Author Archives: Derek Walter

It’s the quiet before the storm in the world of Android. Google I/O is next week, when we’re likely to hear more about Android O and other initiatives going on at the Googleplex. 

In the meantime, owners of the unlocked Galaxy S7 Edge and Huawei Wear both received their long-sought updates. Let’s get to the details.

Each week, we round up all the major software updates to hit the Android ecosystem, including phones and tablets on U.S. carriers, unlocked phones, smartwatches, and Android TV devices. Make sure your device is running the latest available software so you can enjoy new features—and fewer bugs and security holes.

Android Wear

Huawei Watch: One of the best watches from last year has been languishing without Android Wear 2.0 until it arrived this week. You get most of the cool Android Wear 2.0 features, like the on-device Play Store, redesigned interface, and swankier animations. You can check by going to Settings > About > System updates. Some were able to trigger the update by repeatedly tapping the green “System is up to date” screen. That trick didn’t work for me, so if you’re in the same situation you’ll just have to wait.

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The few Galaxy S8 and S8+ models that were seeing red shouldn’t do so for much longer. T-Mobile is the first to push out a fix for the strange tint that appeared on some users’ new phones.

It was a busy week for updates on other fronts, with the monthly patch out for Google’s devices and Nougat hitting a few more Samsung phones.

Each week, we round up all the major software updates to hit the Android ecosystem, including phones and tablets on U.S. carriers, unlocked phones, smartwatches, and Android TV devices. Make sure your device is running the latest available software so you can enjoy new features—and fewer bugs and security holes.

T-Mobile

Galaxy S8, S8+: Samsung has no room to play with fire (it never gets old) when it comes to a problem with its smartphones. So when some users reported a strange, red tint on the screen the company went into overdrive on a fix. After first rolling out in Korea, it’s now hitting stateside. T-Mobile has detailed an update for the S8 and S8+ that adds in two options to tweak the display color. Samsung says this should fix the issue, otherwise you may be able to get a replacement phone if you’re still unsatisfied.

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The Galaxy S8 and S8+ are already getting an update right out of the gate. Well, as long as you have the model for T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T. There are a variety of minor software bumps that ought to improve the experience for these rather excellent smartphones.

Each week, we round up all the major software updates to hit the Android ecosystem, including phones and tablets on U.S. carriers, unlocked phones, smartwatches, and Android TV devices. Make sure your device is running the latest available software so you can enjoy new features—and fewer bugs and security holes.

Verizon

Galaxy S8, S8+: The hottest Android devices out there are getting the latest security patch. It’s a nice touch, usually since so many devices tend to have to wait months for this. Verizon says that you’ll also see “subtle improvements” that improve the performance of the Infinity Screen.

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For a long time, it was unthinkable that there would be a better mapping solution than Google Maps.

It was so dominant, that when Apple switched over to its own mapping software with iOS 6, many went into a downright panic. It made the Android all that more appealing.

Then, along came Waze. The Israeli startup innovated in several ways that made Google Maps feel stale. Real-time traffic alerts from actual humans. Routing that can more intelligently direct you around backups. And a few drops of fun with some gamification and voice directions courtesy of a British boy band (more on that later). It was so good, that Google bought it. 

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Many of the most popular smartwatches have been languishing without the Android Wear 2.0 update. Google has finally chimed in with details about the timing of when the Huawei Watch, Moto 360 second-generation, and others may get their turn. 

Each week, we round up all the major software updates to hit the Android ecosystem, including phones and tablets on U.S. carriers, unlocked phones, smartwatches, and Android TV devices. Make sure your device is running the latest available software so you can enjoy new features—and fewer bugs and security holes.

Android Wear

Android Wear 2.0: A Googler took to an official Google support forum to shed some light on the holdup of Android Wear 2.0. 

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Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and S8+ are the hottest new pieces of hardware for Android fans, bringing some impressive specs and design.

But for many, it’s not always about getting the latest and greatest phone. They just want the latest build of Android for their existing handset. Many phones are finally getting that this week, ending what may have been an unpleasantly long wait.

Each week, we round up all the major software updates to hit the Android ecosystem, including phones and tablets on U.S. carriers, unlocked phones, smartwatches, and Android TV devices. Make sure your device is running the latest available software so you can enjoy new features—and fewer bugs and security holes.

To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here