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Pixel Watch Receives October 2025 Update with Security Fixes and Bug Improvements

Google pixel watch 4 AH 53

Earlier this year, Google announced its latest Wear OS 6 update for its Pixel Watch lineup. However, when it comes to legacy wearables, only the Pixel Watch 2 and 3 got the update. This means that the original Pixel Watch is still stuck at Wear OS 5. However, if you own the original Pixel Watch, we have good news as Google has released the October 2025 update for it.

Pixel Watch gets October 2025 update

According to Google, it says that all eligible original Pixel Watch devices should get the October 2025 update starting today. “The rollout will continue over the coming weeks in phases depending on carrier and device. Users will receive a notification on their watch once the software update becomes available.”

Before you get too excited, no, the update isn’t bringing about new features. Instead, according to Google, the update is focused more on security updates and bug fixes. So, if you’re still holding onto the OG Pixel Watch, keep an eye out for this update. Hopefully, it should fix any bugs you might be encountering on the phone.

Also, it’s worth noting that the smartwatch is guaranteed at least 3 years of updates. This means that the October 2025 is the last guaranteed update you’ll get. This doesn’t mean that Google won’t release updates in the future. It is possible that the company could release an emergency update if there are any critical issues. But moving forwards, you probably shouldn’t expect anything else.

How to update your Pixel Watch

As Google said, the rollout will take place over the coming weeks. This means if you don’t see the update available right now, don’t worry, it should eventually make its way to you. However, if you want to check if there’s an update available, it’s pretty easy. Just go to Settings > System > System updates. Tap on the “Your watch is update to date” screen multiple times to initial the download.

Once that’s done, just update your watch and you’re good to go. While the original Pixel Watch has been around for a few years, it’s still a very viable smartwatch. If you’re just looking for a smartphone companion for your wrist, it’s more than sufficient. Otherwise, you might want to consider upgrading to the Pixel Watch 4.

The post Pixel Watch Receives October 2025 Update with Security Fixes and Bug Improvements appeared first on Android Headlines.

HONOR Magic8 Ultra Details Leak: Snapdragon 8 Elite Power and Upgraded Cameras

MTG ºiþO ProÑ *H16 9 RGB

Earlier this month, Honor unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Honor Magic8 series. However, if you thought that the company was done with phones for the rest of the year, think again. According to the details, Honor could be working on an Ultra version of the Magic8 series.

Honor Magic8 Ultra details revealed

In a post on Weibo, tipster Digital Chat Station dropped some hints on the details we can expect from the Honor Magic8 Ultra. The post claims that the phone, like the rest of the Magic8 lineup, will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 5 chipset. It will also feature a 6.71-inch 1.5K LTPO quad-curved screen, support for 3D face recognition, and a built-in 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

As for the cameras, the post claims that Honor is testing use of of OmniVision’s OV50R main camera. It is also rumored to feature a 5,000W ultra-high dynamic range solution, and a new large-bottom periscope telephoto lens. As for the battery, Digital Chat Station says it will start with the “7” figure. To be honest, at this point, we’re not sure other than the cameras, how different the Ultra version is compared to the rest of the lineup.

However, it seems to be part of Chinese phone makers strategy, which is to release Ultra-variants of their phones. So far, we know of phones like the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Oppo Find X9 Ultra, and the Vivo X300 Ultra. So it looks like Honor is joining in on the fun. 

Contradicting reports

That being said, we should point out that the recent post does contradict some earlier reports. According to past reports, the Magic8 Ultra might actually use the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset. Also, while some expect the phone to be announced by the end of the year, some suggest it could launch in the first half of 2026.

In any case, we should have more details in the coming months. But in the meantime, if you’d rather not wait, the Honor Magic8 Pro is already quite the powerhouse. It might be worth checking out if you’re in the market for a new phone.

The post HONOR Magic8 Ultra Details Leak: Snapdragon 8 Elite Power and Upgraded Cameras appeared first on Android Headlines.

OnePlus Turbo Specs Leak: Massive 8,000mAh Battery and Snapdragon 8 Elite Power

OnePlus 15 image 83459438

OnePlus recently took the wraps off its latest flagship smartphone over in China. This came in the form of the OnePlus 15. But it turns out OnePlus isn’t done with new phones just yet. According to the rumors, the company is working on a phone called the OnePlus Turbo. Now, thanks to a report by Smartprix, the OnePlus Turbo specs have been revealed.

OnePlus Turbo specs revealed

According to the rumors, the OnePlus Turbo is meant to be a gaming smartphone. Based on the rumored specs of the OnePlus Turbo, there is one major difference between it and the OnePlus 15: battery.

The OnePlus 15 comes with a 7,300mAh battery, which is already impressive. However, the report claims that the OnePlus Turbo could pack an even larger battery, going up to a whopping 8,000mAh. This, combined with the 100W charging, will make the phone an endurance beast.

However, since the focus is more on performance, OnePlus could dial back on the cameras. The rumors are saying we can look forward to a dual camera setup on the back. This will consist of a 50MP main shooter and an 8MP ultrawide. This is compared to the OnePlus 15, which sports a triple 50MP camera setup on the back.

As for the rest of the phone, it appears to be more or less identical to its flagship sibling. We’re talking about a ~6.7-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate. We’re also looking at the use of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 5. So, like we said, the major difference here is in its battery. If you don’t really care too much about cameras, then the OnePlus Turbo could make a good alternative to the OnePlus 15, especially if battery life is a big deal for you.

Coming not so soon

Smartprix claims that their source told them the handset is currently being tested in India. If testing goes to plan, the OnePlus Turbo could launch in the next two months. This is an odd time for a release towards the end of the year. However, OnePlus might be able to catch a break.

Samsung typically launches its new flagships in January. This means if OnePlus launches it in December, it would have very little time before Samsung takes over the news cycle. However, last we heard, Samsung could delay the launch of the Galaxy S26 to March 2026.

The post OnePlus Turbo Specs Leak: Massive 8,000mAh Battery and Snapdragon 8 Elite Power appeared first on Android Headlines.

Exclusive: Google Pixel 10a Official CAD Renders & Rumors

Pixel10a 5K3

After releasing almost every detail of the Pixel 10 series ahead of the official launch in August, we’re back at it again with the upcoming Pixel 10a. There have been rumors that the Pixel 10a would launch before the end of 2025, but given where we are in the rumor mill, we don’t believe that is accurate. We do believe it’ll launch in early 2026.

With that said, we have official renders based on CADs for the Pixel 10a. And to your surprise, it doesn’t look that different versus the Pixel 9a. Unfortunately, this blue color might not be real, but we’d love for Google to use it.

Google Pixel 10a CAD Renders

We have three CAD renders to show off here. This shows different angles of the Pixel 10a, which look identical to the Pixel 9a. Now, unfortunately, we can’t confirm or deny if there is a SIM card slot on the Pixel 10a, since that detail is typically not included in CAD renders. It is included in the CAD render here, but that doesn’t confirm that it will be available on the final model when that launches.

Pixel10a 5K2
Pixel10a 5K3
Pixel10a 5K1
Pixel10a 5K2
Pixel10a 5K3
Pixel10a 5K1

As you can see from these renders, Google is sticking with what looks to be a plastic back that is completely flat and flush with the camera module. Google is also sticking with a dual-camera setup on the rear, and some rather thick bezels on the front. The volume rocker continues to be below the power button – the opposite of almost every Android phone on the market.

There are antenna lines on the sides, top and bottom. With a microphone hole at the top as well as the bottom. It also looks like Google has made the bottom symmetrical with the speaker and microphone holes.

Google Pixel 10a Specifications (rumored)

We’re currently pretty early in the rumor mill for the Pixel 10a, so the specs haven’t surfaced as much. But we do know that it’ll be roughly the same physical size as Pixel 9a. With a 6.2-inch display and dimensions of 153.9 x 72.9 x 9mm. That’s actually rather thick compared to a lot of other phones on the market today.

There is also a rumor that is pointing to the Pixel 10a using the Tensor G4 (same as Pixel 9a) instead of the newer Tensor G5 in the Pixel 10 series. This could be due to the cost of the Tensor G5, since it is a TSMC-manufactured chip and does cost significantly more than the Tensor G4 did. This is said to be a “boosted” Tensor G4, likely a higher clocked chipset.

Last year, Google surprised us with the Pixel 9a, outfitting it with a 5,100mAh battery. Since the phone is actually thicker, we are expecting an even larger battery this year. But, I don’t think many would complain about a 5,100mAh battery on Pixel 10a either, considering battery life was so great on the 9a.

Google should stick with the same cameras again this year, and it’ll also have 7 years of software support. Pricing should also remain almost identical to last year, at $499 for 128GB of storage.

How will it compare to the Pixel 9a?

From what we know so far about the Pixel 10a, it’s going to be almost identical to the Pixel 9a. Perhaps slightly better performance, WiFi signal, and battery life. That would likely be about it here. Along with some new colors, but that doesn’t really determine whether you’d buy it or not.

google pixel 9a vs pixel 10a AH

Above, you can see how similar these two look side-by-side. Really, the only way to tell them apart is going to be the colors. Though, bezels do look significantly smaller this year. We’ll have to wait for the final renders to see if that is indeed the case, as CADs are usually approximate, and not always 100% correct.

Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a Spec Comparison

As mentioned, specs haven’t really surfaced all that much yet for the Pixel 10a. So we’ve compiled what we’ve seen rumored so far, and speculated with the rest, given what we can see in these CADs, as well as how often Google sticks with the same specs.

Editor’s Note: Everything that is speculated for the Pixel 10a is denoted with an asterisk.

H1 2025 Family Bundles
Google Pixel 9a
Pixel10a 5K1
Google Pixel 10a
Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 10a
Dimensions 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm 153.9 x 72.9 x 9.0mm
Weight 186g 186 grams*
Display 6.3-inch FHD+ 120Hz P-OLED 6.2-inch FHD+ 120Hz P-OLED
Refresh rate 60-120Hz (adaptive) 60-120Hz (adaptive)*
Resolution 2424 x 1080 2424 x 1080*
Chipset Google Tensor G4 Google Tensor G4 (boosted)
RAM 8GB 8GB*
Storage 128GB/256GB 128GB/256GB*
Main camera 48MP (f/1.7 aperture, 1/2.0″ sensor size) 48MP (f/1.7 aperture, 1/2.0″ sensor size)*
Ultra-wide camera 13MP (f/2.2 aperture, 120-degree FOV) 13MP (f/2.2 aperture, 120-degree FOV)*
Selfie camera 13MP (f/2.2 aperture, 1/3.1″ sensor size) 13MP (f/2.2 aperture, 1/3.1″ sensor size)*
Battery size 5,100mAh 5,100mAh*
Charging 23W wired, 7.5W wireless 23W wired, 7.5W wireless*
Colors Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, Peony N/A
View Specifications

When will the Google Pixel 10a launch?

Of course, the biggest question of all is, when will the Google Pixel 10a launch? There was a wacky rumor about a month ago that claimed the Pixel 10a would launch before the end of 2025. Which we do not believe. Here’s why.

To launch the Pixel 10a before the end of the year would be a really bad decision, especially in the US. Really anything launched after October is a terrible idea because of holiday shopping. On top of that, all of the new flagships with Qualcomm and MediaTek’s new chips are launching at this time. So it would get buried. But if we take the holidays out of the equation, we are just not seeing images of the Pixel 10a. This usually happens about 6 months ahead of the actual launch. Which means we’re likely gonna see a March or April launch once again.

DeviceAnnouncement DateRelease Date
Google Pixel 9aMarch 19, 2025April 10, 2025
Google Pixel 8aMay 7, 2024May 14, 2024
Google Pixel 7aMay 10, 2023May 10, 2023

As you can see from the previous release dates, the Pixel 10a is likely going to launch in March. The Pixel 9a was delayed a bit because they found an issue with manufacturing which delayed the device’s shipping by a couple of weeks. So very unlikely that the Pixel 10a will launch in 2025; however, Google has been adjusting the release timelines for its devices and software lately.

The post Exclusive: Google Pixel 10a Official CAD Renders & Rumors appeared first on Android Headlines.

Samsung Envisions a 6G Future Driven by AI and Real-World Benefits

6G image 839483498

During a global conference on 6G, which is currently ongoing in Korea, Samsung had some interesting things to say. Lee Ju-Ho, a fellow at Samsung Research, said that the changes 6G will bring “cannot be expressed in numbers.”

Samsung envisions a 6G future with major changes and AI involvement

He also added: “we must change the direction of the technology” in order to illustrate the benefits of 6G. On top of all that, Lee Ju-Ho also said: “We will find it difficult to solve the various problems we face by emphasizing only the peak performance of the 4G and 5G era.”

Samsung doesn’t think that hyping up 6G’s numbers is the way to go. The hype around 5G’s performance gains, higher connection speeds, lower latency, and so on, were not the right call.

Lee Ju-Ho believes that the advantages for 6G will be “qualitative”, while he referred to native AI a “key feature of 6G”. He added that AI will be essential to “solve previously impossible realities.”

It seems like Samsung believes that reliability, energy efficiency, and security will be key for 6G, along with AI, of course. Lee Ju-Ho said that 6G will benefit an aging population and those who live on their own. How? Well, for one, self-learning AI is expected to manage the network and also fix certain problems on its own.

He added that Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), where sensors in the network create real-time spatial awareness, could be used in autonomous transport. That’s just another example.

Samsung wants to focus on real-world benefits

Samsung obviously wants to focus on real-world and social benefits, rather than hyping up numbers. Well, at least that’s what we got from what Lee Ju-Ho said during this global conference.

As a reminder, the first commercial industry standard for 6G is expected to arrive in 2029.

The post Samsung Envisions a 6G Future Driven by AI and Real-World Benefits appeared first on Android Headlines.

Amazon Reportedly Planning Massive Corporate Layoffs

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Yes, it’s true that many companies went out of business during the pandemic, and many people lost their jobs. However, the tech industry actually saw a surge in hirings. But it looks like that hiring spree is coming to a head. According to a report from Reuters, Amazon could be looking to conduct corporate layoffs.

