Google added UWB to its Pixel lineup in 2021, starting with the Pixel 6 Pro. While this is a wise move to anticipate the advancements in technology, it seems there are certain limitations. It appears that the specific UWB implementation in older Pixel phones doesn’t support precision finding. This prevents them from using trackers like Moto Tag, like their recent counterparts. 

UWB precision finding is not available on older Pixel phones

Android Authority has spotted a post on the Pixel support forums from a user complaining that their Pixel 7 Pro can’t use precision finding with their Moto Tag. This is despite being on the latest firmware. Moto Tag is currently the only UWB-equipped tracker that works with Android. It allows you to precisely pinpoint its location from the Find Hub app.

A Google product expert clarified, with a support page link, that UWB precision finding is only available on the Pixel 8 series and above (Pro models only). This confirms that the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro don’t support precision finding despite having UWB. Google later confirmed the same to Android Authority as well. However, neither the support page nor Google explains why the feature isn’t available on older Pixels.

Google hasn’t clarified the reason behind the limitation

Though the report initially assumes that the reason for this limitation could be that both phones lacked support for determining the angle-of-arrival (AoA) of a UWB signal. This is a feature that allows a device to determine the signal’s direction. However, on checking the UWB capabilities of both phones using Android’s UWB API, Mishaal from Android Authority found that only the Pixel 6 Pro “lacks part of this feature.”

The only UWB feature that the older Pixels lack is background ranging support. This allows an app to use UWB while in the background, but it’s not clear why it would be necessary for precision finding when the Find Hub app is in the foreground while tracking. It’s possible there could be some other explanation for this feature’s omission.

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Popular social media platform, Twitter, saw a change in branding to ‘X’ in 2023 after the billionaire entrepreneur, Elon Musk, took over. The social network’s core systems were fully transitioned to X.com last year, leaving no trace of the bird logo. The platform is now moving a step closer to completely retiring Twitter. If you’re a former Twitter user who’s still using X and uses hardware security keys for your two-factor authentication (2FA) method, you need to re-enroll them before November 10th.

X users need to re-enroll security keys

X’s Safety account notified users of the deadline in a post last week, as spotted by The Verge. Re-enrolling your security keys will associate them with the X domain, allowing the company to retire the Twitter domain eventually. If you enroll a new security key, any other security keys will no longer work, the Safety account clarified. You will receive a prompt automatically if this relates to you.

“By November 10, we’re asking all accounts that use a security key as their two-factor authentication (2FA) method to re-enroll their key to continue accessing X. You can re-enroll your existing security key, or enroll a new one. A reminder: if you enroll a new security key, any other security keys will stop working (unless also re-enrolled),” the account said.

The change doesn’t apply to 2FA authenticator apps

The tech giant clarified that the change only applies to YubiKeys and passkeys, and not 2FA authenticator apps. Failing to re-enroll their affected keys before the deadline (November 10th) will have repercussions. You won’t have access to your account until you either complete the re-enrollment process or choose a different 2FA method. You can also decide not to use 2FA altogether, but X advises against it.

The process of re-enrolling your hardware key or adding a new one is quite simple. Head to Settings in the X app, then click Security and account access and Manage Passkeys within the Security section.

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Xiaomi introduced its next iteration of Android 16-based skin, the HyperOS 3, alongside the Xiaomi 15T series last month. It promised that the stable release would kick off starting from October. Standing on its promise, Xiaomi has now announced that the HyperOS 3 global rollout has begun with the Xiaomi 15T. The new version features a redesigned interface, AI enhancements, new system-wide animations, and privacy improvements.

Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3 global rollout begins

Xiaomi, on X, has announced that the global rollout of HyperOS 3 has kicked off, with the Xiaomi 15T series being the first wave of devices to receive the new version. The company mentioned that the update will hit users in a phased manner. This means you should see it hitting your devices over the next few days. 

It’s possible that the Xiaomi 15T and 15T Pro users who signed up for the global beta program could be the first to receive the stable HyperOS 3. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 15 series and Redmi K80 lineup were the first to receive the stable update in China.

