Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Google now allows Gmail users to change their address while retaining the old one as an alias — here’s how!

Many of us created our first Gmail accounts over ten years ago, and since then, we’ve outgrown them. You approach a hotel counter, shop at a retailer, or register anywhere, and when asked for your email address, you find yourself spelling out a childish address from years past.

Fortunately, Google has introduced the feature that permits changing your Gmail username — the part before “@gmail.com” — without resetting or losing your account data. The feature simply modifies your username, allowing you to use both the old and new addresses as usual.

How to change your Gmail username without losing any data:

1. If you’re on an Android device, open any Google app on your phone, such as Gmail, Drive, or Maps, tap the profile icon at the top right, and select Manage your Google Account. If using an iPhone or desktop, navigate to myaccount.google.com.
2. On the account settings page, tap Personal info.
3. Select Email, then tap Google Account email.
4. Here you’ll notice a new option titled Change your Google Account email. Tap it.
5. You’ll be directed to a page where you can select a new username. Enter your desired username and check its availability. If it’s unavailable, Google will propose alternatives.
6. Once satisfied with your new username, tap Change email at the bottom right.
7. Google will display a confirmation dialog asking if you wish to modify your primary email address. Tap Yes, change email to confirm.

That’s all. You’ve successfully altered your primary Gmail username. The new email address will appear across all Google apps and services, while all your existing data will remain intact. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before proceeding with the switch.

What you need to know prior to changing your Gmail address:

Google has simplified changing your Gmail username, but there are some important points to consider. Firstly, the feature is currently accessible only in India and the U.S., and it isn’t available for all accounts yet.

Some of my relatives in India still cannot find it in their settings, while many of my colleagues in the U.S. already have access. So, it’s possible you might not see it yet, but once it’s available, you can follow the same steps outlined above.

Google also warns that a few issues might arise after changing your Gmail username. For instance, if you’re using a Chromebook, you’ll need to remove your Google account from the device before proceeding with the change — otherwise, it could lead to complications.

Similarly, altering your Gmail address may impact some applications and services where you utilize the Sign in with Google feature. You might find yourself logged out of certain apps on your phone, requiring you to sign back in with your new email.

Regarding signing in, you’ll be able to access your Google account using both your old and new email addresses. Your old email will not vanish; it will serve as an alias, so any emails sent to your old address will still be received at your new email. All your data, including emails, Google Photos, and Drive content, will remain intact after the switch.

Furthermore, you can revert to your old email if desired. Additionally, it’s important to note that you can only change your Gmail address three times after the initial one, totaling four usernames per account. Also, this change can only be made once every twelve months.

This is a feature that feels long overdue, but I’m pleased it has finally arrived.

Despite all these caveats, I am genuinely happy that Google has introduced the option to change your Gmail username. I recall years ago having to switch my primary account due to an embarrassing username I had selected in school. I attempted to create a new Google account from scratch, but I never fully transitioned since my main email was already connected to many services.

Now, thankfully, you can transition to a new Gmail username without resetting everything, which is a tremendous relief. I only hope Google expands this option to everyone soon and does not restrict it to specific regions.

I can converse with friends from around the globe using a well-known Android feature and a more obscure one.

Google Translate has been a fundamental part of my life for many years, as I maintain close connections with individuals worldwide. While they all have varying degrees of proficiency in English, I often attempt to communicate with them in a language they are more comfortable using. Although Google Translate is helpful, the process of launching the app, copying the text, and pasting it into another app is somewhat cumbersome.

Thankfully, Google has embedded its Translate functionality into various other apps and features within Android, streamlining the access to these capabilities where they are most necessary. Gboard and Circle to Search are two such apps that have assisted me in understanding what my international friends are saying when they communicate with me in their native tongues, while enabling me to reply in a manner they can easily comprehend.

Google Translate everywhere

Circle to Search is among the finest features Google has rolled out on Android, and the company continually enhances it with new functionalities annually. A couple of years back, Google incorporated a Translate button into Circle to Search for seamless translation of whatever is displayed on your screen, and it’s become one of my favorite (and likely most utilized) features.

Actually, I rarely use Circle to Search for its originally intended purpose, which was to conveniently identify and search for items on your screen.

