JR Raphael

Contributing Editor

JR Raphael is a journalist and columnist who’s been covering Android and Chrome OS since their earliest days. His Android Intelligence (née Android Power) column was born at Computerworld in 2010 and has happily made its home there ever since.

JR's Android Intelligence newsletter takes the same basic recipe as the column and turns up the heat. Each issue is jam-packed with productivity tips, perspective on the week’s most impactful Android news, and all sorts of exclusive extras — and best of all, it's delivered right to your inbox every Friday. If you haven't yet subscribed, you're missing out!

You can also find JR on at his personal writing refuge, JRStart.com.

Android versions: A living history from 1.0 to 14

Android versions: A living history from 1.0 to 14

Explore Android's ongoing evolution with this visual timeline of versions, starting B.C. (Before Cupcake) and going all the way to 2023's Android 14 release.

The one thing that might keep Google's Pixel 8 phones from selling

The one thing that might keep Google's Pixel 8 phones from selling

Hint: It has nothing to do with the devices' cameras or displays.

How Google's Pixel 8 changes everything for Android

How Google's Pixel 8 changes everything for Android

Think Google's new Pixel 8 is Just Another Android Phone? Think again, bucko.

20 seconds to extreme Android awesomeness

20 seconds to extreme Android awesomeness

Waiting for Android 14 to arrive? Try this easy enhancement to bring new life into your existing device in the meantime — no rollouts or high-priced hardware required.

10 out-of-sight Google Pixel shortcuts worth surfacing

10 out-of-sight Google Pixel shortcuts worth surfacing

Take 10 seconds to get these hidden Pixel shortcuts in a place where you'll see 'em, and you'll save yourself endless time in the weeks ahead.

How to create your own iPhone-15-inspired 'Action button' on Android

How to create your own iPhone-15-inspired 'Action button' on Android

Got an Android phone — any Android phone? You can give yourself a power-packed custom button that'll make Apple's latest innovation look like child's play.

Could Superhuman be your email savior?

Could Superhuman be your email savior?

A $30-a-month email app might sound crazy — but it could be the key to escaping inbox insanity.

Got a Google Pixel Fold or Pixel Tablet? Find this secret setting this second

Got a Google Pixel Fold or Pixel Tablet? Find this secret setting this second

If you've got one of Google's latest Pixel gadgets, you'll definitely want to dig up this phenomenal step-saver.

Google's increasingly prickly Android perception problem

Google's increasingly prickly Android perception problem

Apple's convincing an entire generation of phone-buyers that Android is behind the times — which couldn't be much further from the truth.

The best multiplatform productivity apps

The best multiplatform productivity apps

These top-notch tools will help you get down to business consistently — no matter which device or platform you’re using at any given moment.

4 secret settings for a smarter Chrome Android setup

4 secret settings for a smarter Chrome Android setup

Supercharge your smartphone browsing experience with these powerful yet completely concealed options for Google's Chrome Android app.

The line-blurring brilliance of Google's new ChromeOS-Windows connection

The line-blurring brilliance of Google's new ChromeOS-Windows connection

Google's latest ChromeOS improvement brings Windows apps even closer to the heart of the operating system — with a very Googley twist.

Meet your secret Android shortcut genie

Meet your secret Android shortcut genie

This clever new tool will grant you time-saving superpowers. Ready to make your favorite Android phone even more useful?

The problem with Google's Pixel Tablet

The problem with Google's Pixel Tablet

Google's first self-made tablet in four years comes tantalizingly close to being extraordinary — but then there's this.

16 ways Google Lens can save you time on Android

16 ways Google Lens can save you time on Android

Google Lens can turn you into a mobile-tech magician, but it's up to you to learn its tricks.

The best calendar apps for Android

The best calendar apps for Android

Strengthen your Android calendar experience with these standout selections for serious professionals.

What's going on with Google Assistant?

What's going on with Google Assistant?

Is Google giving up on Google Assistant? The answer, like many things you ask Assistant these days, isn't exactly clear.

How the Google Pixel Fold could make every Android device better

How the Google Pixel Fold could make every Android device better

Even if you don't own Google's fancy new Pixel Fold, the phone could bring a big boost to your Android productivity experience — for three very specific reasons.

A whole new kind of Android browser multitasking power

A whole new kind of Android browser multitasking power

More efficient multitasking? Yes, please! This handy Android browser hack will change the way you work — for the better.

15 powerful tricks for your Google Pixel Clock app

15 powerful tricks for your Google Pixel Clock app

Your Pixel phone's Clock app is surprisingly smart and full of thoughtful features, but some of its most exceptional elements are all too easy to overlook.

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