HyperOS 3 brings a new design, AI enhancements, and more

Xiaomi clarified that it’s working hard to bring the HyperOS 3 update to more devices as per the global schedule. After the Xiaomi 15T series, the Xiaomi MIX Flip, the Redmi Note 14 series, the POCO F7 lineup, Xiaomi Pad 7 tablets, Xiaomi Pad Mini, and a range of wearables are set to get the update between October and November timelines.

The HyperOS 3 rollout will stretch through March 2026, with older models getting the update last. The new iteration brings HyperIsland, which shows live activities of apps and notifications for calls, music, charging, and schedules. It brings deeper Google Gemini integration for system-wide AI capabilities. It’s also improving data protection through Unified Authentication Service, on-device, and cloud privacy computing.

The post HyperOS 3 Global Rollout Kicks Off: New Design, AI, and Animations appeared first on Android Headlines.

Apple’s iPhone 18 series is still months away from seeing the light of day, but the rumor mill has started giving a glimpse of what’s to come. The iPhone 18 Pro models may gain satellite 5G support. Apple will also introduce a new A20/A20 Pro chip, which may significantly increase the prices of the phones. While that’s for hardware, a new leak sheds light on the iPhone 18 Pro design for the first time.

iPhone 18 Pro design details

Leaker Digital Chat Station has detailed what to expect in terms of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 17e designs. In a Weibo post talking about iPhone 18 Pro’s camera upgrades, the leaker in comments says the new model will feature the same rear camera design as this year’s iPhone 17 Pro. This means we’ll see the same large horizontal module taking up a large portion of the back panel.

This makes sense considering Apple just redesigned its flagship models this year, and it usually sticks to the same for at least a few years. It’s unclear whether the glass cutout below the module will see any changes. The leaker previously mentioned that it will have a slightly modified transparent look on the iPhone 18 Pro.

Furthermore, the leaker says that he hasn’t come across the design details for the iPhone 18 model yet.

No ProMotion display for the ‘e’ model yet

Moving to iPhone 17e, Digital Chat Station says the display will finally shift to Dynamic Island. In comparison, the current iPhone 16e uses a dated notch design. This should bring the low-cost iPhone more in line with the flagship models. 

However, the display will only support a 60Hz refresh rate, as per the leaker. This isn’t surprising, as Apple brought ProMotion to the base iPhone 17 model only this year. We may have to wait at least another year before we see ProMotion for the budget ‘e’ model. 

The post New Leak Sheds Light on iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 17e Designs appeared first on Android Headlines.

The One UI 8 rollout has seen its share of issues, with Samsung pausing the process on several of its phones, including the popular Galaxy S24 and S23 flagships. The company hasn’t disclosed the reason that triggered this move, but we assume something serious. Anyway, it looks to be a thing of the past, as Samsung appears to have resumed the One UI 8 update for the Galaxy S24 and S23 models. 

One UI 8 update for the Galaxy S24 and S23 resumed again

The screenshots shared by Tarun Vats confirm that One UI 8 is again available for the Galaxy S23 and S24. This is happening first in Samsung’s home soil, South Korea, suggesting that the Android 16-based update will also resume in other affected regions shortly. To recall, One UI 8 debuted on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip in July. It later made its way to other models, starting with the Galaxy S25 series.

Since then, Samsung has temporarily halted the update for various models without acknowledging or giving out a reason. It halted the One UI 8 rollout for the Galaxy S23 last week, after it began rolling out earlier this month. 

The update is live in South Korea

One UI 8 is now back on track, as it’s rolling out again in the Galaxy S24 and S23 October monthly update. The update weighs around 396MB for the Galaxy S24 and 385MB for the Galaxy S23.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s next big UI upgrade is One UI 8.5, whose beta was originally rumored to start in November. But this is now reportedly not happening, possibly because of Samsung’s change in launch plans for the Galaxy S26 series.

The post Samsung Finally Resumes One UI 8 Rollout for Galaxy S24 & S23 appeared first on Android Headlines.

After launching the Xiaomi 17 series, the Chinese brand is apparently working on a more premium model, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The handset may debut before the end of this year in China, very much ahead of the usual MWC timeline (globally) every year. A new leak suggests that, like the regular models in the series, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra may not arrive with a rear display.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra may not get a rear display

In the latest Weibo post, prolific leaker Digital Chat Station has shed some light on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s cameras. He says the phone will have a new 50MP primary camera with a large sensor and improved in-sensor zoom technology. It can seamlessly transition to the telephoto lens for lossless focal range coverage.

