Google’s 2nd-Gen Outdoor Nest Cam is on Sale for 20% LESS than its Usual Price
Android
Phandroid

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If you’re looking for a way to boost your home security system with smarter hardware, then you might want to check out this deal on the 2nd-gen Outdoor Nest Cam, which is currently going for 20% less at the moment. Google’s new base-model camera packs some pretty sweet features in addition to new AI-based surveillance. The new Google Nest Cam Outdoor comes with 2K HDR video and a wider field of view, in addition to encrypted video and a physical LED status indicator. Users can also pair the camera with a Google Home Premium subscription, which allows it to use Gemini AI for specific notifications and even lets users easy their video history using natural language queries to find specific events or summaries. Google Nest Cam Outdoor (Wired, 2nd Gen) - Security Camera with 2K Video... Meet the smarter, sharper wired Google Nest Cam Outdoor; with 2K HDR video and Gemini, it knows what to look out for and what...Stay in the know with always-on power: Nest Cam Outdoor keeps you plugged into home, day and night, with no need to recharge... SaleNote: this article may contain affiliate links that help support our authors and keep the Phandroid servers running.

Google Maps Gets Another AI-Powered Boost
Android
Phandroid

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Google recently announced that it’s bringing a major update to Maps via Gemini, which brings new and handy features to pedestrians and cyclists. More specifically, Gemini in navigation is now evolving into a more capable personal guide for those moving on bike or on foot. When walking, Gemini functions as a real-time walking tour guide, allowing users to engage in natural conversations to learn more about their surroundings, such as asking for the name of the neighborhood they are passing through. Gemini also uses real-world data within Google Maps to offer personalized suggestions; for instance, a user can ask for top-rated restaurants along their specific route and receive curated recommendations without needing to stop and type. As for availability, Google says that the new update will be available globally on both iOS and Android platforms in all regions where Gemini is currently supported.

The Redmi Turbo 5 Max Packs a Massive Battery
Android
Phandroid

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One of the best things about modern battery tech in smartphones is that manufacturers now have more hardware to play around with, and this has often resulted in some rather-impressive results. Take for example the new Redmi Turbo 5 Max, a China-exclusive device from Xiaomi that comes with a 9,000 mAh battery. In front, the phone comes with a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 3,500 nits and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. For cameras, you’re getting a 20MP selfie camera, and a main a dual-camera system with a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide lens. The phone runs on Android 16 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS skin on top, and is priced at CNY 2,499 (around $360) for the 12GB/256GB model.

DEAL ALERT: The Google TV streamer is Going for 20% LESS at the Moment
Android
Phandroid

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That said, one way to go about this is by using a streaming device such as the Google TV Streamer, which is currently on sale for 20% less than its usual price. It’s a plug-and-play affair and all you’ll need is an HDMI port on your TV, but what else does it come with? Google’s TV Streamer features a new design that shakes things up from its older Chromecast models, along with support for 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, 32GB of local storage, support for Gemini software features, compatibility with Matter devices, as well as other Google Home-supported hardware products. Google TV Streamer 4K - Fast Streaming Entertainment on Your TV with Voice... The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately) SaleNote: this article may contain affiliate links that help support our authors and keep the Phandroid servers running.

Spotify’s Built-in Messaging System Now Supports Group Chats
Android
Phandroid

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Spotify’s addition of in-app messaging a while back was probably one of the more unexpected surprises in tech that we saw last year. That in mind, Spotify has since added a few more tweaks since its introduction, the most recent being the addition of group chat support for messages. As noted by the platform, users can now send chats as well as share podcasts, playlists, and audiobooks with up to ten other people within a group chat. That’s why, starting today, you can now share to a group through Spotify Messages. The same user controls and safety functions for 1:1 messages are available for group chats.

Google quietly made a big change to the Pixel Tablet
Android
Android Police – Android news, reviews, apps, games, phones, tablets

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Remember the Google Pixel Tablet? The Pixel Tablet is a different story though, and it never really got off the ground for a number of reasons. 9to5Google spotted a small update to the Pixel Tablet support page that extends major software updates by two years. In total, Google will provide five years of updates, which means the Pixel Tablet will get guaranteed updates until June 2028. While the Pixel Tablet was good, there are much better options out there now from rivals like Samsung and OnePlus.

WhatsApp might soon let you pin more than 3 chats
Android
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WhatsApp will remain free for users that don't want to pay for it, but those willing to shell out extra cash per month might soon unlock additional WhatsApp customization options that aren't available to free users. But that's not the plan that's going to give users additional customization options. For reference, WhatsApp currently lets users pin three chats only. The 'premium' subscription will let users pin several more, though a number hasn't been given. Subscribe to our newsletter for WhatsApp strategy insight Want clearer insight into WhatsApp’s move toward paid tiers and customization options?

This simple trick transformed my disappointing Xteink X4 e-reader into a must-buy device
Android
Android Police – Android news, reviews, apps, games, phones, tablets

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I've spent the last few weeks really digging into the Xteink X4, a miniature e-reader that fits onto the back of your phone. As I expected, this $69 e-reader wasn't the best e-ink device I'd ever used, but neither was it absolutely hopeless. The Xteink X4 is now a must-buy for keen readers of every stripe. The Xteink X4 is now an excellent e-reader, and it's easy to recommend itI wasn't expecting much from the Xteink X4's software. I always have my Xteink X4 in my pocket, and I can dive in to my books whenever I have an idle moment.

Gemini will be your Google Maps companion, even if you're walking on cycling
Android
Android Police – Android news, reviews, apps, games, phones, tablets

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Google gave Maps' navigation a powerful AI boost with Gemini back in early November last year. That means Gemini for navigation is now rolling out to all wherever Gemini is available. This applies to both Android and iOS Google Maps users. If you’re cycling, Gemini gives you hands-free help so you can stay safe and focused on the road. Gemini for Google Maps walking and cycling is rolling out now to all Android and iOS users globally.

This super slim tracker works with Find Hub and Find My, but there's a problem
Android
Android Police – Android news, reviews, apps, games, phones, tablets

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Step forward the KeySmart Dual Band Smart Card, a tracker which works with both, doesn’t need an app of its own, and has wireless battery charging. All the key specsEverything you needThe KeySmart Dual Band Smart Card is ridiculously slim. Connecting the cardFuss-freeThe Dual Band Smart Card is primed for connection using a hidden button on the front. Available to buy nowThe KeySmart Dual Band Smart Card is available to buy from KeySmart now, and it costs $40. KeySmart Dual Band Smart Card The KeySmart Dual Band Smart Card is an item tracker shaped like a credit card, which operates with both Google's Find Hub and Apple's Find My services.

I'm tired of hearing that CarPlay is better when Android Auto does these 5 things right
Android
Android Police – Android news, reviews, apps, games, phones, tablets

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Accuracy and reliability can be subjective depending on your location, but Google Maps just has more geographic data to pull from. Better third-party app supportHe who has the most apps, commands the dashboardJust like with Google Assistant, Android Auto as a whole benefits from (much) better third-party app support. Subscribe to the newsletter for smart in-car tech insights Explore Android Auto vs. CarPlay and wider automotive tech by subscribing to the newsletter. Android Auto takes things a step further by showing you how fast you are going, and it can even alert you when you are speeding. Android Auto and CarPlay are close enough in features and experience that I don't think either one would be worth switching mobile ecosystems for.