On the other hand, Gboard is undoubtedly one of the top keyboard apps on Android, and the added benefit is that it’s often preinstalled as the default option on numerous Android devices. One reason it’s so remarkable is because of its additional features, with text translation being among them. With this function, Gboard will automatically convert whatever you input in a text field into your chosen language.

Some OEMs offer features that are a bit more refined, such as Samsung’s Writing Assist. However, those features are typically specific to the brand and often necessitate using that brand’s apps, like Samsung Keyboard. Fortunately, my approach is brand-neutral, so I generally prefer it.

Translate like a pro

1. Press and hold the bottom bar or the home button at the bottom to access Circle to Search.
2. Tap the Translate icon, and Circle to Search will convert everything visible on your screen.
3. If your device is supported, tap the hand icon to keep translating the dialogue as you scroll.
4. To stop continuous translation, click the x icon.

5. Open Gboard and press the icon with four squares to launch the shortcuts/features menu.
6. Move the Translate icon to the primary shortcuts bar. Keep in mind you can only have five options, so you might need to remove one.
7. Exit the shortcuts/features menu. Click the Translate shortcut.
8. Tap Detect language.
9. Choose your preferred language from the menu. After selection, you might need to swap the languages using the switch button in the middle.

After selecting a language, start typing in the translator text box. As you type, the translated text will instantly appear in the main text field of whichever app you are using to communicate.

Gets the job done

My primary smartphone for the past year has been the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025, which is an excellent device, yet it lacks some of the more beneficial app translation features available on Samsung or Pixel phones. Nevertheless, this one-two combination has proven quite effective for me; whether I’m using the Razr or another Android device, the experience remains relatively uniform.

Of course, Google Translate is not always completely accurate, and certain nuances can be lost in translation, especially when idioms are involved. Nonetheless, none of my friends seem taken aback when I unexpectedly switch the conversation to their language with a fair degree of fluency, and they always seem to understand me well, and vice versa. I view it as a thoughtful way to relieve them from having to think in a language they might not be accustomed to.

Stop purchasing games on Amazon Luna — they’ll be unavailable after June 10.

An initial listing provides some insights into what’s brewing.

An early purported performance listing for Samsung’s Exynos 2700 indicates it will feature a 10-core configuration, with its most powerful core reaching approximately 2.88GHz. The chip was also identified with the Xclipse 970 GPU, while additional speculations suggest it might achieve a 12% performance enhancement. A Samsung executive mentioned earlier this year that the company is dedicated to advancing future Exynos chips, which it intends to integrate into multiple Galaxy devices.

It’s customary to anticipate a new SoC for smartphones each year, and it appears Samsung is maintaining its momentum with the Exynos 2700’s development.

Earlier this week, GSMArena reported that Samsung’s upcoming chip, the 2nm Exynos 2700, seemingly made an appearance for its Geekbench performance assessment. The most intriguing aspect here is what the listing allegedly reveals: Samsung’s core architecture for this version. The outlet claims to have observed the chip featuring a 10-core CPU, akin to the Exynos 2600 that powers the Galaxy S26 series in South Korea.

Some of these clock frequencies raise some concerns for me. Based on my calculations, a few of these asserted speeds fall short compared to the 2600. The publication notes that this listing was derived from an “engineers” build, so perhaps these figures might not be entirely accurate. I certainly hope that is the case, too.

It has been noted that the Exynos 2700’s highest cores are clocked at approximately 2.88GHz. The article further mentions that its other cores, possibly focused on efficiency, operate at around 2.4GHz. The complementary component is the Xclipse 970 GPU, which may accompany the SoC upon its release. GSMArena reports there are rumors that the Exynos 2700 could build upon the 2600 by delivering a noteworthy 12% overall performance gain.

What’s been revealed at this moment is data from preliminary test results, so it’s prudent not to leap to any conclusions just yet. However, a couple of reports could aid in shaping our perception of the Exynos 2700.

Exynos for everyone

In early March, reports emerged after Samsung’s vice president of hardware for Samsung’s MX division, Moon Sung-hoon, began discussing the future of its Exynos chipset. Moon expressed that the company was initiating a “mid to long-term strategy” for developing new chips. More significantly, this would expand the Exynos chips into a broader range of Galaxy devices throughout Samsung’s ecosystem.

