S OmniCyclone tackles both dust mites and privacy fears
Can you combat dust mites and still maintain your privacy? A question that you have probably never had, but should have. Robot vacuums have faced privacy issues in the past, which is something that Ecovacs is taking on with the Deebot X12S OmniCyclone that it showed at IFA. Related Giving you some cover The Deebot X12S OmniCyclone has a privacy shield that you can close over its camera.
IFA 2026 Best in Show: Android Police's top picks for Europe's largest tech event
IFA is the European cousin to CES. The annual consumer tech show takes place across 2 million square feet of show floor and attracts over 200,000 attendees in its five days. That's why it's one of the premiere places in the world for nearly 2,000 brands to announce products that will debut the world over in the coming year or, in the case of some concepts, in the far-off future.
Motorola just released a Swarovski-studded Razr like it's 2006
Motorola showed a phone at IFA that caused me to check what year it is. Since time travel wasn’t also unveiled at the show, it can only be nostalgia that has led to the latest version of the Razr. How else to explain the appearance of a patterned flip phone that’s studded with crystals? All that glitters Motorola Moto Razr 70 Swarovski hands on at IFA 2026 The 2026 Razr (known as the Razr 70 when it’s in Europe) has gotten a sparkling makeover.
Lenovo's rollable laptop and colorful IdeaPads signal a shift beyond the office
Lenovo is best known as the workhorse of the work world, but at IFA it’s going beyond its business reputation with colorful, creativity-focused devices and concepts like a rollable laptop. And, yes, it’s also showing reliable products for the desktop. Related Getting down to business Starting with the desktop, Lenovo is advancing Hybrid AI for enterprise computing.
Samsung's account lockout nightmare is spreading, and support has no answers
Many Samsung customers have found themselves locked out of their accounts over the past couple of days, and it seems that the likely cause is their use of alias Gmail accounts. On Reddit and Samsung’s own community forum, people are reporting that they received the message “Account deactivated for security reasons” when trying to sign in to their accounts or after being forcibly signed out.
Samsung's account lockout nightmare is spreading, and support has no answers
After Imprisoning The Angels In The Toilet For Decades, Arte Moreno Is Cashing Out To sum up the quarter-century of Los Angeles Angels baseball under owner Arte Moreno requires someone who knows him and them better than we do, so …
Google Pics promises an end to "prompt-and-pray" AI graphic design
Canva has helped countless people pursue their passion in graphic design with absolutely no training in it. Since its creation, there has not really been much competition when it comes to a platform that can be used by virtually anyone to create professional-looking graphics and presentations of all kinds. Google is looking to change that with Google Pics, which is both a standalone app and an integration in Google Workspace.
Pixel 11 Pro users report annoying crackling noises in videos
People who plunked down plenty of cash for the pricey Pixel 11 Pro are pretty unhappy that one or more of their AI features are plagued with a problem. Users are complaining that there’s a very noticeable static noise in the videos they record. It’s unclear if the issue results when Video Boost is engaged, as spotted first by 9to5Google, or if it’s related to Audio Zoom.
Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra fix backfires, swapping red tint for screen dots
There’s a good news, bad news situation when it comes to the red tint issue that was affecting the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The good news is that Samsung determined that it can be resolved with a software update. The bad news is that the update has now resulted in dot shapes on the screen. South Korea’s Newsway reported that following the update, which was released on Aug. 26, some users are seeing small red dots near the top of the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s screen.
Samsung Galaxy S26 gets Z Fold 8 AI features in One UI Beta update
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is getting a One UI Beta 9 update that gives it four features that are on the Galaxy Z Fold 8. As spotted by SammyGuru, the flagship phones will now have My FanCam, Call Brief, and custom Now Brief cards. Borrowing from Samsung’s incredibly popular phone gives the Galaxy S26 series a big boost. Related A bump in features The new features are all AI-powered. My FanCam gives users a way to focus on their favorites in a shot.
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