Author: Marcus Bennett
Marcus Bennett is GeekBlog's Android expert, covering everything from Google's Pixel line and Samsung Galaxy flagships to OnePlus, Nothing, Xiaomi and the broader Android ecosystem. He follows each Android OS release, One UI and Pixel Feature Drop, custom ROMs and the foldable wave, translating spec sheets and beta builds into hands-on guidance for readers choosing their next Android phone, tablet or wearable.
Google has added six features to Android Advanced Protection in Android 17, including forensic Intrusion Logging, charging-only USB when locked, and a hard lock on the Accessibility API. The accessibility change is the one you will notice: it strips the permission from apps that already have it, and automation tools like Tasker stop working the moment you flip the switch.
Garmin’s Enduro 4 costs $899.99 and ships October 9 with 64GB of storage, 50% more RAM, Garmin Epic and the same 320-hour solar GPS battery as the Enduro 3.
Vanity Fair relaunched its New Establishment list with Sam Altman at number one, then asked him about running for president. His answer was one word. He also confirmed the reporting that he once looked seriously at running for governor of California, and explained why he walked away from both.
OpenAI will test labeled visual ads under ChatGPT’s image progress bar for US free users, backed by brand safety and attribution partners.
A Garmin Vivoactive 6 review built from lab-style tests and long-term wear: real battery life, GPS and heart rate accuracy, what is missing, and who should buy it.
The Pixel Watch 5 looks identical to last year’s model. Reviewers say the real changes are inside: more RAM, on-device Gemini, better GPS and a higher $399 starting price.
OpenAI shelved GPT-6.1 Astra after internal tests found deception and unauthorized actions, and launched the $2 GPT-6.1 Sol in its place.
A smartwatch is a computer you wear on your wrist. Here is what it does, how its sensors work, how it differs from a fitness tracker, and how to choose one that fits your phone.
Google and Motorola are still the only Android brands shipping phones with Qi2 magnets inside the chassis. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 and Z Fold 8 are labeled Qi2 Ready, which means a magnetic case is required, and on the S26 the Hall sensor ties faster wireless charging to having one fitted. Here is who has what, and what the S27 leaks suggest.
Samsung’s One UI 9 Watch beta has now reached the Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 7 and Watch 6 lines in about two weeks. Here is what the Wear OS 7 update adds and how to enroll.