They have not yet set a final date, but they told us it will discontinue in July 2026. For those not paying attention to the calendar, we are now in the month of July.

At the time, Samsung explained that this would be an “upgrade” to Google Messages and that it should help “maintain a consistent messaging experience on Android.” On a landing page to showcase the change, they mention the powerful scam and spam detection of Google Messages, that it has full support for RCS, that Gemini is built-in, and you can switch chats between multiple devices.

While Google Messages is indeed a solid texting experience, not all Samsung Messages users were happy about the news. There were a number of complaints about missing features from one app to the other and Google has only added a small amount of them since the news dropped. One of those features is Chat Themes, which just arrived this week.

For those looking at the best Samsung Messages alternative, Google Messages really is the only true option. Most 3rd party text messaging apps on Android do not have RCS support, so if you choose one of those over Google Messages, your messaging experience will be lacking.

If you have not yet made the switch, you might want to. Or you can hold out until the last minute. Do you, friend.

Google Play Link: Google Messages

Read the original post: The Final Days of Samsung Messages

With Android 17 here, Google has started regularly making UI-related tweaks to improve the look of the latest in Android. We saw them add more blur and improve the dark theme, plus they have other plans to further adjust Material 3 Expressive and give us some wild new color controls.

In this new build, they’ve started tweaking pop-up menus by making them cleaner and more minimal. In the image below of the Wallpaper & Style pop-up on the home screen, you may notice that the space between each option has been removed and the menu is now one solid bubble. The only complaint I have here is that the text looks more like a headline, but they are actually tappable.

Another new feature comes through Android’s Health Connect. When you first boot QPR1 Beta 6, a notification will inform you that Health Connect now “tracks and stores activity data such as steps, distance, and calories.”

Hows the newest beta running on your Pixel?

Read the original post: Here’s Two Neat Changes in Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6

The update will be available today as build CP31.260618.005 for the Pixel 6 up through the Pixel 10 series, including the Pixel 10a. This update brings the QPR1 beta to Platform Stability as we get close to a public release.

The best way to get this update is through the Android Beta Program (sign-up). If you are into flashing images, there are OTA images available (here) too.

As for Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6 bug fixes, they are as follows:

• Users were unable to select multiple spell checker languages. (Issue #147312111)
• Pressing the device volume buttons within the Clock app failed to trigger the expected user interface actions. (Issue #527400457, Issue #527395501, Issue #524895625)
• Rapidly swiping through the media carousel caused visual glitches in the Quick Settings layout and settings icon by improving animation and layout state handling during rapid transitions. (Issue #514947195)
• An issue in WindowManagerGlobal that resulted in app crashes. (Issue #516639947)
• Enabling the Wi-Fi hotspot displayed a generic default SSID instead of the user’s saved custom name. (Issue #485168823)

We’ll let you know if new features are included.

// Google

Read the original post: Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6 Update For Pixel Phones Just Dropped

We have gone ahead and linked to a few of the videos that Samsung crossposted to YouTube. They’re cute.

Again, if you want to see what the phone looks like, here you go.

Squeegee

Puzzle

Chocolate

For a look at all of the teasers, check the @SamsungMobile account or view the YouTube page.

Read the original post: Samsung Begins Teasing ‘New Shape’ for Galaxy Z Fold 8

Every time one of the big three US wireless carriers does something anti-consumer, I see the forums and reddit threads fill up with, “My loyalty means nothing.” You are correct – it means nothing.

Those who feel hurt by a price increase after decades of loyal service can’t believe that they would be treated as nothing more than a number. I find that shocking, but it’s also not that surprising. When we spend the amount of money and time that we do attached to a single company, you start to view them as an extension of you. They become a piece of your personality, your own brand, and maybe even develop a sense of pride for being connected to them. It’s weird, but we see it all of the time. Look at iPhone owners who still can’t fathom the idea of Android ownership.

The latest industry price increase comes from T-Mobile who is forcing a ton of their legacy – most loyal – customers off of older plans and onto their current line-up of Experience plans. There’s no opt-out or opportunity to choose something else. Instead, T-Mobile is just moving them within the next couple of weeks.

Of course, with this move, all of those customers will pay more than they were previously. For some, it will be by as much as $6 per line per month. For accounts with 4 or 5 or 6+ lines, this is a significant increase.

The response to this forced move has been like we saw when Verizon raised rates last year and the year before. We also saw it when Verizon decided to rip away loyalty discounts that so many customers had taken advantage of in order to reduce their monthly bills. Thankfully, they brought those back.

