Posts

Showing posts from April, 2026

Y Combinator alum Skio sells for $105M cash, only raised $8M, founder says

Subscription billing fintech Skio sold to its competitor Recharge in what was a healthy exit, according to its founder and former CEO. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/Q3uVREt via IFTTT

The craziest part of Musk v. Altman happened while the jury was out of the room

Image
Okay, I am not a lawyer so I only understood about half of what just happened. But I am fairly sure, given the context, that Elon Musk's lawyers may have just fucked up big. Jared " James Brickhouse " Birchall, Musk's finance guy and all-around fixer, took the stand after Musk today. Most of his testimony was dull and seemed to exist primarily to get some documents read into the record, which sucks but is a normal part of sitting through trials. But at the very end of his boring testimony something interesting happened. I believe we all got a surprise, something that rarely happens in courtrooms. The lawyer conducting his direct examination … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/OZXqtGd via IFTTT

Sources: Anthropic potential $900B+ valuation round could happen within 2 weeks

Anthropic is asking investors to submit allocations for the AI company’s latest fundraise within the next 48 hours, according to sources familiar with the matter. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/wF9TSdA via IFTTT

Satya Nadella says he’s ready to ‘exploit’ the new OpenAI deal

Microsoft gets to offer OpenAI's tech to its cloud customers and doesn't have to pay for it. "We fully plan to exploit it," Nadella said. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/OPyrKRn via IFTTT

This open-source E-Ink smartwatch project trades features for extreme battery life

TL;DR An open-source project called LightInk could put an ultra-efficient E-Ink display on your wrist. The watch reportedly uses just ~0.5mAh per day, translating to roughly 40 days of battery life in typical use. It is also solar powered, and aggressively optimized for “infinite” runtime under the right conditions. E-Ink already makes a lot of sense for reading, and now someone’s making a strong case for wearing it, too. A new open-source project called LightInk is gaining attention for turning an E-Ink panel into a minimalist wrist watch, pushing battery life to an extreme that most wearables can’t offer. At the heart of the device is an ESP32, a low-cost microcontroller known for its Wi-Fi support and ultra-low-power sleep modes. It’s paired with a small E-Ink display, similar to the panels used in compact DIY e-readers (including builds we’ve covered before). Unlike OLED or LCD screens, E-Ink only draws power when the image changes, making it an ideal fit for glanceable...

Microsoft says it has over 20M paid Copilot users, and they really are using it

Despite the lingering perception that no one really uses Copilot, Microsoft said on Wednesday that the number of users and engagement is growing. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/ZlG4MmB via IFTTT

Elon Musk appeared more petty than prepared

Image
Today the first witness was sworn in in Musk v. Altman: Elon Musk. I was surprised by how flat he seemed. This is not the first time I've seen Musk in court. During his defamation suit, he turned on the charm and the jury responded by finding him not guilty. Today he looked adrift and unprepared. The only times he showed real animation were when he was bragging about how much he'd done for OpenAI . The direct examination is a way of telling a story through questions; it's important to make the narrative clear. For a suit that accuses Sam Altman of straying from OpenAI's mission, Musk spent a weird amount of time talking about himself, recou … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/31emuMb via IFTTT

The Pixel 11’s Tensor G6 chip is sounding a little underwhelming in latest leak

TL;DR A new Tensor G6 leak appears to support old reports of a move to a PowerVR CXT GPU. Compared to the DXT GPU in the G5, we may not see any graphics performance gains. For the CPU, the Tensor G6 may move to Arm’s new C1-Ultra and C1-Pro cores. Google’s Pixel 11 phones are still a few months away, but we’ve been anticipating this hardware for basically years at this point — and that includes the latest Tensor G6 SoC we’re expecting to power the lineup. Going back as far as 2024, though, we’ve been anticipating certain sacrifices that might pop up in the Tensor G6, including the use of a GPU originally intended for the G4. And now as we get closer to seeing this silicon actually debut, we’re starting to hear a little more about what to expect from it. Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority ? from Android Authority https://ift.tt/XxUGyYP via IFTTT

Here’s your first look at Google’s upcoming ‘Proactive Assistance’ feature for Gemini

TL;DR Google is developing a new “Proactive Assistance” feature for Gemini that delivers timely, context-aware suggestions based on your activity. The feature uses on-screen content, notifications, and data from selected apps like Contacts, Messages, Gmail, and Calendar. All data is processed on-device in an encrypted environment, and Google says it isn’t used for AI training or human review. Google is steadily expanding Gemini’s role across your phone, with a clear push toward making it more context-aware and deeply integrated into your daily usage. Earlier this year, the company rolled out Personal Intelligence , a feature that taps into apps like Gmail, Photos, YouTube, and Search to deliver more relevant suggestions and tailored responses. Now, it looks like Google is working on taking things a step further with a new “Proactive Assistance” feature in Gemini that can surface helpful suggestions based on what you’re doing, even before you think to ask. Authority Insights...

