Google has rolled out a fresh Android Canary build, and it looks more complete than you might expect from an experimental release. The catch is simple. This version exists to test ideas, not to promise them.
Android Canary 2603 bundles practical additions like app lock, chat bubbles, and a redesigned screen recorder. It’s available across a wide range of Pixel devices, but this update is meant for developers rather than everyday use
That context matters when reading into any of these changes. Features shown here can still be removed before a stable release, even if some eventually appear in beta builds.
Even so, this build offers a useful snapshot of where Android may be heading next.
New features worth watching
App lock is one of the most practical additions. You can now long press an app and secure it directly, which adds a layer of privacy without digging through settings menus
That same menu also activates bubbles more fully. Conversations can float on screen as overlays, making multitasking feel more natural than before
The screen recorder has also been reworked into a floating pill interface. It lets you quickly choose between recording the full screen or a single app, then moves you into a preview flow where you can edit, delete, or share the clip
Google has even refined smaller details. The long press menu now groups shortcuts into a cleaner layout that expands only when needed.
Why this update isn’t final
There’s a reason none of this should be taken as final. This channel exists for developers to explore early features and APIs, not as a preview of what will ship next
That gap between polish and certainty is important. Some features already feel complete, but they can still be adjusted or dropped before Android 17 reaches stability. Even changes that move into beta are not guaranteed to stick.
There’s also a tradeoff to consider. Canary builds aren’t designed for daily use, so most people won’t try them unless they’re comfortable dealing with bugs or manual installs.
What you’re seeing here is Android in an active state of change, with ideas being tested in public before decisions are locked.
What to expect next
Some of the smaller changes hint at a broader direction. The return of separate Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles suggests a rethink of earlier design decisions, while heavier use of blur points to ongoing visual refinement
There’s still no clear timeline for what carries forward. Google hasn’t confirmed which of these features will land in Android 17 or when they might reach stable devices, even on supported Pixel models.
If you’re tracking Android’s evolution, the next step is to watch what shows up in beta builds. That’s usually where experimental ideas start turning into features you’ll actually use.
On an iPhone: Tap and hold on the home screen until the icons wiggle, then drag them around to rearrange or tap the X to uninstall them.
Add Shortcuts for Useful Tasks or Apps
One of the best things you can do is place shortcuts on the home screen to make it easier for them to call or message their closest contacts with a single tap.
On an Android phone: Tap and hold on the home screen and select Widgets, choose the Browse tab, then scroll down to Contacts, choose Direct dial, and select a contact. You can place the shortcut anywhere on the home screen, and they can call that person simply by tapping it. You can add Direct message shortcuts in the same way.
On an iPhone: Use the Shortcuts app. If you create a folder for the home screen, you can potentially add multiple shortcuts. You can tap the plus (+) icon at the top right to add a new shortcut, search for or scroll down to Phone or FaceTime, tap on it again, then tap Contact and pick the contact you want to add. Tap at the top and choose Rename to give the shortcut a name, choose the icon, and Add to Home Screen. You can also tap and hold on the home screen until the icons wiggle and tap Edit at the top left, then Add Widget, and choose Contacts, then select the contact you want to add, but this will require an extra tap when they want to call.
Call contact shortcut on Android
Screenshots: Simon Hill
Consider a Simple Launcher (Android Only)
With Android phones, you can change the “launcher,” which determines the look of the whole interface, including things like app icons and font size.
Samsung phones have an alternative launcher called Easy Mode built in. To toggle it on, go to Settings, Display, and choose Easy Mode. There are loads of alternative Android launchers that you can install, and several simplify the phone experience with big icons. Simple Launcher, Big Launcher, or Senior Home are all worth a look.
On an Android phone: Go to Settings, Display and touch, and choose Display size and text, then drag the slider to adjust. You can also get there via Settings, Accessibility, then Display size and text.
Don’t let Google know, but I’d be quite lost without YouTube. I use the video platform daily for background noise during the workday and for enjoying my favorite creators’ content in the evenings.
The platform doesn’t offer the best user experience, at least not one that prioritizes the content. Constant interruptions and visual clutter within the app have prompted me to seek alternative ways to watch YouTube. And you don’t need to put up with them, either.
There are various ways to use YouTube interruption-free. What follows are your options.
How do you watch YouTube interruption-free on Android?
191 votes
Use a browser with dedicated video controls
Andy Walker / Android Authority
You don’t necessarily need to use an app to view YouTube content; Android browsers will serve just as well. Some browsers are more adept at displaying and controlling video than others, though, and while the likes of Google Chrome seem like an excellent fit for a fellow YouTube product, there are better options.
Personally, I’ve gravitated towards Banana Browser as my preferred video web browser. It packs a dedicated video player that supports numerous content sources, including YouTube and TikTok. It also includes ad-blocking smarts and SponsorBlock support — a tool that skips past sponsor slots and other interruptions — while background play and picture-in-picture modes are also available.