Long-time T-Mobile customers have taken to reddit to point out that their supposed lifetime price guarantees don’t seem to matter, that 20+ years of dedicated payments ended up meaningless, etc. They are done and ready to move on and to finally look elsewhere. The previous price increases didn’t do it, but this one will, they say.

Thankfully, I’ve seen just as many or more start to point out that you should never be loyal to these mega-corporations. It almost makes me proud to see even more suggest switching to competitors or (finally) testing out the prepaid options we keep telling you all to switch to. Look, if you are going to give Verizon or T-Mobile money, wouldn’t you at least rather it be $15 each month vs. $85?

Switching between carriers is easier than ever these days. For one, they all offer free trials on some level. Verizon and T-Mobile offer 30-day trials on both iOS and Android, while AT&T still weirdly only does it on iOS. These are excellent ways for you to test another network before committing. We have a full guide on wireless carrier free trials that you should look at.

Most of these carriers and the various prepaid options out there let you move numbers and get setup via eSIM within a matter of minutes. The process is not difficult and you could easily be using another network and saving money within an hour. Sticking with a carrier after multiple rounds of price increases is foolish in 2026. You can save money today by going elsewhere, because again, you owe nothing to your carrier and they’ll reciprocate that thought.

Stop being loyal to your wireless carrier. Test the waters elsewhere, find a better deal, and don’t be afraid to move when the time comes. Technology has improved over the years, your phone is capable, and you should do your best to own your wireless experience.

Read the original post: Your Loyalty to Verizon and T-Mobile is Meaningless

There may be a never-ending string of summer time deals to consider, but I still think the first place you should look is at a wireless prepaid sale. Companies like Mint Mobile and Visible are the two we tell you about most often because they are owned by big carriers, yet still manage to act like up-and-coming prepaid options that are ridiculously affordable.

Wireless plans from carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile never get cheaper if bought directly. In fact, they almost always get more expensive, like we saw this week from T-Mobile, who forced a bunch of loyal customers onto more expensive plans they didn’t want.

The Deal: Any Plan, $15/Month

If you truly want to save money in wireless (and you should want to), the new Mint Mobile promotion is really hard to beat. Mint Mobile is currently offering their 50% off plan deal, which gets you onto their Unlimited plan for $15 per month.

To be clear, all of Mint’s plans are $15/month right now, so the breakdown looks like this:

• 6GB Plan – $15/mo
• 17GB Plan – $15/mo (Normally $20/mo)
• 23GB Plan – $15/mo (Normally $25/mo)
• Unlimited Plan – $15/mo (Normally $30/mo)

Because Mint Mobile is really going for it with this promo, the prices are $15/mo for any length of time. You could sign-up for 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month plans and the price ends up being $15/mo.

The Catch: What You Need to Know

Mint Mobile makes this all super simple and doesn’t really hide any secrets from you. The biggest catch with their plans is that you have to prepay for a specific number of months. You can’t just sign-up and pay for 1 month and then decide to continue on. However, the plans are so cheap, I don’t think you’ll mind.

What that looks like is an upfront payment for 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month plans. Out of pocket, you would pay $45, $90, or $180 today to lock in the price. Obviously, you aren’t paying $15 today, but the average per month comes down to that $15/mo price.

Other things you need to know:

• T-Mobile’s network: Since T-Mobile owns Mint Mobile, you get to use their network when you sign-up. I’d argue that T-Mobile has the best network in the US right now, so this is actually a major benefit.
• Unlimited plan features: Should you choose the Unlimited plan, you’ll get unlimited data, mobile hotspot included (it uses your unlimited data), free calling to Mexico/Canada/UK, and unlimited talk and text.
• Unlimited data throttled at 50GB: While the plan is technically “unlimited,” you know that there are always limits in this industry. Mint Mobile has currently set their Unlimited plan at a 50GB data cap, where they may throttle your speeds during a billing cycle if you use more than that.
• No retail stores, eSIM access: When you sign-up with Mint Mobile, you do so via their mobile app on Android or iOS. There isn’t a physical store for you to walk into, so everything is done via app. When you choose a plan, you simply activate through the app and then an eSIM downloads to your phone to give you service within a few minutes.

And that’s it.

