The Best Apps to Use After Gmail's 'Send As' Feature Goes Away

If you've been using Gmail to manage multiple email accounts, including third-party addresses, you'll soon have to find an alternative. Google is ending support for the "Send as" feature that allows users to send emails from external services like Hotmail, Yahoo, and Outlook as well as custom domains using their primary Gmail account.

According to Google's support document, "Send as" will be discontinued in January 2027 for Gmail's web and mobile app interfaces. You'll still be able to add third-party accounts on mobile, meaning you can check your email on iOS or Android, but not send messages from those aliases. (Third-party accounts won't sync at all on the web.) Google is also eliminating "Gmailify," which allows you to add Gmail features like spam protection and inbox organization to third-party email accounts, as well as POP fetching on the web. Current users can continue to access these features until January 2027, but new users can no longer add them.

This change does not affect "Send as" for other Gmail or Google Workspace accounts, nor does it impact Gmail access through third-party email clients like Outlook, Thunderbird, and Apple Mail if you already have these set up through IMAP or POP. You can also continue to forward messages from third-party providers to Gmail.

One workaround is to send emails directly from the service provider's dedicated website or app. Obviously, managing multiple emails within Gmail is a way to streamline and consolidate disparate addresses into one interface, so this isn't the most convenient option if you have accounts across Outlook, Yahoo, and Google. Google also cautions against third-party tools and browser extensions that promise "Send as" functionality, as these require access to your credentials and may introduce security risks.

Switch to a desktop mail client instead

If consolidation is your goal, your best bet is likely to switch to a desktop mail client and connect your third-party accounts via IMAP/SMTP. There are a handful of options that support multi-account setups, including Gmail addresses, and have "Send as" features. Our friends over at PCMag recommend the following email clients for most users:

• Apple Mail: For those in the Apple ecosystem, Apple Mail supports any email address and has solid privacy features.

• Microsoft Outlook: If you're already a Microsoft 365 subscriber and use Outlook, this is an obvious choice. Outlook is also available for free as a standalone app. It works especially well for users who want the ability to separate messages into a Focused inbox.

• Mozilla Thunderbird: This is a free and open source platform from Mozilla, makers of Firefox. It works with all major email services, but there's currently no iOS app.

These clients also have mobile apps (again, with the exception of Thunderbird on iOS) so you can keep the experience consistent across devices.

This Is Google Play's First Third-Party App Store

If you have an Android device, you officially have a new app store to try out—the first of likely many to come. Unless you've dabbled in sideloading before, all of the apps on your smartphone or tablet probably came from the Play Store, Google's own app marketplace, or the official app store of your device's manufacturer, e.g., the Samsung Galaxy store. Starting today, however, you can download this new third-party app store from the Google Play Store.

Aptoide Games is Google Play's first third-party app store

As reported by The Verge, starting today, Aug. 10, you can download the "Aptoide Games" app marketplace on your Android directly through the Play Store. Aptoide isn't necessarily new: The company has operated an unofficial app store that you could sideload on your Android before this change, helpful for accessing apps you couldn't find on Google's official store. But now, you're able to install it on your smartphone like any other app from the Play Store.

While today is newsworthy, this development could have happened any time over the past two and a half weeks. Google has actually allowed developers to create and distribute third-party app stores on the Play Store since July 22. That decision wasn't really Google's, however, as the company would likely prefer keeping the Play Store as the only official app marketplace available to most Android users. Instead, the change in policy is the result of an agreement between Google and Epic Games, following years of litigation. Epic Games, maker of Fortnite, has long fought both Google and Apple in court, claiming the companies had unfair controls over app marketplaces.

While not all of Epic Games' suits have been fruitful, the company has certainly succeeded: A judge found Google had an illegal monopoly over Android applications and needed to open up its platform to third-party options. Google fought the ruling, then tried to compromise with Epic Games to allow for third-party app stores—just not through the Play Store. The company rather abruptly changed course, however, and agreed to host third-party app stores on the Play Store.

While app marketplaces like Aptoide Games are now allowed on the Play Store, they have to operate under some specific rules set out by Google, especially as it pertains to security, privacy, and user safety. They can distribute their own apps, as well as apps found on the Play Store, but they must pay Google certain fees to maintain the overall integrity of the platform.