Jury selection in Musk v. Altman: ‘People don’t like him’

Image
On Monday, the courtroom battle between Elon Musk and Sam Altman over alleged broken promises at OpenAI started, as usual, with jury selection. The only tricky part? A lot of the prospective jurors already have an opinion about Elon Musk, and it's not a good one. The Verge reporter Elizabeth Lopatto, who was there at the courthouse, quoted statements from some of the juror questionnaires: "Elon Musk is a greedy, racist, homophobic piece of garbage." "Elon Musk is a world-class jerk." "I very much dislike Tesla. As a woman of color, I am very aware of the damaging statements and actions Elon Musk has enacted and been a part of." M … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/lBwfZ4R via IFTTT

India’s Snabbit closes $56M round as investor interest in on-demand home services heats up

Snabbit now processes over 40,000 daily jobs and has cut costs sharply as it expands across cities and services. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/eZEIdLp via IFTTT

Google is testing AI chatbot search for YouTube

Image
Google is trying out an AI Mode-like search experience for YouTube. The company is now testing "a new way to search on YouTube that feels more like a conversation," with results pulling in things like longform videos, YouTube Shorts, and text about what you're searching for. The "experiment" is now available if you're a YouTube Premium subscriber in the US who is 18 or older. I turned it on for my account. Now, in the search bar, I see an "Ask YouTube" button, and clicking the search bar shows prompts to ask like "funny baby elephant playing clips," "summary of the rules of volleyball," and "short history of the Apollo 11 moon landing." If … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/1KiRpqI via IFTTT

Samsung phone flashlights melting plastic? Viral videos don’t tell the full story

Image
Credit: Zac Kew-Denniss / Android Authority TL;DR Viral videos of Samsung phones melting plastic with their flashlights are doing the rounds, but this behavior has been known for a while. Tests show that Samsung devices like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max can melt plastic under the same conditions. This happens because modern smartphones use powerful LED flashlights that can generate heat at close range. Viral videos showing Samsung phones melting plastic with their flashlights are blowing up on social media again. One TikTok clip alone (see below) has racked up over 13 million views, showing a Galaxy S25 FE torch burning through a thin black garbage bag. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/s4dqVEi via IFTTT

Samsung Wallet just added a new travel feature Google Wallet users wish they had

Image
Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung has introduced a new “Trips” feature in Samsung Wallet that automatically organizes travel bookings, tickets, and plans into a single timeline. Google Wallet can store travel information, but doesn’t offer a similar timeline-based itinerary experience yet. Trips will roll out to Galaxy phone users in select markets, including the US, UK, and Korea. Samsung Wallet is one of the best apps the company has to offer, especially in regions where Google Wallet isn’t fully supported. Now, the company has announced another cool feature for Samsung Wallet that makes it more than just a place for storing payments, cards, travel tickets, and more. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/kB43KQn via IFTTT

Truecaller faces mounting pressures as its growth matures

As growth slows, Truecaller is leaning on subscriptions, business services, and new features to sustain momentum beyond India. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/w6O1FJy via IFTTT

Google might finally have a fix for Pixel’s boot loop nightmare

Image
Credit: Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Google is reportedly testing a beta update with affected users to fix the Pixel boot loop issue. Since April’s patch didn’t address the problem, the fix could arrive with the May 2026 Pixel update. Some users may be eligible for device replacements by contacting Google Support. Earlier this month, we reported that several Pixel users are facing a serious boot loop issue after installing the March 2026 Pixel Drop . The problem appears to affect a wide range of Pixel phones, from the Pixel 6 series all the way up to the latest Pixel 10 lineup. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/d09YCc6 via IFTTT

I was ready to dismiss Gemini’s new Notebooks. After using the feature, I can’t live without it

While I’ve long wanted to organize my Gemini chats and files into projects, when the feature arrived as Gemini Notebooks , I initially felt disappointed. However, after playing around with the feature using both Gemini and NotebookLM, it’s more useful than I expected. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/UurdZcA via IFTTT

5 fixes Google’s AirTag alternatives still need before you can fully trust them

Image
Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Google’s Find Hub network and AirTag alternative trackers have been out for nearly two years now, and a lot has happened in this time. What started as a weak network with many bugs, inconsistencies, and unreliability issues is now a more solid, widespread, and reliable way to find your trackers — as well as your phone, buds, or smartwatch — nearly anywhere in the world. However, Google’s network and trackers are still lagging behind the competition from Apple, Samsung, and Tile in a few key areas. I’ve been testing and comparing these trackers long enough that all of their shortcomings have become very clear. Here are six areas where Google should focus its efforts to make its network and trackers the best out there, and the most trustworthy. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/TKbqckG via IFTTT