Samsung is committed to an Exynos-centric future. I believe the key factor will be its ability to compete effectively. The Galaxy S26 doesn’t utilize the Exynos 2600 in all markets. It’s absent in the U.S., where we have the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Sure, it’s “For Galaxy,” which means it’s overclocked, but it’s still a Qualcomm chip. Samsung takes this approach because it understands market reactions. I wonder if we’ll reach a stage where it can compete and stand as robustly as Qualcomm.

Despite Moon indicating that developing chips is “challenging” and demands “several years” of effort, Samsung aims to pursue this endeavor for Exynos. Shortly thereafter, rumors about the Exynos 2700 surfaced following a South Korean publication’s report that it may address its heat generation. Allegedly, Samsung is advancing its HPB technology to minimize how hot the chip can become and enhance cooling efficiency. Exynos chips have grappled with high temperatures for years, so this is encouraging news, even if it remains speculative.

The Exynos 2600 launched late last year, showcasing a remarkable 39% improvement in CPU performance.

Correcting mistakes, one adjustment at a time.

Development is still ongoing.

Leaked Galaxy Z Flip 8 Visuals Uncover a Sleeker Look, Yet Limited Innovations

New visuals of the Galaxy Z Flip 8 have emerged, thanks to OnLeaks in partnership with MyMobiles. If you anticipated a significant redesign, it may be challenging to notice any modifications.

Based on the 5K CAD visuals shared by the sources, the forthcoming Galaxy Z Flip 8 may appear nearly the same as its predecessor at first sight. While this may seem unexciting, there is a subtle yet significant alteration: Samsung appears to be reducing its thickness.

The leak indicates that the Galaxy Z Flip 8 will be somewhat slimmer than the Z Flip 7. When opened, it measures 166.8 x 75.4 x 6.6 mm, and when folded, it’s 85.4 x 75.4 x 13.2 mm. In contrast, the Flip 7 was 85.5 x 75.2 x 13.7 mm when closed, so the main distinction is that the new device is roughly half a millimeter thinner when folded.

Both displays remain unchanged: a 6.9-inch foldable screen on the inside and a 4.1-inch cover display. The dual rear cameras and LED flash are also located in the same area. From an external view, it continues to resemble the Flip 7.

Reasons for Samsung’s Cautious Approach

Foldable smartphones are continuously evolving, but they have moved beyond the experimental phase. Samsung has dedicated years to enhancing their durability, refining the hinge, and optimizing the software. It now seems that the strategy is to focus on enhancing existing features rather than introducing major alterations.

A thinner phone may be more convenient to carry and provide a better feel in your hand, which is often more important in everyday use than merely having superior specifications. This could imply that Samsung is reserving more significant improvements for areas like battery performance, processing speed, or new AI capabilities.

It’s essential to remember that CAD leaks are not definitive. Minor design aspects can still be altered prior to the phone’s release. However, these preliminary images generally reflect what we can expect to see.

Moreover, CAD leaks only reveal the phone’s dimensions and silhouette. They do not provide insight into the processor or software capabilities. Therefore, surprises could still emerge, such as a more robust hinge, a quicker processor, or enhanced cameras. Nevertheless, a previous rumor hinted that Samsung’s upcoming clamshell foldable may not receive a battery upgrade in 2026.

Samsung is anticipated to unveil the Flip 8, Fold 8, and Fold 8 Wide at a Galaxy Unpacked event in London in July 2026.

Android Central’s Perspective

A sleeker, more pocket-friendly device is something I’d appreciate daily, far more than an exaggerated spec enhancement. Nevertheless, I sense that Samsung is being somewhat overly cautious. If I decide to upgrade, I seek at least one genuine “wow, that’s new” moment, not merely “hey, it’s a bit slimmer.”

Several of our preferred wireless headphones are experiencing significant price cuts. Prime Day may be several months away, but if you’re after an excellent bargain on wireless headphones, there’s no reason to delay. Whether you’re a globetrotter seeking an affordable pair for an upcoming journey or an audiophile in pursuit of the ultimate listening experience, you’ll be amazed at the variety of headphone offers currently available at Amazon.

