Android - SlashGear

LG Velvet Android 11 update finally arrives in the US

Ewdison Then | Apr 11, 2021

LG has been struggling lately to push out Android updates even to its most recent phones but that was apparently just the symptom and not the disease. With its formal exit from the mobile market in a few months, there have been even more doubts whether it will be able to stick to its new Three Year Pledge of updates for a number of its phones. As if on cue, one such phone is finally getting its Android 11 update, with Verizon's version of the Velvet 5G UW following the LG V60's lead.

Galaxy S21 FE renders show very subtle design changes

JC Torres | Apr 11, 2021

There hasbeen some fuss lately over the Galaxy S20 FE, a.k.a. Fan Edition, but it isn't because it's new. It's more because of the oddity of launching a new configuration of that model this late in the game. It seems, however, that Samsung is using a strategy of making small tweaks and calling it a new thing. The upcoming Galaxy S21 FE is one such example and only keen-eyed observers will be able to tell it apart from the more expensive Galaxy S21.

Google Whitechapel in-house chip for Pixel phones: Things to know

Bharat Bhushan | Apr 11, 2021

Last year, Google CEO Sundar Pichai made a statement that the company is investing a huge chunk into hardware and that it had a perfect roadmap for 2021. This triggered a row of speculations as tech pundits predicted Google to be venturing into the SoC space, developing its own chips for the Pixel and Chromebooks of the future.

Spotify can listen to you for ads: Do you care?

Chris Burns | Apr 9, 2021

Voice on Spotify is the newest in voice activated smart audio control, active now with the latest update to the app. If you want to use the service, you can do so for no additional cost - or you can choose to have this "Hey Spotify" system turned off entirely. It's up to you.

Pokemon GO Sylveon Eevee evolution name and release tease

Chris Burns | Apr 9, 2021

The Eevee evolution Sylveon began to appear in Pokemon GO this month - but it's not in the game yet! The release date for Sylveon in Pokemon GO is likely imminent, though, as the Pokemon already appears in the code for the game. It's not yet activated, but this Eevee evolution will appear with a set of rules and abilities that'll make it a must for most Pokemon trainers.

Google Pixel Watch release date and look leaked

Chris Burns | Apr 9, 2021

The Google Pixel Watch appears to have leaked at last. The look of the watch, along with some basic details about the device's release date and abilities, have appeared in a report today before official launch. The device will likely launch with a circular touchscreen display, several casing options, and a bunch of different watch bands with different colors.

Google Pixel 5A tipped canned thanks to chip shortage [UPDATE]

Chris Burns | Apr 9, 2021

If you've been waiting for another Google Pixel "A" device here in 2021, it might be time for a tiny disappointment. The latest leak from Google suggests that worldwide chip shortages have claimed their latest victim in the device code-named Barbet. This would likely have been titled Google Pixel 5A, a device that'd replace the Google Pixel 4A and Pixel 4A 5G.

HP Chromebook x360 14c released – what’s the difference?

Chris Burns | Apr 9, 2021

Today we're taking a peek at HP's latest in a wide variety of Chromebooks. Given the 7(!) Chromebooks currently in production with HP, with at least one more on the way soon, how might one decide which is best? First, the newest: HP Chromebook x360 14c, with a 14-inch display, fingerprint reader, HP Rechargeable Pen, and up to 10:45 hours of battery life. How does this 14-inch machine stand up to the others that've been released by HP in the recent past?

iMessage for Android killed due to lock-in, legal documents reveal

JC Torres | Apr 9, 2021

There are two primary iOS apps that Android users want on Google's platform. iTunes, which eventually became Apple Music, did eventually land on Android but iMessage and its convenient messaging systems remain a distant dream. There may have been a time when bringing iMessage to Android was a possibility but, as revealed in a document used by Epic Games in its Fortnite-related lawsuit against Apple, the iPhone maker's execs shot that idea done in fear of losing people to Android.

Samsung iTest web app lets you experience Android on an iPhone

Ewdison Then | Apr 8, 2021

When Apple launched its first-ever Android app in 2015, it wasn't the much-desired Music app or even iMessage. It was an app that helped Android users "Move to iOS", or at least migrate some of their phone's compatible data. Nearly six years later, Samsung is biting back with a rather curious but admittedly impressive web app that lets those from the other side get a taste of what Android, technically Samsung's Galaxy flavor, is all about.

Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 durability test ends terribly

JC Torres | Apr 8, 2021

There are quite a few new gaming phones that have hit the market in the first three or so months of the year, each with its own special gimmick that goes beyond raw power. The latest to join that fray is Lenovo with its second Legion Phone "Duel" device. It is also admittedly one of the more interesting to arrive this year both in terms of design and specs. Unfortunately, it might also be one of the most disappointing when it comes to withstanding the normal wear and tear that gamers put their devices through.

Stadia gaining access to a new set of indy gems

Chris Burns | Apr 8, 2021

Today Google revealed a set of 10 new games that'll be coming to Stadia in the near future. These games run the indy gamut, from pixel-centric to masterfully crafted mystery adventures. Perhaps the most expansive of these is the game Skyclimbers, from the developers at Paratope.