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How Google Photos perfected image backups

Robert Triggs / Android Authority Google has launched plenty of forgettable and downright disastrous initiatives over the years, but one of its most successful and beloved bits of kit has to be Google Photos. While the u-turn on unlimited photo storage has taken the sheen off the app recently, Photos remains arguably the best photo backup option in the business and a cornerstone of the Android mobile experience. Looking back at the initial launch seven years later, it seems to me that simplified photo backups was one of Google’s more ingenious plays in the mobile space.

This is the OnePlus 2's improved invite system

This year, the OnePlus 2 will also be available through the invite system but OnePlus has made some changes; in a blog post, the company revealed everything you need to know about the new invite system and also, the reason they chose the invite system in the first place. Before we reveal the details of the new invite system, let’s first look at OnePlus’s reasoning behind last year’s invite system. Simply put, the company had confidence in its product but didn’t know how customers would react.

Anamnesis coming to the West in July

TL;DR Square Enix is bringing Star Ocean: Anamnesis to mobile devices in the West. The game was originally launched in Japan in 2016, and the new version will feature English dubs. A July release date is expected, and pre-registration is available now on the Play Store. Square Enix’s Star Ocean: Anamnesis is officially coming to the West. It was released in Japan way back in 2016, and while it’s not clear why they waited so long to bring it over, it will come as good news to fans of anime-style action RPGs.

Garmin brings LTE connectivity to its premium running watch

Garmin’s fitness trackers are some of the best in the game, particularly for serious runners. With features like built-in maps, GPS tracking, music storage, and more, Garmin’s premium Forerunner series of watches are ideal companions if you’re looking to leave your phone behind. Its high-end offering, the Forerunner 945, is getting even better with the introduction of LTE connectivity. Here’s what you need to know about the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE!

Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 review

Xiaomi Redmi Note 2The Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 is an excellent option, especially when considering its price, with its positives, such as a nice design, powerful processing package, and great software experience, overshadowing any flaws that the device may have. Table of contents Consumers were pleasantly surprised when Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note in early 2014, with the extremely affordable smartphone offering specifications and features beyond what its price point would suggest.

Droid Razr HD and Razr HD Maxx coming to Verizon on October 18?

Despite the supposed “death grip” issues that should have pushed back the releases of the Droid Razr HD and Razr Maxx HD until after Black Friday, it now seems that Verizon is all ready to put the duo up for grabs. According to “several sources” close to Droid-Life, Big Red has “begun training” for both devices and will launch them as soon as next week, on the 18th. None of the two devices is currently listed on Verizon’s website as coming soon or available for pre-order though, so we wouldn’t get our hopes too high.

Google Bedtime feature replaces Wind Down

TL;DR Google Bedtime feature will replace Wind Down within the suite of Digital Wellbeing tools. As with Wind Down, Bedtime helps you get some sleep by pushing you to stop using your phone. It also helps with alarms. Pixel phones are getting Bedtime starting now, other phones will see it later this summer. Google’s suite of Digital Wellbeing tools are available on select Android devices, and they have one singular purpose: to make your life better.

Google sunsets Android APKs for App Bundles instead

Andy Walker / Android Authority TL;DR Starting in August 2021, Google will require all new Android APKs to land on the Play Store as App Bundles instead. This will invariably result in smaller file sizes and other boons for the end-user. However, it will also require app developers to push out APK versions of their apps to other non-Play Store channels, as they won’t support App Bundles. For as long as Android has been around, Android apps have been launched in the APK format (which stands for Android Package).

The OnePlus 7 Pro will launch on May 14 in New York City

Update #3: Friday, April 26, 2019 at 10:28 a.m. ET: OnePlus has confirmed that the OnePlus 7 U.K. launch has fully sold out! While it’s bad luck for U.K. OnePlus fans, there’s still tickets available for the New York launch at time of writing. Update #2: Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 11:45 a.m. ET: OnePlus is now selling tickets for its launch event. If you hurry, you can reserve your seat to the May 14 event for just $20.

Google Pay will work with New York's OMNY

Google announced today that Google Pay will soon work with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) OMNY contactless fare payment system in New York City. As part of a public pilot program that starts May 31, MTA riders can use Google Pay with all Staten Island buses. Riders can also use Google Pay in subway stations along the 4, 5, and 6 lines between Grand Central and Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center. The best phones with NFC: What are your options?