Android

TL;DR Google is still developing its AI-generated lock screen clocks, with the feature not yet functional in Android Canary builds. New strings suggest users will be able to edit, delete, rate, and generate multiple AI clock styles. Google also appears to be working on cloud backup and device-to-device transfer, so your custom clocks could follow you to a new phone. Google has steadily been increasing the amount of control it gives users over lock screen customization. The tech giant finally gave us our lock screen widgets back last year, after taking them away all the way back in 2014 with Android 5. Now, it seems to be taking that customization a step further. You’re reading an Authority Insights story. Authority Insights brings you all the latest exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage from the Android Authority team that you won’t find anywhere else.

Credit: Good e-Reader TL;DR A spiritual successor to the Xteink X4 is coming. The Xteink S4 will run on Android 11, allowing you to sideload from reading apps like Kindle, Kobo, and KOReader. It will come with 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and a 1,400mAh battery. When Xteink launched the Xteink X4, it made a big impression on e-reader fans. The pocketable E-Ink device was great for DRM-free reading, and it was small enough to fit on the back of most phones. However, nothing is perfect, and improvements can always be made. Enter the spiritual successor to the Xteink X4. Good e-Reader reports that the Chinese startup behind the Xteink X4 is launching the Xteink S4. The Xteink S4 has a 4.3 E-Ink touchscreen that offers 220 PPI. It’s said to weigh 95 grams and is 6.98mm thick. However, what’s particularly notable is the operating system.

Amazon has cut the BLUETTI Elite 10 Mini Portable Power Station to $119, down from its $199 recommended retail price. That saves you $80, which is a 40% discount off the RRP, and makes this compact backup battery a lot more tempting right now. See the deal at Amazon

TL;DR Google Photos could soon add Copy and Download buttons to its QR code-based album-sharing interface. In its current form, Google Photos encourages users to capture a screenshot of the code to share with their contacts. We have also uncovered a new bottom sheet that introduces users to the updated Collections tab. Google Photos has let you share albums with a link for some time now. Last year, the app gained a QR code-based solution to make things easier. However, it doesn’t let you directly download the QR code to your phone, with Google recommending users to take a screenshot instead. A future update to the Photos app may finally fix this. You’re reading an Authority Insights story. Authority Insights brings you all the latest exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage from the Android Authority team that you won’t find anywhere else.

The HyperDrive Next Thunderbolt 5 Dock is back down to $319.99 at Amazon, which saves you $80 off the $399.99 retail price. That is a 20% discount relative to the RRP, and it matches the best deal we have seen so far on this device. See the deal at Amazon

Credit: Calvin Wankhede / Android Authority TL;DR Microsoft Copilot is experiencing degraded service. Users are receiving error messages instead of responses to their queries. Microsoft is currently investigating the issue. Update, September 17, 2026 (5:21 PM ET): Microsoft now reports that Copilot should be back to full operational readiness. Original article, September 17, 2026 (12:42 PM ET): If you rely on Microsoft Copilot, you may run into some difficulties trying to use it today. Microsoft has confirmed that its AI assistant is having issues at the moment.

TL;DR Some YouTube users on Android say suggested videos are covering the full screen player and blocking the progress bar. Reports of the issue date back to at least April, with several new complaints surfacing recently. Google hasn’t publicly acknowledged the problem yet, so it’s unclear whether this is a bug or an intentional UI test. YouTube’s recommendation algorithm is one of its biggest strengths. Regardless of the topic you’re exploring, the platform does a good job of surfacing more relevant content to watch next. Lately, though, those recommendations appear to be getting a little too aggressive for a large subset of users. An increasing number of YouTube users on Android are seeing suggested videos appearing over the bottom portion of the player in full screen, essentially obscuring a part of the video and the progress bar, all while making it impossible to scrub through a video.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is Samsung’s smaller mainline smartwatch, built for people who want a full-featured wearable without a bulky case. It has a round AMOLED display, a slimmer design than earlier standard models, and a polished look that works just as well for workouts as it does for daily wear. Right now, there’s also a solid Amazon deal on it. See the deal at Amazon

Credit: Shimul Sood / Android Authority TL;DR YouTube users are reporting that they can only watch videos in 480p resolution. The problem appears to be affecting both free and Premium users. Some say clearing the app’s cache or uninstalling and reinstalling fixes the issue, but others say those methods did not work for them. YouTube recently fixed an issue that prevented users from signing up, adding packages, or modifying their subscriptions. With that concern taken care of, hopefully, the team will now be able to turn its attention to another problem that has crept up. The problem in question is forcing users to watch videos at lower resolutions. YouTube allows you to watch videos in a variety of resolutions, all the way up to 4K. In most cases, you’ll at least be able to choose from a range between 240p and 1080p. However, the number of available resolution options has been cut short for some users.