Aptoide might be the first, but it won't be the last. Expect Epic Games to launch its own app store imminently, seeing as it was the company leading this charge in the first place. But more app marketplaces will likely follow suit.

The Feature-Packed Pixel Buds 2a Are $30 Off Right Now

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Google’s Pixel Buds line has long appealed to Android users who want the convenience of AirPods without paying flagship-earbud prices, and the Google Pixel Buds 2a continue that approach with several meaningful upgrades over the older Pixel Buds A-Series. Right now, they are down to $99 from $129 on Amazon—their lowest price so far, according to price trackers. That discount makes them much easier to recommend for anyone looking for everyday earbuds with “almost pro-level specs but for much less,” as our writer put it in her review.

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Part of the reason the Pixel Buds 2a stand out is that Google did not treat them like stripped-down budget earbuds. PCMag even called them the best earphones for Android users, and the hardware helps explain why. Google added active noise cancellation to the A lineup for the first time, improved the battery life, and redesigned the fit so the earbuds sit deeper in the ear canal and twist into place more securely, much like the more expensive Pixel Buds Pro 2. They also use the same Tensor A1 chip found in the Pro model, which means features like Gemini voice access, adaptive audio processing, and the customizable five-band EQ are just as good.

Sound-wise, the 11mm drivers deliver balanced sound that works especially well for podcasts, pop, hip-hop, and casual streaming, even if these are not earbuds aimed at audiophiles chasing the most detailed sound possible. Comfort is another strong point, especially since Google includes four silicone tip sizes, and getting the seal right noticeably improves both fit and noise cancellation. Speaking of, the ANC handles airplane engines, subway rumble, and traffic noise fairly well, although voices still come through more clearly than they do on premium earbuds from Sony or Bose. As for battery life, it’s respectable at up to seven hours with ANC enabled and around 20 total hours with the charging case.

There are still a few compromises, including the lack of wireless charging and the absence of a charging cable in the box. You also lose some extra sensors and a microphone compared to the Pro model, so call quality and fitness tracking are slightly less advanced.

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Free ChatGPT Users Will Get a Huge Upgrade Next Week

There are 8.3 billion people on this planet, and roughly an eighth of them use ChatGPT. OpenAI confirmed that its infamous AI chatbot now has over one billion weekly active users, a staggering number given that ChatGPT is only three and a half years old. (For reference, that's on par with global Windows users.) Love it or hate it, there's no denying that ChatGPT—and generative AI as a whole—is firmly a part of modern life.

While there are surely many paying ChatGPT customers, the vast majority are using it for free. Though it may be exciting for paid users to try out the company's latest and greatest models, the biggest impact happens whenever OpenAI makes features available free of charge. As it happens, next week, free users are getting perhaps the biggest ChatGPT update in years.

Free ChatGPT users are getting unlimited text chats

Starting next week, you'll no longer hit a wall when simply texting with ChatGPT. OpenAI says that both free and Go users now have unlimited text chats, which should mean you can send as many text-based messages as you want without running into cooldown periods. Of course, the emphasis here is on "texts." There are absolutely still limits on other ChatGPT features, including messages with files and images, as well as Voice mode and image generation. But for users who primarily use ChatGPT with text-based messages, this update should be more than welcome.

In addition, OpenAI is switching free and Go users to the company's new GPT-5.6 Luna model, which is designed for "cost-sensitive, high-volume workloads." As such, this model likely won't be as capable as OpenAI's more powerful models available to Pro users, but free users aren't totally left in the lurch: OpenAI says there's a new "Think" button that lets you push Luna further for more complex requests. The experience is much changed from the days when users could jump between different models for free, but perhaps the unlimited text chats will make up for it for most users.

ChatGPT Pro users are getting some new perks too

OpenAI says that Plus and Pro users are also getting some updates. The company says that its GPT-5.6 Sol model now delivers "more focused" responses, and may issue corrections instead of simply agreeing with the user when they're wrong. It also does away with some of the formatting we've come to expect from AI: Your answer may be more succinct in paragraph form, rather than expansive with bullet points. OpenAI says that Sol makes "fewer mistakes" too, but remember: all AI models hallucinate.