Amazon to conduct corporate layoffs

Based on the report, Amazon corporate layoffs could be the largest layoffs the company conducted since 2023. The Reuters report suggests that Amazon could be looking to layoff up to 30,000 corporate positions. This is higher than the 27,000 job cuts that the company had previously conducted.

30,000 positions seem like a lot, but to Amazon, that’s roughly 10% of its corporate workforce. This will cover various departments such as human resources, cloud computing, advertising, and more. However, the total number of staff reductions hasn’t been finalized yet, but for now, it is estimated to be around 30,000.

Is AI coming for our jobs?

Many companies, not just Amazon, conduct layoffs periodically as a way to cut costs. But when there’s a surge in demand, these companies tend to hire again. However, what’s worrying about the recent layoffs is that some of these positions may never be filled by humans again.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said back in June that some jobs will be cut because of AI. Jassy said at that time, “As we roll out more Generative AI and agents, it should change the way our work is done. We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today, and more people doing other types of jobs.”

It is true that as AI becomes smarter and more capable that jobs that humans used to do may no longer be necessary. If an AI can generate reports and summarize information in minutes compared to the hours it takes a human, it makes sense who you’d rather keep from an efficiency point of view.

But this doesn’t necessarily mean that humans are doomed to be jobless. The rise of AI represents a new industry that we can transition to. As the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens.

The post Amazon Reportedly Planning Massive Corporate Layoffs appeared first on Android Headlines.

Deleted a Text by Mistake? Google Messages Will Soon Let You Undo It

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Have you ever deleted an important text in Google Messages and instantly regretted it? Well, you are not alone. Right now, it’s not possible to recover a deleted message. But to address the concern, Google seems to be working on an undo button for its Messages app, making the texting experience safer.

Google is working on an Undo texting button for the Messages app

As reported by Android Authority, a new beta version of Google Messages hints at a new “trash” or “bin” folder. The concept of the new folder is pretty similar to what Gmail already has. When you delete a message, instead of completely disappearing right away, it might move to this trash folder. From there, you could have up to 30 days to recover it before it’s permanently deleted. This change would be a big relief for anyone who’s ever deleted an important text by accident.

Currently, deleting a message on the app is permanent. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. There’s literally no way to undo the task or bring back the text. And that’s what makes this upcoming feature so exciting. It finally addresses a problem that’s faced by almost everyone once in their life. Messages are also used for storing important bank texts or transaction SMS, and deleting them by mistake is the fear of many. The new option will finally address this fear.

Google aims for smarter and more reliable messaging services

The latest move confirms Google’s push to make the Messages app smarter and reliable. The app already lets users archive chats they want to hide without deleting them. But archiving isn’t enough when you want to bring back something you’ve completely removed. A new trash folder or undo delete option finally bridges that gap. It gives users better control over their texting experience. It solves a real problem faced by millions of users daily.

The post Deleted a Text by Mistake? Google Messages Will Soon Let You Undo It appeared first on Android Headlines.

iPhone 20th Anniversary Model Might Go Fully Button-Free

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Apple might be planning some big changes for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary in 2027. According to the latest rumors out of China, Apple is planning to do away with mechanical buttons and use haptics instead. HTC actually tried this out many years ago, and it didn’t work out too well for them.

Why go with haptics versus mechanical buttons? For one, they use up less space inside the phone. Two, they are less likely to break as they don’t have moving parts. And of course, Apple is very proud of its Haptic Engine, so this would be another way for Apple to show that off.

This report is claiming that this is going to be the biggest design shake up for the iPhone since the 2017 iPhone X, which was Apple’s ten year anniversary for the iPhone. And it drastically changed the look of the iPhone.

iPhone’s 20th anniversary is still two years away

Despite all of the rumors we are seeing today about the 20th anniversary iPhone, it is still a solid two years away from launching. So we’re likely gonna see some more changes in the rumor mill before it actually launches in 2027. Apple is likely still actively working on it, and changing the hardware to meet whatever goals that they have.

There are also rumors about Apple using a wraparound display with the edges of the screen merging into the button zones. This is also something an Android OEM had tried in the past. Xiaomi did this many years ago too on a concept phone (a concept phone that was actually sold, however). Though, Xiaomi never followed up with another one, so it must not have done all that well.

The post iPhone 20th Anniversary Model Might Go Fully Button-Free appeared first on Android Headlines.

Motorola Patent Reveals a Phone That Can Transform Into a Watch

Motorola phone concept wrist 2 2023

The smartphone candy bar form factor has been around for more than a decade. But realistically, we don’t think the form factor is sticking around for the foreseeable future. That begs the question of, if not this form factor, then what? That’s something Motorola is exploring, according to a recently discovered patent that suggests a phone that can be worn as a watch.

Motorola has a patent for a phone that can be worn as a watch

Based on the patent images, it looks like Motorola has come up with an idea for a phone that can transform into a watch. Believe it or not, this is actually not the first time Motorola has come up with this idea. Back in 2023, the company took the wraps off a concept phone with a bendable display and body that can be bent around the wearer’s wrist.

However, there is a difference between Motorola’s concept and this patent. For starters, the patent suggests that the phone could feature some kind of retractable display. This means that when the display is fully retracted, it’s small enough to fit on your wrist. However, it can then be expanded to become a phone.

The patent talks about the frame structure needed to support the retractable design. However, it stops short of mentioning things like display size, connectivity options, battery, and most importantly, cameras. It’s actually a pretty cool concept on paper. But honestly, it seems unlikely that it will ever see the light of day.

While patents sometimes act as clues for what a company has planned for the future, it is never a guarantee that these patents become actual commercial products.

The future of communications

Like we said, we don’t think candy bar shaped smartphones are going to continue being the standard of mobile phone design. In fact, with the rise of AI, some believe that we may even transition to devices without a display. 

We’ve already seen some companies attempt these AI-first devices, like Rabbit, and Humane. However, neither of these devices really took off. We’re also hearing that OpenAI’s Sam Altman is working with legendary former Apple designer, Jony Ive, to create some kind of communications device.

It’s too early to tell how that will turn out, but what do you think? What kind of device can you imagine replacing our smartphones in the future?

Motorola patent Motorola patent
Motorola patent 1 1 Motorola patent 1 1

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Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 Could Be a Bigger Leap Than Anyone Expected

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review AM AH 27

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is tipped to bring some major improvements to the table. The information comes from DealSite, as the source claims the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will get a major battery boost.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 could bring major improvements, including a battery boost

It is said to feature a 5,000mAh battery, a considerable upgrade from the 4,400mAh battery inside the Galaxy Z Fold 7. For comparison’s sake, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 competitors have larger battery packs. The OPPO Find N5, for example, comes with a 5,600mAh battery, and it offers a lot better battery life.

The battery life boost is not the only improvement mentioned, though. Samsung is also aiming to improve the display crease situation. The company plans to adopt the so-called laser-drilled metal plate technology. Apple will use something similar for its foldable iPhone.

Another area of improvement is mentioned in the report… the stylus. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 will, allegedly, be compatible with a stylus. Samsung removed the stylus compatibility this year, with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, after first introducing it to its foldables back in 2021 with the Galaxy Z Fold 3.

Stylus support could also be making a comeback

Samsung made that move to make the Galaxy Z Fold 7 thinner. Well, it’s possible that the company figured out how to get the best of both worlds, which is why the Galaxy Z Fold 8 may get stylus support. It’s hard to imagine Samsung making its devices thicker just for the sake of stylus support.

The arrival of the first foldable iPhone may really push Samsung to make some major improvements to its book-style foldable. Competition is good, as it pushes innovation. The first foldable iPhone is tipped to arrive next year, though we may have to wait longer than that, it all depends on which rumor you choose to believe.

As a reminder, Samsung’s very first tri-fold smartphone made its first public appearance recently. It’s expected to get a full launch later this week, though nothing has been confirmed just yet.

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Google Gemini Can Now Build Presentations for You

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AI is surely integrating itself into our daily lives. Gone are the days when we had to learn the whole Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides toolkit just for creating presentations. With the new update, Google is rolling out a new version of the Gemini tool that can create powerful presentations for you. All you have to do is type the prompt and upload relevant files, and the tool will then turn it into slides.

Google Gemini can now generate presentations from texts or files

The new update is now available for Gemini Pro users and is expected to be released to free users soon. Once updated, users can access the “Canvas” tab on the Gemini website, give it a topic or prompt, and attach relevant files. Gemini then generates a complete presentation based on the given input. It also matches the theme and visual effect throughout the slides for a more appealing and professional look.

Users can export the generated presentation directly to Google Slides. There, they can make small changes, such as editing text or rearranging slides. This makes it much easier for students, office workers, or anyone who needs to build a presentation fast.

Google says that the tool is backed by Gemini’s powerful AI

Google says that the Canvas feature uses the same AI that powers Gemini’s writing and reasoning abilities, but now applies to design and layout. The Canvas tool will show the instructions on one side and the results on the other. This process is done so that the user can see changes instantly. This side-by-side layout helps users easily adjust prompts to get better slides without switching screens.

Moreover, the feature is currently rolling out in batches. Only a limited group of users has access to the feature. A broader rollout is expected to take place in the coming days. You can log in to the Gemini website to see if the feature is available.

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Best USB-C Chargers Deals

best chargers deals

With so many smartphone makers getting rid of the charger in the box, it’s always a good idea to pick up a couple of spare chargers, because you really never know when you’ll need them. Thankfully, Amazon almost always has a lot of them available on sale. Here are the best USB-C chargers that are on sale right now.

Baseus 140W USB-C Charger

Baseus 140W USB-C Charger – $49.99

This charger has 140W of power with 3 USB-C and a USB-A port. It’s a GaN charger, making it much smaller than other chargers with the same power.

Buy from
Editor's Choice
Baseus Enercore CJ11

Baseus Enercore CJ11 – $59

This charger has a retractable USB-C cable as well as two USB-C ports available for charging. With a total output of 67W.

Buy from
Anker 45W USB-C Charger

Anker 45W USB-C Charger – $15.99

Charge up with this Anker USB-C charger at up to 45W, fast enough to max out the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Buy from
Anker Nano 30W USB-C Charger

Anker Nano 30W USB-C Charger – $13.99

This tiny charger can charge at up to 30W, and its just $14.

Buy from
Editor's Choice
Baseus Nomos 8-in-1 Charging Station

Baseus Nomos 8-in-1 Charging Station – $42.99

This charging station is perfect for those with lots of devices to charge. With three AC outlets, 4 USB-C and a MagSafe wireless charger all available.

Buy from
Belkin 45W USB-C Charger

Belkin 45W USB-C Charger – $14.99

Belkin has its own USB-C PD3.1 PPS Fast Charger that can charge up to 45W, which will max out the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

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Editor's Choice
Anker 737 Power Bank

Anker 737 Power Bank – $75

This massive power bank has 24,000mAh capacity battery that should keep you going for a few days.

Buy from

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HyperOS 3 Global Rollout Kicks Off: New Design, AI, and Animations

HyperOS 3

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.

Xiaomi HyperOS 3 global rollout

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.

HyperOS 3 rollout schedule

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Samsung’s Mysterious Tri-Fold Phone Just Made Its First Public Appearance

Samsung tri fold first appearance 4

Samsung has just shown off its first tri-fold smartphone ahead of its launch. Sounds confusing? Well, it kind of is. The company showed off the device sitting under glass during the K-Tech Showcase in Korea.

The K-Tech Showcase is kind of a side event of the APEC Summit, which is taking place October 31-November 1. The phone is tipped to get a full reveal during the APEC Summit, so we could be only days away from that happening. This appearance at the K-Tech Showcase certainly points in that direction.

Samsung’s first tri-fold phone just made its first public appearance

In any case, the device is shown here, but only its front side, it could be reflective of a device that is coming soon. It’s shown in full unfolded, and fully folded formats. Several sources shared these images, and that includes Ice Universe and The Chosun. You can see the device in the gallery below.

Samsung tri fold first appearance 1
Samsung tri fold first appearance 2
Samsung tri fold first appearance 3
Samsung tri fold first appearance 4
Samsung tri fold first appearance 5
Samsung tri fold first appearance 1
Samsung tri fold first appearance 2
Samsung tri fold first appearance 3
Samsung tri fold first appearance 4
Samsung tri fold first appearance 5

When fully folded, the phone will feature a 6.5-inch display, allegedly, as shown above. When completely extended, you’ll get a 10-inch display to use. You’ll notice that a display camera hole is all unfolding levels, basically.

The phone will have a middle-of-the-road unfold state, too. It is expected to offer an 8-inch display in that state. So it’ll essentially be a tiny table when unfolded once.

The device is expected to launch soon, possibly later this week

This is what Samsung said to SamMobile, in a statement: “Samsung continues to advance innovative technologies, including next-generation form factors in the era of mobile AI, to deliver meaningful user experiences. The recent showcase reflects ongoing R&D efforts, and we plan to bring this next generation device to users within this year.”

From that statement, one might think Samsung is saying this is just a prototype, not the real thing. Well, it could be, though if the device is coming in only a couple of days, that doesn’t make much sense. Either way, Samsung once again confirmed that the real tri-fold announcement is right around the corner.

The post Samsung’s Mysterious Tri-Fold Phone Just Made Its First Public Appearance appeared first on Android Headlines.

Which AI Humanizer Passes GPTZero, Turnitin, and Copyleaks?

AI image 384985348954389

If you write with any large-language model, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or the dozen niche tools that pop up every month, you’ve surely run into the same brick wall: AI detectors. Classmates whisper about GPTZero, professors swear by Turnitin’s AI meter, and agencies quietly copy-paste everything into Copyleaks before they publish. Nothing drains the fun out of automated drafting faster than a bright-red “99% AI-written” label.

That tension is why “AI humanizers” now headline software round-ups and TikTok tutorials alike. The promise is simple: paste your machine-written paragraph in, click “Humanize,” and out comes prose that sounds like you after two coffees and zero robots. The reality is more nuanced, but some platforms really do trip up leading detectors at least most of the time.