As far as user-friendliness is concerned, Brave is perhaps the best option on Android for casual users. It supports background playback for audio tracks, picture-in-picture mode, and dedicated settings to block recommended content, “distracting elements,” and YouTube Shorts.
Use one of the many Android YouTube apps available
Andy Walker / Android Authority
There are many apps that present YouTube content in a more user-friendly manner, free from annoying content. My current favorite example is Tubular, a fork of NewPipe. What makes Tubular better is its inclusion of SponsorBlock, which skips video sections based on crowdsourced info, and ReturnYouTubeDislike, which does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s also extremely easy to use, so even non-techies can easily adopt it.
Notably, NewPipe remains a pretty great alternative, especially if you’re running an older Android smartphone.
Tubular and NewPipe are excellent open source Android YouTube alternatives.
PipePipe is a hard fork of NewPipe, featuring a nifty keyword filter system and support for other platforms, including Bilibili.
For something more democratic, Grayjay is not simply a YouTube alternative. It’s effectively a content aggregator and supports a host of big-name platforms serving audio and video. It’s also built with privacy in mind, keeping subscription information locally.
Desktop user? FreeTube does the trick
You can use a web browser for your YouTube needs on Windows, but I’ve found a standalone app to be a far better solution. As Google doesn’t offer a dedicated Windows app, I have to look elsewhere. For the most part, FreeTube covers pretty much all of my bases.
FreeTube is a free and open source program that bills itself as a privacy-first client. It keeps all your subscription, playlist, and history data on your local machine, doesn’t display ads, and uses a UI consistent with YouTube itself. The most significant appeal is its support for macOS and Linux as well.
As an unofficial product, FreeTube occasionally breaks due to YouTube’s changes to its backend. But, thanks to the power of open source collaboration, these problems are usually remedied in a day or a few.
Use this popular Google TV app
Most of my YouTube viewing takes place on my TV via my Chromecast with Google TV. While I could use the official YouTube app for the platform, I find it somewhat lacking in customization, video controls, and quality adjustments. It’s why SmartTube is one of my essential Google TV apps.
SmartTube is a brilliant piece of free and open source software that’s updated regularly and supported by a thriving community. The app itself feels quicker, offers more UI options to enhance accessibility, and boasts numerous advanced features compared to YouTube’s official production. It just so happens to support SponsorBlock, ad suppression, and gives me complete control over the types of videos I want recommended to me. It’s a far more personal way to consume YouTube.
SmartTube offers more accessibility and video quality options than YouTube on Google TV.
Of course, being a third-party app that’s not directly available from the Play Store on Google TV, installation is a bit of a chore. It requires installing a prelude app before you can access SmartTube itself. Nevertheless, jumping through this hoop is well worth it.
Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority?
Actually pay for YouTube Premium
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
Look, as much as thrifty consumers hate to admit it, paying for YouTube Premium may actually be the best solution for watching YouTube without ads. While parting with cash monthly is a painful prospect, Premium is the only solution if you want to access YouTube unabated on every supported device.
Premium also offers a few valuable perks, including YouTube Music Premium access, offline viewing, additional playback options, and the super helpful skip-ahead smarts. And, of course, paying for Premium is one way to support the creators you watch every day.
Paying for YouTube is the only way you’ll get Premium features across all supported devices.
My primary concern with this approach is the YouTube experience itself. As I mentioned in the SmartTube section, YouTube is overly rigid in its UI and controls on its supported platforms. Although most consumers won’t need options to increase the scale of thumbnails on TV or hide Shorts from view, many power users do. Paying for YouTube won’t magically produce these features.
At $13.99 monthly, Premium isn’t what I’d call cheap. And, arguably, you could access the lion’s share of its features with one of the solutions outlined above. Nevertheless, I did want to mention purchasing YouTube as an option because it genuinely is.
How do you watch YouTube interruption-free? Let me know your solution in the comments below.
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It’s still May, which means it’s still Google time. After showing off Android’s new look at The Android Show, the company still has its developer conference to check off the list. Google I/O 2025 is scheduled to start on May 20 at 1PM ET / 10AM PT, and Engadget will be covering it live, via a liveblog and on-the-ground reporting from our very own Karissa Bell.
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The company made it clear during its Android showcase that Android XR, its mixed reality platform, will also be featured during I/O. That could include the mixed reality headset Google and Samsung are collaborating on, or, as teased at the end of The Android Show, smart glasses with Google’s Project Astra built-in.
To find out for yourself, you can watch Google’s keynote in the embedded livestream above or on the company’s YouTube channel. The event starts at 1PM ET on May 20 and the company plans to hold breakout sessions through May 21 on a variety of different topics relevant to developers.
Android 16, the next major revamp for Google’s smartphone operating system, has already reached platform stability. And now that all the key changes and upgrades have been locked in place, Google has finally shed light on its public release, sort of.
During a press briefing for The Android Show ahead of the Google I/O developers conference, a Google executive confirmed that the stable build of Android 16 will land on Pixel phones in June, with a fresh aesthetic makeover in tow.
