Topic
android
Manufacturing Google Pixel 10a Crowned Best Budget Pixel in WIRED's Updated 2026 Buying Guide
WIRED's updated buying guide names the Google Pixel 10a the best smartphone for the money, citing seven years of software support, a 6.3-inch OLED display, and a 48-megapixel camera. The guide, updated in August 2026, also covers the new Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5.
Technology Google’s Pixel 11 Pro Fold Is Better, but Not the Best
WIRED's review of the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold finds a better foldable than last year's, with IP68 dust-tight protection and Qi2 25W magnetic charging. But a $1,900 price bump, heavier chassis, and stiff competition from Samsung and Honor limit its appeal.
Technology Google Unveils Pixel 11, Pixel Watch 5, and Pixel Tag at Made by Google 2026
Google unveiled the Pixel 11 family at its Made by Google 2026 event, with higher prices, a Tensor G6 chipset, and a larger primary camera. The Pixel Watch 5 and Pixel Tag were also announced, with preorders open immediately and sales starting August 20.
4 New Camera Tricks on Google’s Latest Pixel 11 Smartphones
Read the full story for in-depth analysis.
Technology TCL Note A1 Nxtpaper Review: Hybrid Tablet Blends Note-Taking with Video on a Matte LCD
WIRED reviewed TCL's Note A1 Nxtpaper, a hybrid tablet with a proprietary matte LCD that mimics E Ink for note-taking while retaining video playback. The device mostly works but cannot fully replicate paper feel and has interface quirks.
Technology Best Android Chargers Tested by WIRED: USB-C PD Picks for Fast, Reliable Power
WIRED's Reviews staff tested the latest Android chargers and identified top picks ranging from a 45-watt wall charger to a 25,000-mAh power bank. All recommended chargers support the USB-C Power Delivery standard, which now unifies Apple, Google, and Samsung smartphones. The guide also details maximum charging speeds for Google Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 models.
Technology MagSafe Accessories Meet the Qi2 Standard as Android Compatibility Expands
WIRED's Reviews team has tested hundreds of MagSafe accessories, from wallets to charging docks. The Qi2 wireless charging standard now brings Apple's magnetic attachment system to Android devices, with the Google Pixel 10 series as the first fully Qi2-supported range. This means magnetic accessories can work across iPhone and compatible Android phones.
Technology TCL’s Tab A1 Plus: Budget Tablet with Premium Display and Smart Compromises
TCL’s new Tab A1 Plus is a budget tablet that prioritizes display quality over other features, offering a 12.2-inch 2400x1600 LCD with 120Hz refresh rate at an affordable price. The device keeps costs down by using less cutting-edge components, making it a solid second device for users who value screen quality.
Manufacturing Motorola Growth and Smartphone Features: What Manufacturing Buyers Should Know
Motorola is among the fastest-growing mobile companies, with Razr foldables leading US sales. Its phones offer 256GB standard storage, microSD expansion, headphone jacks on Moto G models, and compatibility with major US carriers. Software update policies vary by model, and prices frequently drop after launch.
Technology Six Ways to Share Your Location from Smartphones: Google Maps, Find My, Messenger, and WhatsApp
Sharing your location from a smartphone is easy with built-in features in popular apps. This article covers six methods, including Google Maps, Apple's Find My, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp, with step-by-step instructions for both Android and iOS devices.
Technology Google Must Pay €4.1bn Fine for Using Android to Block Rivals, Europe's Top Court Rules
Europe's top court has dismissed Google's appeal and ordered the company to pay a €4.1bn fine for using its Android mobile operating system to block competitors. The European Commission originally imposed the penalty in 2018, citing three illegal practices such as requiring manufacturers to pre-install Google apps. The court's decision is final, marking the largest antitrust fine ever levied by the Commission.