Have a Samsung phone and PC? You need the new Galaxy Connect Windows app

Earlier this year, I completed my Samsung ecosystem with a Galaxy Book 4 Edge — and one of the things I loved most about the experience was the features Samsung had added on top of Windows 11. Specifically, all of the deep integrations it offered with my Samsung phone. It’s always disappointing to lose those features whenever I switch back to my custom desktop PC, so imagine my joy when Samsung released Galaxy Connect for (almost) all Windows 11 PCs — bringing my favorite Galaxy Book features to every computer I own. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/89F0KAd via IFTTT

Lachy Groom to back India startup Pronto at a $200M valuation, sources say

This round, should it occur, would double the house-help startup's valuation in a matter of weeks. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/x7yhJd8 via IFTTT

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide might use a folding display with a familiar aspect ratio

Image
TL;DR The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is expected to launch with a main display aspect ratio narrower than the newly announced HUAWEI Pura X Max. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide’s folding display could offer a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is the same rumored aspect ratio for the iPhone Fold. Samsung’s wide foldable could feel similarly to 4:3 iPads and tablets, if the inner display aspect ratio is indeed correct. Samsung is rumored to be working on a wider foldable form factor that is expected to debut alongside the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8. Wider foldables could mark the next stage of the folding phone race in 2026 — HUAWEI just beat Samsung to the punch with the Pura X Max. On top of that, Apple’s highly anticipated foldable is thought to sport a similar form factor to both the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide and the Pura X Max. Now, a leak reveals the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide’s suspected aspect ratios, giving us an idea of what it’ll be like to consume content on the foldable. ...

Steve Ballmer blasts founder he backed who pleaded guilty to fraud: ‘I was duped and feel silly’

Steve Ballmer wrote a fiery letter in the sentencing of disgraced founder Joseph Sanberg documenting all the harm that's befalling him as an investor. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/hdaw5Ru via IFTTT

Bob Iger rejoins Thrive Capital as advisor after Disney exit

The former Disney CEO hold a stake in Thrive, and has previously held the role of the venture partner at the firm. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/YmMoB7O via IFTTT

Tired of constant price hikes? These smart glasses are actually getting cheaper

TL;DR A pair of XREAL smart glasses weren’t just spared from trendy price hikes — they’re surprisingly getting cheaper. XREAL’s One Pro smart display glasses, which simulate a virtual 171-inch screen, are now permanently $50 cheaper. The 3D-ready XREAL One Pro display glasses now cost $599, making them only slightly more affordable. High demand for components amid the AI boom is leading to storage and RAM shortages raising prices across the board. New releases in 2026 like the OnePlus 15 series and the Samsung Galaxy S26 have already launched with price hikes. Some brands, including Samsung and Motorola, have made sweeping price increases throughout their portfolios . If you needed a break from all the doom and gloom around tech pricing, XREAL is throwing buyers a bone on one of its best pairs of smart glasses. The XREAL One Pro is still receiving updates and features flagship specs for a pair of smart display glasses. Only now, the smart glasses are getting cheaper — and it...

Redwood Materials loses COO amid layoffs, restructuring

Former Tesla executive Chris Lister is retiring, and at least three other VPs have left Redwood around the recent restructuring, TechCrunch has learned. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/FnJxRyi via IFTTT

This new limited-edition Kindle case looks perfect for sci-fi fans

TL;DR Amazon has launched a Project Hail Mary-themed case for its latest Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft models. The cover features a bold sci-fi design and includes standard folio functionality like auto wake/sleep. The case is available now for $49.99. Amazon has a new Kindle case, and this one is a lot less subtle than usual. The company just released a Project Hail Mary-themed cover for its latest Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft models, leaning fully into the growing overlap between fandom and utility. Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority ? from Android Authority https://ift.tt/YMTOFGJ via IFTTT

Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1 is already here with a sneak peek at September’s Feature Drop

TL;DR Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1 is now available for Pixel 6 models and newer. The release previews the changes set to land with Android 17’s first major update this September. Testers who have been on the Android 17 Beta can opt out and continue to stable by not installing QPR1 Beta 1. For all the great reasons there exist to own a Pixel phone, for a certain type of Android user, there’s none better than being first in line to try out Android’s latest changes. We’re still waiting on Android 17 itself to have its stable release, with Android 17 Beta 4 only just arriving last week, and now Google’s already giving us a preview of what’s coming after that, with Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1 . Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority ? from Android Authority https://ift.tt/8h2oXRu via IFTTT

Tesla just increased its spending plan to $25 billion. Here’s where the money is going.

