Gemini’s new blurred UI is finally reaching Android phones
Gemini enters the blur era Gemini’s new Android overlay adds a slick background blur for a cleaner, more integrated feel.
Phones
Last chance! Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 preorder deal could get you the foldable for as little as $699.99, but you're running out of time
Up to $1,200 off The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra hit store shelves on August 7th, but you can still enjoy some hefty trade-in discounts if you buy from Samsung.
We tested the best Android phones for students, and these are the top 6 picks you should consider
value pick Power through your course load this year with a new phone that stays in line with your student budget. Choose from the best Android phones for students.
The best Verizon deals of August 2026 — free phones, Z Fold 8 discounts, and more
Deals Whether you're trading in an old device or adding a new line, you can save loads of money with the Verizon phone deals found in this guide.
The best Google Pixel 10 deals of August 2026 — why wait for the Pixel 11?
I've tracked down all of the best Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL deals from across the web so you don't have to go looking.
Android 16
Apple's rumored iPhone 18 anti-theft feature is already on Android, and you should enable it ASAP
Swipe before it gets swiped Apple is rumored to be copying Google's powerful anti-theft protection for the iPhone 18 and iOS 27, and Android users can already take advantage of those great features.
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Editor's DeskA weekly column from AC's Managing Editor looking at the world of Android.
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AndroidCentral LabsA weekly column devoted to deep dives, experiments, and a focused look into the tech you use.
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HardwiredA column that dives into all things hardware, including phones, audio products, storage servers, and routers.
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Gadget WeeklyA weekly column exploring the cool, quirky, smartphone accessories, gadgets, and other nerdy toys.
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AC thVRsdayA weekly column that delves into all things VR, from new hardware to games, and upcoming technologies.
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Off the RecordA column that looks to expand and go in-depth on topics in the Android space without any limitations.
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Deals
Last chance! Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 preorder deal could get you the foldable for as little as $699.99, but you're running out of time
Up to $1,200 off The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra hit store shelves on August 7th, but you can still enjoy some hefty trade-in discounts if you buy from Samsung.
TCL's new budget tablet just landed in the US with a surprising launch discount
It's here The Tab A1 Plus NXTPAPER is finally getting a full launch in the United States, and TCL is marking the occasion by slashing $100 off the price of the tablet.
The best Verizon deals of August 2026 — free phones, Z Fold 8 discounts, and more
Deals Whether you're trading in an old device or adding a new line, you can save loads of money with the Verizon phone deals found in this guide.
The best Google Pixel 10 deals of August 2026 — why wait for the Pixel 11?
I've tracked down all of the best Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL deals from across the web so you don't have to go looking.
Apps & Software
Set the tempo: Google's Lyria 3.5 debuts with updates to AI musicality in Flow Music
Catch the rhythm Google launched Lyria 3.5 in Flow Music, with detailed upgraded tempo, vocal, and musical control for users.
Google Photos fixes a stupidly annoying step for AI edits
Shoot. Edit. Share. Google Photos now lets you snap pictures directly inside its AI creation tools, saving you the hassle of app-switching and gallery search just to make a quick edit.
Best text messaging apps in 2026
Back to basics The Android ecosystem gives you access to loads of text messaging apps for keeping in touch with friends and family. These are the best of the lot.
Google Play services update brings seamless wrist payments and a revamped storefront feed
Hidden improvements Google's latest Play services and Play Store updates quietly improve Wallet, Wear OS, Play Games, and app discovery.
Daily Brief 'Tuning' could be what Google has planned next for Gemini's morning digest
Tune it A Gemini Daily Brief leak suggests "tuning" for specific proactive assistance could be heading to Android devices.
I couldn't sign into the PlayStation App on Android, but I found an easy way to get around Sony's finicky 2FA
PS plus ❌ PS bust✅ Text-based 2FA isn't the most secure, and Sony's doesn't work for me half the time. Fortunately, there's a better way to log in if you're trying ot access the Android app.
Wearables
I ranked the TOP 6 best smartwatches for students of all ages in 2026
Student-friendly Need a portable calendar, workout tracker for your club, or a way to stay atop messages without disrupting class? These smartwatches may help you.
The best cheap Android smartwatch of 2026
Affordable wearables Looking for a cheap, reliable Android watch? These are our suggestions, from affordable Wear OS models to low-priced fitness watches from Garmin and Fitbit.
A 'Nothing Watch' has been alleged, and I really don't know if I'm excited or not
Watch 1? Early rumors claim Nothing is working on its first smartwatch for its mainline of devices outside of the CMF budget series.
Pixel Watch 5 shows up again before launch, this time in one of Google's own apps
Pixel Watch spotted Google's Health app is already showing the Pixel Watch 5 in its device pairing list.
Accessories
Can you use Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra?
Reusable or nah? Wondering about the reusability of your Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases? This is what you need to know when considering using old cases on your Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.
The best NAS for Plex
The best for Plex I tested all NAS systems available in 2026, and these are the best Plex NAS servers around.
CMF by Nothing's first OWS earbuds, the Clip Pro, are going to shake up August
Clipped CMF by Nothing announced the Clip Pro, a set of OWS earbuds that it's preparing to launch very soon in August.
Tablets
TCL's new budget tablet just landed in the US with a surprising launch discount
It's here The Tab A1 Plus NXTPAPER is finally getting a full launch in the United States, and TCL is marking the occasion by slashing $100 off the price of the tablet.
Best Android gaming tablets 2026
Game on A stalwart gaming tablet with plenty of power is the best medium for experiencing Android games. These are the best Android games that fit the bill.
Ends tonight! This eye-friendly drawing tablet has slid back to its lowest price EVER, just in time for Back to School
Draw Your Heart Out This TCL NXTPAPER 11 Gen 2 deal offers an incredible value, but you don't have much time.
More from Android Central
Best Chromebooks for students
For the classroom! Check out some of the best Chromebooks for students. These include options for elementary schoolkids, those just starting college, and everyone else.
Back to School season is upon us, and this class-ready Lenovo Chromebook is now cheaper than ever with 17% OFF at Amazon
Slim & Sleek The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 boasts a 14-inch touchscreen and a nice, modern design.
Best Buy kicked off its annual Back to School sale, and it's better than ever — see my TOP 20+ deals for students of all ages
Learnin' time I picked out the best Android deals from Best Buy's Back to School sale so you don't have to go searching.
Xbox Game Pass joins Meta Horizon Plus, and to be honest, I'm thrilled
Time to Game Meta Horizon Plus welcomes the Xbox Game Pass for its Quest VR users, opening the doors to a huge library of additional games.
