This App Lets You Use All Your AirPods' Features on Any Android

Apple AirPods have always supported Bluetooth, so you can pair them with any phone, tablet, or computer you like—whether or not it's made by Apple—for basic audio listening. Until now, though, getting the full set of features on these earbuds, including head gestures and all the rest, required using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

That's now changed with the arrival of LibrePods, an app that actually launched a couple of years ago but that's now available on the Google Play Store. Previously, to get LibrePods to work, you had to jailbreak your Android device and sideload it. That's no longer necessary—you can just install it like any regular Android app.

According to developer Kavish Devar, Google recently fixed an issue with the Bluetooth stack in Android, and rolled it out with Android 16 QPR3. That means a jailbreak isn't required any longer, though you do need a phone with the Android 16 QPR3 update installed. At the moment, that means a Google Pixel, OnePlus, Oppo, or Realme device. As the Android update makes its way to other phones, including Samsung Galaxy handsets, they'll be able to use LibrePods too.

AirPods connected via Bluetooth on Android. Credit: Lifehacker

Among the AirPods features that LibrePods enables on Android, we've got head gestures (so you can accept or reject calls with a nod or a shake of the head), plus noise control modes (controlling how much external sound leaks), ear detection, more accurate battery level reporting, and conversational awareness (where the AirPods audio dips if you're talking to someone). Note that some of those features, including head gestures and conversational awareness, require a one-off purchase of $4.99 inside the app. You can see the differences between the free and paid-for versions of the app from the main settings screen—tap the cog icon in the top right corner of the app's front page to find it.

How to customize settings in LibrePods

The app should work with all AirPods models, but first you need to connect your earbuds over Bluetooth. To do this on a Pixel phone, for example, head to Settings, then tap Connected devices > Pair new device. You also need to press the pairing button on the AirPods case or double-tap the case, depending on the AirPods you have. Once you've got your AirPods linked to your Android phone over Bluetooth, LibrePods should be able to see them, but the earbuds options will only show up when the AirPods are actively connected—so you may have to take them out of the case.

Finding your way around the app is straightforward. Right from the main screen you can switch between listening modes, if they're available on your AirPods: Transparency (letting external noises in), Active Noise Cancellation (blocking out external noises), and Adaptive (an automatic balance between the other two modes). You're able to customize the action taken with a press and hold action on the left or right AirPod—you can even launch Gemini, if you want—and there's also the option to customize which AirPod microphone is used by default.

Choosing listening modes in LibrePods. Credit: Lifehacker

Tap Head Gestures to enable this feature (if you've paid for it): You can tweak the sensitivity of the gestures needed, based on your preferences, and practice the detection. If you find that you need to use gestures that are aggressive and pronounced to get this to work, for example, you can dial up the sensitivity here. More options can be found by tapping the cog icon in the top right corner of the AirPods info screen: You can enable a home screen widget for battery information, choose the level of volume reduction for conversational awareness, and choose whether or not media playback should automatically connect to your AirPods.

The Entire 'Avatar' Franchise Explained in 10 Interactive Infographics

Since the release of the original Avatar in 2009, James Cameron’s epic interstellar franchise has taken over popular culture with the brute force of an RDA battalion invading a distant moon. It has grown from a single movie into an omni-franchise—a $10 billion entertainment ecosphere that includes three feature films, two AAA video games, seven primary comic book series, a Disney theme park, and even a Cirque du Soleil show.

Given the movies’ collective nine-hour runtime and a 150-year internal timeline, keeping track of the lore of Pandora can be a lot; Cameron’s world-building is famously obsessive, involving everything from a fully functional alien language to scientifically plausible moon-botany. To make sense of it all, I’ve boiled the Avatar universe down to 10 essential interactive infographics, covering the past, present, and future of the franchise. 

Biological differences between human and Na'vi

The differences between human and Na’vi bodies goes deeper than blue pigment. From their "biological ethernet" system to their prehensile tails, the Na’vi are a masterclass in fictional biology. Every anatomical difference between humans and Na’vi helps illustrate the evolutionary advantage they have on Pandora. This graphic illustrates how the natives stack up against us “sky-people.” (Hover over the different headings for more information.)

The tribes of Pandora

Pandora is a culturally diverse world, with hundreds of Na’vi tribes scattered across its many bioluminescent biomes. To bring these civilizations to life, James Cameron’s team drew heavy inspiration from Earth’s indigenous populations, blending aesthetic and cultural details from real-world civilizations into the fantastical alien societies.

