I need help with Android Auto audio

I, for one, usually run my phones free of cases, but after a recent drop that obliterated my Redmagic 9s Pro, I decided to pick up a Pixel 9 as a replacement. With that new purchase came a strong sense that I should probably splurge on a case this time around. So I went all out. I wanted something that looked good, made of leather, so a Bellroy case is what I purchased. It wasn’t cheap, but I’m pretty happy with it, so feel my money was spent well. 

But what about you? What kind of case do you normally go for when you purchase a new phone? What’s your go-to? Is it leather, plastic, rubber, colorful, muted, expensive, or cheap?

It feels like everyone is making a big deal about Qi2. Where does it work, is a particular implementation true Qi2, and which manufacturer is using it correctly? Meanwhile, the only wireless charger I own is super slow, and I use it mainly to hold my Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, giving it a home while keeping the battery topped off. Beyond that, I rarely use wireless charging, primarily because cables are faster, and my house is already filled with them. It’s not like the charger won’t need a cable, anyway, so it’s not like using one results in less clutter. I just don’t see the point; what problem do wireless chargers solve?

But I also know many tech enthusiasts are fans, so I figure let’s put the question to the test. Do you care about charging your devices wirelessly, or are you, like me, a wireless charging luddite?

Our reviews of the Pixel 9 trio might be live, but we’re far from done with talking about new Google hardware. Next up, we’re focusing our attention on Google’s second-gen foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. New name, new design, same overwhelming focus on AI that wound up receiving some mixed feelings from all three of our previous Pixel 9 reviews. We’ll have plenty more to say about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in the weeks to come — including a full review — but in the meantime, let us know what you’re most curious about, and we’ll be sure to address it just as soon as we can say more.

Everyone remembers their first phone. It’s the first time you can call your friends from wherever you are, take pics on the go, and play Angry Birds (depending on your era). What was your first phone and what do you remember about it? Do you remember it fondly? Share your memories about your first cellular experience!

I have to admit, it is rare when I use a case with a phone. I did purchase one for my Pixel 9, but I mainly did so to get one with a magnet built in so I can attach a wallet. More often than not, I’m carrying my phone without any coverage, completely naked, and that’s how I prefer it. Seeing that I’ve only dropped a phone to the point of cracking the glass once in the last 20+ years, I’d say my phones typically go in a drawer unscathed when I stop using them.

But what about you? Do you have to slap a case on all of your phones, or do you prefer to run around town with your phone in your pocket sans any protective covers?

Google’s released a boatload of new products this summer, including four phones, two watches, and a smart thermostat. But we’ve still got more look forward to. The Google TV Streamer, heir apparent to the Chromecast legacy, is set to hit store shelves next week. Judging by what we know about the $100 set-top box so far, it’s essentially a souped up Chromecast with Google TV, featuring updated hardware and a new form factor, more storage space, and a built-in Thread radio for smart home hub functionality. 

But with the release date less than a week away, we wanted to ask: what do you want to know about the Google TV Streamer? Drop your questions in the comments here, and we’ll do our best to answer them over the coming weeks.

Google used to push Chromebooks pretty hard, but nowadays, without any Pixelbooks in the mix, it feels like interest has died down. Sure, schools still use them, and I’m sure there are corporations that hand them out to their workforce. But at the end of the day, you have to wonder what the consumer side looks like when there isn’t much to get excited about anymore. Sure, Chromebook Plus is here to signify the higher-end models, but dose anyone actually care that their Chromebook came with free AI features? Can you even name any that come with Chromebooks? More or less, Chromebooks feel stale, which has me wondering how many readers out there are using them day to day.

So, when was the last time you used a Chromebook, and what were you using it for? Let’s see if these devices are still popular with the Android crowd.

I have a feeling I’m a lifer. Sure, I’ve used iOS (on iPads), but ever since Android was released, I’ve only owned and used Android phones, and I don’t see this changing anytime soon. Apple just never felt like the hardware for me, and I’ve certainly dabbled with Macs, but the walled gardens and higher prices for everything just leave a bad taste in my mouth. Android is still more open, and Android is still cheaper for comparable hardware. Most importantly, I’m used to the interface and the actions I can perform within, be it running emulators, sideloading apps, or simply adding icons to my screen wherever I want (yes, I know Apple has started supporting all of these), Android simply feels like the right place to be accomplishing these tasks.

While I know there are plenty of hardcore Android users around here, just like me, I do wonder how many of AP’s readers would be willing to jump the fence for the possibility of greener pastures. So, what say you? Would you ever consider ditching

Did you know the latest Pixel 9s support video out over USB? Neither did I, but not that I know I am eager to get my hands on Google’s USB-C to HDMI cable so I can output video from my phone. As a matter of fact, the cable come from Cable Matters, and is also available on Amazon for less than Google’s pricing, which looks to be the place to snag one (read more about this in the linked coverage).

So here comes the big question. Have you ever needed to output video from your phone to the point you’ll go out of your way to buy a USB-C to HDMI cable? Hit the comments to let us know, as I can confidently say I’ll be ordering one shortly. After all, you may not need to output video from your phone frequently, but the one time you need to, it sure would be handy to have a cable on hand to do so.

A recent update added pass-through charging to Pixel devices, where they can be powered over USB without pulling power from the battery, thus creating less wear on the battery and enhancing its longevity. It’s a win-win for consumers, especially gamers who game for long sessions. So, now that the feature is here, do you plan on taking advantage of the new setting for charging optimization? Hit the comments to share if you feel pass-through charging is something you plan on using.

