You Can Now Create Your Own Custom Android Mascot

Quick Links You can now create your own version of the Android mascot known as “The Bot.” By choosing the material, clothing, accessories, and props, you can customize The Bot to your heart’s content. Google Wants You to Create Your Own Android Mascot In February 2024, Google launched a simple web tool allowing you to create your own Android bot. This isn’t a “bot” in the AI sense of the word but rather a customized version of the mascot synonymous with Google’s mobile operating system since 2007....

August 2, 2025 · 3 min · 531 words · Michael Kaufman

YouTube moves to AV1 by default to the dismay of some Android users

As video continues to evolve, the demand for new technology to handle its complexity is growing. With the arrival of 4K video, for example, developers quickly became aware that existing video codecs like H264 were no longer going to cut it. To that extent, AV1 has started to become the popular standard for decoding and encoding on devices. Now, Google is ready to adapt to the changing times, and it will soon be reflected onYouTube....

August 2, 2025 · 2 min · 348 words · Erica Reed

7 Signs Your Apple Watch May Have Suffered Water Damage

While the Apple Watch is built with water resistance capabilities, it still cannot cheat nature. Liquids, especially water, remain a paramount enemy of electronic devices, including the best Apple Watch models, as they may still suffer water damage. On that note, here are some signs that your Apple Watch may have suffered water damage. 1. Condensation Under the Screen Condensation is a very common sign of water damage in many devices....

August 1, 2025 · 3 min · 626 words · Carla Davis

9 Ways You Can Actually Use and Enjoy AI Art

Art made by robots doesn’t have to be soulless—sometimes it’s just plain fun. If you haven’t dabbled in AI art yet, or you have but don’t know what to do with it, there are some surprisingly practical and fun ideas to get you started. While I won’t be diving into prompting ideas, if you need help generating images, check out our separate guide ontips for creating great AI art. 9Print and Frame for Wall Art If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank patch of wall thinking, “Something should really go there,” AI art might be just the thing to fill that void....

August 1, 2025 · 9 min · 1765 words · David Becker

Another US Carrier Will Soon Allow You to Send Text Messages Via Satellite

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has just granted SpaceX the ability to provide direct-to-cell coverage to T-Mobile customers. This means that the provider’s users can still send text messages, even if they’re outside the network’s cell coverage, by using the company’s satellite constellation to communicate. SpaceX Lets T-Mobile Customers Send Text Messages via Satellite The FCC (PDF) has finally given approval for SpaceX to provide direct-to-cellular services within the US, and the company’s partnership with T-Mobile means its users could soon send text messages even if they’re outside the range of land-based cell sites....

August 1, 2025 · 2 min · 308 words · Allison Taylor

Apple Maps Is Finally Available on Android Devices—but I Won't be Making the Switch

Apple has quietly launched a full version of Apple Maps for mobile web browsers, which means Android users like me can finally use Apple Maps on our devices. But even while I’m excited to give it a try, I don’t think I’ll be leaving Google Maps behind just yet. Apple Maps Now Works in Any Mobile Browser The new Apple Maps mobile site, available atmaps.apple.com, brings the native Apple Maps to every smartphone browser....

August 1, 2025 · 3 min · 476 words · Michele Hayes

Brave Browser: 8 simple tips, tricks, and hidden features

Brave is a privacy-first browser offering advanced settings for blocking trackers and improving online security. While it does have some bloat in the form of a built-in cryptocurrency wallet, it’s easily one of thebest browsers on Android. We’ll walk you through some tips and tricks to get the most out of Brave. If you’ve just picked up a new phone or evenone of our top budget Chromebooks, we recommend using Brave to ensure you’re browsing securely....

August 1, 2025 · 3 min · 554 words · Nicole Cameron

Contexto 1010 Answer & Hints (May 29, 2025)

Contexto is another take on the popular word gameWordle. The premise is somewhat similar to most alternatives, but in this game you are looking for a word within a particular context! If you are wondering what the solution is forContexto 1010then we’ll be providing it for you in this guide! Each dayContextowill challenge you with a new puzzle. You get your chance at trying it by visiting theofficial Contexto websiteafter midnight!...

August 1, 2025 · 2 min · 294 words · Craig Henderson

EcoFlow’s Black Friday Sale includes a solid lineup of portable power stations just in time for winter

EcoFlow’s Black Friday Sale includes a solid lineup of portable power stations just in time for winter Winter is a time for snowmen and tobogganing, skating on the pond, and cozy nights spent around the fire. It is also a time for power outages and blackouts, which is why EcoFlow’s line ofportable power stationsmay be of interest to those of you living above 35th parallel. If you missedEcoFlow’s Prime Day deals, you’ll be chomping at the bit for these terrificBlack Friday discounts....

August 1, 2025 · 5 min · 878 words · Morgan Lyons

Facebook Messenger's latest update makes talking to friends as easy as a single tap

Facebook Messenger’s latest update makes talking to friends as easy as a single tap Facebook Messenger isn’t just built for the group chat you keep with your friends. With support for video and voice calls, it’s capable of replacing most of the messaging apps on your phone — so long as you keep an active Facebook profile, that is. With a new update, calls on Messenger is getting a bigger focus on calls, with a dedicated tab that feels straight out of Android’s default dialer....

August 1, 2025 · 2 min · 357 words · Amy Schaefer

Formovie Theater Projector review: Putting the 'pro' in projector

Even though thebest projectorscan be a bit on the pricier side, when you compare them to the cost of a massive high-end TV, they start looking like a steal. But for some reason, they’ve remained more of a tech-enthusiasts' toy than an everyday living room hero. Many folks still think that projectors can’t match up to the reliable experience of TVs. To be honest, I was one of those skeptics not too long ago....

August 1, 2025 · 11 min · 2206 words · Alyssa Miller

Grab Google's delightful Nest Mini smart speaker for a mere $18 while you can

Grab Google’s delightful Nest Mini smart speaker for a mere $18 while you can The Google Nest Mini is a small, inconspicuous smart speaker that gives you access to the entire Google ecosystem, via voice commands. Play music, listen to the news, set timers and reminders, control your compatible smart home devices, and much, much more. We’ve seen tons of deals on smart speakers over the past few weeks, but this one on the latest Google Nest Mini has got to be one of the hardest to resist, with a near-impulse-buy price....

August 1, 2025 · 3 min · 436 words · Jermaine James

Grab the Nest Hub Max at its lowest price yet, just in time to try Assistant's latest trick

Grab the Nest Hub Max at its lowest price yet, just in time to try Assistant’s latest trick Google’s more invested than ever in big-screen devices these days, and while many of us are dreaming about its Tensor-powered tablet arriving next year, smart displays are still perfect for littering around the house. They’re a must-have these days, whether it’s displaying recipes in the kitchen, YouTube videos in the bedroom, or showcasing the weather as you head out for a run....

August 1, 2025 · 2 min · 407 words · Alicia Jackson