Tesla's planned capex for 2026 is three times higher than what the company has historically spent. Its CFO said, as a result, Tesla will have a negative free cash flow the rest of the year. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/TUdiZGH via IFTTT

Google updates Workspace to make AI your new office intern

Google has introduced a host of new automated functions into Workspace, all of which are driven by Workspace Intelligence, its new AI system. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/z5vryls via IFTTT

Meta will record employees’ keystrokes and use it to train its AI models

Meta says that it has a new internal tool that is converting mouse movements and button clicks into data that can train its AI models. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/vUkOe2j via IFTTT

SpaceX is working with Cursor and has an option to buy the startup for $60 billion

Only Elon would do this before an IPO. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/bh4Ks8i via IFTTT

Tim Cook will still be Apple’s Trump whisperer

Image
Though Tim Cook is shedding his CEO title for the role of Apple's executive chairman, it appears he'll keep one of his most important duties: that of the company's Trump whisperer. "As executive chairman, Cook will assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world," Apple writes in a press release. Translation: he's sticking around to deal with thorny political relationships - in particular the one with President Donald Trump. Throughout his tenure, Cook has navigated Apple through tricky political terrain. He's had to balance the company's massive business interest in China with US policymak … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/RDovJYg via IFTTT

Survey confirms widespread Pixel battery drain issue, and Google has finally noticed

Image
Credit: Joe Maring / Android Authority One of the principal goals of Google Pixel updates is to fix things, so it can be doubly frustrating when an update makes your Android experience worse. Battery life seems to be the latest sore point. Last week, we noticed growing complaints from Pixel owners who said their phone battery was suddenly draining much faster than usual after the March update. We wanted to know whether this was a fairly isolated issue, so we asked whether you were seeing the same thing. Our previous story highlighted reports from Reddit and Google’s support forums suggesting the issue wasn’t limited to one handset or two. Complaints appeared to span several Pixel generations, and one theory pointed to a bug that may be stopping affected phones from properly entering a low-power idle state. At the time, that was still just informed speculation from users trying to work out what had changed. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/5fInYAG via IFTTT

Anthropic takes $5B from Amazon and pledges $100B in cloud spending in return

Amazon has made another circular AI deal: It's investing another $5 billion in Anthropic. Anthropic has agreed to spend $100 billion on AWS in return. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/1nbfkoL via IFTTT

Never mind S26 Ultra, this new Pro Max has the first 200MP camera of its kind

Image
Credit: Huawei TL;DR Huawei has announced its latest Pura 90 series phones, including Pura 90, 90 Pro, and 90 Pro Max. The Pura 90 Pro Max features a special 200MP RYYB telephoto sensor that enables more light in low-light scenarios. Huawei also claims 20x optical-quality zoom with the Pura 90 Pro Max. Huawei today unveiled its new camera-centric flagships, the Pura 90 series, at an event in China. Today’s launch largely focuses on the Pura 90 Pro and Pura 90 Pro Max — dual successors to last year’s Pura 80 Pro. Notably, a follow-up to the Pura 80 Ultra is missing from the lineup, and Huawei hasn’t shared much on its availability yet. Let’s see what the new phones have to offer. Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority ? from Android Authority https://ift.tt/LG2aBeJ via IFTTT

Your Samsung phone just got a big upgrade for editing photos, videos, and documents

Image
Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung has rolled out Galaxy Enhance-X version 16.3.00.31 with a completely redesigned interface and new features. The app now uses a cleaner three-tab layout that neatly divides Plugins, Home, and History. The update also introduces new document editing tools and batch editing support. Samsung has rolled out a major update to the Galaxy Enhance-X app , bringing a redesigned interface and a host of new features. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/H1eM7at via IFTTT

Google’s mystery WHOOP rival may finally have a name

Image
Credit: Stephen Curry/Google TL;DR Google’s upcoming screenless fitness band could be called “Google Fitbit Air.” Its launch could be accompanied by Google rebranding the Fitbit Premium and personal health coach services. NBA’s Stephen Curry has been quietly testing the new fitness band for months. By now, you’ve probably seen NBA star Stephen Curry sporting Google’s upcoming screenless fitness band , which is expected to go head-to-head with WHOOP’s athlete-favorite wearables . Now, we may finally know what this mysterious band is called, along with details of a new subscription service that could come with it. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/Mc6TKVB via IFTTT

OnePlus just turned its next phone into an Android gaming handheld

Image
Credit: OnePlus Weibo TL;DR OnePlus’ upcoming Ace 6 Ultra smartphone will double up as a gaming handheld thanks to a snap-on controller. The controller adds physical buttons, ultra-fast response times, and a magnetic cooling fan. Previous leaks showed a very different OnePlus gaming handheld, so a separate device could still be in the works. OnePlus has officially confirmed that the upcoming Ace 6 Ultra isn’t just a gaming smartphone, but the device can also transform into a gaming handheld. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/uvZLn3f via IFTTT

I’ve tested tons of projectors — here’s what they don’t tell you about brightness levels

