Despite smartphones becoming a product that people all over the world use on an everyday basis, it can still be hard to back up critical data like text messages and to interface with these devices from our computers. Thankfully, there are apps and services like Transfer Companion and Droid Transfer that makes both of these tasks a breeze.
First, let’s take a look at Transfer Companion. This completely free Android app makes backing up your text messages and call logs extremely easy.
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
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The CNN Plus streaming service will shut down operations on April 28, 2022. The shutdown date is two days sooner than originally announced. The decision to close up shop came less than a month after the service launched on March 29. The service reportedly had less than 10,000 subscribers during its launch period. Updated, April 27, 2022 (05:12 PM ET): CNN Plus will be shutting down two days earlier than originally announced, on April 28, 2022.
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
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Google has released Android 12 beta 5. The stable Android 12 release will follow in the next few weeks. Beta 5 finalizes app-facing surfaces and behaviors. Google has released the last and final beta for Android 12. The latest update, just like the one before it, doesn’t add many new features as per what Google tells us.
The software reached platform stability with beta 4 and beta 5 is the release candidate.
Fitbit Listening to music or podcasts while out on a run or at the gym is a great way to pass the time. While you could choose to bring your phone along or listen to the gym’s terrible tracks, you could also directly connect your Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to some Fitbit smartwatches. But how do you do this? We explore the process below, uncover which devices support the feature, and more.
The Samsung Galaxy S20 smartphones have just been revealed. The latest flagship handsets from Samsung include powerful processors, lots of memory, huge camera improvements and much more. If you’re planning on picking up the S20 or one of its variants, you might want to also consider picking up some accessories to go with your new phone. Some might want to pick up some wireless headphones or earbuds, and others might want to grab a wireless charging pad.
Chrome OS has become a viable alternative to Windows and macOS, especially on the lower end of the market. Now, Google is giving us all an option to install Chrome OS on PC and Mac devices. Called Chrome OS Flex, this operating system allows Windows and Mac users to test out Chrome OS on their systems, or even install it. Want to give it a spin?
Read more: What is a Chromebook, and what can it do?
David Imel / Android Authority
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The Samsung Galaxy S21 renewed series is available now from Samsung.com. The devices have brand new parts, brand new boxes, and come with the same warranty as new phones. Pre-orders made before April 22 will get an extra $100 in Samsung credit. If you’re one of those folks, we have some great news: Samsung Galaxy S21 renewed phones are now available directly from Samsung.
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
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Pixel feature drops are now supported within the beta channel for Pixel smartphones. The June 2022 drop is already here for Pixel 4 and newer devices. Interestingly, this means Pixel 6 owners can get the June drop before even having the March drop. Earlier this week, Google pushed its tenth quarterly feature drop for Pixel smartphones. As usual, the drop included new features and bug fixes.
Ryan-Thomas Shaw / Android Authority
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A new exposé report shows how an Israeli security company uses mobile ads to compromise smartphone security. By using data gleaned from app developers, the company can locate smartphone users with accuracy as high as just one meter off. There’s nothing technically illegal about the practice, it seems, but it does raise some eyebrows. A new report from Forbes reveals that an Israeli company called “Bsightful” uses mobile ads in a devilishly clever way.
For those who do not know, Android Auto, is a car information/entertainment system, that allows car owners to connect to their Android devices. Then, through the car’s dashboard unit, Android Auto provides access to compatible apps, as well as data and features on the device. Android Auto provides a means for users to answer and make calls using voice commands, receive and have messages read to them, dictate and send new messages, as well as access to the device’s maps and navigation.