The Google Pixel 10a is Google’s 2026 mid-range phone, and it packs a lot of what people like about Pixel devices into a more budget-friendly package. It has a 6.3-inch Actua display, the Tensor G4 chip, 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of storage, and a 5,100mAh battery, and there’s a nice deal on it at Amazon right now. See the deal at Amazon

Credit: Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Google Photos is working on a “Beat Match” feature for Highlight Videos. Beat Match will automatically sync photo transitions to the tempo and rhythm of your chosen background music track. Users can also manually edit their Highlight Video without beat matching if they want to retain control. Google Photos rolled out its redesigned video editor late last year, and alongside it, the app could also make Highlight videos for you, selecting text, music, and cuts that are automatically synced to your photos and clips. Highlight Videos could soon get a handy upgrade: an automatic “Beat Match” feature that syncs your photos directly to the rhythm of your chosen soundtrack. You’re reading an Authority Insights story. Authority Insights brings you all the latest exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage from the Android Authority team that you won’t find anywhere else.

Amazon just knocked $600 off the Samsung HW-Q990F, dropping this premium home theater soundbar package from its $1,819.99 RRP to $1,219.99. That works out to a 33% discount relative to the recommended retail price, which is a big cut on one of Samsung’s top soundbar setups. See the deal at Amazon

TL;DR Motorola is rolling out the stable Android 17 update to the Edge 70, making it the company’s second phone to get the new OS. The 4.3GB update adds stackable widgets, themed icons, Live Updates, notification summaries, and other improvements. But users are reporting that the depth-effect lock screen wallpaper is missing from the stable release. Motorola’s Android 17 story has been something of a slow burn. What began with beta testing in February was followed by a broader list of eligible phones last month, before the stable update finally debuted on the Motorola Signature. Now the rollout is reaching its second device, with Android 17 beginning to land on the Motorola Edge 70. Multiple Edge 70 owners are reporting that Android 17 has arrived on their phones, and Motorola has also published an official changelog for the update. The download weighs about 4.3GB and carries build number A17WRH.35-10.

TL;DR Roku Labs will soon let US users test experimental features directly from the Home Screen and provide feedback before wider rollouts. Roku is also rolling out smarter search explanations, weather information through Roku Voice, and discounted subscription bundles in the US and Mexico. Roku’s redesigned Home Screen is expanding to Brazil and Mexico, while Roku LT OS is going open source for developers and hardware projects. Roku may be raising hardware prices, but at least users can rest assured that they’re getting some value from their streaming dollar, as the company previews its latest Roku OS update, including enhanced search, its revamped home screen expansion, and most importantly, a new way for users to test experimental features before they’re ready for prime time. The San Jose-based announces the big update in a blog post today, and it’s clear that the streaming giant’s focus is on letting users share feedback and directly influence new features.

Credit: Bose TL;DR Bose has launched two new pairs of open-ear earbuds. These include the Bose Sport Open, with sweat resistance and a flexible design, and the Bose Ultra Open, with rich audio in a clip-on design. The Ultra Open also features head tracking and aptX Adaptive for an immersive sound. Growing concerns about ear infections and noise-isolation pain have fueled the rise of open-ear earbuds. Beyond core audio brands, even phone brands, including Nothing, have hopped on the trend, while bigger ones, such as Samsung, are now exploring the format. While Bose was among the earliest mainstream players in the category, it is now expanding its open-ear lineup with two new options. Today, Bose is launching two new pairs of earbuds for users who don’t desire in-ear earbuds. These include the Bose Sport Open Earbuds, featuring a silicone-padded clip-on design that we’re seeing on a range of new earbuds, including Sony’s LinkBud Clips. The launch also includes the second generation of its Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, with a cuff-shaped open-ear design that lets you enjoy high-quality audio without stuffing your ear canals.

TL;DR Sales of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in South Korea reportedly rose 10% in the week after the iPhone Duo’s announcement. Analysts attribute the iPhone Duo’s steep price to consumers favoring the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Other factors, such as the iPhone Duo’s late-October shipping timeline and its weight and thickness, may also be at play. Opinions on the Apple iPhone Duo have been split so far, though its price is clearly a key topic of discussion. It costs $100 more than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 in the US, and the price gap between the two foldables is even wider in other markets. It now looks like consumers in Samsung’s home region may have made their choice. According to industry sources cited by Maeil Business News, Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales in South Korea increased by “approximately 10%” after Apple’s announcement, compared with the week before. However, the report didn’t disclose specific sales figures.

TL;DR YouTube and YouTube TV briefly had issues with sign-ups and subscription management. Some users saw errors when trying to add packages or change existing subscriptions. Google says the issue is fixed, but users still having trouble should refresh the app or browser. YouTube just closed the book on a sign-in bug that locked some people out of the app on smart TVs and gaming consoles. That issue was fixed earlier this week, but another account-related problem surfaced soon after. This time, the trouble hit people trying to sign up for or change paid subscriptions across YouTube and YouTube TV — and Google says it has already fixed that too. In a community post, YouTube said some users ran into errors or failed dialog boxes when trying to sign up, add packages, or modify existing subscriptions. The company said it was investigating the issue, but didn’t identify the cause or say how many people were affected.