What used to feel like a niche category for home theater diehards is now pushing into everyday spaces, with portable models, lifestyle designs, and ultra-short-throw setups doubling as TV replacements. Along the way, one spec in particular keeps climbing: brightness. On paper, more lumens should mean a better, more usable image — especially in a room that isn’t perfectly dark. But for most people, once you’re past a certain baseline, the jump from pretty bright to extremely bright doesn’t change the experience nearly as much as the numbers suggest. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/tUk17q8 via IFTTT

After over a decade with Android tablets, I’ve left for the iPad

Image
Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority While iPad might be the obvious leader in the tablet space, I’ve never been a big fan. While we did own a second-gen iPad for a few years, I eventually switched exclusively to Android tablets . Going back as far as Android Honeycomb, I’ve experienced tablets from numerous brands, including ASUS, NVIDIA, and Samsung. I’ll admit that much of the draw has been value proposition, but I also truly enjoy the flexibility Android brings that you just won’t find with iPad OS. Unfortunately, the range of hardware is a whole other story. Over the last several years, the Android tablet market has shrunk considerably. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/V9nCrkp via IFTTT

I tried the iPhone 17e, and it’s one upgrade away from ruining budget Android phones

The economic climate these days isn’t exactly encouraging. There’s a lot of global volatility, and there’s a real risk that AI might be coming for all of our jobs, after having devoured all of our RAM . 2026 is increasingly becoming the year of “good enough,” with rising prices and incremental upgrades driving consumers toward hardware that offers a premium experience without the premium monthly installment. This shift makes the budget and mid-range smartphone segments more critical than ever. In this landscape, the iPhone 17e should have been the definitive winner — a phone that could have rendered the $500-$600 Android market obsolete . from Android Authority https://ift.tt/DakELd1 via IFTTT

Once close enough for an acquisition, Stripe and Airwallex are now going after each other

For most of its life, Airwallex and Stripe have mostly operated in different geographies, selling to different buyers. That's changing. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/xDOijB8 via IFTTT

Missed your shot at a Galaxy Z TriFold? A successor could be in the works with a new hinge

TL;DR Samsung didn’t make many Galaxy Z TriFold units, and following a last-call sale, the innovative foldable is officially sold out. Rumors hint at a Galaxy Z TriFold successor in the works with a redesigned hinge that could shave thickness and weight off the device. While the new hinge design is rumored to hit the Galaxy Z TriFold 2 first, a less advanced version could appear on Flip and Fold models. The Galaxy Z TriFold is a captivating and expensive foldable that quickly turned into a limited-run product for Samsung. The company had a last-call sale for the Galaxy Z TriFold earlier this month, and as of today, April 17, the foldable is officially sold out. Samsung’s official Galaxy Z TriFold landing page confirms “the limited-run Galaxy Z TriFold is now completely sold out,” directing buyers to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Galaxy S26 Ultra instead. Although the short-lived foldable with a 10-inch inner screen is now unavailable, rumors are already swirling about a successor. ...

Good news for perfectionists with a Kindle Scribe

TL;DR The Kindle Scribe line now supports smart shapes, turning rough sketches into clean diagrams. The feature is part of the most recent firmware update, but wasn’t detailed in Amazon’s release notes. Smart shapes are rolling out gradually, with only some users seeing them so far. Kindle Scribe users are finally getting smart shapes, a long-awaited feature that turns rough sketches into clean diagrams. The tool automatically refines hand-drawn shapes into cleaner, more precise versions. Smart shapes arrived as part of the most recent software update, but you wouldn’t know it from the release notes. The relatively vague notes focus mostly on PDF improvements instead. As usual, the change has been spotted by users as it rolls out rather than being clearly outlined by Amazon. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/SFvYjoP via IFTTT

Google tests Play Store UI change that should help picky gamers save time

Image
Credit: Megan Ellis / Android Authority TL;DR Google is testing a redesigned Games tab in the Play Store that adds prominent, scrollable genre bubbles. The update also brings these genre bubbles to the Top Charts tab, replacing the easily overlooked and overwhelming Categories dropdown. The Google Play Store remains the beating heart of Android for Google and its users. Naturally, this app has received plenty of attention, especially for its Games tab. Now, it appears that Google is giving this section of the app another new lick of paint. Authority Insights You're reading an Authority Insights story. Subscribe to our new Authority Insights newsletter for more exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage you won't find anywhere else. sign up now By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time. Currently, the Games tab in the Play Store offers...