It won’t feature the entire design UI overhaul with the new Material 3 Expressive elements in one go, as Google apps will continue to adapt it in the subsequent months. However, a beta build of Android 16 that lands later this month will give users a taste of the changes to come.
Google says Material 3 Expressive is the company’s “most researched update to the design system since its launch in 2014.” It embraces a youthful new UI design with bolder colors that brings over a dozen changes to elements such as app bars, button groups, and navigation bar, among others.
In addition to a June release schedule for Android 16 on Pixel devices, Google also revealed that it will land on Samsung phones later this Summer. That is likely going to begin with a beta program for One UI 8, which has already been spotted testing on Samsung’s flagship phones.
What’s new in Android 16?
As far as features go, Android 16 brings a host of notable changes. For photography enthusiasts, they will be greeted with new temperature and tint adjustment controls for more precise grading controls in the camera app, alongside a hybrid auto-exposure system. Support for the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec is also part of the package to allow high-quality video recordings.
Tushar Mehta / Digital Trends
“Android 16 adds the capability for users of LE Audio hearing aids to switch between the built-in microphones on the hearing aids and the microphone on their phone for voice calls,” says Google. Notably, it enables support for the Wi-Fi 6 802.11az standard, which is more secure and scalable.
The Live Updates system in Android 16 introduces a new, and more minimalist approach to notifications that cover ongoing activities such as navigation and food delivery. Extensions, now going by the name “apps,” will also be a huge part of Android 16, allowing the Gemini assistant to get work done across different apps.
It already supports the Google suite of apps, such as Docs, Drive, Gmail, and Maps, alongside a small number of third-party options like Spotify, but more names will adopt it later this year. I already have the latest beta build running on my Pixel 9, and will soon report on the design and functional changes as the final set of changes start appearing in the coming weeks.
Summer is fast approaching, and that means it won’t be long before we see Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Flip 7 make its debut. While the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a top-notch foldable, it also felt like Samsung phoned it in last year. That new model offered mostly modest improvements over the Z Flip 5, with the most significant ones being hidden under the hood, like thermal improvements, or generally underwhelming, like a larger cover screen that didn’t improve in any other meaningful way.
We’re hoping that Samsung does better with the Galaxy Z Flip 7 this year. The good news is that plenty of leaks and rumors suggest the company is on the right track to hit it out of the park in its seventh inning. Let’s dig in and go over everything we’ve heard so far about what to expect from Samsung’s flagship flip phone this year.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Design
Joe Maring / Digital Trends
We’re not expecting any radical changes in the overall design of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 this year compared to its predecessor. Samsung generally takes a more iterative approach to the design of its foldables, refining the design each year with modest style and usability enhancements rather than making broader changes.
Some rumors have suggested that Samsung could move away from the softer, rounded edges of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and prior models, adopting a “boxier” aesthetic this year. The theory is that this might be needed to accommodate new displays and a larger batter without compromising its slimness. However, most of the leaked renders we’ve seen indicate that if any such changes occur, they’re likely to be subtle. All the renders we’ve seen suggest that the button placement will remain the same.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 may grow slightly taller and wider — some leaks have suggested dimensions of 166.6 x 75.2 x 6.9mm, compared to the Galaxy Z Flip 6, which comes in at 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9mm, but other renders are barely distinguishable from the current model. Unconfirmed rumors point to the possibility of a titanium build, but we’d take those with a grain of salt, as Samsung has thus far reserved that material for its top-of-the-line Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Galaxy Z Flip 6 (left) and Galaxy Z Flip 5Joe Maring / Digital Trends
Samsung made some significant improvements to the hinge on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 last year, featuring a new “dual rail hinge” design that offers better shock distribution and moves more fluidly than ever while being rigid enough to let you prop the phone up at any angle. Samsung says that the Z Flip 6 hinge is rated for 200,000 folding and unfolding cycles. We were impressed with what Samsung did here, but it may not be finished if the rumors are accurate. The company has repeatedly said it’s focused on improving its hinges’ long-term reliability and durability as much as possible, and several sources suggest some of those improvements could arrive in this year’s model.
It’s an open question how much practical difference this will make in everyday use, but it could ensure that Galaxy Z Flip 7 owners can continue enjoying a solid and reliable hinge mechanism even if they hold onto their phone for several years. Sadly, there’s been little reporting on whether an improved hinge might also improve dust resistance. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 has an IP48 rating, which provides excellent water protection, but falls short on dust resistance compared to premium non-foldables, which typically carry an IP68 rating. The lower score for dust resistance is mainly due to the hinge and the flexible inner display, and there’s only so much Samsung can do here. Beach sand won’t be a problem — IP48 is enough to protect against particles larger than 1mm — but fine dust may remain an issue.