Amazon’s fire tablets run a custom version of Android, so they ship without access to the Play Store. Amazon offers its own Android app store, but sometimes it lacks when compared to Google’s storefront, and that’s saying something because the Play Store is a nightmare to navigate, but it does house the majority of Android apps, unlike Amazon’s store. This is why there are guides out there that explain how to sideload the Play Store onto Fire tablets, and thankfully, it isn’t even that difficult to do.

So, have you installed the Play Store on your Fire tablet, or do you plan to?

The Google Pixel camera visor has become a staple of Google’s design language since the Pixel 6. Unfortunately, it has some durability issues. Such a large, flat surface housing the cameras makes it susceptible to micro scratches, which can cause unsightly blemishes and potentially cloudy photos. 

In addition, whatever materials Google uses to construct the visor show wear within days. My Pixel 8 Pro’s visor looked like I ran it through my dryer after only two or three days in my pocket, and that was with being careful. I don’t abuse my phones, but that doesn’t matter. Drop a photo of your battered Pixel visor if you’re similarly frustrated with Google’s lack of build quality and how it makes your shiny new phone look beat up in the first days of ownership.

Next week, Android Police will venture out to San Jose, California to see first-hand whatever Samsung has up its sleeve to kick off 2025. Smart money is on the Galaxy S25 series — the company’s recent invite teaser sure seems to imply as such. Eagle-eyed viewers might’ve noticed what looks to be four phones making up the AI-centric sparkle on Samsung’s announcement, though, and based on recent leaks, that’s probably not a mistake. We’ve heard about the Galaxy S25 ‘Slim’ for a few months now, and this week, we finally got our first look at it in newly-leaked renders.

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Slim looks pretty similar to both the base and Plus models, right down to its trio of camera lenses protruding from the back. But, if OnLeaks is to be believed — and he usually is — we could be looking at a substantially slimmer phone compared to the rest of the models, with the S25 Slim measuring in at just 6.4mm. It’s all but a sure bet that Samsung is aiming directly at Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 ‘Ai

This week has been an absolute whirlwind. After flying across the country to experience Made By Google in-person, I’m back home and ready to hunker down for the incoming storm that is the Pixel review period. With the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL set to launch in just a week — and with the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro Fold following soon after — we want to know what you want our reviewers to focus on by leaving a comment on this very post.

Our Pixel reviews tend to be some of the longest on the site — and considering I tend to write long reviews as it is, that’s saying something. Google’s focus on rolling out countless new software features can make it a real challenge to hit every change in-depth, though I’m always aiming to make sure our readers are as familiar with the experience as possible before they decide to upgrade. After all, the best reviews can help make up your mind for you.

Whether you’re curious about Gemini

The Pixel 6 made it to Android 15 with its promised three years of Android version update support. But now that it has hit the end of the road when it comes to new Android versions, will you miss receiving these updates? You’ll still get security updates, which means the phone will be plenty useable for the foreseeable future, but Android 15 is still the last stop when it comes to versions.

Sound off in the comments below what you think of this end of support. Thankfully, the Pixel 7 and beyond offer seven years of support, so we have some time before the Pixel 7 meets the same fate as the 6.

It would appear the OnePlus 13 will be going global, which means anyone who wants one should be able to get their hands on the smartphone. So, now that we know this, are you planning on getting one? OnePlus has made a name for itself, making quality phones at acceptable prices, and since we can expect top specs like a Snapdragon Elite and a 6,00mAh battery with the OP 13, it’ll likely be challenging to find a more competitive phone. So hit the comments if you plan on splashing out; I know I’m considering it.

We’ve had ample time with Google’s latest Pixel phones, and the general consensus here at AP is that they’re all quite good, but Google hardware season isn’t over yet. Personally, I’m pretty excited about the Pixel Watch 3, which is set to hit store shelves next week. It’s the first Pixel Watch to come in two sizes (the 41mm we’re used to and a new, larger 45mm variant), and both sizes feature brighter displays with slimmer bezels than previous generations. So far, it’s looking like Google’s newest wearable is going to tick a lot of our boxes.

We’ll be writing all about it in the coming weeks and months, but I wanted to ask: what do you want to know about the Pixel Watch 3? Drop your questions in the comments and we’ll start answering them as soon as we’re able. 

I only recently switched to a Pixel 9, and I have to say I love the experience. Android feels more polished, the user experience more cohesive, and I appreciate that. But Pixel’s don’t always have the best reputation, with bugs and other issues typically cropping up after release. But this year seems different, partly because Google has held Android 15 back, which means Pixel 9 users are on a more stable and tested system, at least for the time being. This has certainly worked in Google’s favor, but for some, I’m sure the reputation remains lacking.

So, I have a question for all you Pixel users out there. Why did you choose to buy a Pixel over any of the other OEMs? Is it brand loyalty, do you simply prefer the experience Google offers, or is there another factor why you choose Pixel over the competition?

I know I personally miss having small phones. I’m on team small phone all the way, which is why I loved the Zenfone 10 and why I was sad to see Asus move to something much bigger for the 11. Even before smartphones, I was into the smaller stuff, like what Sony Ericson was putting out for its candy bar designs. But that was a long time ago, and things progress, but sadly it would seem everything progressed to being gigantic with huge screens, and I’m just not feeling it. Perhaps I’m simply being nostalgic, which is why I wanted to bring this question to the masses.

Which do you prefer, large or small phones? Hit the comments, and let’s settle this age-old debate for good.

We recently learned that the new Google TV Streamer remote works with older Chromecasts (read more about this in the linked article). So now that it is clear the new remote will work with older 4th gen devices, do you plan on picking up a replacement for your aging Chromecast? Sure, the Chromecast 4K and HD came with a remote, but perhaps it stopped working or is showing its age.

But this got me thinking: how many Chromecast owners actually want a replacement remote? So, hit the comments to let us know if you are planning to purchase the Google TV Streamer remote for your 4th gen Chromecast.