Ignored no more: Google Messages lets you mention friends to make sure you're heard
Hey, you! Google Messages rolled out "mentions" to help users pierce the chaos in massive group chats on Android.
Phones
Best wireless carrier in the U.S. 2026
Take your pick! Selecting the best wireless carrier for yourself, your family members, and friends doesn't have to be a chore. Here are some feature-laden choices.
Good news for Samsung fans: One UI 8.5 could land on Galaxy S24 and FE phones soon
First for FE If this happens, FE users are finally getting treated like flagships.
The best Mint Mobile deals of March 2026 — 50% off wireless, 5G home internet discounts, and more
Minty savings! Mint Mobile has always been touted as an affordable alternative to the traditional wireless carrier. Here are some ways you can make that cheap plan even cheaper.
iPhone 17e vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: Simplicity or versatility?
iPhone vs. Galaxy The iPhone 17e is a basic smartphone focused on optimization and performance, while the higher-priced Galaxy S25 FE is all about versatility.
Android 16
The Fairphone 6 is getting Android 16 earlier than expected
Jumping the line Fairphone is rolling out Android 16 to the Fairphone 6 today, bringing smarter notifications, stronger scam protections, and handy upgrades.
-
-
Editor's Desk
A weekly column from AC's Managing Editor looking at the world of Android.
-
AndroidCentral Labs
A weekly column devoted to deep dives, experiments, and a focused look into the tech you use.
-
Hardwired
A column that dives into all things hardware, including phones, audio products, storage servers, and routers.
-
Gadget Weekly
A weekly column exploring the cool, quirky, smartphone accessories, gadgets, and other nerdy toys.
-
AC thVRsday
A weekly column that delves into all things VR, from new hardware to games, and upcoming technologies.
-
Off the Record
A column that looks to expand and go in-depth on topics in the Android space without any limitations.
-
Deals
This smartwatch completely crushed Samsung and Apple in battery life tests — and it just scored a rare discount at Amazon
No way! Days before Amazon's Big Spring Sale is set to kick off, the retailer is carving a straight $50 off the OnePlus Watch 3.
The best Mint Mobile deals of March 2026 — 50% off wireless, 5G home internet discounts, and more
Minty savings! Mint Mobile has always been touted as an affordable alternative to the traditional wireless carrier. Here are some ways you can make that cheap plan even cheaper.
I'd still choose this Lenovo Chromebook over the MacBook Neo — especially when it's $100 off at Best Buy
$100 off The Lenovo Chromebook Plus is our top recommended laptop for most people, and it just scored a $100 discount at Best Buy.
Not a typo: Mint Mobile is now selling the Google Pixel 10 for only $299 — plus get 50% off a year of unlimited
That's bonkers Looking for a new phone and a new wireless carrier? Mint Mobile has a deal that will get you both for less than 500 bucks.
Apps & Software
Google Messages is getting the one feature I’ve actually wanted for years
Live tracking Google Messages now lets you share your live location in chats, making meetups easier.
Here's how Google plans to 'balance' a safer Android with side-loading this year
Your choice Google will keep side-loading for Android, but not without an "advanced flow" that will bring "balance" to user safety and the OS' openness.
One-off, silly questions for Gemini might be easier to make if Google's tests are positive
Temp Chat Google might change up a convenient Gemini feature that many users probably weren't using enough.
Google Labs’ Stitch is a design canvas that turns your voice into an app
Design by description Google’s Stitch lets you build app UIs from simple prompts, speeding up design fast, but it could also lead to generic, same-looking apps if everyone relies on AI too much.
Wearables
Best Amazfit smartwatch
Pretty amazing Amazfit has plenty of great smartwatches, so how do you know which one is right for you? We've gathered the best options to help you pick.
This smartwatch completely crushed Samsung and Apple in battery life tests — and it just scored a rare discount at Amazon
No way! Days before Amazon's Big Spring Sale is set to kick off, the retailer is carving a straight $50 off the OnePlus Watch 3.
Solid-state cooling tech will transform wearables and XR glasses, and I got an early look
Hardwired Active cooling on wearables is about to become a reality thanks to this innovative all-silicon design.
Don't trust your Pixel Watch steps after the latest firmware update
Phantom stats Pixel Watch’s latest update is inflating steps and breaking Fitbit stats, leaving users with unreliable health data.
Accessories
We tested all of the best wireless headphones for Android, and this is what we discovered
Top-tier audio Of the hundreds of Bluetooth headphones out there, which ones are worth putting on your ears? We've selected the best wireless headphones you can buy.
Tracfone now offers 5G Home Internet for as little as $39/month — here's the deal
AARP discount Tracfone has been providing users with affordable wireless for over two decades, and now it's entering the 5G internet arena.
These three features make the Shargeek 300 the definitive 24,000mAh power bank — it's so good I retired my UGREEN power bank
Charge anything With two USB-C ports able to go up to 140W at the same time, the Shargeek 300 is a power bank like no other.
Tablets
I used the Xiaomi Pad 8 for a month — these four features make the half-priced iPad Air clone the best mid-range Android tablet
Just get this Xiaomi once again delivers a powerful Android tablet with an unbeatable value.
This unique tablet combines full Android power with a paper-like display and a pro-grade stylus
Budget banger Cheap Android tablets usually pack a solid punch, but only when made by name brands. The Huion Kamvas Slate 11 is a clear exception to this rule.
Less fatigue: Boox launches thin Go 10.3 (Gen 2) E-Ink tablet that's easy on the reading eyes
Turn the page Boox announced the arrival of the Go 10.3 (Gen 2) E-Ink tablet, which is a massive boon to users looking to read and work.
More from Android Central
Best Samsung laptops
A galaxy of choices Samsung promptly refreshes its laptop lineup every year, and these are the current best Samsung laptops to choose from.
Horizon Worlds is officially dead on VR. What happens now for the Meta Quest (and the Metaverse)?
AC thVRsday Meta is evolving once again, this time fully removing Horizon Worlds from the Meta Quest experience. Here's what that means for your everyday VR sessions.
I'd still choose this Lenovo Chromebook over the MacBook Neo — especially when it's $100 off at Best Buy
$100 off The Lenovo Chromebook Plus is our top recommended laptop for most people, and it just scored a $100 discount at Best Buy.
Best streaming devices
Plug and stream Whether you're looking for simplicity, ease of use, or 4K HDR streaming, there are tons of options. These are the best streaming devices of them all.