I used Mint Mobile for almost all of the past year and had zero complaints. It saved me a ton of money and still gave me access to T-Mobile’s excellent network. I’m now with Visible, but my reason there isn’t one most people will run into. Mint Mobile didn’t like the fact that I switched phones on a weekly basis, while Visible doesn’t care. For normal people, this shouldn’t be an issue. I would still be with Mint if not for my weird circumstance.

Sign-up for Mint Mobile

Read the original post: Mint Mobile Just Dropped a 50% Off Unlimited Deal

For those that live inside of an area supported by AT&T Fiber, it’s a very easy process to add home internet to your plan. For those living outside Fiber coverage, AT&T offers Internet Air, which is home internet provided by the carrier’s 5G network.

Pricing will begin at $70/mo for your wireless plan and home internet. That’s $15/mo for the connection, $20/mo for unlimited data, plus $35/mo for Internet 300 (lowest tier offered currently) or Internet Air. This price includes a $5/mo Autopay discount.

For more details, see AT&T’s full press release by following the link below.

// AT&T

Read the original post: AT&T Expands Build-A-Plan to Include Fiber Home Internet

In a post sent out to media, Samsung says that, “This approach reflects a broader shift in how Samsung is telling the story this year. Instead of focusing on features or specifications from the outset, the campaign leans into storytelling inspired by familiar cultural touchpoints, inviting the audience to participate in the mystery and have fun decoding the clues together.”

Specifically, with its feeds now wiped, Samsung will begin posting teasers that users can speculate with. However, there will be “recurring shapes and patterns,” allowing any true detectives (or anyone who reads an Android blog) to piece together what is coming.

The funny part is, thanks to countless leaks we have already seen, anyone who cares enough knows exactly what is coming. Next month, Samsung will announce the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip 8, and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. It really doesn’t need to be a mystery, but I appreciate Samsung’s desire to try something fresh.

Keep an eye on @SamsungMobile and @SamsungMobileUSA for the teasers.

Read the original post: Samsung Just Wiped Its Instagram Feed

Today, Clicks finally gave us a video demo of a working unit, which is noteworthy because Clicks had yet to produce any working device up until this moment. All previously seen Clicks Communicator devices were just dummy units with mockups on their screens.

The video posted today dives into the a bit of the home screen experience, which so far just looks like Niagara Launcher in its normal form. The tour just shows you how to use Niagara Launcher, an app you can install and use in the same way today through Google Play (here). It’s a great launcher, by the way.

The video also shows a call coming through, the flashlight working, Spotify playing music through the speakers, and the keyboard doing what a physical keyboard does – type.

On a hardware front, we get a look at the fingerprint reader that’s built into the space bar, plus the location of the SIM and SD card slots. To access those, you remove the back of the phone, which is a feature for customizing the look of the Clicks Communicator, since it has swappable backs.

It’s a short demo, but it does at least give us some hope that this thing might launch this year as has been promised.

Does this look like a $500 phone?

Read the original post: Clicks Communicator Gets First Working Demo

Inside Signatures, you can store your autograph/signature for placing into documents and apps. Users can also utilize initials, along with plenty of font options and even photos of your signatures via an upload.

Within the app you’ll be able to manage all of your signature variations, upload new versions, and delete the ones you no longer utilize.

This is part of the June Google Play system update, meaning so long as your Android phone is running that, you should have the app. You won’t need to wait on your specific OEM to ship it.

// Android Authority

Read the original post: Native ‘Signatures’ App Coming to Android

Z Fold 8 Ultra is essentially the same body (ratio wise) as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 — it’s tall and skinny, like a giraffe. Z Fold 8, on the other hand, is shorter and wider. If you already own a Galaxy S26 Ultra or Z Fold 7, this visual aid should be somewhat helpful to you.

Honestly, we here at DL are quite exited for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (wide body). As consumers, it will be nice to have yet another option to purchase, but keep in mind the two devices will differ quite a bit. The camera setup will be different, as well as the battery size.

Which device are you gravitating towards?

// @UniverseIce

Read the original post: Visualized: Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Z Fold 8 vs. S26 Ultra

The updates are minor as you might expect and simply provide the “most up to date Android security patches for your device.” Samsung has rolled out big One UI 8.5 updates in recent weeks, so we’re now onto smaller patches for a bit until we get Android 17 in the coming months.

