Google Pixel 8 & 8 Pro: News, leaks, rumored price, and release window
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are set to debut on October 4th
Google makes some of the best Android phones around, and we have no reason to expect otherwise with the upcoming launch of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. As we race towards the Made by Google event scheduled for October 4th, we're learning all about the company's next flagship smartphones. There's good reason to pay attention this year, as Google looks to improve on its powerful — yet flawed — 2022 lineup.
OnePlus debuts OxygenOS 14 as a buzzword-laden upgrade to Android 14
Trinity Engine? HyperBoost? Fluid Cloud? It's not a fifth Matrix movie — it's an OS update
Although we're still counting the minutes until Google launches a stable build of Android 14, other OEMs aren't waiting for an official release to show off their own customizations. We've already seen what Samsung's bringing to the table with One UI, and today, it's time for OnePlus to show off what OxygenOS 14 looks like. Unsurprisingly, its software is more influenced by Oppo than ever before, and anyone hoping for that to change with this year's upgrade might need to look elsewhere for their smartphone needs.
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days phone deals 2023: Best early deals and what to expect
From the fanciest of foldables to the barest of budget phones, these are the deals to watch
Amazon's officially back on its deal tidal waves, preparing for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, taking place October 10-11. This is the third year of this event, which was called "Prime Early Access Sale" in 2021 and 2022. While phone sales seem to never end throughout the year, Big Deal Days will serve as the unofficial kickoff of the two-month "Holiday Shopping Season" deal-a-palooza, and it will serve as the best time to buy a phone between now and the actual November 24 Black Friday.
Dueling Pixel 8 pricing rumors point to likely price hikes for Google's next phones
You'll probably be paying more for the Pixel 8, but the Pixel 8 Pro remains a big question mark
As is usual for Google's pre-release hype cycle, we've seen no shortage of leaks and rumors surrounding the Pixel 8 series. Set for its official debut on October 4th, we've learned nearly everything there is to know about the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro — save for its price tags. From refreshed designs and colors to new photo modes, it's what Google's latest devices will cost you that have, so far, eluded us. It seems that, with just over a week to go, that's no longer true, as a pair of dueling rumors are giving us some insight into Google's pricing plans.
Weekend poll: How long have you been an Android user?
Have you been on board since the beginning or are you a fairly recent adopter?
Time flies when you're having fun, and you can't say the last fifteen years haven't been fun. This weekend — literally today, actually, if you're reading this when it's scheduled to go live — the T-Mobile G1 turns 15 years old, marking another big milestone in the history of Android. We've got a big, fun retrospective live on the site right now (also written by yours truly), but timed with this anniversary, I thought it'd be fun to ask just how long our readers have been using Google's mobile OS.
Android at 15: Everything the T-Mobile G1 had that your phone doesn't
As the first Android phone turns 15, it turns out that newer maybe isn't always better
Consider it a consequence of Moore's law: technology keeps moving forward without missing a beat. Of course, just because your current phone is faster than your last doesn't mean every feature, tool, or ability survived generations. Think about how many devices — fax machines and beepers and MP3 players — that have been replaced or rendered obsolete as consumer electronics continued to evolve.
Best Android phones in 2023
In the market for a new phone? Get the best Android experience with these flagship phones
When it's time to buy a new smartphone, everyone has different wants and needs. Thankfully, Android has a lot of smartphones that come in all sizes, prices, specs, and even shapes. Whether you need a foldable phone with the latest Snapdragon chip, one of the best budget phones of the year that balances power and price, or something guaranteed to get the latest version of Android before everything else, there's a phone on this list for you.
Leaked Google Pixel 8a images are already making the rounds
Google's next phones aren't even here yet, and we're already seeing leaks for next year's A-series entry
We're less than two weeks out from Google's official unveiling of the Pixel 8 series (along with a newly-refined Pixel Watch 2). You'd think, this close to an event, that any leaks would be directed towards the company's upcoming fall lineup. In classic Google fashion, you'd be wrong. In a strange turn of events, we're getting a very early, very unofficial look at what seems to be next year's Pixel 8a, even while its big brothers have yet to hit store shelves.
Amazon's latest Fire TV lineup includes two new high-end streaming sticks and a soundbar
But don't expect the soundbar to run Fire OS on its own
For as many choices as you have in streaming devices these days, I'm fairly convinced most of them aren't very good. Whether you're talking about buggy experiences — I'm looking at you, Chromecast shoved in a drawer — or ad-coated home screens, your TV is probably as frustrating as, well, the monthly bill for all your (least) favorite services. As part of Amazon's devices event today, the company is announcing a couple of new streaming sticks that could help make your nights watching TV a little better, so long as you're willing to use Alexa to find your new favorite obsession.
Amazon's new Echo Show 8 wants to be your smart hub of choice
With a centered camera, improved sound, a new home screen, and improved Alexa support
Amazon's hosting its big device-focused event for 2023 today, where the company usually takes the stage for a whirlwind hour filled with new gadgets ahead of the holiday season. While today's event is focused on big upgrades to Alexa — it is the year of AI, after all — it didn't take long for the company to unveil its first big refresh. Amazon is delivering a new Echo smart display, and you won't have to wait too long to get your hands on it.