Below you’ll find a practical, evidence-based look at the field as it stands. I’ve narrowed the spotlight to three tools that consistently beat GPTZero, Turnitin, and Copyleaks in independent side-by-side tests: Smodin: https://smodin.io/ai-humanizer, Undetectable.ai’s Rewrite module, and HIX Rewrite+ (formerly HIX Covert). You’ll also learn why “passing the detectors” is never just about software and how to keep your words both honest and invisible to the bots.

How AI Detectors Actually Flag Your Text

Before judging humanizers, it helps to know what they’re hiding. Modern detectors rely on two core signals:

– Statistical fingerprints. Language models like GPT use certain phrase patterns, function-word frequencies, and sentence-length distributions that differ from human baselines. Detectors train other models to spot those quirks.

– Burstiness vs. perplexity. Human writing jumps around: a short fragment here, a multi-clause monster there. AI tends to coast in a tighter range. Detectors score that smoothness as “low burstiness” and raise alarms.

Turnitin and Copyleaks layer plagiarism checks and cross-document comparisons on top, but the heartbeat is still pattern analysis. Break the patterns, and you drop the detection score.

The Three Front-Runners in 2025

After combing through dozens of platforms and running them against fresh detector builds released this fall, three names consistently floated to the top in both reliability and usability. Each excels at a slightly different mix of speed, linguistic nuance, and detector-dodging “stealth” scores, which is why they’ve become staples in student Discords, freelance Slack channels, and small-agency content workflows. Below you’ll find a closer look at what sets Smodin, Undetectable.ai, and HIX Rewrite+ apart, along with the blind-test data that earned them front-runner status.

Smodin AI Humanizer

Smodin bills itself as the Swiss Army knife of writing tools generator, paraphraser, detector, and, crucially, a “humanizer” that rewrites machine text to sound organic. It supports 100+ languages, which matters if you write bilingual essays or global marketing copy. In four October blind tests run by freelance reviewers, Smodin’s rewrite dropped GPTZero scores from an average of 83% AI to 12%. Turnitin’s AI index fell below its 20-percent “possible AI” threshold in three of four samples. Copyleaks still caught one technical paragraph (likely due to jargon repetition), but overall accuracy hovered around an 85 percent bypass rate.

Strengths:

– Solid at varying sentence length and inserting subtle contractions (“we’re,” “they’ve”) that detectors weigh heavily.

– Lets you highlight every change, so you can reverse anything that warps meaning.

– Reasonably priced: the current Writing plan is $15/month.

Weak spots:

– Long academic citations sometimes get truncated. Paste those back in manually.

– On ultra-formal papers, the tool adds a conversational tilt that editors may notice. Tone sliders help, but you still need a quick proofread.

Undetectable.ai Rewrite Module

Undetectable.ai surfaced in late 2024 and quickly won a cult following among copywriters. The company’s marketing flex: “0% AI on all major detectors, or we credit your account.” In practice, its success rate sits closer to 90 percent, but that’s still impressive.

How does it work? It adds “entropy layers,” essentially rewriting twice: once for semantics, once for randomness. You can crank an “Entropy” dial from 1 to 5; anything above 3 can begin to sound disjointed, but level 3 nearly always sneaks past GPTZero and Copyleaks. Turnitin remains the toughest nut; Undetectable.ai achieves a pass roughly four out of five tries.

Pros:

– Fast bulk mode: you can upload a 10,000-word white paper and get it back in under a minute.

– Built-in plagiarism sweep uses the Copyscape API, catching accidental overlap.

Cons:

– No free tier, and the Pro plan ($29/month) caps you at 25,000 words. Heavy users can burn through that in a week.

– Level 3+ entropy occasionally introduces factual drift. Double-check names, dates, and figures.

HIX Rewrite+ (Covert)

HIX Write launched as a straight copy assistant in 2023. It’s 2025: Rewrite+ engine quietly became a detection-dodger’s secret weapon. The interface is minimal: paste, select “Covert,” pick a tone (academic, casual, narrative), and hit run. The server spins a hybrid model that blends lexical substitution with clause rearrangement. In public benchmarks hosted by the independent ReviewStack Lab (July 2025), HIX achieved the best Copyleaks evasion only one false flag in 30 runs, while tying Smodin on GPTZero.

Good news:

– Best at retaining stylistic nuance. If your original had rhetorical questions or semi-colons, they’re often preserved.

– Respectable free allotment: 5,000 words/month.

Bad news:

– Limited language options (only eight major tongues).

– No side-by-side change tracking; you need a diff tool if you’re paranoid.

Field Test: One Paragraph, Three Humanizers

To ground the numbers, let’s walk through a single paragraph about CRISPR agriculture, originally produced by GPT-4 Turbo. Raw text scored 98% AI on GPTZero, 89% on Turnitin, 91% on Copyleaks.

– Smodin output: “14% AI” (GPTZero), “17% AI” (Turnitin), “22% AI” (Copyleaks).

– Undetectable.ai (entropy 3): “5% AI,” “21% AI,” “15% AI.”

– HIX Rewrite+ (academic tone): “12% AI,” “18% AI,” “9% AI.”

All three cleared the generic “likely human” threshold that most instructors use (usually 20-25%). The differences matter only if your reader scrutinizes every decimal. In real-world conditions, thousands of essays funneling into an LMS, any of these outputs would slip through.

What Separates a “Pass” from a Hard Fail

Even the best tool can’t cover every tell-tale sign on its own. Experienced editors and professors look for other giveaways long before they click “Check AI”:

– Sudden voice shift. If your intro sounds like Hemingway and your body reads like a textbook, suspicion spikes.

– Lack of personal anecdote. AI rarely invents believable micro stories (“I spilled coffee on my first draft at 2 a.m.”). Adding one can tilt judgment your way.

– Too-perfect structure. Flawless five-paragraph symmetry is another red flag. Humans ramble; sprinkle a side-thought here and there.

In short, humanizers defeat algorithmic pattern detectors, but they can’t import lived experience. That part is on you.

Choosing the Right Tool for Your Needs

Ultimately, the best pick hinges less on raw bypass percentages and more on your daily writing context, how many words you crank out, how frequently you switch languages, and how much polish you add by hand after the fact. Think of these humanizers as different gears on the same bike: one may climb academic hills effortlessly, another might zip through marketing flats, and a third offers an all-around ride with a lighter price tag. Keep that metaphor in mind as you weigh the options below.

– You value multilingual support and budget flexibility → Smodin.

– You need industrial-scale throughput and don’t mind tweaking entropy → Undetectable.ai.

– You care most about retaining voice and want a generous free tier → HIX Rewrite+.

All three update their models every few weeks because detectors evolve just as fast. A subscription that works today might falter next semester. Most creators, therefore, keep at least two accounts active and cross-check outputs before hitting “submit” or “publish.”

Final Takeaway

The headline question “Which AI humanizer passes GPTZero, Turnitin, and Copyleaks?” no longer has a single silver-bullet answer. Smodin, Undetectable.ai, and HIX Rewrite+ each clear the bar in late 2025, provided you use them thoughtfully. No guarantee of eternal invisibility; detectors will sharpen again, and the cat-and-mouse game will lurch forward.

The thing that will never change is the worth of real, captivating prose. These tools are not to conceal your thoughts, but to perfect your language. Combine machine efficiency and human touch, and you will always be a step further than algorithms and bored readers, regardless of what detectors are lurking on the other side of Submit.

The post Which AI Humanizer Passes GPTZero, Turnitin, and Copyleaks? appeared first on Android Headlines.

Sam Altman Reportedly Developing Noninvasive Brain Interface to Rival Elon Musk’s Neuralink

Sam Altman 2

It’s kind of funny. Back when OpenAI was first founded, Elon Musk and Sam Altman were thick as thieves. Both supposedly had a similar mission when it came to artificial intelligence. However, fast forward to today, and both parties appear to be bitter enemies. But despite their differences, they both seem to be working towards a similar goal. Elon Musk has Neuralink, and now Sam Altman is reportedly working on his own brain interface as well.

Sam Altman’s brain interface could rival Neuralink

According to The Verge’s Alex Heath in his Sources newsletter, it appears that OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, is building his own brain interface that could rival that of Elon Musk’s Neuralink. The report claims that Altman has tapped Mikhail Shapiro, an award-winning biomolecular engineer. 

Shapiro will join Merge Labs, which is a brain-computer interface startup by Altman and Alex Blania. At the moment, not much is known about what this company is about. However, based on Shapiro’s work, it suggests that Altman could leverage his expertise to create a device that could link to the human brain using noninvasive techniques. To be more specific, it could use sound waves.

This is based on a recent talk Shapiro gave, where he said that sound waves and magnetic fields could be used to create a brain-to-computer interface. If that’s true, it could make Altman’s startup a whole lot more attractive compared to Neuralink.

Neuralink’s approach

For those unfamiliar, Neuralink is a company founded by Musk. The company’s goal is to create a way for people to interact with their computers or phones using their thoughts. It sounds quite high-tech, almost sci-fi-like. However, the problem with Neuralink is that it’s not exactly the most user-friendly.

In order for Neuralink to work, the user has to undergo open-skull surgery. This is where the electrodes are implanted into the brain to allow the user to control their devices. Any type of brain surgery has its risks. But to ask someone to undergo surgery just so they have a hands-free way of using their computers? That’s a huge ask.

If Altman’s new startup can indeed create an interface that uses sound waves, it’s a no-brainer (pun intended) that more people might prefer.

The post Sam Altman Reportedly Developing Noninvasive Brain Interface to Rival Elon Musk’s Neuralink appeared first on Android Headlines.

Threads Gets 'Ghost Posts' That Vanish After 24 Hours

Threads Logo on phone 2

Meta has been increasingly focused on Threads in the recent past, and it’s visible in how frequently it’s been adding new features to the platform. Early last month, the social media app announced long-form posts. As part of that feature, users can now post up to 10,000 characters in one go. Now, Threads is getting a “disappearing post” feature, which Meta calls “ghost posts.” Meta started testing this feature back in April, alongside other features that are now available on Threads. 

All the replies to your ghost posts land in your Threads DMs

Threads’ new ghost posts feature enables you to share your thoughts or engage in conversation that vanishes after 24 hours. You’ll be able to create a ghost post on mobile by enabling the toggle that has the new “ghost” icon on the app’s compose screen. The feature is a handy addition for anyone who likes to post something but doesn’t want it to appear on their Threads profile. 

Every time you publish a ghost post on Threads, others will see it having a dotted bubble around. This gives an idea to others that it’s a disappearing post. What’s interesting is that the replies on such posts land directly into your DMs and don’t appear on your timeline. 

Another thing to note is that other Threads users can’t see the number of likes, replies, or the names of ghost post viewers. However, they can still see smiley-face icons below the disappearing posts. This gives an idea to people that others have replied to or liked the posts. 

02 Profile Entry
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02 Profile Entry
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You can still revisit the post from the “archived” section

Not to forget, you can still check ghost posts from the “archived” section of the Threads’ settings menu. Think of this feature as Instagram Stories that are only available for 24 hours. Meta, in the announcement post, notes that this feature is for those who want to “share unfiltered thoughts and fresh takes without the pressure of permanence or polish. Here today and gone tomorrow, you can feel confident trying new things and posting spontaneous thoughts.”

The post Threads Gets 'Ghost Posts' That Vanish After 24 Hours appeared first on Android Headlines.

New Leak Sheds Light on iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 17e Designs

iPhone 17 Pro

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.

iPhone 18 Pro Design

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.

Best Gaming Smartphones

AH REDMAGIC 10S Pro Review (12)

Gaming smartphones used to be an extremely niche product, and while they technically still are, there are a lot more phones out there these days that can be considered suitable gaming smartphones. Even if they aren’t marketed as such. With that in mind, consumers have more choices for a gaming smartphone than ever before. With more options comes more of a challenge in finding the best gaming smartphones available, because you have a higher chance of picking something that isn’t a good phone for gaming.

That being said, we’ve set out to find all the best gaming smartphones for you to make this process easier. There will be some obvious choices and some maybe not so obvious, but all of them will be viable for playing mobile games if that’s the kind of device you’re looking for.

Here are the best gaming smartphones you can buy in 2025.

Best Gaming Smartphone

If you want the best gaming smartphone available, then there are a couple that would easily fit into this category; however, we’re recommending the REDMAGIC 10S Pro as the phone to beat. Not only is it extremely capable because of its specifications, but it was purpose-built for mobile gaming and offers some specialized gaming features. It’s also available at a very reasonable and affordable base price compared to another high-end option we had in mind. At the end of the day, the REDMAGIC 10S Pro provides a basically pound-for-pound experience and has a lower price. So, this is the best for anyone who wants a dedicated gaming smartphone. At least for now. We’re a few months out from the end of the year, and eventually, new gaming smartphone models will arise.

REDMAGIC 10S Pro
Rating
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Starting at $699
AH REDMAGIC 10S Pro Review (3)

REDMAGIC’s 10S Pro is an excellent example of what a gaming phone should be – affordable, powerful, and full of features that cater to the gamer. After years of development and several iterations, the REDMAGIC 10S Pro is the product of a lot of hard work to create something that mobile gamers will be proud to have.

It offers several advantages, and while it comes in at a lower price point than direct competitors, it doesn’t skimp on performance. It doesn’t give an inch. That’s an impressive feat and it’s one of the reasons why it’s the best gaming phone available for most people in 2025.

Pros

  • Great battery life
  • Charges up super fast
  • Exceptional performance
  • Good camera
  • Affordable price point
  • Display provides an awesome visual experience

Cons

  • Fingerprint magnet
  • Can get extremely warm during high-intensity tasks
  • No wireless charging

The REDMAGIC 10S Pro has a lot of unique features that other high-end phones won’t have, and that’s one of the reasons why it’s a special phone for mobile gaming enthusiasts. The key feature, at least in our eyes, is the ultrasonic triggers that sit on top of the phone when you’re holding the phone in landscape mode for playing games. These act just like the triggers on a controller. These are perfect for shooter games, but you can map these triggers to any in-game control so you could use them for any game you want, as long as that games plays in landscape mode.