There’s been no word yet on what colors we can expect the Galaxy Z Flip 7 to arrive in. Samsung typically has some pretty fun shades for its Z Flip series, and we expect that will continue. However, what we’d really like to see is a return of the Bespoke Edition initiative that Samsung from the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 era.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Displays
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 (left) and Galaxy Z Flip 6Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Reliable sources, including display analyst Ross Young, believe the main foldable display will grow from the 6.7-inch size that’s been the norm for the past few years to an even larger 6.8-inch or 6.85-inch screen. While the width and height may increase to make room for this larger screen, Samsung is also expected to reduce the bezels.
Samsung’s display division showed off some impressive creaseless screen technology at this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC), rivaling what we’ve seen in the Oppo Find N5. This has made some hopeful that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 could finally rival what OnePlus, Oppo, and Honor have already managed to pull off. Sadly, we’re not holding our breath on this one, as it’s probably too early for Samsung’s bleeding-edge screen tech to be ready for this year’s model. Multiple reports say Samsung will noticeably reduce the crease in this year’s model, which is still good news, but it may not go away entirely until the Galaxy Z Flip 8 comes around next year.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (left) and Galaxy Z Flip 5Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Meanwhile, the cover screen is rumored to become both larger and more functional. Most reports agree on a 4-inch display — a healthy increase from the 3.4-inch one of the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Some reports call it a “full-sized” or “full-width” screen, suggesting it could cover most of the front. Again, some of this increase will come from slimmer bezels. There’s a preponderance of evidence for this new cover screen, including comments from Young, leaked CAD renders, and images of early Z Flip 7 case designs.
Several sources suggest Samsung’s goal is to finally make the cover screen fully functional. Previous Galaxy Z Flip models limited the cover screen mostly to notifications, quick settings, and widgets. Even when the display went from 1.9 to 3.4 inches on last year’s Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung did little to improve the experience — it just made it bigger. The 720 x 748 resolution and 60Hz display made everything look sluggish and fuzzy, and you still couldn’t run apps on it without fiddling with settings and third-party tools.
We’re hoping that Samsung has listened to user feedback and taken a cue from the Motorola Razr Plus, which has a cover screen that leaves Samsung in the dust; a 4-inch display that’s just as limited as the current 3.4-inch one would be a major disappointment. Based on everything we’ve heard, the outlook is good, but we won’t know for sure until Samsung unveils this year’s foldables.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Camera
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
While the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is expected to take a nice leap forward in screen technology, it doesn’t look like Samsung will do the same for its camera system. By all reports, this year’s model will feature identical camera specs to the Galaxy Z Flip 6: a dual-camera array with a 50-megapixel (MP) primary wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide, joined by a 10MP selfie camera under the main display.
Some of those cameras may gain new sensors under the hood for better light sensitivity and color reproduction, but most of the camera improvements will likely come from a more powerful image signal processor (ISP) inside this year’s model and the AI computational photography improvements from a more advanced neural processing unit (NPU).
Along those lines, Samsung may introduce more AI-driven features for editing and optimizing photos, further expanding its Galaxy AI Suite like it did for the Galaxy S25 lineup earlier this year. However, most of those also came to older Galaxy S-series and Z-series phones, so they may not be unique to the Galaxy Z Flip 7.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Specs
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
There’s been a running debate among analysts and leakers about whether this year’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 will pack in Qualcomm’s custom Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy or Samsung’s own flagship Exynos 2500 chip. Early speculation pointed to the Exynos, but Samsung has reportedly been having production problems in producing enough chips to meet expected demand.
This is the same issue that reportedly led to Samsung scrapping its Exynos plans for the global Galaxy S25 models and going all-in on the Snapdragon 8 Elite. While there’s still evidence that the Exynos 2500 could be used in the rumored Galaxy Z Flip FE, it’s looking more likely that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will follow the S25 lineup and go exclusively with Qualcomm chips, at least for its first run. North American models will likely use the Snapdragon 8 Elite either way, as Samsung hasn’t used Exynos chips in any of its flagships sold in the U.S. since 2015 and in Canada since 2016.
Memory and storage specs are likely to remain unchanged this year. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 was available in 256GB and 512GB storage capacities, both with 12GB of RAM, and all rumors point to the same for the Z Flip 7, so don’t hold your breath for a 1TB model.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (bottom) and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 could see a modest battery size increase, with reports pointing to a 4,300mAh cell — a 7.5% bump from the 4,000mAh battery in the Galaxy Z Flip 6. However, the real battery life improvements will likely come from other efficiency improvements, both technical and practical.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip has already proven itself a winner in battery efficiency, and several rumors suggest that the new displays will adopt a more power-efficient Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) technology, or what Samsung Display calls Eco²OLED. This first came to the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and has been refined on subsequent Z Fold models. There have also been rumors it could appear on next year’s Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Potential cover screen usability improvements will also offer a more practical way of increasing battery life. Since a four-inch panel draws less power than a 6.85-inch screen, the more you can do with the phone closed, the longer the battery will last. Most Galaxy Z Flip users find themselves flipping their phones open several times a day, even just to read an email or text message. If our experience with Motorola’s recent flip phones is any indication, we expect Galaxy Z Flip 7 users will need to do this far less often.
