Philip Michaels
Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.
Latest articles by Philip Michaels
![Lili Taylor and Hamish Linklater in "Manhunt," now streaming on Apple TV+.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dqocrUX4cxAd4z9pkBPd6h-320-80.jpg)
Not every streaming show needs to be a series — 'Manhunt' on Apple TV Plus proves it
By Philip Michaels published
Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, I did not enjoy the show
![Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mByarSjasYC2rexzBzdJUA-320-80.jpg)
What's next for smartphone displays — tandem OLED, microLED and more
By Philip Michaels published
Display specs are taking on added importance as phone makers look to make their devices stand out.
![ios 18](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Cj8Zfko4fqnTr4r6uprNsk-320-80.jpg)
iOS 18 — here's how Apple can close the AI gap with Google
By Philip Michaels last updated
Google looks like it's far ahead of Apple when it comes to AI on mobile devices, but we could see some big changes with iOS 18 when that software update gets a preview at WWDC 2024.
![Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3iuHPmgfEWjTVJSWtPLaq7-320-80.jpg)
Samsung may not produce a cheaper Galaxy Z Fold model this year — why that's a missed opportunity
By Philip Michaels published
A new report claims the rumored Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE won't appear this year after all. If true, Samsung is making a mistake by not coming out with a less expensive foldable.
![Project Starline 3D video conferencing](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bo8XXXxBe358uWbWdieqwi-320-80.gif)
I just tried Google’s 3D video conferencing tool launching next year — here’s what Project Starline is like
By Philip Michaels published
Google's been working on Project Starline, which uses 3D imaging, AI, and other technologies to make your video conferences more personal. Google and HP plan to bring the product to market in 2025.
![iOS 17.5 ready to download in Settings app](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/T8TJkdnh4qAV6iar3g3Kkk-320-80.jpg)
iOS 17.5 is out now — here are the new iPhone features
By Philip Michaels last updated
iOS 17.5 mostly brings bug fixes, but there are some new additions to Apple News Plus, along with a cross-platform tracking detection feature developed with Google.
![Google Pixel 7a](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YiUm33cj6cqwusJWCexbj6-320-80.jpg)
Forget the Pixel 7a — the Pixel 8a is now the cheap phone to beat
By Philip Michaels last updated
Typically, when a new phone like the Pixel 8a launches, the price on its predecessor drops. But that hasn't happened yet for the Pixel 7a.
![Sundar Pichai wide shot](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9FXgaURo5zEreekjkLue3e-320-80.png)
Google I/O 2024 announcements — all the big Gemini AI and Android 15 news
By Philip Michaels published
Get all the latest news from Google I/O as Google holds its annual developers conference, where the focus figures to be on artificial intelligence and Android among other Google products.
![Watching google cast of NBA app on Rivian R1S infotainment screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5GkXe8tQGoFo7JYPLj5K97-320-80.jpg)
Netflix and charge? Google Cast support coming to EVs
By Philip Michaels published
Rivian EVs will be the first to offer Google Cast support for when you're charging your vehicle
![AI-based soccer instruction demo at Google I/O 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iQB3tWcD6tR74NYaikywoh-320-80.jpg)
Google I/O 2024 — 7 best Gemini AI demos you need to see
By Philip Michaels last updated
Google I/O isn't just about keynote announcements. There are also demos and hands-on opportunities with the new technology. Here's what stood out for our managing editor for mobile.
![Gemini in Workspace](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yguzKAAEs9whABh4C8Nick-320-80.png)
Gmail is getting a big AI boost from Gemini — here’s all the new features
By Philip Michaels published
Gmail is getting tools that summarize conversations and produce more contextual smart replies thanks to the Gemini Ai model. Here's what you can expect.
![Google CEO Sundar Pichai](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QuwbFNVr8ksrvcd4ca6U8J-320-80.jpg)
Google I/O 2024 preview: Everything we expect to be announced
By Philip Michaels last updated
Expect the focus of this week's Google I/O 2024 to fall on AI and its place in all sorts of Google products. Here's your last-minute guide on what to expect from this week's Googke event.