New leaders, new fund: Sequoia has raised $7B to expand its AI bets

The fundraise is the first major capital raise under Sequoia's new leadership, with Alfred Lin and Pat Grady now serving as co-stewards of the 54-year-old firm. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/rPG3Ajc via IFTTT

YouTube’s mobile app finally lets you share timestamped videos

Image
YouTube is making some changes that might affect how you share videos from the mobile app. From the app, you can finally share videos from a specific timestamp, which will make it easier to point someone to a part of a video you might want them to see while you're on your phone. However, this change will replace the Clips feature that lets you make a shareable clip from a video. You'll still be able to watch any Clips that you've already made. But moving forward, "the ability to set an end time or include a custom description when sharing will no longer be available," YouTube says . The company notes that while clipping is "important way for … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/vIey4Aa via IFTTT

Factory hits $1.5B valuation to build AI coding for enterprises

The three-year-old startup raised $150 million led by Khosla Ventures. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/9FVCgmH via IFTTT

Android may finally start letting you set custom ringtones for each SIM card

TL;DR While some manufacturers offer the option, Android lacks built-in support for per-SIM ringtones. In the newest Android Canary release, we’re seeing early signs of Google working on SIM-specific ringtones. It’s possible this could arrive in Android 17, but that’s far from certain at this point. Dual-SIM smartphones have been around for the better part of forever, but Android’s still working to enhance the multi-SIM experience for users, with improvements like the split signal bar only showing up last year. One dual-SIM upgrade users have been craving is a way to assign a different ringtone for each of your lines, and now it looks like Android could finally be getting ready to give us just that. Authority Insights You're reading an Authority Insights story. Subscribe to our new Authority Insights newsletter for more exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage you won't find anywhere else. sign up now By signing up, you agree to ou...

MKBHD pulls back the curtain on LG’s cancelled rollable — LG really thought of everything

TL;DR Before LG shuttered its smartphone division, it had a final trick up its sleeve — the prototype LG Rollable phone. LG’s rollable prototype is out in the open following two YouTube videos showing the device teardown and a hands-on feature overview. It turns out the LG Rollable was more mature of a prototype than we could’ve expected, complete with software tricks, sound effects, and animations. The fall of LG’s smartphone division wasn’t exactly surprising to Android fans, but it certainly was disappointing. LG had a knack for creating risky and innovative Android phones no other brands could rival — one of its final phones was the swivel-screen LG Wing . It’s easy to wonder what could’ve been, and thanks to a couple of tech YouTubers, we don’t have to. Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything tore down the canceled LG rollable phone prototype in a video earlier this month, and now, Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) is sharing his own hands-on YouTube video . Nelson shocked the Android...

Amazon-backed X-energy files to raise up to $800M in IPO

Nuclear startup X-energy hit the road today to sell prospective investors on its initial public offering. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/EJYgpmO via IFTTT

Google rolls out April Android Canary build with experimental features for Pixel devices

Image
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Google has released the April Android Canary build with new experimental features for Pixel 8 and above. New UI tweaks include a “You’re all caught up” message in the notification shade and redesigned, collapsible app shortcut and action menus. Google has just released a new Android Canary build, giving developers early access to features still in testing. The new release, marked Android Canary 2604 (ZP11.260320.007), is now available for a wide range of Pixel devices, including the Pixel 8 series and above. It was released a few days earlier this month, considering we got last month’s Canary build (2603) on March 19. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/K7r3qG1 via IFTTT

Anthropic’s rise is giving some OpenAI investors second thoughts

One investor who has backed both companies told the FT that justifying OpenAI's recent round required assuming an IPO valuation of $1.2 trillion or more — making Anthropic's current $380 billion valuation look like the relative bargain. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/TcwEh7S via IFTTT

Microsoft’s finally giving up on its massive Surface Hub touchscreen displays

Image
Microsoft is reportedly ending production of its Surface Hub 3 collaborative office display and canceling plans for a Surface Hub 4, according to Windows Central . The extra-large digital whiteboard that included its own built-in PC was originally announced in 2015 ahead of the launch of Windows 10 and came in two sizes, 50 inches and 85 inches, priced at $8,000 and $20,000, respectively. It has outlasted former Surface leader Panos Panay, who left for Amazon in 2023 , and other gone-but-not-forgotten Surface hardware like the Surface Studio all-in-one , Surface Duo , and Surface headphones . Microsoft gave the Surface Hub line a few updates ove … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/TVEnx1B via IFTTT

Hot deal: This 62% discount on the Motorola Razr Plus 2025 is pretty much robbery!