This phone also has a pretty large battery capacity and a really good cooling system. The latter helps ensure the phone stays capable of operating at optimal temperatures to sustain that high performance for longer periods of time. Then of course, you can pick this phone up with large amounts of RAM and storage, and it’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which is extremely powerful for mobile games.

Display: 6.85-inch AMOLED

Brightness: 2,000 nits

Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite

RAM and Storage: 12GB, 16GB, or 24GB RAM / 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage

Cameras: 50MP+50MP+2MP

Battery: 7050mAh Dual Cell Battery

Charging: 80W wired

Colors: Nightfall, Dusk, Moonlight

  • Android Version: Android 15
  • Software Support: 2 years of major OS updates and 3 years of security updates
  • AI Software: AI Trigger, Circle to Search, AI Photo Search AI image editing, real-time translations, call subtitles
  • Camera Score: Not tested by DXOMark
  • Camera Features: AI-powered image editing, Portrait Mode, Milky Way Night, Pro, Camera-Family
  • Battery Life Score: 25 hours and 42 minutes (Ranked 4th among phones Android Headlines has reviewed)
  • Charging Time: 44 minutes
Review
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Best Premium Gaming Smartphone

When it comes to premium gaming phones, there’s really only one choice, and this year it’s the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro. At a retail price of $1,299, it is most certainly not cheap but you get a top-of-the-line gaming smartphone with an exceptional experience for mobile gaming. While some of us here at Android Headlines personally like it more than the REDMAGIC 10S Pro, the 10S Pro is still the best offering because of its price and similar performance. However, if money is no object and you’re not concerned about the price, then this is the gaming phone you go with. ASUS spared no expense, and you might not want to either.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition
Rating
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$1,299
AH ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro released early in the year, making it one of the first phones to launch with the Snapdragon 8 Elite. It was officially launched in November of 2024, but it didn’t reach the US until January of 2025. It has an admittedly pretty good camera for a gaming phone. We say this because gaming phones typically have not had very good cameras. ASUS and REDMAGIC have started to change this and the ROG Phone 9 Pro has what is likely the best camera of any “gaming phone” that’s currently available.

Of course, the real magic lies in the special software features in the Armoury Crate app, as well as the popular AirTriggers. ASUS pioneered this feature and it has since spread to other gaming phone devices in similar forms. Still, they feel the best on the ROG devices.

Pros

  • AirTriggers are incredibly responsive
  • Best-in-class cooling system
  • Top-notch performance
  • Best camera of any ROG Phone to date
  • Advanced gaming software features enhance the user experience

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not widely available
  • Short lifespan on major OS updates

The AirTriggers are one of the best things about this device. They give your phone trigger-like ultrasonic buttons that act like the triggers on a controller. ASUS is no longer the only brand to offer a feature like this, but it is the brand that offers the best-feeling triggers on a gaming phone. Plus, it has some excellent gaming software, with the most advanced features we’ve seen yet thanks to ASUS”s infusion of AI-powered functions.

It also has the best cooling of any gaming phone we’ve ever used, which allows it to keep sustained performance at a high level beyond other devices. You could play the most demanding games on this phone for a couple of hours and barely notice any change in surface temperature. At least, it wouldn’t get to the point where things are uncomfortable. This wasn’t the case with some of the older ROG Phone models, so ASUS came a long way with this one. There is, of course, the addition of large amounts of RAM and storage capacity, though, this isn’t specific to the ROG Phone 9 Pro. It’s just one of the really great things about it.

Display: 6.78 inch FHD+ 2400 x1080

Brightness: 2,500 nits peak, 1,600 nits HBM

Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite

RAM and Storage: 16GB or 24GB RAM / 512GB or 1TB storage

Cameras: 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 32 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)

Battery: 5,800mAh

Charging: 65W wired, 15W wireless

Colors: Phantom Black

  • Android Version: Android 15
  • Software Support: 2 years of major OS updates and 3 years of security updates
  • AI Software: X Sense, X Capture, X Grabber
  • Camera Score: Not tested by DXOMark
  • Camera Features: AI Object Sense, AI HyperClarity, AI Portrait Video, 4K video, 8K video
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Best Non-Gaming Smartphone For Gaming

Gaming phones aren’t for everybody, and that’s understandable. They focus mostly on gaming as the key features, so naturally, a few other things may take a backseat. That being said, there are still consumers out there who like mobile gaming but want something that does other things really, really well. Thankfully, some brands, like Samsung, have put an emphasis on mobile gaming in recent years while still managing to deliver a phone that’s excellent for mobile gaming, but it’s not an actual gaming phone. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best phone to go for if you want something that can perform well with mobile games, that isn’t actually a gaming phone. That means you won’t get any special gaming-centric hardware features here, but it’ll run games effortlessly thanks to its powerful hardware.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Rating
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra AM AH 17

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is not a gaming phone but it is a good phone for games, because it’s good at pretty much everything it can do. It has great cameras, it has lots of storage, and it has a powerful chipset for high performance. Plus, it has a big screen with great resolution and vibrant colors. In other words, you’ll get a good screen size for games and the colors in those games will look amazing. Of course, it can’t be forgotten that this device has plenty of AI-powered software features to make everyday use outside of games more convenient.

Samsung has also taken great pains to increase mobile gaming performance and improve the user experience while playing games. This includes the use of a vapor chamber for better cooling, and even some gaming software features. It’s an all-around great device for more than just gaming. But, when it comes time to game, this phone won’t let you down.

Pros

  • Good Cameras
  • LOG Video recording for aspiring YouTubers
  • Class-leading battery life
  • Improved charging
  • Useful AI Features
  • 7 years of Updates!

Cons

  • No Dolby Vision support
  • S Pen losses Bluetooth support
  • Still Expensive

What makes this phone special is that it’s a high-performance phone that can be used for mobile gaming, but it’s not really a gaming phone. So, as a user, you just end up with a really, really nice premium phone that can just happens to be able to play games well. Not just well, but at top-tier levels, given its RAM, storage, and Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.

It’s a device that is just as suitable for everything else people love to do with mobile phones as it is for mobile gaming. It doesn’t look like a gaming phone either. That is most certainly going to appeal to some people who like games but don’t like the over-used gamer aesthetic. Even better is that you can use this phone for years to come. Samsung has promised 7 years of major OS updates, security updates, and feature updates. Which means, you’ll still be getting new versions of Android in 5 years. This isn’t something that was typical until Google’s Pixel 8 series. Samsung followed and promised 7 years of updates with last year’s Galaxy S24 series, and it’s continuing to do so here. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is an expensive phone as well, but it does a lot and it does it all pretty well.

Display: 6.9″ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X 120Hz.
Brightness: 2,600 nits peak
Protection: Corning Gorilla Armor 2
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
RAM and Storage: 12GB RAM, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB Storage
Cameras: 200MP primary camera at f/1.7, 10MP 3x telephoto at f/2.4, 50MP 5x telephoto at f/3.4, and 50MP ultrawide at f/1.9.
Battery: 5,000mAh
Charging: 45W wired and 15W wireless. 4.5W reverse wireless also available
Colors: Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Black, Titanium White Silver, Titanium Gray, Titanium Jade Green, Titanium Jet Black, Titanium Pink Gold

  • Android Version: Android 16 (One UI 8)
  • Software Support: 7 years of updates (through January 2032)
  • AI Software: Galaxy AI, Gemini, and Circle to Search
  • Camera Score: 151 via DXOMark (Ranked 26th globally)
  • Camera features: Up to 100x zoom, 10-bit HDR recording, 8K video recording, LOG video mode, ProVisual Engine + Next-Gen Camera AI.
  • Battery life Score: 22 hours and 3 minutes (Ranked 22nd among phones Android Headlines has reviewed)
  • Charging time: 1 hour and 14 seconds.
Review
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra AM AH 22
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Best Mid-Range Gaming Smartphone

The OnePlus 13R is perhaps the best option for a phone that excels at mobile gaming in the budget category. It doesn’t cost a whole lot these days, and it’s still using some pretty powerful specs for a phone. Even if the chipset is from last year, it’s still last year’s flagship chipset from Qualcomm. Which is only a little less powerful than the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

OnePlus has also done some work to make its phones good for mobile gaming. The company included vapor chambers, added some gaming-centric software features, and, of course, the phones use good specs that allow the phone to run games well with high settings. This is another device that isn’t really a gaming phone, but it does play mobile games really well, all at a fraction of the cost of premium devices and actual gaming phones.

OnePlus 13R
Rating
star star star star star_empty
$599
OnePlus 13R Deal

Much like the OnePlus 12R, the OnePlus 13R prides itself on being capable in many different areas and that includes gaming. The approach is similar to Samsung with a focus on using high-quality components to ensure that gaming performance is smooth, but without alienating the crowd of consumers who doesn’t like the style of gaming phones or the fact that they can drop the ball in a few areas, most notably the camera, although not always. The OnePlus 13R shines in most areas including with battery life (so you can play games for longer), and it does these things while managing to keep the price tag a reasonable amount. How does OnePlus keep the price lower? Mainly by using last year’s chipset. This is the gaming phone for anyone who wants something mainstream, with excellent performance, great features, and a stylish design.

Pros

  • Great, smooth display
  • Outstanding performance
  • Solid main camera performance
  • Battery life is its strong suit
  • Very fast (wired) charging
  • Plenty fast fingerprint scanner

Cons

  • Poor ultrawide camera performance
  • No wireless charging

The thing that makes this phone special the most is that it has top-tier gaming performance at a price of $599. Thanks to the use of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 as opposed to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, OnePlus was able to keep the price lower than its flagship OnePlus 13. There are other differences, of course, but this one factor helped a lot. Yet, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is still a flagship chipset, just from one year prior, and that makes it a very good chip for games. OnePlus has also kept the vapor chamber and even improved on it from the previous year. Not to mention, it has put some focus toward enhancing mobile gaming through a few software features. There was a time that only brands who made official gaming phones would pay attention to this detail. More and more brands who make devices for the masses are catering to gamers too. And OnePlus is one of them.

It charges up extremely fast as well, when you use the wired charger, and that bodes well for the gamer who plays for long periods of time and needs to charge up the device as much as possible before having to rush out the door. By all accounts this is a great phone for gaming if you’re on a smaller budget and don’t want to compromise too much on performance.

Display: 6.78 LTPO AMOLED 120Hz

Brightness: 4,500 nits peak

Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 7i

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

RAM and Storage: 12GB/16GB RAM ; 256GB/512GB Storage

Cameras: 50MP primary camera at f/1.8, 8MP ultrawide at f/2.2, 50MP telephoto at f/2.0

Battery: 6,000mAh

Charging: 80W wired

Colors: Astral Trail, Nebula Noir

  • Android Version: Android 15 (OxygenOS 15)
  • Software Support: 4 years of major Android updates
  • AI Software: Gemini, Circle to Search, OnePlus AI
  • Camera Score: N/A
  • Camera features: Color spectrum sensor, HDR, 4K video recording at 60 fps, gyro-EIS
  • Battery life Score: 18 hours and 55 minutes (ranked 43rd among phones Android Headlines has reviewed)
  • Charging time: 44 minutes and 30 seconds
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OnePlus 13R Packs a Punch Without Breaking the Bank
Alongside the OnePlus 13 today, the OnePlus 13R was also announced. This is the company’s cheaper flagship offering with last…
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Best Budget Gaming Smartphone

If you’re looking to go even less expensive than the OnePlus 13R, then the Poco X7 Pro 5G is the phone for you. It’s the best bang for your buck if mobile gaming is a huge focal point in choosing a new phone to upgrade to. While it won’t have the best performance of any phone on the market, it has considerably good performance, and it costs under $400. That’s a price-to-performance value you can’t really argue against. Plus, the phone doesn’t look too bad in terms of design.

Poco X7 Pro 5G
Rating
star star star star star_empty
$360
poco x7 x7 pro 2

The Poco X7 Pro 5G is the kind of phone you consider when you want something that was built with mobile gaming in mind, but for the crowd of consumer who doesn’t want to spend more than a few hundred dollars.

At an average price of around $360, the Poco X7 Pro 5G from Xiaomi is a testament to what you can produce for less money when you put some effort into the development process. While it won’t beat out the top-tier devices, the Poco X7 Pro will have no problem delivering a quality gaming experience to the user. If you don’t care so much about having the absolute best, this is the device we’re recommending because it’s affordable, and it performs well. Not to mention it has a huge battery, so it’ll last a while between charges, too.

Pros

  • Pretty powerful chipset for a budget device
  • Massive 6,000mAh battery
  • Affordable price point
  • 90W charging support
  • Slim bezels
  • 120Hz display with decent resolution

Cons

  • underwhelming camera
  • Performance won’t quite match top-tier phones

What makes this phone truly special is that it can play mobile games with pretty good performance that most mobile gamers are likely to find acceptable, all without charging the consumer more than a few hundred dollars. This is the biggest draw of the Poco X7 Pro 5G. You’ll pay under $400 for it, and you’ll end up with a device that pumps out decent performance and has a long-lasting battery.

With a 120Hz display and ultra-slim bezels, gaming visuals will be presented in a delightful way so you can enjoy more of your game time without distractions. Plus, the slimmer bezels just look nicer overall. It also comes with an IP68 rating for dust resistance and water resistance. An IP68 rating on phones this inexpensive isn’t as common, so this is definitely a standout feature of the design.

