Google has long been the default search engine on Galaxy handsets thanks to payments from Samsung. But with a revelation that Samsung was considering switching to Bing as the default search engine last month, that agreement appeared to be in jeopardy.
Now, according to sources familiar with the situation, Samsung has postponed an internal review of switching from Google to Bing, according to the Wall Street Journal (h/t: Reuters).
The outlet claims that Samsung initially thought about changing the default search engine in the Samsung Internet browser to Bing. According to reports, the business reasoned that since the majority of Samsung users already choose alternative browsers like Chrome, switching wouldn’t “significantly disrupt the status quo.
Why did Samsung changed its mind?
According to WSJ’s sources, the business chose to put a review on hold for the time being due to worries about how the switch would be seen by the market and how it would affect its relationship with Google.
According to the sources, Samsung isn’t totally ruling out switching to Bing. So it’s feasible that the business will examine the issue and change search providers in the future.
In any case, we can’t say that we’re shocked that Samsung has chosen to continue with Google. After all, Google has long been the Galaxy phones’ default search engine. Who knows, maybe Samsung got a better bargain as a result of this controversy.
Google won today’s game against the leakers. The Google Pixel Fold was presented for the first time by the business. This is actually the first time the business has ever used the term “Pixel Fold” in any official capacity.
The Google Pixel Fold debut event will take place at Google I/O 2023 on May 10, as anticipated. The Pixel Fold will officially launch next week, however the company did not specify a price or a start date for availability.
The Pixel Fold is depicted in the still image up top, and it fits all the stories we’ve heard thus far extremely well. The tweet from Google, however, demonstrates animations of the phone unfolding.
The Pixel Fold is depicted in the still image above, which accords quite well with all the speculations we have heard thus far. As you can see in the tweet below, Google also displayed animations of the phone unfolding. While May 4 is celebrated as an unofficial Star Wars holiday all around the world, the tweet’s clever message makes a play on the phrase “May The Force Be With You.”
Along with the tweet, the company also published a new Pixel Fold page at the Google Store. This page reveals the Google Pixel Fold launch details and gives folks interested in getting one the ability to sign up for alerts about its availability.
What else do we know about the Google Pixel Fold launch?
We can be sure that Google will introduce the Pixel Fold and Google Pixel 7a at Google I/O. There is a good probability that the Pixel Tablet will also make its formal debut, but Google hasn’t said anything about that just yet.
Several of the same features seen in the Pixel 7 Pro will probably also be found in the Pixel Fold. A triple-lens rear camera with wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses, the Tensor G2 SoC, a ton of Memory, a ton of storage, wireless charging, and more would be included. Of course, with all that power and the foldable design, the Pixel Fold will probably be incredibly pricey. As of now, reports point to a starting price of $1,799, the same as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4.
One of the easiest methods to increase the security of your user accounts is by using Google Authenticator. The ability to synchronize the 2FA generation between phones using the Google Account was recently enabled. Find out how to do it in the following stages.
Up until recently, it was not able to automatically synchronize the token creation between devices, which was one of the biggest drawbacks of utilizing Google Authenticator. Accounts in the app could be manually exported and imported, but users could momentarily lose access to their accounts if their phone was stolen or misplaced.
Synchronize 2FA codes between phones on Google Authenticator
The new automatic syncing relies on the Google Account associated with the device but is optional in case you don’t want to have your security codes synced on Google’s servers—especially since Google doesn’t enforce another type of confirmation before syncing as Authy does. Having said that here is how you start syncing 2FA tokens using Google Authenticator:
Update or install Google Authenticator (Android | iOS).
On the “Welcome” screen, select the Google account used to synchronize 2FAs.
If you skipped the account selection during the first run, activating syncing is as simple as switching an account on any other Google app:
Tap on the profile logo in the top right corner.
Select the Google Account to synchronize 2FA.
When the 2FA codes are synced with the Google Account, it is indicated in both instances by the green cloud icon in the top right corner. Simply choose the same Google account the next time you open Google Authenticator on a new phone to enable the 2FA generators.
How to stop syncing 2FA online on Google Authenticator
If you want to stop syncing code generation in the Google Authenticator, the steps are similar:
Tap on the profile picture in the top right corner.
Select Use without an account.
Confirm the action by tapping on the Continue button.
Tech companies are slowly starting to implement Passkeys to replace passwords and 2FAs, but two-factor authentication is not going away anytime soon apparently, with even fewer services supporting the new security standard.