Headphones from brands like Sennheiser, Sony, Beats, and Anker have been dropping to close to record lows throughout the week, making it difficult to predict whether these Amazon discounts will remain for long or disappear suddenly. It goes without saying, if you’re eager to seize the opportunity, you’ll discover some of the finest headphone deals from the sale listed below.

Enjoy discounts of up to 50% on noise-cancelling headphones at Amazon

Sennheiser Momentum 4: $449.95 $226.37 at Amazon
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 might be a few years old, but these headphones still receive excellent reviews for their impressive sound quality, adaptable noise cancellation, and up to 60 hours of battery life on a single charge. Purchase these headphones from Amazon today and take advantage of a remarkable 50% discount.

Sony WH-1000XM5: $399.99 $248 at Amazon
While they have technically been replaced by a newer variant (the extraordinary but pricey WH-1000XM6), the Sony WH-1000XM5 held the title of our most-recommended headphones for years for good reason. The XM5 features a stylish design with exceptional sound quality and customizable Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and now you can get these headphones from Amazon with a 38% price reduction.

Soundcore by Anker Q20i Headphones: $69.99 $39.99 at Amazon
Premium performance in noise-cancelling headphones no longer requires a hefty price tag. Available for just $39.99 on Amazon, the Soundcore Q20i offer up to 40 hours of battery life, a well-balanced sound profile, and numerous customizable EQ settings and presets.

Beats Solo 4 Headphones: $199.95 $129.95 at Amazon
The Beats Solo 4 feature high-end attributes such as spatial audio support and head tracking, plus you can enjoy up to 50 hours of battery life and the outstanding sound quality that has made the Beats name legendary. Purchase the headphones during Amazon’s ongoing sale and enjoy a direct 35% off your order.

Skullcandy Crusher ANC Headphones: $239.99 $149.99 at Amazon
Though Skullcandy may not be viewed as a trailblazer in the audio equipment market, they certainly excel in providing fantastic value for your money. Currently 38% off during Amazon’s promotion, the Skullcandy Crusher headphones offer adjustable active noise cancellation with dual bass drivers and up to 60 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Headphone deals: Walmart | Best Buy | Amazon | Dell

YouTube Premium has revealed a hike in the prices of its subscription offerings in the United States, impacting individual, family, and student plans. Beginning next month, the individual plan will increase to $15.99 monthly, up from $13.99. The family plan will jump from $22.99 to $26.99 each month, while the student plan will rise from $7.99 to $8.99 per month. The annual subscription will also escalate from $139.99 to $159.99.

This escalation in prices comes as YouTube has been increasing the number of ads displayed to free users and tightening its stance on ad blockers. Despite this increase, YouTube has not issued a formal statement via press release but has started informing users through email. The last price adjustment took place in July 2023, when the individual plan increased from $11.99 to $13.99 per month.

The timing of this price adjustment is significant, as YouTube has been intensifying its advertising for non-paying users. Paying subscribers are now confronting a price hike with little forewarning, which might not be well-received by numerous users. As YouTube Premium rates continue to ascend, it remains uncertain if Google will roll out new features to validate the price point.

This exudes some strong Gemini energy, but from Meta.

Meta AI has unveiled a new large language model (LLM) named Muse Spark, intended to usher its software into a “people first” phase. Muse Spark is adept at utilizing multiple agents to handle tasks with precision and rapidity. At present, Meta AI, energized by Muse Spark, is accessible to U.S. users through Instant and Thinking modes in the application. Nevertheless, platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Meta’s AI glasses will get these updates at a later time.

Muse Spark is a multimodal LLM capable of generating minigames and assisting in troubleshooting household appliances. It also seeks to support users in understanding their health, having been trained with information gathered by more than 1,000 medical professionals. The AI can comprehend and evaluate products, providing alternatives and facilitating shopping by exploring trending styles and inspirations.

Meta’s Superintelligence Labs developed Muse Spark from the ground up, and it now powers the Meta AI app and meta.ai. The AI’s novel features are being introduced in the U.S., with intentions to expand these to other platforms shortly. The debut of Muse Spark follows Meta’s earlier AI innovations, such as the Llama 3 LLM and improved image generation.

The abilities of Muse Spark resonate with those of Google’s Gemini, emphasizing speed and user-focused functionalities. Meta strives to develop an AI that users can depend on, utilizing content from creators and subagents to efficiently manage complex tasks.