Andrew Myrick
Andrew's way into tech started all the way back with the Atari 2600, progressing his way through various consoles throughout the years. Everything changed for him when he got his hands on the iPhone 3G before switching over to Android with the HTC Evo 4G. Since then, he's tried almost every kind of tech that he can get his hands on. Little has changed over the years, as much of his time is spent with different gaming handhelds, foldable phones, Chromebooks, tablets, and even a bit of VR sprinkled in. With more than a decade of time spent writing about tech, he takes a "Jack of all trades" approach to whatever he can get his hands on. His weekly column, Beyond the Alphabet, attempts to look at the world of tech both within and beyond the confines of Google's Mountain View campus. That includes figuring out new ways to get work done with various devices, along with deciphering the impact of the hardware and software that we rely on every day. You can always count on him to have at least two phones on him and there's a good chance he'll have a charger for you to use if your phone is running out of juice.
Latest articles by Andrew Myrick
![How to enable dark mode for all websites in Google Chrome](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nmvhY4WY79rMGXK7pAjNKQ-320-80.jpg)
Google redesigns the Chrome address bar, but not in the way we hoped
By Andrew Myrick published
Browse and search faster Although the latest Chrome update doesn't add much, Google is now rolling out a few previously-unannounced additions.
![microSD Card with Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mQwAkg6n3hHqGYu74GfUqH-320-80.jpg)
Best microSD cards for Android 2024
By Andrew Myrick, Christine Persaud last updated
Store more Expandable storage is only as good as the memory card you use to facilitate it. These are the best microSD cards you can buy for your Android device.
![Onn Google TV 4K Pro with the Google Stadia controller and the included remote](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3UFdRKGUqWKvt8Logz7EBQ-320-80.jpg)
Walmart Onn. Google TV 4K Pro vs. Chromecast with Google TV (4K): Which should you buy?
By Andrew Myrick published
Not even close Four years later, the Chromecast with Google TV has hardly changed. Meanwhile, Walmart's Onn. Google TV 4K Pro has arrived and is a force to be reckoned with.
![Raspberry Pi Retro 8bitdo Controllers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Z9Z4YbwKxzPaA5HewBFVbL-320-80.jpg)
Best Raspberry Pi controller 2024
By Andrew Myrick last updated
All Play, No Work Grab a controller and get your game on with Raspberry Pi.
![Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra on desk in DeX Mode](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oZ6tHCLzssh9ruJPDDVYfZ-320-80.jpg)
This is the one tablet that puts the iPad to shame
By Andrew Myrick published
iPad who As it turns out, you don't need to constantly be on the lookout for something bigger and better. Sometimes, taking a step back makes you realize that what you need is right in front of you.
![ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/p5ScWJMEYf49ujT6y8v5N6-320-80.jpg)
Best smart thermostat for multiple zones 2024
By Andrew Myrick last updated
Set the temp Need different thermostat settings for different rooms? This is the guide you need to find the smart thermostat that works best for you.
![Onn Google TV 4K Pro with the Google Stadia controller and the included remote](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3UFdRKGUqWKvt8Logz7EBQ-320-80.jpg)
I turned my Google TV streaming device into a retro gaming console
By Andrew Myrick published
Retro gaming delight Instead of spending $60 on a AAA game, get a streaming device and play retro games.
![Amazon Fire Max 11 angled on deskl](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fPAtG3UeqeaKYDt4JE3KjX-320-80.jpg)
Best Amazon Fire tablet 2024
By Andrew Myrick last updated
These tablets are fire We'll help you choose which Fire tablet to get.
![The Apple iPad (2022)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nZxBkSgLkKTgThiKXBwryV-320-80.jpeg)
Best tablet for students 2024
By Andrew Myrick, Michael L Hicks last updated
Education tools Getting the school year started can be a little intimidating, but the best tablets for students can help ease this process more successfully.
![Onn Google TV 4K Pro on TV stand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DHb8bmdcZy5sUtAvGGAsRS-320-80.jpg)
Onn. Google TV 4K Pro review: Doing what the Chromecast can't
By Andrew Myrick published
The TV is Onn Usually, when a product sounds too good to be true, it is. That's not the case with the Onn. Google TV 4K Pro as this is quite an impressive streaming device.
