Nathan Drescher

Ottawa

Journalist at Freelance

Contributor at Android Police

Tech journalist and contributor with Android Police, iMore, Digital Trends, ZDNET, and others. Won an award once. 🇨🇦

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Articles

Microsoft finally brings easy file sharing to Android

1 week ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

Android users can now open Microsoft Office files on their device without needing to sign-in to a Microsoft account. This function has been available to iPhone users since earlier this year. The sender will need version 16.0.18827.20066 and up of Office, but the receiver simply clicks on a link for a view-only version of the file. Microsoft is finally bringing one of its more convenient iOS features to Android.
Gemini Live’s coolest trick is no longer Android-exclusive

1 week ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

iPhone users in the US can now access Gemini Live's camera and screen tools via the latest Gemini app update. Camera view can analyze surroundings, while screen-sharing allows help with web pages and apps. Users need version 1.2025.2062302 of the Gemini app on iOS to access the new features. Gemini Live is Google's voice-first AI assistant. It has several useful tricks, including camera and screen tools that can see the user's environment and activity.
This wireless dongle doesn't care if you use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay

2 weeks ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

AAWireless TWO+ is a wireless adapter that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 3,000 early bird units are available on Indiegogo for $34 a piece. It features a button to switch between Android Auto and CarPlay, plus improvements like faster Wi-Fi and Dolby support. The original AAWireless dongle brought cable-free Android Auto to our cars back in 2021. Now, its successor is out, and it comes with so much more.
Say goodbye to Pocket after 17 years

2 weeks ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

Pocket is shutting down on July 8, 2025, and the apps are being removed from app stores beginning today, May 22. Download your Pocket data before October 8. Premium users will receive automatic refunds; Pocket Hits newsletter will become Ten Tabs, Pocket is shutting down this summer. The long-running read-it-later app that helped millions save and rediscover web content won't be around past July 8, 2025. Mozilla announced the tool's demise today.
The latest Project Astra demo is even more impressive than the first

2 weeks ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

Google showed off Project Astra's latest capabilities in a 90-second video at Google I/O 2025. Astra acts like a real agent, opening apps, navigating Android, and tracking movements. Google's Astra is a step towards a universal AI assistant, evolving from chatbot to a truly personalized assistant. Google's Gemini AI has been steadily evolving since back when it was called Bard. The latest demo takes things to a whole new level.
This simple tweak improves Android 16's fingerprint reader

2 weeks ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

Android 16 beta introduces a new 'check enrolled fingerprints' feature for easier fingerprint identification. The new tool simplifies fingerprint management for users with multiple registered prints. Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 includes various small but handy improvements for a more user-friendly experience. In-screen fingerprint scanners have been a source of frustration for years.
Walmart launches Google TV’s spiritual successor to the Chromecast

2 weeks ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

Walmart quietly launched the Onn 4K Plus, a $30 Google TV streaming device, now available for order online. The device is only available in the US and Puerto Rico via Walmart.com. The Onn 4K Plus boasts upgraded specs, offering 16GB storage, Dolby support, Wi-Fi 6, and Google TV compatibility. People loved the Chromecast. Alas, Google decided to discontinue the $35 TV dongle last year in favor of the Google TV Streamer. But Walmart has stepped in to fill the void.
Alternate routes vanish from Google Maps for some

3 weeks ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

Some Android auto users are experiencing missing alternate routes on Google Maps. There doesn't appear to be any acknowledgement of the issue from Google. The usual temporary fixes don't work. The alternate routes function on Google Maps is one of its most useful functions. It's a feature that suggests slightly slower or faster routes in real time. It offers drivers flexibility when they account for traffic or construction. But for many, those suggestions have seemingly vanished.
Ooh yeah, Netflix enters the ring with live WWE and NFL shows

3 weeks ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

Netflix is now streaming full live events, including WWE, NFL, boxing, and award shows. The company is focusing on its ad-supported tier. Netflix revealed an upcoming content roster featuring popular shows like Stranger Things and The Witcher. Netflix is flexing hard on live TV. The streaming giant just published Upfront 2025, where it confirmed that it is no longer simply dabbling in live events. It's using a full hurry-up offense to bring live streaming entertainment to our screens.
The next audiobook you listen to might be narrated by AI

3 weeks ago | androidpolice.com | Nathan Drescher

Audible's new AI-narrated titles offer publishers a quick, cheap way to convert print books into audio. There are already more than 50,000 AI-narrated audiobooks on Audible. Audible plans to expand with AI translation and launch a beta version for text-to-text and speech-to-speech translation. Why pay expensive voice actors to narrate a book when you can create one out of thin air?