Nathan Drescher

Ottawa

📸 Tech journalist - Android Police / ZDNet / Digital Trends / iMore - 🇨🇦 made in Canada - recipient of 2022 OCNA journalism award

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Articles

Telegram’s upgraded stories are perfect for meme dumps

6 days ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

Telegram's latest update brings multi-photo uploads for Telegram Stories, as well as long videos. The update also adds auto-translate for channels and lowers the number of boosts required to level up. There is also now a gift market where users can buy and resell their virtual gifts. Telegram just rolled out a second major update in under two weeks, and this one's especially good news for fans of story spam. The latest update brings new superpowers to Telegram Stories.
Google Play will come with strict memory rules starting in November

6 days ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

Google requires apps for Android 15+ to support 16 KB memory pages for faster performance. New apps must follow the new memory standard by November 1, 2025. Developers using native code need to update libraries and test compatibility, while Play Console can help check app readiness. Google announced a major change to its Android app submission rules. New apps and updates for Android 15 or higher can no longer coast by on the long-standing 4 KB memory standard.
Home Assistant update brings new features to 2 million users

1 week ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

Version 2025.5 improves backup, voice, and automation tools, plus Z-Wave LongRange support for greater device coverage. Users can now customize backup retention rules, enjoy new voice options, monitor device connections, and paste YAML code. Home Assistant hits 2 million installations, offering offline functionality, thousands of integrations, and a growing community.
Latest Matter update adds tap to set up with NFC

1 week ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

Matter update 1.4.1 introduces NFC, multi-device QR codes, and an Enhanced Setup Flow for easier setup. Users can tap their phone to their device for quick configuration. Ability to set up multiple devices with a single QR code and access terms and conditions directly in the commissioner app. The latest Matter update is here. You might notice a few new features if you are setting up a new Matter-compatible smart home device.
Samsung's Now Bar might actually be useful in One UI 8

1 week ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

Leaks suggest a Now Bar update in One UI 8 may include active call handling and a 'Do Not Disturb' toggle. The current version of Now Bar falls short and lacks promised third-party app integrations and contextual suggestions. One UI 8 leaks hint at possible improvements for the Now Bar, but the final result remains uncertain. Samsung first introduced the Now Bar in One UI 7.
Leaked audio reveals One UI Watch 8's new tones

1 week ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 will feature new system sounds and interaction effects, including ringtones, alerts, and battery notifications. Many of the new tones are the same found in One UI 7 for phones and tablets. Samsung is skipping versions 6.5 and 7, jumping straight to version 8 for Galaxy Watch 8. Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 will come with more than just a fresh face.
Galaxy phones may multitask better thanks to One UI 8

1 week ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

A new 12GB RAM Plus option is coming with One UI 8, an upgrade from 8GB in One UI 7. Virtual RAM offers more app efficiency without a physical RAM upgrade. Samsung's decision to increase virtual RAM is important due to limited physical RAM in high-end Galaxy phones. RAM Plus is a handy Samsung Galaxy trick for users short on RAM. It allocates a portion of the phone's internal storage to act as virtual RAM so background apps can work more efficiently.
Firmware details prove a Galaxy S25 Fan Edition is coming

1 week ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

Firmware work confirms Samsung is working on a Galaxy S25 FE with Android 16 and OneUI 8. The device is rumored to have the same specs as last year's Galaxy S24 FE. The new device is expected to debut between September and November, with more possible leaks soon. The Galaxy S20 FE was a hit. Samsung has made the Fan Edition devices a staple of its lineup every year since, so it comes as no surprise there is a Galaxy S25 FE in the works.
Galaxy owners get a second chance at Care Plus

1 week ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

Samsung reopened Care Plus enrollment until June 15 for eligible Galaxy devices. The plan covers drops, theft, mechanical breakdowns, and same-day repairs. The plans cost between $10 and $18 a month, depending on the device. Skipping the extended warranty on a new product is a time-honored tradition. But sometimes it makes sense to buy it, like Samsung's Care Plus program to protect expensive Galaxy devices. However, many of us choose to skip it, and end up regretting our decision.
Gemini will soon tap into your Google account data to become a more ‘personal’ AI

1 week ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

Gemini AI will begin using personal data from your Google account to provide a more personalized experience. The information comes from a post on X from Google's VP of AI. Gemini will access your Gmail, Calendar, YouTube history, Photos, and other Google services. It may come as a shock for people to learn Google's Gemini AI isn't already tapping into everyone's emails and calendars. Apparently, it's true, but not for long.