The Avatar timeline

From first contact in 2119, to the projected "Next Generation" in the late 2170s, this timeline tracks the key events in the 150-year struggle for control of Pandora. 

The science of the Avatar Project

The Avatar Project at the center of the franchise is a cutting-edge program that uses genetically engineered Na'vi/human hybrids that allow humans to operate safely within Pandora's hostile environment. On the surface, it’s a science-fictional way to explain the logistics of exploring an alien world, but on a deeper, thematic level, the Avatar Project is about people spending trillions of dollars on cutting-edge technology so they can experience the world in the way the Na’vi do for free. (Avatar is deeper than you think!) Here’s how the Avatar Project works. 

Avatar's most memorable vehicles and guns

Avatar’s biggest “message” might be about how much better our lives would be if we spent all day touching grass instead of technology, but the films' ships and guns are so meticulously designed and flat-out badass, it’s clear their creators absolutely love technology.

Where in the galaxy is Pandora?

Avatar's alien planet is a real place. Kind of. In the movies, it's located in Alpha Centauri. Our real-life scans of that nearby solar system haven't identified a gas giant with a livable moon like the movies' Polyphemus, but we have found planets in Alpha Centauri's "habitable zone," the region where temperatures allow liquid water, and, theoretically, life, to exist. So there really could be gigantic cat-like aliens living out there; you never know.

The language of Avatar

The Na’vi language isn’t just movie gibberish. James Cameron hired linguistics professor Paul Frommer to develop a speakable language with its own grammar, syntax, and a vocabulary of over 2,500 words. Here is a primer on the linguistic DNA of Pandora.

The expanded Avatar universe

If more than nine hours of Avatar films isn’t enough for you, there are enough games, comics, and theme park attractions to keep you immersed in Avatar lore. Below is a summary of all of the franchise's official ancillary material.

Avatar’s box office returns, in context

The natives don’t need money on Pandora, but it’s pretty important here on Earth, so let’s look at Avatar’s box office returns, which are significant—in terms of total dollars earned, the franchise encompasses two of the top three highest-grossing films of all time. Adjusted for inflation, Avatar is edged out by Gone with the Wind, but second place is pretty good when it comes with a $4 billion consolation prize. 

The future of Avatar

I’m no psychic, but I’d bet there are more Na'vi adventures to come. (Two more movies are currently in the pipeline, at the very least.) Here’s what we know about future films in the Avatar universe.

This Palm-Sized Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker Is 38% Off Right Now

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The Soundcore Boom Go 3i Portable Bluetooth Speaker has dropped to $49.99 from its usual $79.99, and price trackers suggest this is the lowest it has reached so far. It is a compact, palm-sized speaker designed for portability, weighing just about 380 grams. There’s also a built-in silicone strap, which is basic but practical, letting you loop it onto a bike handlebar or hang it at a campsite without needing extra accessories.

Soundcore Boom Go 3i

Portable Bluetooth speaker

$49.99 at Amazon

$79.99 Save $30.00

$49.99 at Amazon

$79.99 Save $30.00

Sound quality out of the box is average, with mids coming through clearly, while bass and treble feel restrained. You can fine-tune it by making a few EQ adjustments in the app. It still will not sound like a larger speaker (its 15W mono output keeps expectations in check), but it becomes enjoyable for casual listening with a small group nearby. The focus here is durability—with an IP68 rating, it is fully dustproof and can handle submersion in water, making it a safe option for outdoor use. Soundcore also says it can survive drops from about a meter, which adds some reassurance when you are using it in less controlled environments.

There are also a few extras that add flexibility, such as the small digital display on the side that shows the battery level and status icons, and RGB lighting that reacts to music. You can turn the lighting off if you prefer a simpler look or want to conserve battery, which, according to the manufacturer, can last up to 24 hours at moderate volume with the lights off and stretch to 40 hours in Eco Mode, though heavier use with the lighting enabled brings it closer to six hours. Most controls sit inside the companion app, where you can adjust EQ, enable BassUp 2.0, switch to Eco Mode, or remap buttons. There is also a voice amplifier feature, which feels niche but could come in handy outdoors.