OnePlus foldable phone: News, leaks, rumored price, and release window
OnePlus' first foldable could turn out to be a winner
The foldable segment has seen an uptick in launches over the last year. While Samsung dominates the foldable lineup with its Fold and Flip lineup, its offerings have faced stiff competition from the likes of Huawei, Oppo, and others. OnePlus, known for its flagship destroyers and some great budget phones, is also foraying into the foldable segment this year. The company's long-rumored OnePlus foldable phone will debut later this year, and if priced right, it could give the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 a run for the money.
Weekend poll: Which upcoming fall tech event are you most excited for?
Microsoft? Meta? Let's be honest — it's probably Google
Apple's iPhone 15 event might be in the rearview mirror, but for us Android fans, the real fun has yet to begin. While we ruminate on what the latest iOS hardware might mean for the future of smartphones as a whole — including my demands for an Action button on every phone — we have plenty of events to look forward to. From Amazon to Microsoft to, of course, Google's main event, this fall is looking pretty hefty on our calendars.
How to turn on predictive back navigation on Android 14
The future of gestures on Android is here. Here's how to use it
Android 14 is full of new features, and most are behind the scenes. A couple of years after Google gave us a new look for our favorite smartphones with Material You, the last two upgrades have focused on upgrading elements you might not think about every day. Security, privacy, and speed are three aspects that Android 14 and Android 13 excel at, but they aren't alone. A new addition to gestures could change how you think about swiping between apps, but you need to activate predictive back gestures to see it in action.
I want every Android phone to steal the iPhone 15 Pro's Action button
Gimme those physical shortcuts, please
It's iPhone week, and even for those of us deeply entrenched in the world of Android, it's difficult not to pay the company a little attention to what's happening on the other side of the fence. And while the regular iPhone 15 (and its supersized counterpart) have done little to impress me, I'm admittedly a bit more swayed by the Pro series this year. The titanium chassis, superb (on paper) camera lineup, and the long-awaited switch to USB-C are all positive directions for the company, but as an Android fan, what really has me green with envy is the new Action button.
Google wants to turn your car into an Android tablet with wheels
With new apps coming to Android Auto and Automotive, sitting in a parked car never felt so cool
It's shaping up to be a busy fall for Android. Just last week, we got our latest Quarterly Feature Drop for all phones, delivering some timely updates to apps like Wallet and a refreshed look for Assistant At a Glance. We're also looking forward to Android 14, though considering its rumored October launch, we could be waiting a while longer. Thankfully, Android in cars is getting a fresh slate of upgrades in the coming weeks that could act as a distraction to this year's delayed OS upgrade.
The iPhone 15 finally brings USB-C to the pockets of your blue bubble friends
Alongside the Apple Watch Series 9, Watch Ultra 2, and some USB-C-equipped AirPods
While both staff and loyal readers of Android Police alike are (im)patiently awaiting for Google to unveil the Pixel 8 in New York on October 4th, it's hard to completely ignore the other company releasing new iterations of some pretty popular smartphones today. Yes, it's Apple announcement day, practically a holiday for plenty of tech fans across the web, and while AP might not be as focused on today's event as other sites, it's still worth exploring the four smartphones that might keep your friends and loved ones from switching to our favorite Android phones — no matter how many times you explain what RCS is.
Weekend poll: Do you use Google's At a Glance widget?
Either the built-in Pixel tool, or the more limited Assistant version on all Android phones
While plenty of Android users — and Pixel owners in particular — expected Android 14 to arrive this week after a prolonged series of beta releases, that didn't happen. Fans hoping to finally try out Google's latest OS upgrade, or to move off the beta channel for something a little more stable, had to make due with the latest Android Quarterly Feature Drop, combining several app updates into one neat, tidy package. Out of everything included in the group, I think it's pretty clear what garnered the most attention: the redesigned Assistant At a Glance widget.
Google shows off the Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch 2 in its latest October event tease
It's not a leak this time — it's the real deal
Read update
We already knew Google was planning on hosting its next Made by Google event on October 4th, and based on plenty of factors — leaks, prior announcement dates, a general gut feeling — we were already convinced the Pixel 8 would see an official unveiling on stage. While the company has yet to give away any early announcements as it has in recent years, its latest teaser gives us our first real glimpse of the Pixel 8, Pixel Watch 2, and a matching new color for the Pixel Buds Pro.
Google's Android 14 release plans may have hit a snag
Android 14 could make its grand debut the same day as the Pixel 8
After five betas, a couple of developer previews, and months of anticipation, it felt like today could've been Christmas for the Android enthusiast community. But rather than waking up this morning to find a new stable OS upgrade waiting to be installed on your phone, all Google had to offer was a Quarterly Feature Drop paired with a logo redesign. If it feels like Android 14 should've arrived today, there might be something to that theory, as it sounds like a last-minute delay was responsible for any disappointment you might be feeling.
Android is getting its first brand makeover in over four years
A new logo ahead of Android 14's stable launch
Ahead of Google's inevitable (but still missing-in-action) launch of Android 14, the company is also working to bring its brand up to par with its mobile OS's look and feel. A couple of months after a redesigned Android logo — complete with a fresh take on the classic bugdroid — leaked onto the internet, we're finally seeing the finished product. Today, Android's identity is getting refreshed, and it looks more like a Google product than ever before.