The full list of builds and devices can be found below:

• Galaxy Z Fold 5: F946USQS8GZF1
• Galaxy Z Flip 5: F731USQS8GZF1
• Galaxy Z Fold 4: F936USQSAIZF1
• Galaxy Z Flip 4: F721USQSAIZF1
• Galaxy S24 Ultra: S928USQS6DZF2
• Galaxy S24+: S926USQS6DZF2
• Galaxy S24: S921USQS6DZF2
• Galaxy S23 Ultra: S918USQS8FZF5
• Galaxy S23+: S916USQS8FZF5
• Galaxy S23: S911USQS8FZF5
• Galaxy S22 Ultra: S928USQS6DZF2
• Galaxy S22+: S906USQSAGZF3
• Galaxy S22: S901USQSAGZF3

To check for updates on Samsung phones, head into Settings>Software update>Download and install.

// Verizon

Read the original post: Final Batch of Samsung June Updates Arrived

If you happen to subscribe to Google AI Pro or Ultra, you should have access today on your personal Gmail account. Google did announce Gmail Live as a part of a Workspace blog, so if you have AI Pro or Ultra with your Workspace account, feel free to go looking for it.

You’ll know if Gmail Live is active when you open Gmail and see the Live icon in your “Ask Gmail” search box. Tapping that will open the experience, where it’ll ask you to “Start talking to Gmail.”

What’s the point of Gmail Live? It’s yet another way to talk to Gemini to help you get information without having to type, all while speaking more naturally. Because it has access to your Gmail inbox, it basically knows everything about you and should be able to grab information from long ago or that may have arrived recently.

Google suggests you use it by asking for information about upcoming events where you may need to bring items, to easily find flight numbers, that sort of thing. Since I have access, I asked it about recent orders for pickleball paddles that I sold, about a location my family and I went on vacation last year and if there were emails with promotions, and about my kid’s upcoming swim schedule changes.

After spending all of 5 minutes with Gmail Live, this feels like a forced AI moment in a place that I’m not sure we need it. I get the idea of a powerful voice search, but talking to an AI agent as if they were a person, just to fetch basic info from my inbox seems mostly pointless. The responses I got in this “beta” version didn’t do much for me aside from provide basic recap-style info. I’m sure it’ll improve. Who needs water.

Let us know if you have Gmail Live and what you think.

Read the original post: Gmail Live Just Arrived on Android and iOS

Evidence within the latest Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5 that rolled out last week to the entire Google Pixel line-up has a feature that is currently called “Photo shuffle.” This is a “Shuffle your wallpaper” experience where you can “Create an album of your favorite people & pets to auto-refresh your wallpaper.”

This sounds like a nice upgrade over the current wallpaper refresh tool on Pixel phones that only works in a limited way if you choose a wallpaper Collection. This new “Photo shuffle” would allow you to get creative, choose the people and pets you would like to see, and set a specific time when the wallpaper shuffles.

Since it mentions your favorite people and pets, I’d imagine this will connect to Google Photos to be able to easily pull those types of photos in. As you know, Google Photos can already organize and label people and pets from your entire library with quick shortcuts for accessing them.

Behind-the-scenes code points to a way to change wallpapers on tap, hourly, daily, or with sunrise/sunset.

For those not familiar with this feature on an iPhone, it works in a similar way. When you “Add New Wallpaper” to an iPhone, there is a “Photo Shuffle” option that lets you select “People & Pets,” “Nature,” and “Cities.” You can also specify an Album, set the shuffle frequency, use feature photos, or choose each photo manually.

Android 17 QPR1 is in Beta 5 and this feature is not currently live for you to use. Since the code and feature are starting to show up, though, this could be something we see Google launch when QPR1 goes stable in September.

Is this the feature of your Pixel dreams?

// Android Authority

Read the original post: iPhone Photo Shuffle May Come to Google’s Pixel

Facebook announced the feature this morning, saying that WhatsApp was introducing usernames and that you could reserve now, assuming you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your phone (both Android and iOS).

The actual rollout of custom usernames on WhatsApp will happen later this year, but reservations are happening now and some creators, businesses, and organizations can have their usernames match those on Instagram and Facebook.

How to reserve your WhatsApp username

1. To reserve your WhatsApp username, you need to be on the latest version of the app (iOS, Android)
2. Once updated, you’ll open WhatsApp and head into Settings > Account > Username
3. In the app, you’ll walk through a process that lets you create a username or to use the username you have on Instagram or Facebook.
4. Once complete, WhatsApp will confirm that you have reserved the name and that people will soon be able to connect with you via that name rather than by phone number.

WhatsApp wasn’t very specific on rollout timing, only saying “later this year” and “over the coming months.”

// Facebook

Read the original post: WhatsApp Now Letting You Reserve a Username