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This Mid-Range Portable Projector With Detachable Speakers Is $160 Off Right Now

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The Anker Soundcore Nebula P1 portable projector has dropped to $639 from its usual $799, and price-trackers show this is the lowest it has reached so far. Here, the hinge-based body does most of the heavy lifting—instead of stacking books or adjusting furniture to get the angle right, you tilt the projector head itself until the image lines up with your wall or screen. It sounds simple, but in practice, it makes setup faster and less frustrating, especially in smaller rooms.

Anker Soundcore Nebula P1

Portable GTV Projector with Detachable Speakers

$639.00 at Amazon

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The detachable speakers add to that flexible setup. Each one pushes 10W and can be placed closer to where you are sitting, which creates a wider soundstage than you would expect from a compact projector. Around the back, the port selection keeps things simple with HDMI 2.1, USB-A, AUX, and USB-C for power, which is enough for a console, laptop, or streaming stick. The software side runs on Google TV, and the included remote has a built-in microphone along with dedicated buttons for YouTube, Netflix, and Prime Video, so jumping between apps feels quick. The bigger limitation is portability. There is no internal battery, so using it outdoors or in a different room means carrying a power source, which takes away some of the convenience the design suggests.

As for the picture quality, the 650 ANSI lumen brightness of this projector works best in a dark room, where colors look clean and bright scenes have a decent punch. Turn on the lights, though, and the image starts to lose impact quickly. Also, while the Soundcore Nebula P1 outputs at 1080p using pixel-shifting and looks sharp for most content, fine text and small UI elements can appear slightly rough around the edges. Setup is mostly hands-off, with auto keystone and focus running at startup, but features like screen fitting and obstacle avoidance still depend on the Nebula app instead of happening directly on the device—it gets the job done, though it is not as seamless as fully automatic systems.

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Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $319.97 (List Price $349.00)

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Microsoft Is Testing a Way to Delay Windows Updates Indefinitely

Windows users contend with a lot of updates. There's a new update every month on the stable channel, and every week on the Windows Insider channel. But not all updates are created equal. Some are mission-critical, with important security patches you won't want to miss. On the other hand, some can create issues themselves, introducing bugs or new features you don't want.

Until now, there wasn't much you could do when an update showed up. You could try to delay, but you'd be forced to install it a week later, sometimes in the middle of important work. With the latest Insider update, however, Microsoft is trying to fix that. Now, the company is testing a roundabout way to delay updates forever (though from a security standpoint, you shouldn't), as well as a process for installing updates that won't disrupt your workflow.

How to delay Windows updates forever

In the Windows Insider update rolling out this week, you can pause updates for up to 35 days at a time. That doesn't mean you have to update your PC once those 35 days are up, however. You can keep doing this manually indefinitely. There are no limits. When you have the option on your end, go to Settings > Windows Update > Pause Updates. You'll see a new date picker here to extend the update. Here, you can choose a date you want Windows to install that update—perhaps after the deadline for an important project, so you can be sure that the update won't interrupt your work.

You'll need to enroll your PC in the Windows Insider program if you want to try this new feature out, however. Microsoft has not officially rolled it out in a public Windows update, so unless you want to join Microsoft's beta program, you'll need to wait and see if the company decides to release this feature in the near future.

Credit: Microsoft

Why you shouldn't delay updates forever

There are some caveats here. First, you'll have to do this manually each time to extend the pause period. Second, there's no option to cherry-pick which updates get delayed. It's just one option to pause updates, which can include multiple pending updates on your PC, even for drivers or security updates. When you pause updates, you lose out on all of it.

The monthly Windows update isn't just about new features you may or may not want: It also includes critical security updates that patch vulnerabilities and help protect your computer from attacks. In addition, it fixes longstanding bugs and issues, and introduces updates at the firmware and driver level that help improve the performance of your GPUs, memory, and peripherals. You can use this new "Pause Updates" feature to decide when exactly to install a monthly update (perhaps after waiting for a week or two), but from a security standpoint, it's not a good idea to delay updates indefinitely, just because you can.

Other changes to updates on Windows 11

You'll also be able to skip new updates when you're first setting up your Windows PC. During setup, you'll see a new Update Later button, which should get you to your desktop faster. When you do eventually install the update, the experience should be better than before. To reduce update fatigue, Microsoft is now trying to coordinate security, driver, and feature updates so they all appear together once a month. You'll also get a detailed view of all available updates in the Windows Update section. In addition, "Shutdown" and "Restart" will soon be available at all times—even when there is a pending update. You won't be forced into the "Update and restart" cycle just because you've delayed updates before.