There's also a new slider to push the model from "Instant" to higher effort. The idea is to give users a sliding scale of power, rather than have them switch from distinct models. The more intense you push the model, the longer the responses may take, so OpenAI positions the slider as an option for users to tailor the model to their needs: If you need a quick answer, keep the slider towards the less intense side.

This Blink Wireless 2K Floodlight Camera Is 40% Off Right Now

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The Blink Outdoor 2K+ Wireless Floodlight Camera is down to $77.99 from $129.99 on Amazon, and price trackers show that this is its lowest price so far. For that, you're getting a battery-powered outdoor camera with a motion-activated floodlight in one package without having to run wiring through an exterior wall. The camera records at up to 2K resolution and covers a 135-degree field of view, while the floodlight adds 700 lumens when motion is detected. That combination should work well over a driveway, side entrance, or backyard where you want both visibility and a recording of whoever triggered the light. Blink also includes the Sync Module Core, two AA lithium batteries for the camera, four D-cell batteries for the floodlight, and the mounting hardware, so the basic setup is covered out of the box.

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In everyday use, the Outdoor 2K+ handles the basics you would expect from an outdoor security camera, including motion alerts, night vision, two-way audio, and Alexa support. Its sharper 2K resolution also gives you a better chance of making out a face, package, or license plate than Blink’s older 1080p cameras, and because the setup is wire-free, you are not limited to spots near an outlet. That said, while it works with Alexa and IFTTT, Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant ecosystems are not supported, which makes it a less natural fit outside an Alexa-based smart home. Blink advertises the battery life of this floodlight camera at up to two years, though your actual results will depend on how often it records and how you use it.

Beyond basic motion alerts, the camera can identify people and vehicles and generate AI descriptions of motion events, but some of those features require a paid plan—the purchase includes a free 30-day trial, after which Blink’s Basic plan costs $3.99 per month or $39.99 per year for one device. You can skip the subscription and save footage locally, but the included Sync Module Core does not support local storage. That means buying a Sync Module XR ($73.53) and microSD card ($29.99), so it's worth factoring that extra cost in before deciding whether this $78 deal works for you.

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Apple iPad 11" A16 128GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Silver, 2025) — $399.00 (List Price $449.00)

TCL Tab A1 Plus 128GB 12.2" Tablet With Expandable Storage — $219.99 (List Price $279.99)

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How to Watch Made by Google 2026: The Pixel Event's Start Time and What to Expect

It's nearly time for another Google keynote. Back in May, the company hosted Google I/O, its annual developers conference, where it announced a series of new software features and AI updates. On the flip side, "Made by Google" is all about the hardware that will run those new software updates. If you're curious about Google's next generation of devices, you'll want to tune into this presentation.

When is Made by Google 2026?

Usually, tech events—especially in the U.S.—are in the morning for West Coasters (and, as such, in the early afternoon for East Coasters). Many companies like Google are based in California, so a 10 a.m. PT start time is pretty common. As I'm on the East Coast, I'm quite used to starting coverage around 1 p.m. for most tech events.

This year is much different. Made by Google officially kicks off at 3 p.m. PT on Wednesday, Aug. 12. That means a 6 p.m. start time for those of us on the East Coast.

Where can you watch Made by Google 2026?

If you didn't get an invite to watch Made by Google in person, no worries: The company hosts a livestream for anyone to watch from home. Most companies run a livestream through YouTube, and as Google owns the video platform, it makes sense for its official livestream to live there, too. Even though the event doesn't start until next week, Google already has the livestream video open. You can watch from the feed below, or from the link here.

What will Google announce at Made by Google 2026?

While most companies officially keep their product announcements under wraps prior to an event, these days leaks and rumors typically spill the beans long before it kicks off. Perhaps that's why Google has gone ahead and spoiled the biggest announcements ahead of time: The company has already posted teasers for both the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro Fold on social media. While even those reveals were hardly a surprise to anyone following the Google rumors, it is funny to have confirmation about two products ahead of time.

In addition to new Pixel smartphones, rumors suggest that we'll also see the new Pixel Watch 5 on Wednesday. Perhaps the company will even announce the Google Pixel Tag, which would mark Google's first attempt at an AirTag-like product. For a full account of the leaks and rumors going into Made by Google 2026, check out our explainer here.

Is It Good or Bad to Stretch Before a Workout?