The following free apps are available from Google Play Store to start a brand-new week. These apps are usually paid, but right now they are available for free for a certain period of time. In other words, installing these won’t cost you a single penny! Before they disappear, take advantage of these offers on your device.
Be aware that although these apps are currently advertised as being free, there is no way of knowing when these offers will stop. As a result, by the time you finish reading this page or attempt to download them, they may have changed to a paid status. This is problematic because there is no predetermined duration for app promotions on the Google Play Store and such offers may end without prior notice in the same amount of time they were added.
Here’s a tip: If you come across an app or game on our list that piques your interest but you don’t need it right now, why not install it first before deleting it from your device? Doing so will save that app to your app library, which you can install it later in the future when you need it. It’s a great way to take full advantage of short-lived promotions.
Android apps available for free for a limited time
Android apps for productivity and lifestyle
Identify Dog Breed Pro[3.8-stars / $0.99]: Ever wondered what breed that dog is at the park? Perhaps this app can help you out.
GPS Speed Pro[3.5-stars / $2.99]: An app that keeps track of you wherever you go, while showing your mileage and speed.
Android games
WeaponWar![4.1-stars / $0.99]: An intense clash of weapons, where you need to win more battles to earn additional upgrades which in turn, make you more powerful.
Infinity Dungeon 2[4.1-stars / $0.99]: Cute little characters make up your party of rag-tag warriors who need to defeat other enemies you encounter.
Coin Princess[4.5-stars / $0.99]: A horizontal RPG that requires you to explore castles and dungeons while attempting to remain alive.
Cartoonite Multiplayer Builds[4.1-stars / $0.99]: An innovative sandbox racing game that brings racing to a whole new level.
Evertale[4.6-stars / $0.99]: A monster-catching RPG where you need to train candidates from your bestiary to become the best in town.
Heroes Legend – Epic Fantasy[4.4-stars / $0.99]: What kind of team can you assemble to defeat everybody else that crosses your path?
Backrooms[4.5-stars / $0.99]: A first-person puzzler, try to escape from what looks like a crazy maze.
Everybody’s RPG[4.3-stars / $0.99]: A pixelated RPG game that brings back memories of old-school gaming, right on your smartphone.
Let’s have a look at some of the free apps and games on the Google Play Store. Now keep in mind that these apps typically have a price tag but are only free for a short period of time. This article will notify you of the special offers for paid apps that are completely free!
Please be aware that although these apps are advertised as being free at the time of publication, we are unable to predict when these offers will finish, so they may become paid by the time you read this post or attempt to download them. This is problematic because there is no predetermined duration for app promotions on the Google Play Store, and offers may end just as fast as they were placed without any warning.
If you come across an app or game on our list that piques your interest but you don’t need it right now, consider installing it and then deleting it from your device. This will save it to your app library, allowing you to install it again in the future when you need it. It’s a great way to take full advantage of short-lived promotions.
Android apps available for free for a limited time
Android apps for productivity and lifestyle
QR & Barcode Scanner Pro[4.8-stars / $1.99]: A separate app for those who do not want to settle for their stock QR and barcode scanner on their smartphones.
Speed View GPS Pro[4.9-stars / $1.49]: Track your speed, distance, time, location, and other metrics when you travel.
Electron Config Engine[4.4-stars / $2.49]: This is a good companion to have if you are learning chemistry.
Android games
Demon Warrior Premium[4.3-stars / $0.99]: Here is an anti-hero game, where you are in the race to be the best demon possible.
Burning Fortress 2[4.1-stars / $0.99]: Do you have what it takes to keep your fortress safe and sound from incoming enemies?
Rogue Hearts[4.1-stars / $0.99]: An isometric dungeon crawler that sees you survive using your gear, abilities, and wits.
Surface Trimino[4.1-stars / $0.99]: Your goal is to gain as much of the board’s surface as possible.
Monkey Go Happy[4.7-stars / $0.99]: Over 75 puzzles to solve, where you monkey around.
Missile Dude[4.7-stars / $1.99]: The more you progress, the bigger and more destructive your weapons get.
All apps on Google’s platform will be impacted by a new requirement that is being added to the Play Store. The goal of this new requirement is to provide people more control and privacy over their data.
All Google Play Store applications that currently support account creation will soon be required to support account deletion as well. The tech behemoth blogged about the new rule modification.
For apps that enable app account creation, developers will soon need to provide an option to initiate account and data deletion from within the app and online. This web requirement, which you will link in your Data safety form, is especially important so that a user can request account and data deletion without having to reinstall an app.