Leaks from early prototype testing indicate that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 could run for nearly an hour longer on a single charge despite having the same battery as its predecessor. This makes us optimistic that we can expect comparable improvements for the Galaxy Z Flip 7.
Unfortunately, there’s some bad news on the charging front: According to information from China’s 3C certification database, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is expected to retain the same paltry 25W wired charging speeds as its predecessors. That’s disappointing but not altogether surprising; Samsung tends to take a conservative approach to charging speeds. The specific reasons for this aren’t entirely clear, but it helps reduce excessive heat in a cramped folding design and ensures the battery stays healthier in the long term.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Software and features
Tushar Mehta / Digital Trends
In a surprising twist, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 could be one of the first Samsung phones to launch with One UI 8. That’s thanks to Google releasing Android 16 earlier than usual this year, with the next major release expected to land in June.
This means that Android 16 will be out by the time the Galaxy Z Flip 7 launches. It’s unlikely Samsung wants to be left behind, so it’s reportedly been hustling to have One UI 8 ready to go in time to take advantage of all the latest Android enhancements.
In addition to upgraded health tracking features, Audio Sharing, and enhanced anti-theft protections, Android 16 offers a native Desktop mode for the first time, allowing users to project a Chrome OS-like interface onto a larger screen. This has led to speculation that Samsung might include DeX support on the Z Flip 7 to provide its own desktop computing experience rather than simply relying on what Android 16 offers.
Some have even suggested that DeX could work with Samsung’s Flex Mode, allowing it to be used as a dedicated webcam for video calls on a larger screen. Nevertheless, these rumors remain speculative, and it’s equally possible that Samsung may choose to retire DeX in favor of Android’s more standard desktop mode.
Beyond the Android 16 features that One UI 8 will embrace, it’s a safe bet that we can also expect to see some new Galaxy AI features show up. There’s been no word on what these might be, and much of what Samsung has offered so far has leaned more toward the gimmicky. Most of the really useful ones, like Circle to Search, Magic Editor, and Gemini Live, come from Google, not Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Release date and pricing
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (left) and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
There’s been no reliable information about when Samsung plans to release the Galaxy Z Flip 7, but the odds are on a July event. While Samsung’s summer Galaxy Unpacked events were typically held in August, the company switched things up in 2023 by moving to July 26 for the Galaxy Z Flip 5 reveal. That continued into 2024, when Samsung went even earlier, with a July 10 event in Paris to unveil the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Still, we don’t think that’s a trend. The July 10 event was likely scheduled to beat the 2024 Summer Olympics rather than a sign that Samsung plans to keep moving its events to earlier dates. If anything, the new timing for Android 16 and Samsung’s need to have One UI 8 ready will likely push things into late July or possibly even August.
As for the price, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 got a $100 price bump last year, raising the starting price to $1,099. This makes it more likely that Samsung will hold the line on pricing for this year’s models, which are expected to be available in the same 256GB and 512GB capacities for $1,099 and $1,219, respectively.
There are a lot of wireless chargers. Here are a few more we like, but for one reason or another don’t warrant a place above.
Baseus Nomos 5-in-1 Charging Station for $150: If you liked the PicoGo W2 above but need more gadget-charging power, this 5-in-1 could be worth a look. It also has a tilting pad and retractable USB-C cable, but adds two more USB-C ports and one USB-A, along with a stats-filled display. It’s perfect for your desktop. I also tried and quite liked the Baseus Nomos 8-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station ($90), which combines a similar folding Qi2 pad with three US AC outlets, three USB-C ports, and one USB-A.
Rapport London Formula Wireless Charging Tray for $475: Yes, this is an obscene price for a Qi wireless charger. You can probably make a version for a fraction of the cost. But Rapport’s build quality is quite nice, with a lacquered grey box and a soft-touch fabric to keep your watches and phone scratch-free. It reliably recharged several Android phones without making them too warm, all while offering storage for a few watches. It’s attractive, but you have to have cash to burn at this price.
Belkin BoostCharge Pro Convertible Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand for $45: This Qi2-certified stand has a magnetic pad that can lay flat to charge older phones or fold out to act as a stand for MagSafe iPhones and other Qi2 phones in portrait or landscape orientation (handy for StandBy mode). It charges at up to 15 watts and comes with a 5-foot USB-C to USB-C cable and a power supply.
Casetify PowerThru 2-in-1 Charging Stand for $92: If you want a charger for your MagSafe iPhone and AirPods (or other earbuds), this one from Casetify is a decent pick. It has a squared-off base with an indent for AirPods, a metallic rod, and a slightly adjustable MagSafe pad for your iPhone that charges at 7.5 watts. I don’t love the visible logo around the pad or the options with basketball courts and other designs for the base, and it has a bright LED.