The telephoto unit could use a new 200MP large sensor, supporting multiple focal lengths. It could offer tele-macro shooting with “good magnification.” However, the focus range will not be extremely close, as per Digital Chat Station. Both lenses are claimed to offer a high dynamic range.

The phone could bring camera upgrades

Coming to the topic of rear display, one of the comments to the post asks the leaker whether the camera module is round or if it will have the new design (presumably referring to the rear display). To which, Digital Chat Station replies “circle.” This suggests that the phone may feature a large, round camera module like the predecessor, taking up a large portion of the back. It could be missing out on the rear display like its Pro siblings. 

However, it contradicts a previous report that said Xiaomi will continue to use a secondary display on its next-gen flagships. Perhaps the Ultra model is an exception in order to accommodate large camera sensors.

The upcoming Xiaomi phone may feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and a 6.8-inch flat OLED 2K display. It could arrive in black, purple, and white shades.

The post Xiaomi 17 Ultra May Skip Rear Display, Focus on Huge Camera Improvements appeared first on Android Headlines.

Samsung is making all kinds of noise lately with its 2nm GAA process advancements and Exynos making a return with next year’s Galaxy S26 flagships. However, the South Korean giant is also working on something beyond. Samsung will reportedly integrate an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) into the Exynos 5G modem. This means the baseband chip will gain AI-powered capabilities required for real-time satellite communications.

An upcoming Exynos chip may have an NPU on the 5G modem

An executive from Samsung’s semiconductor division apparently met with SpaceX. The reason for this, as per Hankung, is to discuss the state of development for a new Exynos SoC that can connect to low-orbit satellites in the shortest time possible. Such a technology could shake the existing communications industry, which must go through ground-based stations.

The report, citing unnamed analysts, notes that Samsung is speeding up to enter the supply chain built by SpaceX. This is through an Exynos chipset whose 5G model will have an integrated NPU.

The modem would gain enhanced AI capabilities

At present, the existing SoCs have a limitation in directly communicating with low-orbit satellites and providing that information to terminals, which are smartphones in this scenario. The modem would gain enhanced AI capabilities that can predict satellite movements and communicate beam status in real time, and also maximize signal strength. 

No major details about the said Exynos chip are available at the moment. It’s also not clear whether the silicon in question is the Exynos 2600. Previous reports note that Exynos 2600 would feature a standalone 5G modem, which would reduce the chipset’s efficiency.

We haven’t come across any Exynos 2600 rumors that remotely mention anything about Samsung introducing an NPU to the 5G modem. This suggests it’s likely to arrive in future iterations. Apple introduced the Satellite communication feature with the iPhone 14, but Samsung appears to be working on refining the experience.

The post Samsung is Reportedly Working on a New Exynos chip That Will Have an NPU on The 5G Modem appeared first on Android Headlines.

At this point, One UI 8.5 is no secret, with numerous leaks revealing what could be on offer when it eventually rolls out. Though Samsung wants to keep it a mystery, leaks keep popping up at regular intervals. Unlike the One UI 8, the new version could be a step up in terms of new features and UI. A new leak now hints at an upgrade to notifications. One UI 8.5 could let you prioritize notifications on your Galaxy device.

One UI 8.5 may allow you to prioritize notifications

A newly leaked One UI 8.5 firmware adds the “Prioritize notification” toggle in the settings, as spotted by Sammyguru. This will let you prioritize specific alerts. When the toggle is on, you can set certain notifications as important. The report also shared an alleged screenshot of the feature.

The description suggests that users will be able to set high-priority notifications for each app in its settings. Once you do it, notifications from these apps will appear above other notifications. This option will ensure you don’t miss these alerts.

This can be quite handy if you keep missing important notifications like emails. You can manually prioritize notifications for any app on your Galaxy device. So, no matter when you pick up the phone, those unread notifications will always appear on top.

Priority notifications will appear on top

The screenshot shows the Galaxy AI logo, hinting that AI could be working behind the scenes in sorting these notifications. However, the description clarifies that notification content is processed on your phone, meaning it won’t be sent to the cloud. This is quite reassuring, though.