Credit: Microsoft

10 Hacks Every Microsoft Edge User Should Know

Microsoft Edge is one of the most popular browsers on the planet. The spiritual successor to Internet Explorer, Edge is a modern browser based on Google's Chromium platform. That means you can use it with all modern Chrome extensions, along with a bunch of exclusive features that other browsers may not have. I've used Edge on Windows for quite a while, and these are my favorite hacks that I've found so far:

Use Drop to send links, files, and notes to other devices

Edge's "Drop" feature is an easy way to send stuff from your desktop to mobile devices, and vice versa. Drop works by storing files on OneDrive, so you'll need to sign in to the same Microsoft account on all devices to use this feature effectively. It's not as fast as Apple's AirDrop since it uses cloud storage, but Drop is much better for asynchronous sharing. This means your devices don't have to be unlocked and on the same wifi network when you want to share things.

You can access Drop by opening Microsoft Edge on desktop, clicking the three dots in the top-right corner, and going to More tools > Drop. Install Edge on any devices you want to use Drop with (PCs, Macs, Android phones, iPhones, iPads, etc.) and make sure you sign in to your Microsoft account. Now, you can "drop" anything in Drop, and it'll appear on all your devices. Note that Drop isn't easily visible on Edge for mobile devices. You need to open the menu, select the All Menu option, and use the Edit feature to replace any one toolbar item with Drop.

Use Edge's built-in task manager to kill resource hogs

Credit: Pranay Parab

Whenever Edge slows down, use the browser's built-in task manager to locate the problem. I find this better than using Windows' Task Manager (or Mac's Activity Monitor): Browsers have dozens of processes running, making it difficult to identify the cause of a slowdown. With the Edge task manager, you'll only see browser-related processes. Press Shift-Esc to access this, or go to the three-lines menu, followed by More tools > Browser task manager. Here, focus on Tabs & extensions. It neatly highlights the system resources each tab or extension is hogging. When you've found the culprit, select it and click End task. You can easily disable a heavy extension in the browser without closing tabs and worrying about losing your data.

You can even use the search box in the task manager to locate certain tabs, which is useful for those of us who open hundreds of tabs in the browser. The "Browser" tab in the task manager highlights processes related to keeping the browser running, which is best for technically experienced users to identify browser issues. Most people will find what they need in the "Tabs & extensions" section.

Use this shortcut to open two tabs side-by-side

Microsoft Edge has a feature called "Split screen," which lets you open two tabs side by side, without opening a new window. This feature arrived on Google Chrome long after Edge shipped it. I love Split screen, but my only complaint is that it's buried under the three-dots menu by default. You can change this by clicking the three dots, then heading to Settings > Appearance > Toolbar, and enabling Split screen. This adds a "Split screen" button to the toolbar, making the feature easy to access.

Once you've done that, open any tab, click the Split screen button, and you'll see the two tabs side by side. You can use this feature to pair sets of tabs together, like Google Docs with YouTube to take notes while studying. Edge preserves all of your Split screen tabs as long as the window is open, so you don't have to worry about setting up Split screen tabs repeatedly. When you're in Split screen, you can click the three dots in the top-right corner of either tab to configure this feature to your liking. You can swap the two tabs' positions, or switch to a vertical split-screen layout.

Try vertical tabs to free up screen real estate

Vertical tabs are the superior choice for all desktop browsers. It moves the tabs list to a single pane on the left, and expands the available screen space for your content. This means less scrolling, a bigger frame for watching videos, and generally more optimal use of screen real estate. You can enable this in Microsoft Edge by going to Edge settings > Appearance > Tabs, and enabling Show vertical tabs. You should also enable Hide title bar in vertical tabs for a streamlined look, and Collapse pane in the tab bar to reduce the width of the vertical tab bar.

Use AI tab grouping to organize your tabs automatically

Try using Edge's AI tab grouping to organize your unwieldy number tabs. It's not as good as manually making tab groups, but when you're overwhelmed with more tabs than you can reasonably handle, this is a great strategy to sort out the mess. To use it, click the down arrow in the top-left corner of the browser's window, and select Organize tabs. This feature groups tabs by subject (News & Media, Finance & Investment, etc.), and allows you to drag and drop tabs to customize your groups.