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Should you stretch before a workout? There was a time when stretching felt mandatory, and I felt the need to tell you guys that it’s OK not to. But the pendulum has now swung the other way, and influencers are telling you that stretching will kill your gains—but that’s not really true either. Let’s break down the pros and cons of stretching before a workout, so you can figure out what you should actually do next time you go to the gym. 

Stretching can increase your range of motion temporarily

The best reason to stretch before a workout is to prepare yourself for that specific workout. For example, many people have trouble squatting as deeply as they would like, and the reason is often that they need better ankle mobility so they can bend their knees while their feet are flat on the floor. If this sounds familiar, some stretches for your calves and Achilles tendons will make a big difference. Do these before you squat, and your squats will go a lot better.

Stretching increases your short-term range of motion, as you’ll notice if you try to touch your toes 10 times in a row. Your first attempt might not get your hands very far toward the ground, but by the 10th you’ll be reaching a lot lower than you did at first. 

That effect doesn’t last very long. Later today, you’ll be stiff again. But that’s exactly why it’s good to do these stretches right before your workout. Get the increased mobility, then use it while you have it. More flexible ankles will let you squat better, which means your legs will get a much better workout than if you hadn’t stretched.

You can also increase your long-term range of motion by stretching. Your pre-workout stretches can contribute to that, although it’s good to also do some stretching and other flexibility work after your workout (or as its own workout) if that’s your goal. 

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Stretching can slightly decrease strength in the short term

All that said, it is possible to stretch too much before a workout. Let’s keep the example of a workout where you plan to do squats. Ankle stretches are great, since they’ll help you get into a deeper squat position. But you wouldn’t want to stretch your quads (the muscles on the front of your thighs) because those are the muscles that will need to work the hardest during your squats. 

As I’ve discussed before, stretching does have a small, temporary effect where it decreases the amount of power you can get out of the muscle that was stretched. But, to be clear, this requires you to do some pretty deep stretching of the exact muscle the strength exercise will work, and to do it right before the strength work. If you do that, yeah, you might notice you can’t lift quite as much. 

But it’s important to remember two things: One is that you’re probably not stretching super deeply, immediately before your strength exercises. (If you are, I’d argue you might want to stop.) But the other is that the decrease in performance is very small. Even if you are stretching your quads right before you squat, it’s not like you’re canceling out the effects of your squats. I like to do targeted stretches before a workout (just the ankles, in our example) and save the full-body stretching for afterward.

Stretching isn’t necessary to prevent injury

There’s an old myth that stretching prevents injury. It’s been pretty thoroughly debunked, so if you’re only stretching before workouts because you think it’s necessary to stay safe and healthy, you can skip this part. We all have limited time in the gym, so it’s probably better to use this time for a few stretches that help prepare you for your workout, and then get on with the rest of the day’s training. 

Stretching by itself doesn’t warm you up

Moving your body to get into position for your favorite stretches is arguably a good way to get warmed up. But that’s because any movement helps, not because stretching is the best way to warm up your muscles and get your joints moving smoothly. 

Instead, try dynamic stretches. I’m secretly convinced the benefit of these is just that they get you moving, not that they incorporate a stretch. Jogging with high knees and butt kicks is a dynamic stretch, but regular jogging is probably almost as good. You can also do any other kind of gentle movement that helps you feel less stiff. A yoga flow, like a sun salutation, is a good way to run through warmup movements for all your body parts.

What to do before a workout

I’ve written a guide to figuring out what you need in your warmup—and it’s not necessarily going to be the same thing for every workout. Before a workout with overhead lifts, I’ll do some shoulder stretches. Before a squat workout, someone who struggles with squatting deeply enough should probably do some calf and ankle stretches, and maybe some stretches for the hips.

So, figure out if there are movements that could benefit from some extra range of motion in a given body part. Some workouts might not need mobility work, and that’s OK—for example, if you’re doing bench press and bicep curls, you might be fine without any stretches in the warmup. (That said, some stretches for your back might help you get a stronger position in the bench press, which in turn stabilizes your shoulders. Just saying.) 

For these workout-specific stretches, it’s okay to do static stretching (in which you hold a position for several seconds). It’s also fine to do dynamic stretches if you feel those work better for you, or even to foam roll for mobility. Figure out what works for you.