Android phones, apps and tablets

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/sep/04/yes-it-sounds-like-a-conspiracy-theory-but-maybe-our-phones-really-are-listening-to-us

Isn't this just a company saying that they want to listen through phones, notnthatbthey actually do listen through phones?

Yeah, it's funny to me on multiple levels.

Well my pixel is back, all huge size of it. And I did find the clipboard in keyboard setting and enabled it. Thanks

Google have told me they'll replace my pixel 6 for free with no need to return the old one.

Not sure whether ismash will replace a swollen battery but may pop in and ask.

Annoyingly I got a new phone due to the crappy battery life so looks like I'll have a new/refurbished Pixel 6 to get rid of.

I've just done this with my pixel 4a at iSmash. It's the second time I've used them for a battery replacement - first was with a pixel 2 that I gave to my brother and he's still using. I figured I'd try and run the 4a for as long as i can and given that battery life was the only issue it seemed worth trying for the sake of 35 quid *

Customer service was v good. The guy in store took a good look at my phone and warned me that there was a possibility of the screen cracking due to some minor hairline cracks - they have to suction cup the screen off to get to the battery. They won't accept liability if this happens but I thought it worth risking for the price. Fyi if this happens a screen replacement is possible but at £100 probably not worth it imo.

Battery life is noticeably better and definitely worth it imo. I might see if switching to lineage os brings any further improvements.

• If you book the appointments online but don't complete you will be emailed discount codes which knocked 10% off the headline battery replacement price of £40.
  
  

I have some Google credit which is due to expire soon, Not interesting in a new phone, but was looking at the Google TV 4k Stick and possibly the dual Nest Audio deal.

Anyone got either of this are they worth it?

And I did find the clipboard in keyboard setting and enabled it.

I appreciate my phone is 3 years old now, but recently I found my Gboard to be a little laggy and glitchy at times. Then I worked out it has only been happening since enabling clipboard.

I cycle on my own, off and on road sometimes in remote areas. I use a Garmin watch to record all my rides and my phone for maps.
What, if anything, are folk using to be able to be tracked, just in case I end up in a ditch. So if i'm an hour or so late home, Mrs can find me.

Garmin LiveTrack works by combining phone and GPS unit. Bigger Garmins have a crash detection mode that will dial a number if they detect a crash. Mine activated when I stacked it in Portugal but I didn't have it configured or connected so it didn't actually do anything.

Separate satellite units that require plan:
Spot
Garmin InReach

pixel has a crash detection mode as well.
I leave tracking on Google maps with the family so it's easy to find me if I need to call for a support vehicle.

Ooh, the satellite ones appeal to the gadget man in me, but a bit overkill and expensive once service plans are taken account of.
Think the investment might be better spent on a LiveTrack compatible computer. At least that means I can hide when it is not switched on.

Google maps, Does that involve sending a link / email / pin before each ride?

Edit - Looked, didn't realise you could do that. Set it up for limited hours.

Thanks.

no, you can keep it on permanently.
click on the icon top right and then location sharing.

Got it thanks, will do a test today.

Fuck is with Google Password Manager saving my passwords with no option not to use it?

I reinstalled RWGPS app, logged in and Google Password Manager pops up asking to store password but only includes "Continue" button, no alternative, like "fuck off Google".

My pixel 6 has started the battery bloat push the screen out game.

I don't wish to use Google as they are shit and when I had a screen replaced they insisted on doing the frame too "as it was scratched" yes I don't care about that you fuckers it's a repair not a new phone.

Anyway. Recommendations in the London bridge, Waterloo, possibly Charing cross areas?

With the battery bloat you have a good chance of them just sending you a refurbed device. It isn't safe to post your current phone so they won't ask for it back.

Mine was just out of warranty but I got sent a new device for free within about a week of first reporting it via the chat.

Otherwise, ismash will replace the battery for £49 with a genuine google one. I'm waiting to get mine back to see how that goes.

I'd definitely go via google first though and see what they say.

There is an ismash in London bridge station, theyve done some good repairs on my pixel 4a

I'm waiting to get mine back to see how that goes.

Google don't block the IMEI of the original broken phone?

Don't think so. Just checked and it shows as unlocked and I'm pretty sure my spare esim in there was working fine until I reset it.

Thanks. Will try the chat and see.

Also good. Will book in there as a backup

I got confirmation that the Galaxy S Series that I traded in for £300 with Samsung when I got my new phone had been accepted.

This was the S series that I traded in that I picked up for £15 on ebay ...

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Result!