Columbus, OH

Google has a post up on its security blog that is half advertisement and half PSA-style announcement for Android users: go into your settings and turn off the "Allow 2G" toggle. This option, added in Android 12 back in 2021, does exactly what it sounds like: it turns off support for 2G cellular networking. Why would you want to do that? Because attackers are using the insecure 2G protocol to spoof phone numbers and send SMS spam.

Google Sounds Urgent Warning To Kill This Setting On Your Android Phone

Your Android phone is about to get an AI-powered anti-theft upgrade that can keep your personal information safe. In May of this year, Google teased a new Theft Detection Lock tool for Android phones. Expected to debut with Android 15, the feature would sense a device's motion -- such as someone snatching a phone and then running, biking, or driving away -- and immediately lock the screen, Google said.

Your Android phone is getting an anti-theft upgrade, thanks to AI. How it works

The US Sun

GOOGLE Maps help make directions to destinations much easier. However, if a user tries to view a home or property, they might be out of luck as some houses are blurred on the site. Why are some houses blurred out on Google Maps? Google Maps offers a number of options to make travel and navigation […]

Why are some houses blurred out on Google Maps?

The Chipolo One Point and Card point are available for preorder starting at $28. It's highly accurate, robust, and integrates well into the Google ecosystem. But it's only splashproof and the card version has a non-user-replaceable battery. AirTags are one of those things that have set the Apple ecosystem apart...

These are the AirTags that Android users have been waiting for

Android Police

Motorola has an excellent lineup of budget phones that don't have a complicated UI. These phones are great for the minimalist user who only wants an everyday smartphone. Still, Motorola phones are subject to bloatware apps you may not need on your phone. These apps take up storage space or slow it down. This guide reviews all the unnecessary apps you can safely delete on your Moto G Stylus 5G.

All the apps you can safely uninstall on your Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)

MORE smartphones have started receiving an important Android update from Samsung. The tech firm is rolling out some crucial security repairs this month. Samsung regularly pushes out new software to address any recently discovered flaws or stability issues. So don’t expect any fancy features to arrive with this latest update. Instead, it addresses 50 security […]

Samsung rolls out important free Galaxy upgrade to more phones with a ‘crucial security update’ – see the full list

As cameras and listening devices have become smaller and more affordable, there's a growing fear that this technology could be used to spy on us and our families. This fear, stoked by high-profile news stories, has generated a market for anti-spy devices. More recently, I've noticed that social media is...

I recommend this $50 anti-spy camera finder and bug detector to anyone traveling

Say you're watching an edgy new streaming series and find yourself turning up the volume for every scene where two actors are engaged in a dramatic dialogue. It seems like both characters are whispering -- until an explosion happens on screen, and the sound is the opposite, almost deafening. Also:...

TV dialogue hard to hear? 3 ways to improve your audio - and 2 are free

ANOTHER batch of Samsung smartphones will start to receive an important free upgrade today in the latest fix for Android. The South Korean tech giant routinely issues new software to address any recently discovered flaws or stability problems. So don't expect any new apps or features to appear. This latest...

Popular Samsung smartphones receive important free upgrade today after Google finds ‘critical’ Android threat

Android phone in a bit of a lull? Before you give it a kick and toss, a small change here and some optimization over there can dramatically improve the speed, performance, and efficiency of your smartphone. I do this on my LG K41S every few months and they really do...

8 Tricks That'll Give Your Old Android Phone Another Year of Life (Or More)

9to5Google and Android Central point out that after Google announced its new Pixel 9 lineup with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, its store listing for the original foldable Pixel phone went away. However, Android Central has heard from Google that it will return after the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s launch,...

The original Pixel Fold has disappeared from the Google Store, but it’s coming back.

CYBERSECURITY experts have uncovered a mobile spyware application targeting Android smartphones. The malware hides itself on the home screen and operates stealthily in the background, managing to “steal” confidential data and monitor user activity. The rise of smartphones has also led to a rise in hackers, who, in turn, create apps designed to steal sensitive […]

Terrifying Android ‘spy app’ hides itself on your phone and records screen as experts reveal list of rules to stay safe

The JBL Clip 5 is available for $79 on Amazon. This small speaker packs a serious punch, and can easily last up to 12 hours on a full charge. Its audio can be a bit compressed, and the lows aren't very deep. I've tested a lot of Bluetooth speakers over...

This Bluetooth speaker produces booming sound and fits in the palm of your hand

Thinking about joining Costco? Or, have you been sharing a membership card with your parents or friends? Now that Costco is starting to crack down on membership sharing (in the coming months, the stores will start scanning cards at the entrance and requiring the member to be present), it's a good time to invest in your own. And with this deal, when you buy a one-year Gold Star membership through Stack Social, you'll get a $20 gift card, totally free. That essentially reduces your membership cost to just $40 for the year. (If you prefer the top-tier Costco Executive Gold Star membership, you can get a $40 gift card right now with your membership, too.)

Buy a Costco membership and get a free $20 gift card - here's how

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WyoFile

The woman who shot a video of a hydrothermal explosion in Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday morning told WyoFile she and her family were terrified as the blast sent boiling water and rocks skyward, destroying parts of a boardwalk, its guardrail and a nearby bench.

Yellowstone hydrothermal explosion: ‘We were terrified’

Google unveiled the Pixel 9 series, Pixel Watch 3 series, and Pixel Buds 2 Pro at the Made by Google event, with Gemini stealing the spotlight. Gemini is the default AI assistant on the Pixel 9 series, promising smarter, more intuitive AI interaction tailored to users' needs. Google plans to...

The Google Assistant era is over

Solar-powered power banks seem like a fantastic idea -- attach some solar panels to a power bank, and you have a free power source whenever the sun is shining. However, the reality is different from this idyllic vision of limitless energy. Also: The best portable power stations you can buy:...

Why you should stop using your solar-powered power bank

Google is preparing to introduce a new threat detection feature for its Android 14 and 15 operating systems by the end of this year. This innovative feature aims to enhance device security by preventing unauthorized access in the event of theft or snatching. When the device detects suspicious activity, such as being grabbed and the thief running or driving away, it will automatically lock the screen. To regain access, the legitimate user must enter a passcode that was set up during the initial SIM activation.

Google to launch threat detection AI powered feature to all Android phones

The Lorex 2K Wi-Fi video doorbell is available for $180. The doorbell comes in wired and wireless installations, communicates reliably, and includes a preinstalled 32GB microSD card for local storage so you can bypass subscription fees. Although it has a 2K resolution, the image is so wide angle that objects...

Better than Ring? This video doorbell has all the benefits and none of the monthly fees

With some colleges and universities' fall semesters already underway and many K-12 schools returning before (or shortly after) Labor Day, students of all ages will soon return to their desks five days a week. Also: These 5 gadgets are the college essentials you'll actually reach for. But if you're looking...

Heading back to school? Don't miss Samsung student savings on laptops, tablets, and more

NewsBreak

Offline Google Maps comes to WearOS - how to check if your watch has it

If you use Google Maps on your smartwatch, there's a useful new feature you need to know about. Thanks to a recent update, you can use...

Offline Google Maps comes to WearOS - how to check if your watch has it

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