Apple MagSafe Charger for $46: Apple’s MagSafe charger is quite basic. Since the charger magnetically stays attached to MagSafe iPhones, you don’t have to worry about accidental misalignments causing you to wake up to a dead device. There’s no charging adapter but this is the version with the longer 2-meter cable.
Courant Catch:2 Essentials for $150: Wireless chargers should look nice. You shouldn’t settle for anything less! This Courant dual charger oozes luxury with its Belgian linen-wrapped surface (especially in the camel color). I’ve used it by my front door to recharge my partner’s and my wireless earbuds for two years. The rubber feet prevent it from shifting around, but even if there are five coils in this pad, you should try to be precise when you put your device down to charge and make sure the LED lights up to double-check. It comes with a color-matching USB-C cable.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Zens Liberty Wireless Charger for $100: I tested the Glass Edition ($140) of this wireless charging pad, and it looks stunning with the 16 overlapping copper coils on display (the standard version has a woolen fabric top). It can charge two devices simultaneously at up to 15 watts apiece, and there’s an optional Apple Watch add-on ($20). As stylish as it is, the price is too high. Because you can see the coils, placement is never an issue, but it’s a bulky charger, the fan is audible at times, and while I had no problem charging my iPhone or AirPods, my Pixel 6 Pro got very warm on this pad.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Xiaomi Mi 80-W Wireless Charging Stand for $50: By far the fastest wireless charger we have tested, this stand is only worth considering for Xiaomi phones (it seems to charge most other phones at 10 watts or below). I tested with the Xiaomi 13 Ultra (8/10, WIRED Recommends), which tops out at 50 watts (some Xiaomi models can go higher). The unusual sail shape combines a white triangular section with a clear acrylic base that has a subtle groove to hold your phone in place and a gap underneath for the exhaust grill from the noisy fan. The USB-C port and LED indicator are on the back.
Don’t Bother
They can’t all be winners. Here’s a wireless charger we don’t recommend.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Raycon Magic Mat Pro for $40: I love the idea of a mouse mat with a wireless charging spot for your phone, but the execution here is terrible. The spot is finicky to find, it can’t cope with thick cases, and my Xiaomi 14 Ultra would not charge at all (the camera bump is too big). Raycon says the fake leather is waterproof, but I found it a dud as a mouse mat and uncomfortable to rest my arm and hand on.
I’m always in two minds about tapping a link on my Android phone. It could lead me to an innocuous duck meme that makes my day. Alternatively, it could also usher me somewhere I don’t quite want to go. This is less likely on platforms where I can actively preview the link in full, but for many other apps, there’s no telling where that blue hyperlinked text will lead you.
I use the open source URLCheck, one of my favorite Android apps, to address this potential security lapse. After discovering it several months ago, it quickly became one of the first and most important apps I install on new and old Android devices.
Do you think that link handling on Android is secure enough?
9 votes
What is URLCheck, and why do I use it?
Andy Walker / Android Authority
URLCheck is a tiny Android app that gives me more control over links than Android. On the surface, it’s a middleman that intercepts links and allows me to view them in full, but if you dig a little deeper, it lets users modify them and even check them for viruses using the URL Scanner module with a VirusTotal API key (you’ll have to sign up to provide your own). Android natively offers none of these features, so URLCheck is a critical security addition to any smartphone.
URLCheck intercepts links before they’re followed, allowing me to view them, modify them, or disregard them entirely.
It also has other utility, too. Set it as your default web browser, and URLCheck lets you pick a browser or app to open the link. For instance, if I open a link from Gmail, URLCheck will intercept it and allow me to open it in Chrome, Firefox, my local shopping app, or any other related app I’ve installed. Without URLCheck, the link would open in whatever default browser I have set. As I use multiple browsers on my phone, including Chrome for personal Google-related data and Firefox for day-to-day browsing, I hugely appreciate getting the option to choose.
URLCheck also offers its powers when sharing links. I find it fantastic for removing tracking tags and unnecessary redirects before passing them on to friends and family. There’s nothing worse than receiving a random link obfuscated by layers of redirects.
How to set up URLCheck on Android
URLCheck can be a little overwhelming to set up, but its customizability makes it malleable. The app offers a straightforward tutorial that walks you through the core steps to enhance your experience. It’s foolproof, but I suggest you follow the quick rundown below.
Open the app. You’ll be greeted by the first of five tutorial screens. You can skip the first two screens by tapping Next — these only explain how the app works.
On screen three, you’ll be asked to select URLCheck as your default browser. Tap Set as default browser, Default web browser, or Android app settings to complete this step.
Next, select your modules by tapping Modules. I run the following: Input Text, Status code, Unshortener, URL Cleaner, Hosts labeler, and Open and Share. Be sure to tap on each one, read their description, and choose whether you’ll require it.
Finally, advance to the last screen and tap Next once more to finish the tutorial.
Now, whenever you select a URL in an Android app, URLCheck shows you exactly where it points. You can then follow that link, modify it, or choose another route entirely.