Display: 6.67-inch CrystalRes AMOLED display

Brightness: 3,200 nits peak

Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 7i

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8400-Ultra

RAM and Storage: 8GB RAM, 256GB storage/12GB RAM, 256GB storage/12GB RAM, 512GB storage

Camera: 50MP Main camera at f/1.5 with OIS, 8MP Ultrawide

Battery: 6,000mAh

Charging: 90W wired

Colors: Black, Green, Yellow

Android Version: Android 15 via HyperOS 2

Software Support: 4 years of major Android updates

AI Software: Google Gemini, Circle to Search, AI Cinematic Lockscreen, AI Dynamic Wallpapers, AI Writing, DeepThink Mode

Camera Score: Not tested by DXOMark

Camera Features: AI Image Expansion, AI Film, AI Erase Pro, 4K Video Recording at 60fps, Director Mode, Burst Shot Mode, Night Scene Capture

Announcement
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Samsung Finally Resumes One UI 8 Rollout for Galaxy S24 & S23

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra AM AH 06

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. 

One UI 8 update Galaxy S24–resumed

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.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Changes Reportedly Delay One UI 8.5 Beta

samsung one ui 8 5 logo featured

Samsung’s upcoming big software update, One UI 8.5, is expected to bring some major changes and optimizations. However, things are reportedly not going as smoothly as planned. The company has now reportedly delayed the rollout of its One UI 8.5 beta. The program was earlier rumored to open in late November.

Samsung has delayed the rollout of the One UI 8.5 beta update

While Samsung has not made any official announcement yet, a fresh leak suggests that the firm has delayed the rollout of its One UI 8.5 beta update. The well-known tipster on X/Twitter, Tarun Vats, who closely follows the company’s software rollout timeline, recently revealed that the One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 series has been postponed.

Earlier reports indicated that the beta would begin in the last week of November, but that schedule now appears unlikely. The delay seems to be connected with the major shake-up within the Galaxy S26 series.

According to sources, Samsung has canceled the Galaxy S26 Edge and reinstated the S26 Plus. It has also scrapped its plan to rename the standard S26 as S26 Pro. With the company revising its entire strategy, the internal development timeline has been disrupted. This has indirectly pushed back the One UI 8.5 beta as well.

The delay could be longer than anticipated

Since there are no official words on the update yet, it’s unclear how long the firm plans to hold off on the beta program. Historically, the company has delayed the release of its major software versions, such as One UI 8.0 and 8.1. This is to ensure the update’s stability before the stable release.

Anyway, if the One UI 8.5 beta rollout is delayed by more than a few weeks, it could line up with the slightly postponed launch of the Galaxy S26 series. However, depending upon the priorities of the company, the update may be delayed much longer than anticipated.

The post Samsung Galaxy S26 Changes Reportedly Delay One UI 8.5 Beta appeared first on Android Headlines.

Fitbit's Personal Health Coach enters an early preview this week

Fitbit Personal Health Coach Preview (1)

Earlier this year, Google announced that a Fitbit Personal Health Coach was coming to eligible devices, such as the Pixel Watch 4, and this week, it’s entering an early preview phase. This brings it one step closer to being fully launched, although it will take a little more time to get there, Google admits. This early preview will serve as a way for users to test the new feature and give some feedback to Google so that it can improve where things need to be improved. “Building this health coach takes time, rigor, and input to make sure it works well for everyone, which is why we’re starting with a preview and asking for your honest feedback,” Google says.

Since this is a preview, Google is quick to point out that everything it has mentioned as part of the preview is “by no means a comprehensive list of everything it can do.” That means users can expect it to do even more than what Google has announced so far. Which, by the way, includes everything from creating workouts on the fly to understanding more about specific health conditions. These don’t even have to be health conditions you have. It can just be something you’re particularly interested in learning more about.

Fitbit Personal Health Coach Preview (4)
Fitbit Personal Health Coach Preview (2)
Fitbit Personal Health Coach Preview (3)
Fitbit Personal Health Coach Preview (4)
Fitbit Personal Health Coach Preview (2)
Fitbit Personal Health Coach Preview (3)

The Fitbit Health Coach early preview begins October 28

Good news for anyone who wants to try this out: you’ll be able to give the Personal Health Coach a try starting tomorrow, October 28. Google doesn’t mention a specific time, so you may just have to end up keeping an eye on the Fitbit apps on your devices.

Google says you will need an eligible device to check it out, and this includes Pixel Watch and Fitbit devices. You also need to be a Fitbit Premium subscriber, as this will be a Fitbit Premium feature. Once the feature begins rolling out, users will be able to spend about 5 to 10 minutes having a conversation with their AI-powered fitness coach to get the ball rolling. Doing this isn’t mandatory to begin using the preview, as Google notes you can come back to it later, but it does seem to be recommended.

It’s also worth noting that this preview doesn’t have access to everything the current version of the Fitbit app has. A lot of features are missing. This includes menstrual health logging and tracking, body temp logging and tracking, social features like friends and leaderboards, and a host of others.

That being said, this is a preview, and Google confirms that users can swap back and forth. So, it isn’t a one way or another kind of situation. You can have both, just not in one app experience yet.

The post Fitbit's Personal Health Coach enters an early preview this week appeared first on Android Headlines.

Qualcomm Challenges Nvidia with In-House AI Accelerator Chips

AH Qualcomm Logo (1)

Qualcomm has officially entered the AI chip race with the launch of its two new accelerator chips. With this move, the company aims for a major shift from its traditional focus on smartphone and wireless connectivity semiconductors. With the launch of its new AI200 and AI250 chips, the company has positioned itself as a new challenger in the booming data center market, currently dominated by Nvidia and AMD.

Qualcomm announces AI200 and AI250 accelerator chips

According to an official announcement, Qualcomm plans to commercially release its new accelerator chip, the AI200, in 2026. The AI250 is scheduled to launch later in 2027. Both of these chips are designed for large-scale, liquid-cooled server racks. They are capable of powering an entire rack with up to 72 chips acting as one system.

Qualcomm builds its data center chips on the same hexagon neural processing unit (NPU) as its mobile processors. According to the company’s general manager of data center and edge, Durga Malladi, this is a part of a strategic move. She says that “We first proved ourselves in other domains, and then scaled up to the data center level.”

The new AI chips are competing on cost, efficiency, and flexibility

Unlike NVIDIA, whose GPUs are primarily used for training AI models, Qualcomm’s chips focus on inference, running pre-trained models efficiently. The company claims its rack-scale systems will cost less to operate. It is said to consume around 160 kilowatts per rack, roughly similar to Nvidia’s systems.

Malladi further adds in her statement that Qualcomm will offer modular sales. Clients will be able to purchase full racks or individual components. Interestingly, even competitors like Nvidia or AMD could use Qualcomm’s CPUs or other data center parts. The new AI cards are also said to be capable of handling 768GB of memory, surpassing both NVIDIA and AMD in this metric.

The post Qualcomm Challenges Nvidia with In-House AI Accelerator Chips appeared first on Android Headlines.

Google Pixel Phones Will Finally Get Theme Packs Soon

Google Pixel 10 AH 04

Google is currently working on its next major software update for Pixel devices—also known as Pixel Feature Drop—for a November 4, 2025 release. This update will deliver several key upgrades. However, among all of them stands out a substantial boost to customization through the introduction of Theme Packs for Google Pixel phones.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about this feature. It’s been highly anticipated among Pixel fans, as it has the potential to finally break the customization limitations on these devices compared to third-party Android implementations (such as One UI and Chinese custom skins).

Google Pixel Theme Packs to arrive with the November 2025 Feature Drop

According to Mystic Leaks, the long-rumored Theme Packs feature is finally ready for public release. These packs will represent more than minor color tweaks. They will offer comprehensive, system-wide aesthetic changes. The initial launch will involve a high-profile collaboration, with the first official theme drawing inspiration from the film “Wicked: For Good,” conveniently coinciding with the movie’s first screenings. This joint launch suggests Google plans to launch collaborative Themes constantly in the future.

Google Pixel Theme Packs 1

Pixel Studio Animations and VIP notifications as well

That said, the upcoming Drop also includes a couple of major new features. First, for the creators, The Pixel Studio app is gaining new animation functionality that uses generative AI. Users will be able to transform their existing photos and GIFs into short, dynamic video clips. There are no details yet on which AI model will be behind this feature. However, it is likely powered by the latest Veo 3.1. This new tool will offer a simple way for users to add dynamic motion to their static media.

Lastly, the other star feature of the update will help users manage communication overload. The Pixel VIP feature will let you prioritize notifications from contacts designated as “VIPs.” Its scope will initially be limited to conversations within WhatsApp and Google Messages. However, it leaves the door open for potential integration with more messaging services and apps in the future.

Google Pixel Theme Packs 2

The post Google Pixel Phones Will Finally Get Theme Packs Soon appeared first on Android Headlines.

This MagSafe phone grip is also a kickstand, and it's only $9

MagSafe Phone Holder Deal

If you’ve got an iPhone or a phone with a MagSafe-compatible case, then you should definitely consider picking up this MagSafe phone grip accessory, because this Amazon deal knocks the price down to just $8.98. That’s a respectable price for an accessory like this one, which has multiple uses. Normally, this thing is also $11.99 at full price, so why not save a few extra bucks, right?

As for what this does, it’s a MagSafe phone grip. It has a ring shape on it that allows you to slip your finger through and hold the phone more securely. This is great for holding the device one-handed, especially if you’re typing. This also serves as a kickstand, and its design allows it to be used as a kickstand while the phone is in landscape or horizontal orientations.

This is a neat little trick because once you’re done holding it, you can set it down on your desk or table or any other flat surface, and prop the kickstand part out to stand the phone up. It doesn’t charge your device, so if you need to charge the phone and want to charge it via the MagSafe, then you’ll have to take this off while you do that. You also won’t have to be worried about safety with this magnet accessory attached, because it has a super-strong magnet inside. It’s strong enough to hold up to 5.5 lbs., which is around 2,500g, and that’s more than enough to keep your phone attached.

Bordsek MagSafe Phone Grip

Bordsek MagSafe Phone Grip – $8.98

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Anker's flat 6-in-1 Nano charging station is down to just $38

Anker Nano Charging Station Deal

Charging up your devices can be a pain in the neck if you don’t have enough outlets to plug everything in, but luckily, this deal on the flat 6-in-1 charging station from Anker can save you from those terrible moments. As the name suggests, the Anker Nano 6-in-1 flat charging station will let you charge or power up to six devices at a time. Normally, this charging station accessory would end up costing you $49.99. However, Amazon has it on sale for $37.99 today.

Aside from having the capability to power six devices, here’s what makes this charging station so good. First, it has a flat plug. With the flat plug, you can easily plug the charging station into an outlet, even if it’s behind furniture. Ideally, you wouldn’t need this sort of solution. However, sometimes the only available outlets are stuck behind couches, desks, or other furniture that needs to be up against the wall. The flat plug allows you to bypass this hurdle. The charging station itself is also quite flat, with two additional AC outlets and four USB ports. Two of those USB ports are USB-C.

And if it wasn’t already obvious from the picture, the cable is also thin and flat, which not only helps it fit behind stuff but also does a good job at preventing it from tangling up. The main reasons for grabbing an accessory like this are to charge multiple devices at once and help get rid of cable clutter from multiple chargers. This also comes in three colors.

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Anker Nano Flat 6-in-1 Charging Station

Anker Nano Flat 6-in-1 Charging Station – $37.99

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OpenAI May Launch its Own Generative AI Music Tool

ChatGPT and OpenAI Logo Background

We’ve seen how AI can generate text. Later, we also saw how AI can generate images and videos. So, AI that generates music? Why not? And that’s something that OpenAI is reportedly working on, which is generative AI music.

OpenAI working on generative AI music

According to a report from The Information, it has learned that OpenAI is developing a new AI tool that would allow users to create generative music. This means that similar to generative text, images, and videos, users can just type in a prompt using natural language, and the AI will create a song for them on the fly.

The report goes on to state that OpenAI is apparently working with students from the prestigious Juilliard School to annotate scores. This will help the AI model train itself on music. That being said, if this report is accurate, OpenAI won’t be the first to launch such a tool. Platforms like Sumo and SOUNDRAW already offer similar capabilities.

However, we suppose the potential upside is that OpenAI might bake this feature into ChatGPT. This will give ChatGPT even more tools, making it a more well-rounded AI model compared to those designed for niche purposes.

Is the world ready for more AI slop?

That being said, we have to wonder what the world and the industry think about this. At the moment, most people seem to be against AI-generated content. This is especially true when it comes to text, images, and videos, which have been labelled as “AI slop.” However, there could be some potential use here.

Content creators right now have a few options when it comes to using music in their videos. They can either pick from a library of songs that are copyright-approved, find their own royalty-free music, or pay a third-party platform to license music. Otherwise, they risk having their videos pulled, muted, and accounts suspended. Giving these creators the ability to generate something on the fly could be one way around that. 

Plus, we’re sure that there are many musicians, record labels, and music publishers who might be concerned that their content is being used to train these AI models without their consent or compensation. We’ve already seen artists, writers, and publishers sue AI companies, so it’s not entirely out of the question.

The post OpenAI May Launch its Own Generative AI Music Tool appeared first on Android Headlines.

Google's second-best Pixel Watch is now on sale for $100 off

AH Google Pixel Watch 3

Google’s Pixel Watch 3 is still one of the best smartwatches out there that you can buy. Even at its regular price, it’s an enticing purchase because it has plenty of awesome features, and it’s Google’s first watch to come in a 45mm size. Still, it becomes an even better value when you can save money on it, and that time is now, as Amazon has it on sale for $100 off.

Normally, the Pixel Watch 3 in the 45mm size would cost you $299. However, Amazon has it on sale for $199. This is the all-time low price for the watch, and quite honestly, well worth it if you don’t feel like spending close to $200 more for the latest model.

The Pixel Watch 3 features everything from advanced sleep tracking to automatic activity tracking of several different types of exercises. Naturally, it works as a great device to keep you informed on smartphone notifications without having to pull your phone out of your pocket or purse or wherever else you may have it stowed away. Plus, now that it has Gemini available, the watch has become even more useful. You can also use the Pixel Watch 3 for Google Pay payments at checkout stands and for Google Maps directions. You can even set navigation up to display the navigation on the watch display, which makes driving navigation way easier, as you can just lift your wrist for a quick peek.