Use "energy saver" to reduce slowdowns

Microsoft Edge has an energy saver mode that automatically puts background tabs to sleep. This will reduce the chances of a browser slowdown when you have lots of open tabs, and also extends your battery life by an average of 25 minutes, according to Microsoft. To enable the feature, go to Edge settings > System and performance > Performance, and turn on Enable energy saver.

Turn off "Startup boost" to speed up your old PC

Credit: Pranay Parab

Startup boost is a great feature for anyone with PCs or laptops with powerful hardware. It keeps Edge running in the background with minimal resources, so the app can launch faster each time you open it. However, it's not ideal for older computers, or for users who dislike apps running in the background after they've closed them. If your computer is on the older side, you're better off without Startup boost. You can disable it by going to Edge settings > System and performance > System.

Disable Copilot to remove unnecessary AI features

While Edge has some useful AI features like tab organization, there are a whole bunch of features I never use. If you're like me, take a minute to disable all unnecessary AI features. First, go to Edge settings > AI innovations, and disable Copilot Mode. This option may not be enabled on all accounts, so if you don't see the toggle, you can move on.

Next, go to Edge settings > Appearance > Copilot and sidebar > Copilot. Turn off Show Copilot button on the toolbar. On the same page, click Manage Copilot settings > Privacy, and turn off Context clues, which stops the AI from using your browsing data for answers. You should also go to Edge settings > Start, home, and new tab page, and disable Copilot new tab page.

You can also go to Edge settings > Languages and disable all features that mention AI in the description. This includes Offer to translate videos on supported sites and Use 'Help me write' writing assistant on the web. Finally, if you don't want to use AI tab organization either, you can turn it off by going to Edge settings > Privacy, search, and services, and disabling Organize your tabs.

Use this setting to ask Edge to read articles out loud

Edge has a bit of a hidden feature that lets it read articles to you (and, in my opinion, the voice sounds pretty natural). This is buried under the three-dots button > More tools > Read aloud. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl-Shift-U (or Cmd-Shift-U on Mac), and the feature is also available on mobile platforms.

Use "Visual Search" to search for any item on the webpage

Visual Search lets you right-click to start a search for anything on a given webpage. For instance, you can reverse image search an item you spot in a YouTube video, or select a landmark in a picture to learn more about it. When you want to use this feature, be aware that it takes a screenshot of the webpage and sends it to Microsoft. This is a privacy concern, but to be fair, Microsoft warns you about that, and requires you to agree to a privacy statement if you want to use the feature. You can right-click any webpage in Edge, and select Visual Search to get started. The feature is also available on mobile versions of Edge.

These Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Are $50 Off Right Now

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The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are down to $399 (originally $449), which is the lowest price they’ve hit so far, according to price trackers. That drop makes them easier to consider, even with stronger competition this year from models like Sony’s WH-1000XM6. Bose has not changed the formula much in this second generation—you still get an over-ear design with plush padding and a firm but comfortable clamp for a secure fit. The only noticeable tweak is that the frame now uses a glossy metal finish instead of a matte one, which gives it a slightly more premium feel without changing how it wears.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)

Wireless over-ear headphones

$399.00 at Amazon

$449.00 Save $50.00

$399.00 at Amazon

$449.00 Save $50.00

The feature set is broad and mostly well-executed—these headphones support Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint pairing, so you can stay connected to a laptop and phone at the same time without juggling settings. There is also a USB-C connection for wired listening, which unlocks lossless audio, something many competitors still skip. Plus, they power on automatically when you put them on and slip into a low-power mode when left flat, which is a small quality-of-life upgrade you notice quickly in daily use. Battery life is rated at 30 hours with active noise cancellation turned on, which is in line with most premium options. Bose also lets you charge and listen through USB-C at the same time, a practical addition for long work sessions.

Performance-wise, noise cancellation holds up well across different environments, taking the edge off airplane rumble, muting bus engines, and pushing most café chatter into the background, so you don’t have to keep adjusting volume just to stay immersed, notes this PCMag review. As for the sound, these headphones deliver a rich, bass-forward profile while keeping vocals and detail intact. Tracks with heavy low-end, like electronic or hip-hop, come through with depth and punch without overwhelming the mix, and vocals sound full, though the slightly recessed midrange means guitars and some instruments don’t cut through as sharply. Also, while you do get presets and noise control modes in the companion app, its simple three-band EQ does not give you much room to fine-tune the sound.

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Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $148.99 (List Price $179.00)

Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $319.97 (List Price $349.00)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $29.99 (List Price $49.99)

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