No tool can make the web completely safe
Don’t get me wrong. URLCheck is powerful, but it won’t nanny you around the web. The app doesn’t act as an alarm. It won’t warn you if a link is dodgy unless you use its URL Scanner module. Without this module active, you’ll have to use some of your natural smarts to determine if the destination is somewhere you want to go.
URLCheck won’t warn you if a link is bad unless you use its URL Scanner module.
Additionally, to check a URL within your browser, you must use the share menu to share the link to URLCheck. During regular operation, the app only intercepts links from apps that would direct to your browser.
Notably, if you find that URLCheck doesn’t open links and instead that link opens directly in another app, you’ll need to change the way that particular app handles web links. For instance, my shopping app hijacks these links on my Pixel. To fix this, I navigated to Settings > Apps > See all apps > find and tap on the offending app > Open by default > check In your browser. Now, as the default browser, URLCheck intercepts these links.
Do you use URLCheck or another link-checking tool? Let me know in the comments below.
Amazon will discontinue its app store for Android on August 20 this year. The company sent a notice to developers indicating that they will no longer be able to submit new apps to the store.
The company said on a support page that it will also discontinue its Coins digital currency, which could be used to purchase games and apps on the app store.
“Starting August 20, 2025, you will no longer have access to the Amazon Appstore on your Android device. We will also be discontinuing the Amazon Coins program on August 20, 2025,” the company said on a support page.
Amazon said that it will refund any coins that users hold as of August 20.
The company added that the app store will still be functional on its own devices, such as Fire TV and Fire Tablet.
The company didn’t immediately respond to questions about the decision to discontinue the store.
Make sure to check out our many MagSafe guides for compatible accessories, but I’ll also be adding more to this list since not all MagSafe accessories will work with the Galaxy S25’s unique camera placement. If it’s a simple, circular accessory, it will likely be OK, but larger square or rectangular magnetic accessories like MagSafe wallets will not fit well.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
ESR HaloLock Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger for $23: We have several great Qi2 magnetic chargers in our Best Wireless Chargers guide but in the interest of ensuring optimal compatibility since the Galaxy S25 camera module may interfere with some magnetic accessories, I can say for certain that this mini Qi2 charger works perfectly. It didn’t get too hot, and I like the extra protection added to the area where the cable meets the charging puck. The 5-foot cable is braided.
ESR MagSafe AirPlane Phone Holder for $16: This fun little gadget is a phone stand that can clamp onto various surfaces. It folds up and doesn’t take much space in a bag, but if you find yourself using your phone a lot on a plane to watch media, you can affix it to the tray table for more ergonomic hands-free viewing. The clamp doesn’t extend a ton so it won’t work on thick tables, but the magnetic connection is strong and you can tilt the angle quite a bit.
Other Good Screen Protectors
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Here are several other screen protectors I’ve tested. They’re all easy to apply, which is the most important thing to look for. There’s no point in recommending a screen protector that’s hard to install. Remember, you have to re-add your fingerprints after applying the screen protector for biometric authentication to work.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
ESR Tempered Glass Screen Protector (3 Pack) for $13: Three tempered glass screen protectors for $13? That’s shockingly cheap. I kept looking for a catch, but this ESR protector was visually similar to many of the others I’ve tested and boasts many of the same claims. It’s incredibly easy to install—like the Dbrand, you pull a tab once you place the phone in the applicator tool. This ensures perfect installation and I had zero air bubbles. Unfortunately, it’s only available for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, or I’d have recommended it over the pricier Dbrand. It comes with the full cleaning kit including alcohol wipes, a microfiber cloth, dust removal stickers, and a squeegee. I also tested ESR’s Privacy Screen Protector, but I didn’t like it: it noticeably affected the screen quality, making it dimmer overall and showing muted colors.
BodyGuardz Pure 3 Screen Protector for $45 (Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, Galaxy S25 Ultra): Kudos to BodyGuardz for being one of the only companies offering a cardboard install tool instead of plastic. Seriously, screen protectors produce so much plastic waste but this one is minimal. Even the tempered glass screen protector is made from 30 percent recycled glass. It comes with the usual cleaning kit, and the application was super easy. This one doesn’t cover the selfie camera but has a little gap for it, unlike the ESR. Too bad you only get one.
Spigen GlasTR EZ Fit Screen Protector (2 Pack) for $19: Spigen’s tempered glass screen protectors are just as easy to install as the others in this list, and come with the usual cleaning tools for prepping your device. I did have a few air bubbles after installation but they all disappeared minutes later. You get two in this pack.
More Cases to Consider
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
UAG Pathfinder Magnetic Case for $55: I tested a bunch of other UAG cases, from the Monarch Pro and Civilian to the Plyo Pro, but I think the Pathfinder has the best aesthetic, especially in the bright yellow color. The buttons are clicky, there’s a magnet embedded in the middle for Qi2 support, and the edges around the screen and cameras are raised fairly well. The case is a bit slippery, but that’s my only complaint if you like the loud design.