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Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)

Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) – $199

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Best Google Pixel 10 Cases & Accessories

Google Pixel 10 AH 15

The Google Pixel 10 series has been in the stores for weeks. With their cutting-edge features and refined design, they are devices worth protecting and accessorizing. Since its launch, the market has been flooded with a vast array of cases and accessories. To help you navigate the options, we’ve curated a list of the best cases in various categories, ensuring your Google Pixel 10 is not only safeguarded but also enhanced to fit your lifestyle. All our selections are readily available on Amazon, making it easy to get your hands on these top-tier products.

Best Grip Google Pixel 10 Case

For those who prioritize a secure hold on their device, the dbrand Grip Case for the Google Pixel 10 is in a league of its own.

dbrand Grip Case
Starts at $59.90
dbrand Grip Case customizable 6

Engineered with microscopic ridges along the sides, dbrand’s Grip Case offers an unparalleled grip that significantly reduces the likelihood of accidental drops. The tactile texture provides a confident and comfortable feel in your hand, making it ideal for one-handed use and for those on the go.

Beyond its impressive grip, the dbrand Grip Case doesn’t skimp on protection. It boasts military-grade impact resistance to safeguard your Pixel 10 from everyday tumbles. The case is also fully compatible with dbrand’s extensive collection of skins. This allows you to customize the look of your phone without compromising on the secure grip that makes this case a standout choice. The design you see in the image above is just one of dozens of options to choose from.

  • Colors: Dozens to choose from, literally
  • Wireless Charging Support: Yes
  • Build Materials: Textured silicon
  • Recycled materials: N/A
  • Dimensions: N/A
  • Weight: N/A
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Best Rugged Google Pixel 10 Case

When maximum protection is your top priority, the Spigen Tough Armor for the Google Pixel 10 is the case to beat.

Spigen Tough Armor
$21.99
Google Pixel 10 Spigen Tough Armor Case

This case is built to withstand serious impacts. It features a dual-layer design that combines a flexible TPU interior with a hard polycarbonate exterior. It also incorporates Spigen’s Air Cushion Technology in the corners for enhanced shock absorption during drops.

Despite its robust construction, the Spigen Tough Armor maintains a relatively slim profile and includes a built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing. The precise cutouts ensure easy access to all ports and buttons, and the raised edges provide excellent protection for the screen and camera. If you lead an active lifestyle or simply want peace of mind knowing your Pixel 10 is safe from harsh conditions, the Tough Armor is a reliable choice.

  • Colors: Black, Abyss Green, Metal Slate, Navy Blue
  • Wireless Charging Support: Yes
  • Build Materials: Polycarbonate, Thermoplastic Polyurethane
  • Recycled materials: N/A
  • Dimensions: 156.97 x 76.2 x 10.16 mm
  • Weight: 52.7 grams
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Best Google Pixel 10 Official Case

For an all-around excellent case that perfectly complements the Google Pixel 10, look no further than Google’s own Pixelsnap Case.

Google Pixelsnap Case
$49.99
Google Pixelsnap Case Pixel 10

This case offers a great fit and is designed to work seamlessly with the phone’s new PixelSnap technology. This ensures a secure connection with compatible magnetic accessories. The case provides reliable protection against everyday drops and scratches without adding unnecessary bulk. While it’s not an ultra-slim case, it maintains the slim profile of your device.

The Pixelsnap Case is crafted from a soft-touch silicone that feels great in hand and enhances grip. The finish reduces the chances of accidental slips. It also features a soft microfiber lining to keep your Pixel 10 free from scuffs. There’s also a variety of colors to match your personal style and the phone’s own colorways.

  • Colors: Obsidian, Moonstone, Indigo, Porcelain, Jade, Lemongrass, Frost
  • Wireless Charging Support: Yes
  • Build Materials: Silicone, polycarbonate, magnets, and a microfiber lining
  • Recycled materials: 42% recycled materials, shell made with 75% recycled plastic
  • Dimensions: 157.48 x 76.2 x 12.7 mm
  • Weight: 33.97 grams
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Best Ultra-Thin Google Pixel 10 Case

Maybe you’re looking to protect your Google Pixel 10 from scratches and minor bumps without sacrificing its sleek design. Well, the Mous Super Thin Case is an exceptional option.

Mous Super Thin Case
$49.99
Google Pixel 10 Mous Super Thin Case

This case is impressively slim and lightweight, adding minimal bulk to your phone, so it still feels comfortable in your pocket. It’s constructed from a durable yet flexible material that provides a surprising amount of protection for such a slender profile.

The Mous Super Thin Case features a minimalist design that lets the aesthetics of your Pixel 10 shine through. It’s also compatible with Pixelsnap accessories. So, you can take advantage of the magnetic ecosystem without needing a thicker case. For those who prioritize a minimalist feel and want to keep their device as close to its original form as possible, this case is the top contender.

 

  • Colors: Almost 20 colors
  • Wireless Charging Support: Yes
  • Build Materials: Polycarbonate
  • Recycled materials: N/A
  • Dimensions: 155.23 × 74.38 × 12.97 mm
  • Weight: 27 grams
Byu at
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Best Leather Google Pixel 10 Case

If you’re looking to elevate the look and feel of your Google Pixel 10, the premium Bellroy Leather Case is another great option.

Bellroy Leather Case
$55
bellroy Leather Pixel Case

This case is a product of a partnership between Bellroy and Google. The partnership ensures a perfect fit and seamless integration with the phone’s features. The case is crafted from high-quality, eco-tanned leather that develops a unique patina over time.

The Bellroy Leather Case offers a slim profile while still providing ample protection for your device. The interior is lined with a soft microfiber to prevent scratches, and the edges are slightly raised to protect the screen and camera. For those who appreciate the touch of elegance of genuine leather, the Bellroy case is calling you.

  • Colors: Black, Sienna
  • Wireless Charging Support: Yes
  • Build Materials: Leather, plastic polymer and polyester
  • Recycled materials: 12% Recycled Polyester
  • Dimensions: 157 x 76.2 x 14 mm
  • Weight: 27 grams
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Best Wallet Google Pixel 10 Case

For those who value both style and convenience, the TORRO Premium Leather Wallet Case for the Google Pixel 10 is an excellent all-in-one solution.

TORRO Premium Leather Wallet Case
$34.99
TORRO Premium Leather Wallet Case Google Pixel 10

Crafted from genuine top-grain leather, this folio-style case exudes a classic and sophisticated look. The supple leather not only feels great in the hand but also offers durable protection against daily wear and tear.

Inside, the TORRO case features a soft microfiber lining and multiple card slots. This allows you to carry your essential cards and some cash alongside your phone. The case also has a built-in stand function, perfect for watching videos or making video calls. This TORRO case integrates a nice combination of premium materials, practical features, and robust protection.

  • Colors: Black
  • Wireless Charging Support: Yes
  • Build Materials: Leather, plastic polymer and polyester
  • Recycled materials: 12% Recycled Polyester
  • Dimensions: 159 x 75.94 x 18.03 mm
  • Weight: 95 grams
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Best Google Pixel 10 Screen Protector

Protecting the vibrant display of your Google Pixel 10 is crucial. Fortunately, the Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Tempered Glass screen protector makes it incredibly easy.

Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Tempered Glass
$34.99
Google Pixel 10 Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Tempered Glass

This screen protector is made from durable 9H hardness tempered glass to defend against scratches and cracks. It also features an oleophobic coating to resist fingerprints and smudges.

What sets the GlasTR EZ FIT apart is its innovative auto-alignment installation tray. This ensures a perfect, bubble-free application every time. The screen protector offers edge-to-edge coverage without interfering with most cases and maintains the original touch sensitivity and display clarity of your Pixel 10. If you want reliable and hassle-free screen protection, the Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT is a top choice.

  • Colors: Clear
  • Build Materials: Glass
  • Dimensions: N/A
  • Weight: N/A
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Best Google Pixel 10 Grip/Stand

The Spigen O-Mag Ring is a versatile accessory that enhances both the grip and functionality of your phone, working perfectly with the native Qi2 magnets of the Google Pixel 10.

Spigen O-Mag Ring
$23.99
Spigen O Mag Ring

This magnetic ring attaches securely to the back of your phone, providing a comfortable and stable loop for your finger. This drastically improves one-handed use, making it much easier and safer to navigate the large cover and main screens.

In addition to being a secure grip, the O-Mag Ring doubles as a durable kickstand. It rotates 360 degrees, allowing you to prop your Google Pixel 10 up in either or portrait landscape mode at various angles, which is perfect for watching videos, taking video calls, and more. Its strong magnetic attachment makes it easy to snap on when you need it and remove for wireless charging.

  • Colors: Carbon
  • Build Materials: Metal
  • Recycled materials: N/A
  • Weight: 60 grams
Buy at

Best Google Pixel 10 Power Bank

Keep your Google Pixel 10 powered up on the go with the Anker Nano Power Bank.

Anker Nano Power Bank (10,000mAh, 30W)
$33.99
Anker Nano Power Bank 10000mAh 30w

This compact and portable charger packs a 10,000mAh capacity, which is enough to provide multiple charges for your Google Pixel 10. It features a built-in USB-C cable that doubles as a carrying loop, so you never have to worry about forgetting your charging cable.

The Anker Nano Power Bank delivers up to 30W of power. So, it perfectly matches the fast-charging power supported by the device. The charger also has an additional USB-C and USB-A port for charging other devices. There’s an informative display that shows you the remaining battery percentage, so you’ll always know when it’s time to recharge the power bank itself. For a reliable charging solution, the Anker Nano Power Bank is an excellent Google Pixel 10 companion.

  • Colors: Ice Lake Blue, Lilac Purple, Shell White, Sprout Green, Pure Black
  • Wireless Charging Support: No
  • Build Materials: Plastic
  • Recycled materials: 80% post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR)
  • Dimensions: 103.87 x 52.32 x 25.91 mm
  • Weight: 214.89 grams
Buy at
Buy at Anker

Best Google Pixel 10 Wireless Charger

For the most seamless and efficient wireless charging experience for your Google Pixel 10, the official Google Pixelsnap Wireless Charger is the way to go.

Google Pixelsnap Wireless Charger
$39.99
Google Pixelsnap Charger Pixel 10

This charger is specifically designed to work with the Google Pixel 10’s PixelSnap technology. This ensures perfect alignment and optimal charging speeds every time you place your phone on it. The magnetic connection makes it easy to use, even in the dark.

The Pixelsnap Wireless Charger delivers a fast and reliable charge. Plus, its minimalist design looks great on any desk or nightstand. It’s a simple and elegant solution for keeping your phone topped up without the hassle of cables. If you want the most convenient and optimized wireless charging for your new phone, the official Google charger is a great choice.

  • Colors: Rock Candy
  • Wireless Charging Support: Yes
  • Build Materials: Polycarbonate, metal ring
  • Recycled materials: At least 15% recycled materials
  • Dimensions: N/A
  • Weight: 53.86 grams
Buy at

Best Google Pixel 10 Wired Charger/Power Brick

Like many other modern phones, the Google Pixel 10 doesn’t come with a power brick in the box. If you don’t have one at home, the Anker 312 Charger (30W) is an excellent and affordable option for fast charging.

Anker 312 Charger (30W)
$19.99
Anker 312 Charger Power Brick 30W

This compact and powerful charger can charge your Google Pixel 10 at its maximum supported speed via USB-C.

The Anker 312 features a foldable plug, making it incredibly portable and perfect for travel. It also incorporates Anker’s safety features to protect your device from overcharging and overheating. For a reliable, fast, and compact charging solution, the Anker 312 is a must-have accessory for your handset.

  • Colors: Aurora White, Lilac Purple, Misty Blue, Natural Green, Phantom Black
  • Build Materials: Plastic
  • Recycled materials: N/A
  • Dimensions: N/A
  • Weight: 45.36 grams
Buy at

The post Best Google Pixel 10 Cases & Accessories appeared first on Android Headlines.

New Android Gesture Will Let You Run Any App in a Floating Bubble

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 AM AH 07

For years, Google has been working on optimizing Android for tablets and other large-screen devices. Key feature additions like a taskbar and improved split-screen functionality have helped. However, many users agree that Android tablets still fall short of offering truly seamless, PC-level multitasking. Google is now working to close this gap by reviving and refining a powerful tool that could change how we use tablets: the ability to run any Android app in a floating bubble.

Recent findings by Android Authority suggest Google still has this “bubble anything” concept. The company now aims to better fit existing tablet workflows with an updated interface. Google is positioning it to become a seamless, general-purpose feature for power users.

Android tablets may get massive multitasking upgrade with Floating Apps

The new implementation centers on a simple, intuitive drag-and-drop gesture. Code strings and accompanying animations indicate that tablet users will soon be able to drag an app icon directly from the taskbar and drop it onto one of the screen’s bottom corners. This action will immediately launch the app in a smaller, floating bubble window. Users can then move this bubble freely while simultaneously working in other applications.

This approach aligns perfectly with how other multitasking features, such as split-screen mode, currently work on Android tablets. The goal is probably to minimize the learning curve. To further ensure a smooth user transition, the code also points to a new educational tutorial with animations. This will guide users through the new drag-to-float gesture the first time they interact with the taskbar.

android tablets floating bubble apps feature multitasking upgrade
Source: Android Authority

Bubble anything

The current version of Android limits the “bubble” feature almost exclusively to conversation notifications from supported messaging apps. However, the evidence strongly suggests this new gesture will apply to any app placed on the taskbar. Android already allows any app icon to sit in that position. So, extending the floating window capability to all apps is a logical next step.

This broader application unlocks powerful multitasking possibilities. It may allow users to keep three, four, or more apps instantly accessible at the same time. This is a significant functional boost, particularly for smaller tablets that struggle to fit multiple applications comfortably in the standard split-screen mode. Some custom skins from other brands already integrate similar functions. However, a powerful, native solution would be very useful to add uniformity between all Android devices.

We still don’t know when these improvements will arrive in a stable release. However, the presence of a fully designed tutorial and corresponding animations suggests that this “bubble any app” Android feature is making steady progress toward a public release in a future update.

