Android

Google made a rather unexpected but definitely welcomed announcement in late October that puts a better focus on Android running on large screens, which included not just tablets but also everyone's favorite foldables. Of course, the easiest devices to target with Android 12L are tablets, so it's probably no surprise that a tablet is also the first to get the special spin's first developer preview. As announced back then, the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro is getting that preferential treatment, but its availability almost makes it pretty pointless for many developers.

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To help you get more out of the upcoming holidays, Google is rolling out a few features that, while not entirely new, are making their first appearances on Android. The features cover a variety of categories, including new widgets to make an Android smartphone's home screen more useful, simplified reminders for the entire family, and even the ability to lock and unlock certain cars with a Pixel 6.

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It might not exactly be common knowledge, but Amazon, despite its notorious rivalry with Google, actually distributes Android devices and apps. In fact, it actually rivals Google in that area as well, with its own ecosystem of Android apps and services revolving around its own Android Appstore. That said, Amazon may not actually be known in the Android world for keeping up with Google updates, and a recent issue with that could have implications for one of Windows 11's headlining features.

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Samsung has revealed its most affordable 5G phone in the US, with the Galaxy A13 5G carrying a mere $249.99 price tag. Headed to AT&T at the end of the week, the A13 pairs a trio of rear cameras with a sizable display, and despite the low price still uses a 90 Hz adaptive refresh rate panel.

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Although Google is perhaps best known for Android as far as operating systems go, it does have a number of platforms under its name. Chrome OS is perhaps one of the most sophisticated because of the number of other operating systems it can support, including Linux and Android. In some aspects, however, Chrome OS feels like it's still catching up to what some of its peers already have. With the latest version 96, Google Chrome OS is getting quite a few of those, including an almost unique ability to control an external camera.

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When HMD Global took up Nokia's legacy, it wanted to make a good impression in the Android market. It set out to outdo larger companies by offering something those behemoths are rarely able to, promising long periods of software updates or "pure" Android experiences. Over time, however, the Android landscape has shifted a bit, and more phone makers are starting to do right by their customers. Ironically, it seems that HMD Global is now experiencing at least one problem in keeping that promise and is advising people to buy a new Nokia phone instead if they really want Android 11.

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There was a lot of discussion about the Pixel 6's unorthodox design, and, as expected, opinions were split on the matter. Some definitely loved its quirky and memorable appearance, while others balked at the almost asymmetric design. It wasn't the first Google phone to have a wide camera bump jutting out of its back, however, and there have been some comparisons made with the Nexus 6P made by Huawei for Google in 2015. It seems that OPPO spinoff Realme is trying to revive that equally awkward design if this leak about its next GT-branded phone is any indication.

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Based on leaks and rumors, we have just two months or so before Samsung reveals its opening salvo for 2022. Based on those same rumors, however, the base Galaxy S22 model and its Plus counterpart might disappoint in many aspects. There are some downgrades and some that might remain the same, though there are definitely expected upgrades, at least as far as the processor goes. Not all things might be that bad, though, and the newest information gives some hope that the phones' cameras won't be as bad as it sounds.

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It's that time of year again for retrospectives as well as forward-looking predictions of wishes. Although there are still 32 days left before the year is actually over, Google is already releasing the list of what its users have reported as their favorites from the company's wide selection of apps and games for Android and all its incarnations, including wearables and TVs. Like every other year, a good number of the names on the winners' list might not be familiar to most Android users or smartphone users in general. In fact, the actual winners for each category might catch you by surprise even.

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There was a point in time when Honor had quite the presence in the mobile market. While it still stood under the shadow of its former parent company Huawei, it was, in fact, responsible for almost half of the shipments that pushed the embattled Chinese company to second place. It nearly suffered the same fate as Huawei but managed to escape by being sold off to a consortium. While US authorities are still pushing to have Honor blacklisted as well, it's business as usual for the company. Unfortunately, that "as usual" also means putting out flagship phones that you can't buy, like the upcoming Honor 60 and Honor 60 Pro.

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Gaming saw a big uptick in the past two years, partly thanks to new consoles and partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a great time not just for games and consoles but also for gaming accessories that diversify the market with more options, particularly when it comes to input controls like keyboards, mice, and, of course, controllers. With many people going mobile again, the need for more portable accessories has also become more apparent. The GameSir T4 Mini is part of that new generation of controllers that has mobility at its core, and we take it for a spin to check whether or not it makes some compromises along the way to achieve its goals.

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Despite and in spite of all odds, Sony's mobile business continues to move forward and, in fact, sometimes registers good figures for the company's finances. It doesn't have a big market share for mobile smart device sales, at least not enough to make it to the world's top ten, but it does spark some interest once in a while with its unique designs or propositions. In addition to that still unique 21:9 display aspect ratio, the Xperia PRO-I continues that tradition by appealing to vloggers and videographers, who won't have to wait long to finally get their hands on one.

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