I’m one of the bigger Motorola fans at Android Authority. If nothing else, I’ve spent the most time with a Moto phone in my pocket, ranging from several generations of the dirt-cheap Moto G to the recent heights of the ultra-premium (and Ultra-branded) Motorola Razr Ultra. There’s just something about the clean Android experience and fun Pantone colors that has always spoken to me; what can I say? In that time, though, I’ve watched Motorola’s Edge series go through the wringer. I remember when it first rolled out as a flagship, only to become an affordable flagship-style option a year or two later, and before finally settling as a sub-$600 mid-ranger. And yet, there was still plenty to like about the Edge, even at its cheaper price point.

Gemini is pretty much everywhere in Google’s world at this point. It’s baked into Pixel phones, across Google’s apps, and has even made its way into Chrome. So whenever I opened Waze, I couldn’t help but wonder why one of Google’s most popular navigation apps was still missing out. I use Waze pretty much every time I’m behind the wheel — it handles navigation well; it warns me about a speed camera coming up, tells me about a hazard on the road, or gives me a heads-up when traffic starts piling up ahead.

Credit: Andrew Grush / Android Authority Recently, MapQuest found its way back onto the public’s radar after deciding to keep Lake Ontario’s name as is, while others like Google, Waze, and Apple defaulted to the new name mandated by the President’s executive order. With all the excitement, I felt this was a good time to take an honest look at how MapQuest holds up in 2026. I’m at an age where MapQuest isn’t just some vintage experience. I remember printing off maps anytime we were heading somewhere new and hard to find; in fact, I navigated my honeymoon using printouts.

Using the same set of core apps every day is like wearing one’s favorite comfortable outfit. It’s why I have my favorite launcher, productivity apps, and streaming products. When it comes to browsers, my pick is and will likely remain Firefox for many years to come, even if up-and-coming browsers are challenging its position. Given that browser choice is highly personal and isn’t always the product brimming with functionality, I was interested in our readers’ preferences. Chrome? Firefox? Something else entirely, perhaps? I conducted a poll, and the results are below.

TL;DR Signal’s new beta introduces numberless registration for new users. It costs a one-time fee of $3, which is paid anonymously and not linked to your Signal account. It also adds support for two-factor authentication for numberless accounts. Signal has always tied your messaging account to your phone number, and though you can hide your number by adding a username, you still needed one to sign up in the first place. If that was what held you back from joining the app, there’s good news. Signal’s Lead Android developer, Greyson Parrelli, announced on the company’s community forum that the app’s latest beta version introduces numberless registration. This means users can sign up for Signal without giving the service their phone number.

TL;DR Samsung has revealed a clearer roadmap for when One UI 9 will expand beyond the Galaxy S26 series. The Galaxy S25 series and Galaxy Z Fold 7/Flip 7 will start receiving One UI 9 on September 28. The Galaxy S23 FE is slated for October, hinting that the Galaxy S24 and S23 series could also follow that month. Samsung’s stable One UI 9 rollout is finally underway, with the Galaxy S26 series first in line for the Android 17-based update. That still left owners of the Galaxy S25 series and older flagships wondering when their turn would come, but Samsung has now quietly provided a much clearer roadmap for the next phase of the rollout. In an official One UI 9 rollout announcement, Samsung Thailand says the Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Galaxy Z Flip 7 will start receiving the Android 17-based update on September 28. The same announcement says the Galaxy S23 FE will follow sometime in October.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max are about as evenly matched as flagship phones come. Both pack phenomenal cameras, blistering performance, excellent displays, and enough battery life to comfortably get through a busy day. On paper, there’s arguably less separating these two giants than ever. But specifications aren’t everything, and there are still several features that would make me pick Samsung’s Ultra over Apple’s latest Pro Max. Some are big headline features, while others are clever little touches that make a difference in everyday use.

TL;DR The Philips Hue Bridge Pro has seen a significant price increase in the US, reportedly in mid-August. Meanwhile, customers in Europe are witnessing an even steeper price increase for the smart home hub. Additionally, Europe is seeing higher prices on other Philips Hue products, such as smart light strips. The global components shortage has already hit the tech industry hard. As a result, we’ve already seen price hikes across smartphones, computers, gaming consoles, and several other segments. It now looks like popular smart home products aren’t exempt either, as the Philips Hue Bridge Pro is facing a similar fate. A quick look at the Philips Hue page shows a $139.99 price tag for the Bridge Pro, a $40 increase over the smart home hub’s launch-day price (via Hue Blog). Similarly, the Amazon listing also reflects the same $139.99 price, suggesting the updated price is live everywhere.