Spigen Nano Pop MagFit Magnetic Case for $19: It’s only available for the Galaxy S25 Ultra right now, but this is a simple magnetic case that’s very affordable. It works with Qi2 and Qi chargers, the S Pen is easily accessible, and the buttons are clicky.
BodyGuardz Paradigm Pro Heat-Regulating Magnetic Case for $60: Only available for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, this case is designed to vent heat away from the back of the phone so that there are no hot spots when you’re gaming. I’ve tested this case before for the iPhone and didn’t really notice a difference, but what I actually like this case for is the directional bottom speaker—it makes the bottom-firing speakers of the Galaxy S25 Ultra shoot upward to your face when holding the phone, which is actually really nice when gaming in landscape orientation because my grip often blocks the phone’s speakers. It also has a built-in lanyard, comes with a magnet for Qi2 charging, and has clicky buttons. The plain black design is boring though, and the material is slippery. I also tested the BodyGuardz Ace Pro, but I found it hard to access the S Pen stylus.
ESR HaloLock Classic Hybrid Case: Only available for the Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Ultra right now, this is my second favorite clear case after the Dbrand recommendation above. The material feels nice, smudges are easy to wipe away, and it has built-in magnets. I can confirm it works on my Qi2 as well as my basic Qi charger. The buttons are responsive and it’s easy to access the S Pen stylus.
Mous Clarity 3.0 Magnetic Case for $70: This is a solid clear case (available for the entire S25 series), though it was already scuffed a little when I unboxed it, which doesn’t bode well for how it will look after months of use. Especially considering how much the case costs. It does have magnets for Qi2 charging and is an otherwise perfectly fine case.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Latercase Thin Case for $59: Here’s another super-thin case for people who hate traditional bulky cases. It’s made from aramid fibers and will keep your phone scratch-free (at least, the back of it). There’s no protection for the bottom edge, the buttons, or the top edge, so it’s quite minimal. I like the soft texture of the material though, and it looks pretty. There are sadly no magnets for Qi2 functionality. The good news is that unlike many thin cases I’ve tested, this one is very easy to remove.
Tech21 EvoArmor and EvoClear Magnetic Cases for $50: These are some solid, simple, and smart-looking magnetic cases with Qi2 functionality. The edges around the screen are raised to protect it, the buttons are responsive, and there’s a spot to attach the lanyard. The Evolite is a solid clear case if that’s what you’re looking for, though I prefer the Dbrand and ESR to it. I also tested the EvoLite case, which is very basic and doesn’t have magnets if you want something simple. but it’s a bit slippery.
Samsung Standing Grip Phone Case for $55: I actually like the big grip on the back of this case. It slides nicely and you can fit several fingers through it. However, the plastic sides of the case feel a little out of place and make it feel cheap. The edges around the screen are also barely raised, so it doesn’t feel very protective. Surprisingly, wireless charging works, though there are no magnets here, so you don’t get Qi2 support. The bottom edge is also weirdly not protected.
Samsung Silicone Case for $30 and Rugged Case for $60: Samsung’s official Silicone case does the job, but I’m not sure what it does more than the cheaper options above. The same goes for the Rugged Case, which is way too expensive for what you get, especially considering there are no magnets in either of these for Qi2 support. They’re functional cases, just too expensive.
Speck Presidio Perfect-Clear and Presidio2 Grip Magnetic Cases for $50: These cases check off all the boxes in terms of functionality, and they’re a little more interesting to look at. They also have magnets for Qi2 support. However, both of them just feel a bit cheap—the Presidio2 Grip specifically has these cheap-looking plastic accents on the corners that ruin the aesthetic. Then again, I’m also nitpicking.
Zagg Santa Cruz Snap Magnetic Case for $50: I tested several cases from Zagg, including the Luxe, Milan, Denali, and Crystal Palace with Kickstand. They’re all OK. The buttons on all of these are slightly stiffer than on the other cases I’ve tested—not terrible, but just enough to notice. Many of these don’t have magnets in them but the Santa Cruz Snap does, and it worked well on my Qi2 and Qi charger. The edges are grippy, which is why I like it.
Benks ArmorAir Case for $40: This case is another ultra-thin case but it’s made from Kevlar fiber, though how much durability that provides when it’s this thin is questionable. What bugs me is that the camera module shifts ever so slightly. It’s one of those things that once you notice, you won’t stop feeling and seeing it shift every time. At least it covers more edges than the Latercase, and it also has magnets built in for Qi2 support.
Casetify Impact Magnet Cases for $64: You can get Casetify’s Impact cases in any style—with a mirror finish, a clear finish, or a crazy design. These are solid magnetic cases with clicky buttons, decently raised edges, and a good grip. The ring around the camera module is a bit thick though and disrupted charging on my Qi charger on occasion, but not consistently. That shouldn’t be much of an issue if you use a Qi2 charger.
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