As the company mentions, the Data safety section in the Play Store already lets developers provide data deletion options. However, this move is meant to give users “an easier and more consistent way to request them.”
The developer will now have to remove the data connected to that account if you ask for your data to be erased. Hence, temporary account deactivation or deactivating will not be sufficient to comply with the new guideline. Developers must “clearly disclose those data retention procedures” if they need to retain data for justifiable purposes like fraud prevention or legal compliance.
It appears that the rule change won’t go into effect immediately, however. To give developers enough time to comply with the order, Google is rolling out the policy slowly.
As a first step, we’re asking developers to submit answers to new Data deletion questions in your app’s Data Safety form by December 7. Early next year, Google Play users will begin to see reflected changes in your app’s store listing, including the refreshed data deletion badge in the Data safety section and the new Data deletion area.
The company also notes that developers who need more time can file for an extension in Play Console until May 31, 2024.
Let’s start this brand-new week off by compiling a list of apps from the Google Play Store that are only accessible for a short period of time. You can find special offers for paid apps on this page without spending a dime.
Please be aware that although these apps are currently free, they may become paid by the time you read this post or attempt to download them because we are unsure of when these offers will expire. Because there is no predetermined duration for app promotions on the Google Play Store, bargains may be pulled just as quickly as they were published, which is terrible.
Here’s a good tip: If you see an app or game on our list that interests you but isn’t currently necessary, think about installing it and then removing it from your smartphone. This will add it to your app library so you may install it again whenever you need it in the future. It’s a fantastic technique to fully benefit from transient promotions.
Android apps for productivity and lifestyle
Pro MP3 Player QAMP[4.5-stars / $1.19]: Another versatile MP3 player just in case you want to spruce up your options.
Flashcards Club[3.9-stars / $3.99]: Create flashcards on the move with this app for easy teaching and learning.
500X Game Booster Pro[4.2-stars / $0.49]: Do you think your smartphone has what it takes to work to its maximum? Perhaps this app will be able to help you push out every single drop of performance.
Android games
Peppa Pig: Theme Park[3.9-stars / $3.99]: Let Peppa Pig keep your little ones entertained at a nearby theme park.
Concrete Defense 1940[4.0-stars / $0.99]: A tower defense title that takes place during World War II, so expect to see some old-school weaponry in action.
Shadow Knight: Ninja Fighting[4.4-stars / $0.99]: Do you want to earn the Shadow Legends title? Fight your way through hordes of enemies.
Defense Zone 3 Ultra HD[4.7-stars / $2.99]: Tower defense never looked so good on Android with this futuristic-looking title.
The Enchanted Worlds[4.4-stars / $2.99]: Find out uncle Henry’s secrets in this unique puzzle adventure title.
Angular Velocity Full[4.3-stars / $0.99]: In a physics-based world, the grappling hook is your only means of getting around. Will you swing correctly?
The Google Pixel family became some of the greatest Android phones for photography on the market for a number of years thanks to Google Camera and its post-processing algorithms, which clearly changed the game in terms of what we expect from smartphone cameras. That’s precisely why Google Camera ports for non-Google devices are so popular.
For practically every smartphone that supports the Camera2API, you may access Google’s improved HDR+ enhancement and its Portrait Mode by using the appropriate ported Google Camera software, also known by the community as simply “Gcam.” Google even released Google Camera Go, a condensed version of the Pixel’s Google Camera software that can be sideloaded on multiple devices without further tinkering. The “Go” version initially lacked the majority of the exciting features you’d find in the full-fledged app, but over the past few years, Google has been striving to add support for some of those cutting-edge capabilities.
Besides the Camera2 API, Google Camera also requires Google Play Services. The app will crash if you try to run it on a phone without Google Apps. You can, however, use MicroG or Gcam Services Provider to spoof Google’s proprietary libraries.
Download the most compatible APK file of the ported Google Camera from the next section and install it.
Either use one of the suggested versions for your device or pick one of the generic mods.
You may need to install additional XML configuration files.
Restart the app
List of devices that have known working Google Camera Ports
Devices from multiple OEMs having at least one functional Google Camera Port are listed below. We looked for the most reliable and well-liked versions. Although there may be “better” versions available, most users should be able to use the ports provided here. Please let us know in the comments area below if you believe that a device is missing or that a link needs to be updated.
Please take note that the gadgets below are displayed in name-alphabetical order. There’s a chance that some of the linked threads aren’t actually from the device forum. This is accurate because numerous ports function on a variety of devices. Simply said, we provided a link to a post where you could get the necessary APKs and configuration files.