Image
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Foldable flip phones are pretty awesome, but they are usually much more expensive than they should be. The foldable tax can be reduced if you can catch these phones on sale, though. Today, the Motorola Razr Plus 2025 is at a drop-dead price. Originally priced at $999.99, you can currently buy it for a mere $379.99. Buy the Motorola Razr Plus 2025 for just $379.99 ($620 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/ju8UArM via IFTTT

OpenAI has bought AI personal finance startup Hiro

The acquisition indicates a capability that OpenAI is building into ChatGPT: financial planning. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/v6YnKhq via IFTTT

Upcoming Android flagships may get a bold new look, and you can probably thank Apple

Image
Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority TL;DR A new leak from Digital Chat Station suggests that upcoming Android flagships are preparing to copy Apple’s hero color from the iPhone 18 Pro. DCS claims that they’ve seen many next-gen Android flagships in a new deep red colorway, which is very likely a shade Apple will debut on the new iPhones. Apple could be gearing up to set the next big smartphone color trend, and if history is any indication, Android brands may end up following its lead once again. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/pDKitfC via IFTTT

First look: The OPPO Find X9 Ultra brings back leather and goes big on camera design

TL;DR We got our first hands-on look at the OPPO Find X9 Ultra ahead of its official launch. The phone marks a clear design shift from both the Find X8 Ultra and the rest of the Find X9 family. Full specs remain under embargo, but the camera module tells its own story. The OPPO Find X9 Ultra is finally arriving, and it’s a complete departure from the sleek, minimalist glass we saw on the Find X8 Ultra. Instead of following the “smooth-and-simple” trend, the X9 Ultra leans into a bold, tactile look that feels like a return to the series’ roots. The biggest change is the return of vegan leather. After moving to matte glass with the X8, OPPO has brought back the two-panel aesthetic. The rear is split into a textured upper section for the massive camera housing and a matching lower section for the logo. In the hand, it feels much more premium and grippy —less like a slippery piece of tech and more like the Find X7 Ultra of old. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/XyOe7QJ vi...

Google Pixels just got a voicemail feature I’ve wanted for months — here’s how to use it

Ever since it debuted on the Pixel 10 series last August, Take a Message has quickly become one of my favorite recent Pixel features. Essentially Google’s modern take on the voicemail box, Take a Message answers missed calls for you, shows real-time transcriptions, and makes those transcripts easy to read after the fact on the Phone app’s Home page. It’s great. However, there’s just been one problem with the feature. Take a Message greets callers with a standard “The person you have called is not available, please leave a message after the tone,” with no option to create a custom greeting. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/uOdT24L via IFTTT

Google’s Tensor G5 is ‘good enough’ — but 2026 flagships are leaving the Pixel 10 behind

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn_m9KKXjus In one hand, I hold the Xiaomi 17 Ultra — a powerhouse driven by Qualcomm’s benchmark-dominating Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 . In the other, Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL, powered by the latest Tensor G5 chip. On paper, Google’s latest flagship looks far less impressive in terms of raw performance, a fact Pixel fans have just come to accept over the years and one that’s a constant thorn in the side of those who love a bit of mobile gaming every now and again. But benchmarks don’t always tell the full story — we seldom notice the extra 5% or 10% difference while browsing the web or scrolling feeds. Likewise, modern Android games aren’t always built to push cutting-edge silicon to its limits, and real-world performance often depends just as much on optimization and framerate caps as it does on brute force. So the question is: does Google’s Tensor still lag as far behind as the synthetic numbers suggest, or can the Pixel 10 Pro XL punch above its we...

Walmart-owned Flipkart, Amazon are squeezing India’s quick commerce startups

Flipkart's ongoing expansion beyond major cities and heavy discounting is raising risks for India's quick commerce startups, analysts say. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/1IzLhRG via IFTTT

The Netherlands is the first European country to approve Tesla’s supervised Full Self-Driving

Image
Dutch regulators, the RDW, announced that after over a year and a half of testing, it has officially approved Tesla's Full-Self Driving (FSD) Supervised. This makes the Netherlands the first European country to authorize the use of FSD on its roads. This could open the door to wider adoption throughout the EU. Tesla's European headquarters is located in Amsterdam, so it's only fitting that the country is the first to embrace the company's FSD. In a statement announcing the approval, the RDW said that, "Using driver assistance systems correctly makes a positive contribution to road safety because the driver is supported in their driving task … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/75g4DV8 via IFTTT

I tested Google’s upcoming Gemini Nano 4 — its faster, smarter AI isn’t what I expected

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, when you buy through links in the description we may earn an affiliate commission. See our affiliate link policy for more details: https:\/\/www.androidauthority.com\/external-links\/ Follow the Team: Paul Jones: https:\/\/x.com\/1paulj_ C.Scott Brown: https:\/\/www.threads.com\/@c.scottbrown Lanh Nguyen: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lanhnguyenfilms\/ Harley Maranan: https:\/\/x.com\/harleymaranan Edgar Cervantes: https:\/\/x.com\/5Reflections” json_ld_thumbnail=”https://i.ytimg.com/vi/x-V44D3lGLw/maxresdefault.jpg” json_ld_upload_date=”2026-01-30T09:01:39-05:00″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-V44D3lGLw Earlier this month, Google lifted the lid on its latest and most powerful Gemma 4 AI models that you can run on your own hardware. Gemma competes on performance with other models like GLM5 and Qwen3.5, but its closed Gemini model remains the flagship to take on OpenAI and Anthropic . Still, the exciting news is that Gemma...