Apple introduced a similar feature to show priority notifications at the top with iOS 18.4. This uses Apple Intelligence to show notifications from important contacts in a separate group. However, Samsung’s feature doesn’t mention anything about priority notifications from contacts.

It’s not clear whether the beta version, which may be out in November, will include this or other leaked features. The stable One UI 8.5, based on Android 16, is expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series early next year.

The post One UI 8.5 May Let You Prioritize Notifications So You Don't Miss Them appeared first on Android Headlines.

Google’s streaming platform, YouTube, is getting a major overhaul. This follows an announcement made last week. The redesign is hitting the app’s menu system and UI icons, including the top and bottom bars. The icons are now bolder and more rounded, helping with the visibility. Among the multiple tweaks, the major redesign comes to the YouTube video player, which is now reportedly rolling out for Android and iOS.

YouTube for Android and iOS gets a major video player redesign

The YouTube video player redesign, as spotted by 9to5Google, features a completely new look, with softer UI elements and almost transparent icons and buttons. This new design doesn’t obscure the content that’s on the screen. But then again, design is always subjective. In portrait orientation, there’s a new icon set. The landscape button is now slightly bigger and is placed in a circle. The new like and dislike buttons get longer thumbs.

Content interactions are getting more personal with custom “Like” button animations. When you like certain videos, there’s now a “custom, dynamic visual treatment” based on the content. For instance, liking a music video will trigger an animated musical note, and sports videos include a visual cue from the game.

The comment section also sees a major change

The video player in landscape has the thumbs up/down, comment, save, share, and overflow placed in a pill-shaped container at the bottom-left corner. On the bottom-right edge, there’s also a cleaner “more videos” button when you pause the video. The background is no longer darkened.

Double-tapping to skip gets a more subtle and compact animation compared to before. This is to be “less intrusive to your video watching experience.” Other changes announced last week include a more seamless transition animation that slides up the feed when moving between tabs. When saving videos to playlists or Watch Later, “a refreshed design simplifies the process.”

The comment section is also seeing a major change, with the new thread design. This makes it easier to follow conversations and replies. The new YouTube video player and icon redesigns are rolling out widely for Android and iOS (version 20.42).

The post YouTube's Major UI Redesign is Now Hitting Android and iOS appeared first on Android Headlines.

The iPhone 17 series is just a month old, but that’s not stopping the rumor mill from shedding light on next year’s models, presumably the iPhone 18. A recent report suggested that the A20 chip may lead to a significant price increase for the iPhone 18 models. That’s not all, a new report now suggests that the iPhone 18 Pro may gain satellite 5G connectivity. Apple may reportedly bring hardware changes next year.

iPhone 18 Pro may offer satellite 5G

A new report from The Information includes details that could hint at all iPhones, in the future, working with Elon Musk’s Starlink. Currently, there’s no direct arrangement with Apple and SpaceX over Starlink satellite-based internet connectivity. But this might change. Firstly, SpaceX is reportedly supporting “the same radio spectrum Apple uses for the iPhone’s current satellite features” from Globalstar in new Starlink satellite designs. 

Apple relies on Globalstar satellite for the Emergency SOS via satellite feature on iPhone 14 and newer. This allows you to contact emergency services when you’re outside of the cell coverage.

Apple relies on Globalstar satellite for emergency SOS

Second, The Information reports that Globalstar chair James Monroe has expressed his desire to sell the firm for $10 billion. “Such a deal could signal that Globalstar and Apple are seeking more independence from each other,” the report adds. Reportedly, Apple previously declined to strike a deal with SpaceX for Starlink for an iPhone satellite service provider. 

The report adds that Apple plans to add support for 5G networks that aren’t tethered to Earth’s surface, including satellite in iPhones as early as next year. If this pans out, we might see iPhone 18 Pro models gaining satellite 5G.

Last month, SpaceX struck a deal with EchoStar to acquire $17 billion worth of spectrum for direct-to-cell satellite connectivity. For now, though, SpaceX offers a standalone Starlink service for home and vehicles. It offers limited connectivity through T-Mobile’s T-Satellite service.

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