How long have you been in love with your smartphone? The free apps of the week for this week are listed below if you feel the need to add a little more flair. We carefully examined the Google Play Store each week for apps that are free since you might wish to spice things up with your device.
These programs normally have a price, but for whatever reason, they are currently accessible to the general public for free for a brief period of time.
Every week, there will be two updates to this list of free apps: one at the start and one at the finish. The standard warning applies in this instance: although these apps were advertised as being free at the time of publication, by the time you read this post or use them, they may have changed to a paid version.
Since there is no set duration for the Google Play Store promotions on apps, they are difficult to spot and can be taken down from the list as quickly as they were added.
Temporary free Android apps on the Google Play Store
Android productivity/lifestyle apps that are temporarily free on the Google Play Store
Notes($5.49): Do you need yet another Notes app on your smartphone? Having more choices is always a good thing…
Rotation Control($0.99): Enjoy more flexibility when it comes to rotating your smartphone screen.
How Much Can I Spend?($2.99): A premium version of an app that helps you with your cash management. How apt.
Pro MP3 Player($1.19): A MP3 player that does not whip the llama’s ass…
500X Game Booster and GFX Pro($0.49): What are the odds of this actually working well, claiming to boost your smartphone’s performance.
Android mobile games that are temporarily free on the Google Play Store
Dungeon Shooter: Dark Temple($1.99): A FPS that lets you loot dungeons while ridding them of unsavory characters.
Paranormal Territory 2($0.99): Touted as a ‘test of courage’, this game aims to scare the crap out of you. Do you dare play it with the lights off while wearing a pair of headphones?
Dementia: Book of the Dead($0.49): An adventure game that explores the netherworld during medieval times.
A-2481($0.49): Another horror title where you try to uncover the horrors of military research.
World War 3 Tower Defense($0.99): This tower defense game peers into the future with unique weapons in the next world war.
The Google Pixel 7 Pro‘s display is simply beautiful. The curved AMOLED QHD+ 120Hz display is simply stunning. However, because it is curved, replacing it if it breaks or cracks can be quite expensive. Therefore, purchasing a screen protector is both a really smart idea and absolutely necessary.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top screen shields for the Google Pixel 7 Pro. So that you may protect that lovely display from scratches.
Best Google Pixel 7 Pro screen protectors
You can find the standard, inexpensive plastic screen protectors on this list. Several toughened glass screen protectors are also included. We would advise using tempered glass screen protectors. As they will feel identical to the display itself. Furthermore, they appear better. However, they might also cost more, so bear that in mind.
This screen protector is made of tempered glass, which has a 9H hardness rating. Therefore, it may sustain some harm without breaking your screen. Your phone’s glass screen will continue to feel as though it is unprotected. Additionally, they’ve made it really simple to install and prevent air bubbles.
Whitestone Dome Glass Screen Protector
The most costly screen protector on this list is the Whitestone Dome Glass, which isn’t surprising in all honesty. Its inclusion of a UV curing light, which aids in the screen protector’s adhesion to your phone, is a major factor in its high price. Because liquid dispersion technology is employed at Whitestone Dome.
This does make it possible to apply the screen protector correctly, without creating any air bubbles underneath it. They also come with a camera protector and two screen protectors.
IMBZBK Tempered Glass Screen Protector
A UV light is included in this additional tempered glass screen protector, much to the Whitestone Dome type, to ensure that it adheres to your screen properly. In addition, IMBZBK has provided three screen covers and three for your camera bar. This is significant since the camera bar is prone to scratching.
ArmorSuit MilitaryShield Screen Protector
The MilitaryShield from ArmorSuit is a crystal-clear HD screen protector. This model does not have toughened glass. This is the reason why a two-pack costs only $11 here. This does include a cutout for the front-facing camera, so taking selfies with it won’t be a problem.
OMOTON Clear Screen Protector
Because it is not made of tempered glass, this screen protector from OMOTON may be purchased in quantities of three for less than $7. Three screen protectors and two camera bar protectors are included. In order to keep your complete phone secure. It’s fantastic to see that here as usual. It’s crucial to note that the front camera is not cut out of this, so you’ll need to keep it clean to avoid having poor selfies.
Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector
This is one of the best screen protectors available right now, yet Spigen has recently entered the market. Spigen really provides the equipment you need to apply your screen protector flawlessly.
Actually, this is a different model than what is offered for the normal Pixel 7. This is because the Pixel 7 Pro has to be designed slightly differently because to its curved display. Here, the installation was also slightly different.