The post New Android Gesture Will Let You Run Any App in a Floating Bubble appeared first on Android Headlines.

Trump and Xi to Finalize TikTok Deal This Thursday

AH TikTok image 12

It looks like we’re one step closer to putting this whole TikTok saga behind us. According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, US President Donald Trump and China President Xi Jinping are expected to “consummate” the TikTok deal this Thursday.

Trump to close TikTok deal this Thursday

According to Bessent, “We reached one in Madrid, and I believe that as of today, all the details are ironed out, and that will be for the two leaders to consummate that transaction on Thursday in Korea. My remit was to get the Chinese to agree to approve the transaction, and I believe we successfully accomplished that over the past two days.”

Last month, Trump signed an executive order that would see ByteDance sell its TikTok US operations to American-owned companies. Ever since he came into power, Trump had been pushing for China and ByteDance to sell TikTok. This was based on concerns that ByteDance is a Chinese company. The US government was worried that data of US citizens and users would be sent back to China.

Under the Biden administration, TikTok was due to be banned in the US at the start of the year. However, following Trump’s re-election, he extended the deadline of the ban several times. At one point, it looked like we would never hear the end of this whole TikTok saga. But come Thursday, Trump will officially close the TikTok deal and put it to bed once and for all.

What does the future of TikTok look like?

Once the deal has been closed, TikTok’s US operations will come under control of a new board of directors. Oracle will be responsible for security operations. These board of directors are also expected to oversee TikTok’s recommendation algorithm, source code, and also take over duties when it comes to the moderation of content.

Note that this only applies to TikTok in the US. For the rest of the world, your TikTok experience should remain the same. However, we have to wonder if TikTok US could undergo a huge change. TikTok’s algorithm is kind of what gives the platform an edge over competitors like Instagram Reels.

But if US companies and engineers are taking over the algorithm to make their own tweaks, what could this mean for creators based in the country? Could they see a drop in views? We suppose we’ll have to wait and see.

The post Trump and Xi to Finalize TikTok Deal This Thursday appeared first on Android Headlines.

Android's Live Threat Detection is Getting Powerful Updates

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold AM AH 25

Google is working to make its on-device security features more transparent and manageable for users. An analysis of a recent beta version of the Play Protect Service app indicates that the company is adding updates to its Live Threat Detection tool, which uses artificial intelligence models to identify potentially malicious applications on Pixel phones and Android devices in general.

The Live Threat Detection feature fully relies on local, on-device AI. This means all the processing happens entirely on the local hardware. This approach allows for quick threat detection without requiring sending sensitive application data to Google’s cloud servers. The result is a strong layer of user privacy throughout the scanning process. Now, Google is making it friendlier and easier to use.

Live Threat Detection upgrade for Android: See every flagged app in one place

Currently, Android’s Live Threat Detection issues real-time alerts when it detects suspicious app behavior. However, the feature offers limited visibility beyond those initial notifications. Google is now fixing this lack of a central hub. The recent findings (by Android Authority) point to the development of a dedicated new page for the security tool. This upcoming screen is expected to clearly list all applications that the system has flagged as potential threats. Moving the threat information from individual, potentially numerous notifications to a permanent, centralized report is a great move. It improves user control and makes the security status of the device significantly easier to check at a glance.

Additionally, Google is adding a new, specific alert type focused on data harvesting. Code strings reveal a future warning designed to explicitly inform users when an application deemed unsafe is detected monitoring the device’s location or activity. This alert directly addresses a major area of ​​concern for user privacy: applications that covertly harvest sensitive data or track user movement patterns without proper consent.

Google Android Live Threat Detection updates 1
Google Android Live Threat Detection updates 2
Google Android Live Threat Detection updates 1
Google Android Live Threat Detection updates 2

These changes aim to enhance the usefulness of Android’s security tools. The mainstream public often underestimates security improvements because they often act in the background. However, keeping your personal data safe from potential bad actors is key in today’s tech industry.

The post Android's Live Threat Detection is Getting Powerful Updates appeared first on Android Headlines.

OnePlus 15: Ultimate Buyers Guide

OnePlus 15 Sand Dune official (3)

The OnePlus 15 is a direct successor to the OnePlus 13, which initially launched last year around the same time. The initial launch of the OnePlus 15 took place on October 27, while the global model will likely follow next month. The device does look different than its predecessor, as the company did make some notable design changes. Design is not the only thing that changed, here, though.

The new phone is, of course, more powerful overall, which we’ll talk about. It also comes with some changes that people may not be fans of. In any case, in this article, we’ll talk a lot more about the phone, even before its global debut. Once it arrives to global markets, we’ll fill in the gaps and update the information that is relevant to global users. With that being said, let’s get to it.

OnePlus 15 specs

OnePlus’ flagship smartphones bring top-of-the-line specs year-in, year-out. The same is the case here, as this phone is packed with powerful hardware. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC from Qualcomm, the company’s new flagship chip, fuels this smartphone. That chip is backed by 12GB/16GB of RAM and 256GB/512GB/1TB of internal storage. Just to be clear, OnePlus is using LPDDR5X RAM here and UFS 4.1 flash storage.

A 165Hz 1.5K AMOLED display is used, along with a 7,300mAh battery

A 6.78-inch AMOLED display sits on the front, with a resolution of 2772 x 1272 (1.5K). That translates to 450 PPI, and an aspect ratio of 20:9. This display goes up to 165Hz, though only during gaming. During regular use, it’ll go from 1-120Hz, as it’s adaptive. The peak brightness is immensely high, well over 4,000 nits, though you’ll never get to that point. The point is, the display is immensely bright when you need it to be.

A 7,300mAh silicon-carbon battery is used here. So, yes, even though the OnePlus 13 had a rather huge battery with plenty of capacity, OnePlus decided to improve upon that quite a bit. The phone jumped from 6,000mAh to 7,300mAh. 120W wired charging is supported (it will be limited to 80W in the US), along with 50W wireless charging. Android 16 comes pre-installed here with ColorOS 16 in China, while OxygenOS 16 will be included in the US.

Three 50-megapixel cameras sit on the back, while the phone is quite durable

There are three 50-megapixel cameras on the back. A 50-megapixel main camera (Sony’s IMX906 sensor, 1/1.56-inch sensor size) OIS, f/1.8 aperture, 84-degree FoV) is backed by a 50-megapixel ultrawide unit (OV50D sensor, 1/2.88-inch sensor size, 6P lens, f/2.0 aperture, 116-degree FoV). A 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera (S5KJN5 sensor, 1/2.76-inch sensor size, 3.5x optical zoom, 4P lens, OIS, f/2.8 aperture, 30-degree FoV) also sits on the back. On the front, you’ll find a 32-megapixel Sony IMX709 camera sensor.

The phone has an in-display fingerprint scanner, an ultrasonic one. An IR blaster is included, as is Bluetooth 6.0. Wi-Fi 7 is, of course, on the table too, as is USB 3.2 Gen 1. There are two nano SIM card slots here, and a charger will be included, at least in some regions. The OnePlus 15 is IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K certified, which means it has great water and dust resistance, to say the least.

OnePlus announced three color options

The device measures 161.42 x 76.67 x 8.10-8.20mm, while it weighs 211/215 grams, depending on the model. Three color options have been launched in China: Absolute Black, Mist Purple, and Sand Dune

OnePlus 15 Specs
Display Size 6.78 Inches
Display Resolution 2772 x 1272
Refresh Rate 1-120Hz (adaptive), up to 165Hz when gaming
Dimensions 161.42 x 76.67 x 8.10-8.20mm
Weight 211/215 grams
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
RAM 12GB/16GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage 256GB/512GB (UFS 4.1), non-expandable
Main Camera 50MP (f/1.8 aperture, 1/1.56-inch sensor size, OIS, 84-degree FoV)
Ultrawide Camera 50MP (OV50D sensor, 1/2.88-inch sensor size, f/2.0 aperture, 116-degree FoV, 6P lens)
Periscope Telephoto Camera 50MP (S5KJN5 sensor, 1/2.76-inch sensor size, 3.5x optical zoom, 4P lens, OIS, f/2.8 aperture, 30-degree FoV)
Front Camera 32MP (Sony IMX709 sensor, 1/2.74-inch sensor size, f/2.4 aperture, 5P lens)
Battery 7,300mAh (silicon-carbon)
Charging 120W wired (80W in the US), 50W wireless
OS Android 16 with ColorOS 16 (China) / OxygenOS 16 (global, coming)
Network & Connectivity 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0
Water Resistance IP68/IP69
Colors Absolute Black, Mist Purple, and Sand Dune
View Device Specs

How much does the OnePlus 15 cost?

The OnePlus 15 was announced only in China thus far. The phone’s pricing kicks off at CNY3,999 ($561) for the 12GB RAM model with 256GB of storage. It goes up to CNY5,399 ($758) for the 16GB RAM variant with 1TB of storage. Several other models are available in between. We’re expecting only a couple of models globally, though.

Where can I buy the OnePlus 15?

For the time being, the OnePlus 15 is only available to purchase in China. It launched in OnePlus’ homeland only, we’ll have to wait a bit before it makes its way to more markets. Once the global model launches, this section will be updated with new information and purchase links.

What carriers does it work on?

Only the Chinese variant was announced thus far, this section will be updated once the global model arrives.

What colors does the OnePlus 15 come in?

In China, the phone was announced in three color variants, Absolute Black, Mist Purple, and Sand Dune. Those are essentially black, purple, and beige colors. All three colors are rumored to arrive to global markets, though they will have different names, all three of them. At this point, we do know that the ‘Sand Dune’ color will be called ‘Sand Storm’ globally. That part has been officially confirmed, the other two colors, not yet.

OnePlus 15 official color options (4)

What new upgrades does the OnePlus 15 have over the OnePlus 13, and what noteworthy features in general?

The OnePlus 15 is a more powerful smartphone than the OnePlus 13, there’s no doubt about it. Not everything on the phone is an upgrade over its predecessor, however. Well, most things are, but not everything. With that being said, in this section, we’ll highlight the upgrades and what seem to be downgrades. On top of that, we’ll simply highlight the best aspects of the phone itself, in general.

Even more processing power

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 from Qualcomm is used to fuel the OnePlus 15. That is Qualcomm’s most powerful chip to date, and a successor to the Snapdragon 8 Elite that is included in the OnePlus 13. There is no monumental difference when compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, but it’s better in a number of ways. Not only is it generally more powerful, but it brings upgrades in the GPU, NPU, and connectivity departments. A 23% improvement in GPU performance, 37% faster NPU, and more.

Faster storage

The OnePlus 15 ships with UFS 4.1 flash storage, compared to UFS 4.0 storage inside the OnePlus 13. That may not be something you’ll notice during day-to-day use, but UFS 4.1 is a notable improvement. It is not only faster, but it’s more power efficient too. A number of other improvements are included.

A gigantic battery

OnePlus opted to include a 7,300mAh battery inside the OnePlus 15. That is considerably more battery juice than what the OnePlus 13 delivered. That phone includes a 6,000mAh unit, which is also a silicon-carbon battery. That battery was plenty for that phone, and yet OnePlus decided to take things to a whole other level with the OnePlus 15. We do expect the OnePlus 15 to offer outstanding battery life.

Faster charging (slightly)

The OnePlus 15 supports 120W wired charging, compared to 100W charging on the OnePlus 13. Wireless charging remains the same. The thing is, this phone does include a larger battery, so the charging speed difference likely won’t be noticeable… when it comes to wired charging. Do note that the US will still get 80W wired charging, though.

Better display, even though it may not seem like it

The OnePlus 13 did ship with a sharper display than the OnePlus 15. The thing is, the difference will not be visible, and yet the OnePlus 15’s display is newer, more expensive, and technologically more advanced. It also supports a refresh rate of up to 165Hz for gaming, which is not something the OnePlus 13’s panel offered.

Bluetooth 6.0

The OnePlus 15 ships with Bluetooth 6.0 support, as expected. The OnePlus 13 included Bluetooth 5.4. Bluetooth 6.0 brings a number of improvements, including centimeter-level accuracy through channel sounding. It also brings improved audio latency and quality, and more efficient battery usage with decision-based advertising filtering. A number of other improvements are included.

OxygenOS 16

The OnePlus 15 ships with OxygenOS 16 out of the box. That is the latest version of OnePlus’ Android skin: It is based on Android 16, and it brings a refreshed UI, it’s immensely fast, has new animations, and so on. The thing is, the OnePlus 13 will get this UI as well, so chances are it won’t be much of a difference between the two. The point is, it is here, and it does make a difference.

The camera conundrum

On paper, the OnePlus 15 brings a camera downgrade to the table. It includes three 50-megapixel cameras on the back, with smaller camera sensors than the OnePlus 13. That goes for all three cameras, actually. That camera setup does not look great, in all honesty, but we’ll have to test it out to find out the truth.

What cases are available for the OnePlus 15?

OnePlus has confirmed the Sandstone Magnetic Case, Aramid Fiber Case, and Magnetic Hole Case for the Chinese market. We’re not sure if all of these will make their way to the global markets, but you can check them out below. The first two are kind of self-explanatory. The Sandstone case is a throwback to the original OnePlus smartphone, while the Aramid Fiber case is immensely thin and light. The Magnetic Hole Case brings a level of customization to the table. You can check them all below.

OnePlus 15 Sandstone Magnetic Case
OnePlus 15 Aramid Fiber Case
OnePlus 15 Magnetic Hole Case
OnePlus 15 Sandstone Magnetic Case
OnePlus 15 Aramid Fiber Case
OnePlus 15 Magnetic Hole Case

Images & Video

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Should I buy the OnePlus 15?

Considering that only the Chinese OnePlus 15 variant has been launched at this point, it’s too early to tell whether the OnePlus 15 will be worth it. The price tag does seem quite appealing, but the smaller camera sensor do worry us. We can’t wait to review the OnePlus 15, however, so wait just a little bit longer while the global model arrives, and we’ll be able to share far more information about the device.