Technology Google restores Telegram on Playstore after temporary government ban ends
Google restored the Telegram messaging app on the Playstore on Tuesday morning after a temporary government ban expired at midnight on June 22. The ban was imposed over Telegram's failure to prevent the circulation of fake NEET examination papers. Telegram remains unavailable on Apple's Appstore as of 10 am.
Technology Google Begins Android 17 Rollout; Key AI Upgrades Coming Later This Year
Alphabet's Google has begun rolling out Android 17, the latest major update to its mobile operating system, with initial enhancements for Pixel devices. While the update introduces new multitasking tools like Bubbles and security improvements, marquee artificial intelligence features such as Gemini Intelligence will arrive later this year. Wear OS 7 is also receiving updates with longer battery life and better interoperability.
MASCOT-Android: Automated Pipeline and Curated Dataset for Android Malware Source Code Discovery
Researchers introduce MASCOT-Android, a curated dataset of Android malware source code and an automated collection framework. The key finding is that repository-level documentation alone provides a strong signal, enabling a LinearSVC classifier to achieve 96.28% accuracy with a 1.06% false positive rate. The model outputs confidence scores for threshold adjustment, making it practical for real-world malware source code collection.
Technology Samsung MAX VPN Shuts Down June 15, 2026, Leaving 50 Million Users Seeking Alternatives
Samsung MAX VPN ceased operations on June 15, 2026, affecting over 50 million users. The app remains as a dead shell unless uninstalled. Users are advised to switch to third-party VPNs for continued protection.
Technology iOS 27 Screen Time vs Android 17 Pause Point: Why Google's Mindfulness Approach Wins
At WWDC 2026, Apple announced new Screen Time features for children, but a TechRadar columnist argues Android 17's Pause Point is more effective for adults. Pause Point interrupts app access with a 10-second breathing exercise and suggests alternative apps like Play Books and Mellow Mindspace.
Technology Android 17 QPR1 Beta 4 Launches With Screen Reactions Feature and Critical Bug Fixes
Android 17 QPR1 beta 4 introduces the Screen Reactions feature, enabling users to record selfie overlay on screen captures. The update also resolves several bugs including invisible cursor, settings crash, 5x camera jitter, and severe 3D performance drops. Available for Pixel 6a and newer, the beta is recommended for secondary devices only.
Tech Expert Wishes Apple Would Copy 5 Google Features in iOS 27 at WWDC 2026
David Nield, a technology journalist covering both iOS and Android, shares five features he hopes Apple will incorporate from Google's ecosystem in the upcoming iOS 27 update at WWDC 2026. The wishlist includes an improved keyboard, more Liquid Glass customizations, version history in Apple Notes, and additional place details in Apple Maps.
Technology I've spent hours researching the best phone for my child — here are the safest options available, from iPhones to 'dumbphones'
A TechRadar guide explores safest phone options for children, covering dumbphones, hybrids, and smartphones with parental controls. Key findings include the Nokia 3210 and Mudita Kompakt, and concerns over social media exposure.
Technology Apple's WWDC 2026 Showcase Wins Over a Self-Described Apple Hater: Is a Switch from Android Coming?
TechRadar senior staff writer Hamish Hector, known for his criticism of Apple, reports that WWDC 2026 changed his mind. Features like Spatial Reframe, privacy tools, and spatial computing have him considering a switch from Android. He highlights Apple's focus on safety, privacy, and the influence of Vision Pro across its product line.
Technology Android Is Fighting Phone Scams With a New Feature to Prove Who’s Calling
Google has introduced a new Android security feature that uses the RCS communication standard to verify caller identity and flag spoofed calls. The feature, rolling out for Android 12 and later, aims to combat AI-powered voice cloning scams by providing a hardware-based confirmation signal between Android phones.
Technology Opera's Android Update Adds Soccer Hub, New Start Page
Opera has updated its Android browser with a new soccer hub and a refreshed start page. The soccer hub offers live scores and notifications, while the start page now includes a weather widget and customizable speed dial icons.