Google’s Pixel 5 has only improved over time, with better performance on Android 12. The phone’s compact size, symmetrical bezels, and distinctive feel make for a compelling formula that the company should bring back. From time to time, I’ll grab a random device out of the Verge reviews closet and spend a week or two with it. It’s mostly out of random curiosity and for the sake of comparing “old” products against the latest and greatest. Most recently, I
Brooke Minters Joins The Verge as Editorial Director for Audio; Alex Cranz Becomes Official Co-host of The Vergecast
The Verge’s decade-old flagship podcast will also expand to two episodes a week Brooke Minters has joined The Verge as editorial director for audio, overseeing its podcast operation, Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel today announced. In her new role, Minters will develop The Verge’s audio slate, launching new shows and
Google’s Pixel Watch will reportedly have an Apple-like range of straps
A new rumor says that Google is making as many as seven watch straps for its forthcoming Pixel Watch. That’s because it’s opting for proprietary watch straps — a choice that could prove risky. Any modern smartwatch worth its salt comes with swappable straps. So it’s no surprise that Google is reportedly working on a number of strap options for its forthcoming Pixel Watch. According to 9to5Google, the company is making at least seven
It’s okay if the Pixel Watch only manages a day of battery life
A new report claims that Google’s forthcoming Pixel Watch will "only" get 24 hours of battery life. While that’s nowhere close to fitness trackers, it’s actually pretty standard for a full-featured flagship smartwatch. While Google confirmed last month that a Pixel Watch is on its way, there’s still a lot we don’t know about the device, like its hardware specs. The rumor mill has been buzzing, however, and the gist is the device will purportedly feature a
Google’s ‘premium’ Pixel Tablet sure doesn’t look very premium
Google has provided a tease of its new Pixel Tablet coming next year, which is said to be a companion to its Pixel line of phones and a premium, large-screened device. But from what we’ve seen so far, it’s hard to find the premium side of it. Big white bezels. Matte, looks-like-plastic back. Thick profile. 2023. Android. That’s about all we know about Google’s forthcoming Pixel Tablet, which the company teased during its keynote presentation for the I/O 2022 developer conference this
Adding physical buttons to Fitbit’s next-gen devices is a smart idea
After numerous complaints, a new leaked photo of the Fitbit Versa 4 indicates that the physical side button may return for its next-gen wearables — and that would be an excellent idea. To button, or not to button? When it comes to wearables, the answer is you should always opt for physical buttons. And while they’re abundant on smartwatches, fitness trackers tend to favor touchscreens and capacitive buttons. But it looks like
Tone-deaf Samsung ad is a reminder that smartwatch safety still has a ways to go
Samsung has apologized for its "Night Owls" ad that depicts a woman running alone at 2AM with her Galaxy Watch 4. However, the ad is a good reminder that smartwatch emergency safety features still have several limitations. Samsung is under fire for a recent ad depicting a woman wearing a Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Buds running alone in the middle of a city at 2AM. Critics have called the ad both “unrealistic” and “tone-deaf” in the wake of the murder of Ashling
Samsung getting rid of the rotating bezel would be a stupid, stupid, stupid idea
A new Galaxy Watch 5 rumor says that Samsung may jettison the Classic model — and potentially the popular physical rotating bezel. Doing so would be a huge mistake. While we’re likely months away from seeing Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 lineup, a disturbing report is making its way around the smartwatch rumor mill. According to a SamMobile report, Samsung is considering ditching the Classic model — and
Why we can’t record mobile phone calls — and why we should be able to
Wary of legal ramifications, and completely ignoring the needs of their customers, both Apple and Google have made it nearly impossible to record any calls made by their phones in the US. Several years ago, I had to deal with a situation that may be familiar to a lot of people: I was slammed with a series of high medical bills that had been denied by the insurance company. The doctor was in network, but according to the insurance
Google says attackers worked with ISPs to deploy Hermit spyware on Android and iOS
Researchers at Google’s Threat Analysis Group say attackers are working with internet service providers to deploy the commercial-grade Hermit spyware on both Android and iOS devices. A sophisticated spyware campaign is getting the help of internet service providers (ISPs) to trick users into downloading malicious apps, according to research published by Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG) (via TechCrunch). This corroborates
Apple Music’s student plan is getting more expensive in the US, UK, and Canada
Apple Music is increasing the price of its subscription for students in the US, UK, and Canada. Students in the US and Canada now have to pay $5.99 / month, while subscribers in the UK will have to pay £5.99. Apple Music has raised the subscription price of its student plan in the US, UK, and Canada, as first reported by 9to5Mac (via TechCrunch). While it’s increasing the price from $4.99 to $5.99 / month in the US and Canada, student users in the UK