I tried the redesigned Google Wallet app, and it fixes my 2 biggest complaints

It’s a big deal whenever Google redesigns one of its Android apps, and that’s especially true for an app as big as Google Wallet. We’ve been tracking evidence of a major Google Wallet update since as early as last September, and after months of waiting, it’s finally live. Google began rolling out its Wallet redesign on April 10, and after using it on my Pixel 10a for about a day, I can confirm that the new design was worth the wait. Here’s what it looks like in action. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/ZaIKSYH via IFTTT

NASA Artemis II splashes down in Pacific Ocean in ‘perfect’ landing for Moon mission

The Integrity craft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego just after 5:07 p.m. Pacific Time. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/3SxGzTb via IFTTT

ChatGPT has a new $100 per month Pro subscription

Image
OpenAI has announced a new version of its ChatGPT Pro subscription that costs $100 per month. The new Pro tier offers "5x more" usage of its Codex coding tool than the $20 per month Plus subscription and "is best for longer, high-effort Codex sessions," OpenAI says . The company is introducing the new tier as it tries to win over users from Anthropic and its popular Claude Code tool . ChatGPT's $100 per month option will directly compete with Anthropic's "Max" tier for Claude, which costs the same price. It also offers a middle ground between the $20 per month Plus tier and the $200 version of the Pro tier. (Yes, there are now two tiers of " … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/z2htQFU via IFTTT

Ex-Tesla engineer’s startup taps Pronto to help automate a copper mine

Pronto's autonomous haulage trucks are about to start operating at Mariana Minerals's Utah copper mine -- the first such deal since Pronto got acquired by Travis Kalanick's Atoms Inc. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/6NoslF7 via IFTTT

Amazon’s Starlink competitor Leo gets a new date

Image
An Amazon Leo terminal being installed. | Image: Amazon Amazon CEO Andy Jassy says the company's space-internet service Leo (formerly known as Project Kuiper) will " launch in mid-2026 ." I'm going to assume that means proper commercial availability since the company already announced the start of an " enterprise preview " at the end of 2025, when the service was supposed to originally launch. Unlike SpaceX's Starlink service, Amazon doesn't (yet) have its own fleet of rockets to regularly send Leo satellites into low-Earth orbit. That's meant hitching rides with a variety of launch partners, including SpaceX, until Jeff Bezos's own reusable New Glenn rocket is fully operational. Amazon has FCC ap … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/0aklxu9 via IFTTT

A mysterious ghost admin is digitally bricking Samsung phones

Image
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR Galaxy S22 Ultra owners are finding their retail phones claimed by a shady company called “Numero LLC” after performing factory resets. The lockout happens via Samsung’s servers at the IMEI level, meaning factory resets and manual firmware flashing cannot bypass it. Affected users are stuck between Samsung and Knox support teams, neither of which currently claims to have the tools to fix the records. Samsung Galaxy phones are among the best you can buy for enterprise use, thanks to features such as hardware root of trust via Knox Vault , an irreversible e-Fuse to detect firmware tampering, and the Knox Suite for managing devices at scale. But over the past few months, non-enterprise users have been encountering a “digital brick” scenario that weaponizes some of these very features, effectively locking them out of their own phones. The “This device isn’t private” trap We’ve spotted several Galaxy S22 Ultra owners complainin...

I tested three Windows laptops in the MacBook Neo’s price range — there’s no contest

Image
The Neo king of affordable laptops. | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge When the MacBook Neo arrived last month, I knew Windows laptop makers were in trouble . For $599, the Neo offers fantastic build quality and solid performance in a sleek and ultra-portable package. Windows laptops in this price range tend to be ugly, cheap-feeling, and a little slow. Despite years of rumors, the MacBook Neo still seemed to take the Windows world by surprise. I expect proper competitors to pop up just as soon as the companies can manage, but I wanted to see what the competition in the PC space is like now. So I asked a bunch of laptop manufacturers to send me their best answers to the MacBook Neo. The MacBook Neo is a 13-i … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/VN0vRLY via IFTTT

Chinese smartphones face new hurdle for sales in the US

Image
OnePlus 15 (left) and Nord 6 (right) Credit: Tushar Mehta / Android Authority TL;DR The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a new ban on non-US labs for certifying electronics. The federal agency says it might bar devices certified by “bad labs” from being sold in the US. While it hasn’t specifically targeted Chinese testing labs, the FCC has been pushing to limit the sale of devices with Chinese links in the US. The agency will vote on the matter later this month. The US government may soon expand its crackdown on electronic devices made outside of the US. In line with this effort, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), on the instructions of US President Donald Trump, will soon decide whether electronics tested in “foreign countries that have not signed agreements to recognize American test labs and certification bodies” should be banned in the US. The FCC recently announced that it would vote to stop recognizing foreign laboratories from tes...