![2024 iPad Pro M4 on desk with Magic Keyboard](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LYGE7SxkPn9yxorr7xZofK-320-80.jpg)
I challenge Apple to 'Think Different' for once with the iPad Pro
By Andrew Myrick published
Beyond the Alphabet All I wanted was an iPad Pro that works better as a laptop replacement. What I got was a calculator app and knock-off Material You icons.
![iOS 18 Lock Screen on iPhone 15 Pro Max and Android 15 logo on Pixel 8 Pro](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YfD6Q5pxGMKDQxCieNMHP6-320-80.png)
Everything iOS 18 'stole' from Android
By Andrew Myrick published
There's a lot. Now that Apple has shared everything it plans to bring to the iPhone this Fall, we take a look at everything iOS 18 'stole' from Android.
![Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro (2022)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cFRvwFUvHNb3YSFFVdGEMh-320-80.jpg)
Best rugged tablets 2024
By Christine Persaud, Andrew Myrick last updated
Survivor series There are a number of reasons you might want or need a rugged tablet, either for field work or if you have naughty kids around the house. Here are some of the best rugged tablets to consider.
![Top-down view of Xreal Air 2 smart glasses surrounded by Steam Deck, 8BitDo Controller, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and MacBook Pro](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/28qpFDxrTiPDmvJEqbZMLA-320-80.jpg)
These smart glasses saved my neck on a spontaneous trip
By Andrew Myrick published
Beyond the Alphabet The only time these smart glasses will leave my bag is when I'm using them.
![A heart rate graph on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ugwKVbQyzkfAMSnmKCK859-320-80.jpeg)
How to use Health Connect
By Andrew Myrick last updated
Connect everything Sync all of your health and fitness data, securely.
![Amazon Fire Tablet Device Dashboard](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bb5CU7GbeP6VqWNixDtrU5-320-80.jpg)
Best memory cards for Amazon Fire Tablet 2024
By Andrew Myrick, Namerah Saud Fatmi last updated
Make room for more Amazon Fire Tablets don't have a whole lot of internal storage. These best memory cards are just what you need for all your apps, and more.
![Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED 16x9 review hero](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/y2uch95sYGj9V6cE7uMP5U-320-80.jpg)
Best Amazon Fire TV built-in televisions 2024
By Andrew Myrick last updated
Built-in Fire TV The Fire TV Edition bridges the gap between streaming sticks and smart TVs, making your entertainment delivery nearly seamless. These are the best on the market right now.
![Various keyboard apps for Android on two Android phones kept on a physical keyboard.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VJmsaPUQbyGdTccJrJZy3J-320-80.jpg)
Best keyboard apps for Android 2024
By Andrew Myrick last updated
All types of keyboard Tap away at these magnificent Android keyboards.
![Amazon Fire Max 11 on desk](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/n3DrnUwVuk5CYSywXKse2V-320-80.jpg)
Best cheap Android tablet 2024
By Andrew Myrick last updated
Bargain bin Whether you want a tablet for media consumption or one with some extra "smarts," there's something for everyone. These are our favorite cheap Android tablets.
![TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/F6C2nwA7DGLpsCDHvWgpTS-320-80.jpg)
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro review: This smartwatch just doesn't make sense
By Andrew Myrick published
Questionable release The number of choices for Wear OS smartwatches is dwindling by the day, but Mobvoi is back with the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro, a slightly-refreshed version of the Pro 5.
![HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xHEfE9ui9htuas5KM8PFJ5-320-80.jpg)
Now's the best time to ditch Windows and switch to Chromebooks
By Andrew Myrick published
Beyond the Alphabet Chromebooks can do basically anything you want, and then some.
![Fitbit Ace LTE Moovin and Glitterbomb Skate Bands lifestyle image](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c9DWkS4m6pPWdzMSetj4kD-320-80.jpg)
The new Fitbit Ace LTE is a Pixel Watch 2 for kids
By Andrew Myrick published
Healthy lifestyle While we await the arrival of a potential Fitbit Sense 3 or Versa 5, the Fitbit Ace LTE is here, providing an extremely powerful and robust kids smartwatch.
![ASUS Chromebook CM30 on a desk](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2bxYDMeRiDW7Y7zRpD8xAK-320-80.jpg)
New Chromebooks arrive in all shapes and sizes starting today
By Andrew Myrick published
Plenty of options Acer, ASUS, and HP have all announced new Chromebooks, including a new tablet and a couple of Ultra-powerful options.