![Quartiles game on Apple News Plus](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6u2AnMxtCd5Gwo5vw4tKwG-320-80.jpg)
Apple News Plus adds another word game with iOS 17.5 update — here's how to play
By Philip Michaels published
The iOS 17.5 update to Apple's iPhone software brings two changes to Apple News Plus — a new word game called Quartiles and an offline mode for reading when you have no network connection.
![Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wCbUhgf3bkYkmaLTyL9vN9-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 6a: Should you upgrade?
By Philip Michaels published
If you bought a Pixel 6a when it first came out, you may be wondering if it's time to upgrade. Our Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a comparison looks at all the changes from one model to the next.
![Google Messages on Android phone next to Messages app on iPhone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ptzgAU2RNpxpNjaNbgRrZL-320-80.jpg)
Blue-green bubble divide — the state of iOS and Android messaging and how it’s about to change
By Philip Michaels last updated
If you're frustrated when between iPhones and Android devices, relief could be here sooner than you know it. Here's what to expect with the addition of RCS support to the iPhone's Messages app.
![Samsung Galaxy Fold 5](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bd2vHeJhkaLeHCqG7vtha9-320-80.jpg)
This Galaxy Z Fold 6 rumor has me convinced Samsung is gunning for its foldable phone rivals
By Philip Michaels published
A lot of foldable phones have come along in the past year to challenge Samsung's dominance in that category. The latest Galaxy Z Fold 6 rumors suggest that Samsung's ready to do something about it.
![Google Pixel 9 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xmcaeobschhBRwzRVEdQRC-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro — all the expected differences
By Philip Michaels last updated
It could be harder to spot the differences between the standard Pixel flagship and the Pro version this year. Our Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro comparison looks at why.
![Google Pixel 8a reasons to buy and skip](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NmqFiL5yVDzXasHPrewbxk-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 8a: 5 reasons to buy, 3 reasons to skip
By Philip Michaels published
With the Pixel 8a now available for preorder, we look at the strengths and weaknesses of Google's latest midrange handset to see if it's the right phone for you.
![Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aZD5EmBpdFBkwHUvZUcGyk-320-80.jpg)
The best 5G phones in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best 5G phones deliver faster downloads, lower latency and a lot more. Here are the 5G-capable phones worth your attention.
![Google Pixel 8 Pro held in hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZfjXbiAaKkNED6r9Pz8YMf-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 9 cases leak seemingly confirms new Pixel 9 Pro XL model and design changes
By Philip Michaels published
There's a rumor that Google is planning a Pixel 9 Pro and a Pixel Pro XL, and these leaked phone cases seem to prove that.
![iPhone 16 Pro render front and back](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5wDTVRZKp9R9XBGanPzCND-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 16 — how Apple can make this year's phone a must-have upgrade
By Philip Michaels published
There hasn't been a big wave of iPhone upgrades for several years now. Here's how Apple could convince people that this fall's iPhone 16 models are the ones to grab.
![Pixel 7a launch at Google I/O 2023](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zs8ToDnxGskZAwLeWZ7xm5-320-80.jpg)
The Pixel 8a is coming soon — and I hope it's not Google's last A-series phone
By Philip Michaels published
Google's midrange phone serves an important role
![Moto G 5G 2024 review software interface](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LtBeZViJQuVDebnDDHu5p-320-80.jpg)
Budget phones need to stop skimping on this one key feaature
By Philip Michaels published
You shouldn't have to choose between a low price and limited shelf life when you buy a phone. But that's the choice a lot of bargain phones force you to make.
![iPhone 15 on sale at Apple Store](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/n8Ciif2cTCpDFgpPYXje2f-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 15 sales stall — here's why Apple's not worried
By Philip Michaels published
Apple reported a 10% drop in iPhone sales during the March quarter. But Apple's optimistic about its business going forward.
![A screenshot of an Instagram story showing two Pixel 8a handets](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MqSUTg3Ng4FFm8SS26h4ZT-320-80.jpg)
Last-minute Pixel 8a rumors have me excited about Google’s upcoming phone
By Philip Michaels published
We expect the Pixel 8a to arrive this month, possibly at Google I/O on May 14. And two recent rumors, price and software support, paint an encouraging picture for the upcoming release.