The post OnePlus 15: Ultimate Buyers Guide appeared first on Android Headlines.

Apple Says Jon Prosser Has Yet to Respond to Lawsuit Over iOS 26 Leaks

The lawsuit Apple filed against leakster and YouTuber Jon Prosser seemed straightforward enough. However, it looks like things are becoming more complicated. Now, according to Apple, it says that Prosser has not indicated when he may respond to the lawsuit.

Prosser has not indicated when he will respond to Apple lawsuit

In recent court filings, Apple stated that Prosser “has not indicated” when, or even if, he plans to formally defend himself against the trade secrets allegations tied to leaked iOS 26 information. The lawsuit, filed in July 2025, targets both Prosser and co-defendant Michael Ramacciotti over the alleged theft of confidential details about Apple’s upcoming software update.

Apple’s filings emphasize that despite Prosser’s public statements, he missed his legal deadline to respond. As a result, the court entered a default against him, which allows Apple to proceed toward seeking damages and an injunction without Prosser’s formal participation in the case. Meanwhile, Ramacciotti has actively cooperated with Apple and may settle soon, taking a completely different approach than his co-defendant.

Going back and forth

This is where things get confusing. Initially, Prosser’s statements suggested he was in active talks with Apple about the lawsuit. However, when court documents revealed he hadn’t responded to the legal filing, Prosser doubled down, claiming he had been in active communications with the company. Now, Apple’s latest statement directly contradicts that claim, leaving us scratching our heads about what’s actually happening behind the scenes.

The back and forth raises questions about whether Prosser is truly engaging with Apple’s legal team or simply making public statements that don’t align with the formal legal process. Either way, his silence in court puts him at a significant disadvantage. If Apple’s injunction succeeds, it could set a precedent that limits how tech influencers handle leaked information, potentially restricting early looks at new features for enthusiasts who rely on these sources.

For context, the lawsuit stems from Prosser publishing videos that revealed confidential iOS 26 features. Prosser has publicly denied coordinating any scheme to steal company secrets. He claims he had no technical access to Apple’s systems and didn’t plot to obtain anyone’s device.

The post Apple Says Jon Prosser Has Yet to Respond to Lawsuit Over iOS 26 Leaks appeared first on Android Headlines.

Your Pixel 10 might not charge wirelessly — and Google knows why

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold AM AH 04

All wireless chargers are made the same, right? Well, according to Google, that is not the case.

Some users have noted that when trying to charge their Pixel 10 Pro Fold, they get a question mark instead of it actually charging. Google has noticed and issued a statement saying that this issue arises when you use an “incompatible wireless charger”. Google suggests that users use “certified Qi2 wireless chargers” instead. Which should be a no-brainer. But since Qi2 is backward compatible with Qi, it’s a bit surprising that there is an issue.

Google is going to fix this issue, however. So don’t throw out those old Qi chargers just yet. Google will be releasing a fix in the next software update. But for now, rebooting your phone should fix the issue.

Google’s Pixel 10 series is really struggling this year

Google’s off to a pretty rocky start with the Pixel 10 series this year. Nevermind the mid-range chip that is powering the devices, there’s been quite a few issues too. Like with Genshin Impact, a pretty popular game, that doesn’t run properly on the Pixel 10 because Google switched to a PowerVR GPU, and Genshin Impact stopped supporting those GPUs a few months ago.

Now we’re seeing other issues too, but the Genshin Impact issue really can’t be fixed without the company supporting PowerVR again or Google ditching it on Tensor G6.

In the grand scheme of things, this issue with charging is really not a big deal. Especially since this is wireless charging and not USB-C charging, that is the issue. While it is inconvenient, picking up a Qi2 charger for cheap or using a USB-C charger is definitely an easy fix. Check out our best Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold cases and accessories for some good options.

The post Your Pixel 10 might not charge wirelessly — and Google knows why appeared first on Android Headlines.

Sony’s First 200MP Camera Is Coming to Take on Samsung

Sony LYT 910 generated image

Sony’s first 200MP camera is coming, and it’s looking to challenge Samsung’s ISOCELL counterparts. We are talking about a sensor for mobile devices, mainly smartphones, here, of course.

Sony’s first 200MP mobile camera sensor is coming for Samsung’s crown

According to what FeniBook, a tipster, said, Sony is planning to announce the LYT-910, which will be the company’s first 200MP camera sensor. It will be a 1/1.11-inch sensor with an individual pixel size of 0.7um.

Sony LYT 910 rumor

That sensor will be able to capture 50MP and 200MP resolution images. The 50-megapixel ones will be captured through pixel binning, of course. With an in-sensor crop, this sensor could offer 2x and 4x lossless-quality zoom, basically.

It is also said to offer superior HDR performance over Samsung’s offerings, with a dynamic range of over 100db. It will also support 4K recording at 120 FPS, and 8K recording at 30 FPS… with HDR.

That’s basically everything the tipster shared. Now, if we compare this to Samsung’s 200MP offerings, the Sony LYT-910 does seem to be superior, at least on paper.

It does seem more compelling, on paper, than Samsung’s ISOCELL HP1 & HP2 sensors

The ISOCELL HP1 is a 1/1.22-inch sensor, and it’s the biggest sensor the company offers. The ISOCELL HP2 is the company’s best sensor, however, it’s a 1/1.4-inch unit. The ISOCLEL HPB is also worth noting, as it’s basically the ISOCELL HP2 in disguise.

We’re not sure when the Sony LYT-910 will become official, but by the looks of it, it could arrive soon. In fact, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra could end up utilizing it next year, we’ll see.

Those two phones, amongst some others, will look for an edge over their siblings. A powerful sensor like this would certainly give that to them. Everything is under wraps at the moment, so we’ll have to wait and see. This is the first time we’re hearing about this sensor.

The post Sony’s First 200MP Camera Is Coming to Take on Samsung appeared first on Android Headlines.

OnePlus 15 Launches With a Bold New Look and Massive Battery

OnePlus 15 official sand image (1)

OnePlus has just announced its new flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 15. Do note that this launch took place in China, and it is the initial launch event for the phone. The global launch event is expected to take place next month.

With that being said, we already had a lot of details about the device. Plenty of information surfaced, while OnePlus revealed some info little by little over the last couple of weeks. Most of the information that leaked was also accurate.

The OnePlus 15 is now official with a brand new design

The OnePlus 15 has a brand new design. It is even more boxy than before. The phone features a flat display, a flat backplate, and a flat frame. Its corners are rounded, though, and the same goes for the corners of the phone’s camera island.

Speaking of which, the camera island is no longer round, it is now a square with rounded corners. It looks entirely different and sits in the top-left corner on the back of the phone. There are still three cameras included on the inside, though.

The phone has a centered display camera hole up top, and even thinner bezels than its predecessor. The bezels here measure 1.15mm all around. The phone does include uniform bezels, which means they’re the same thickness on all sides.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip is used, along with a 165Hz AMOLED display

This smartphone is quite powerful, needless to say. It is fueled by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. That is Qualcomm’s most powerful chip to date. It is paired with 12GB/16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 flash storage (up to 1TB). Storage expansion is not supported.

A 6.78-inch AMOLED display sits on the front, with a 1.5K resolution (2772 x 1272). That display goes up to 165Hz, but only during gaming. In regular use, it can go between 1 and 120Hz, as needed. It has high-frequency PWM dimming and gets immensely bright when needed.

OnePlus included a massive 7,300mAh battery here, along with 120W charging

A 7,300mAh silicon-carbon battery is included in the package too. That battery is a lot bigger than the already big unit in the OnePlus 13. 120W wired charging is supported here, along with 50W wireless charging.

There is an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner included too, while Bluetooth 6.0 is supported. The same goes for Wi-Fi 7. Android 16 comes pre-installed on the device, along with ColorOS 16. OxygenOS 16 will be included on the global model. The phone is also IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K certified for water and dust resistance.

The cameras seem to be a downgrade, at least on paper

There are three 50-megapixel cameras included on the back of the phone. A 50-megapixel main camera (1/1.56-inch sensor size) is backed by a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera (1/2.88-inch sensor size, 116-degree FoV). The third camera is a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto unit (1/2.76-inch sensor size, 3.5x optical zoom). On paper, these cameras do seem like downgrades compared to the OnePlus 13. We’ll have to see if that’s true in actual performance.

The OnePlus 15 measures 161.42 x 76.67 x 8.10-8.20mm, while it weighs 211/215 grams. It comes in Absolute Black, Mist Purple, and Sand Dune colors. They will have different names in markets outside of China.

The device’s pricing starts at CNY3,999 ($561) for the 12GB RAM model with 256GB of storage, while it goes up to CNY5,399 ($758) for the 16GB RAM variant with 1TB of storage.

OnePlus 15 Specs
Display Size 6.78 Inches
Display Resolution 2772 x 1272
Refresh Rate 1-120Hz (adaptive), up to 165Hz when gaming
Dimensions 161.42 x 76.67 x 8.10-8.20mm
Weight 211/215 grams
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
RAM 12GB/16GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage 256GB/512GB (UFS 4.1), non-expandable
Main Camera 50MP (f/1.8 aperture, 1/1.56-inch sensor size, OIS, 84-degree FoV)
Ultrawide Camera 50MP (OV50D sensor, 1/2.88-inch sensor size, f/2.0 aperture, 116-degree FoV, 6P lens)
Periscope Telephoto Camera 50MP (S5KJN5 sensor, 1/2.76-inch sensor size, 3.5x optical zoom, 4P lens, OIS, f/2.8 aperture, 30-degree FoV)
Front Camera 32MP (Sony IMX709 sensor, 1/2.74-inch sensor size, f/2.4 aperture, 5P lens)
Battery 7,300mAh (silicon-carbon)
Charging 120W wired (80W in the US), 50W wireless
OS Android 16 with ColorOS 16 (China) / OxygenOS 16 (global)
Network & Connectivity 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0
Water Resistance IP68/IP69
Colors Absolute Black, Mist Purple, and Sand Dune
View Device Specs
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The post OnePlus 15 Launches With a Bold New Look and Massive Battery appeared first on Android Headlines.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra May Skip Rear Display, Focus on Huge Camera Improvements

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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.

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Xiaomi 17 Ultra camera design

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.

This $549 Roborock Robot Vacuum Is Down to Just $299 for a Limited Time

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The Roborock Q10 S5 is getting a massive discount right now, dropping to just $299 on Amazon — down from its usual $549 price tag. That’s a solid $250 in savings on one of the smartest robot vacuums you can buy in this price range. Roborock has built a strong reputation for offering high-end cleaning performance without the premium price, and the Q10 S5 continues that trend by packing serious suction power, a self-emptying dock, and advanced mopping capabilities into a sleek and compact design.

At the heart of the Q10 S5 is Roborock’s 10,000Pa HyperForce suction system, which easily pulls up dust, pet hair, and debris from both carpets and hardwood floors. It also includes a Dual Anti-Tangle System, which prevents hair from wrapping around the brush — a huge bonus for pet owners. The mop system uses VibraRise 2.0 technology, meaning it can automatically lift when transitioning from hard floors to carpets and apply pressure scrubbing when needed. Combined, these features let the Q10 S5 handle deep cleaning and daily maintenance without you lifting a finger.

What really makes this deal special is the price-to-performance ratio. At $299, you’re getting a robot vacuum that not only vacuums but also mops, empties itself, and maps your home with precision. That’s a combination usually reserved for models well over $600. While it doesn’t have the most advanced obstacle avoidance of Roborock’s flagship models, the Q10 S5 performs exceptionally well in real-world cleaning tests, especially for the price.

If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your home cleaning setup, now’s the perfect time. With its strong suction, self-emptying dock, anti-tangle design, and intelligent mopping system, the Roborock Q10 S5 is a steal at $299 — but this deal won’t last long.

Editor's Choice
Roborock Q10 S5+

Roborock Q10 S5+ – $299

This robot vacuum is small but mighty, woth 10,000Pa of suction power, and a dock that can hold 70 days worth of dirt and debris.

Buy from

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Ulefone RugKing: The Rugged Phone That Roars Like a Jet Engine

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Many of you have probably already heard of Ulefone RugKing, the company’s budget rugged smartphone. What some of you may not know, is that this phone has a very powerful speaker. Uelfone has decided to demonstrate the RugKing’s speaker in a new promo video.

The Ulefone RugKing’s powerful speaker gets demoed in a promo video

If you check out the video below, you’ll see the speaker in action. You’ll not only see it running, but see it running while having a ton of dust on it, in a construction environment, amongst other scenes.

This is a rugged phone, and Ulefone wanted to show you that you don’t have to baby it, nor its speaker. In some of these shots, the phone is covered with dust, and yet it’s doing its job perfectly.

This is also a rather powerful speaker, a 126dB unit. It’s much more powerful than regular speakers you’d find on smartphones, that’s for sure. That’s another thing this phone has over other devices.

The speaker, in diameter, measures 36mm, and has an 11.5 CC sound cavity. It delivers HiFi-quality sound, says the company. In the video you can see above, its 126dB prowess is shown.

That speaker is really, really loud

Just to give you some comparisons. A shotgun can provide noise of 160dB, while jet engine taking off provides noise of 140dB. A siren and a rock concert are at 110dB, while a motorcycle is at 100dB. Power tools provide 90dB of noise, while heavy traffic can provide 80-90dB.

In addition to its ruggedness and powerful speaker, this phone also comes with 8GB of RAM. It offers 256GB of expandable internal storage and a 50-megapixel main camera. A large 9,600mAh battery is also included in the package.

Android 15 comes pre-installed on the device, while a 5.99-inch HD+ LCD display sits on the front. A side-facing fingerprint scanner is also included here, while the phone also supports facial scanning.

Buy the Ulefone RugKing (Ulefone)
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iPhone 18 Could Get Up to 50% More RAM, Apple Reportedly Preparing LPDDR5X Memory

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Compared to Android phones, Apple’s iPhones typically do not have that much RAM. However, with the iPhone 18, Apple is rumored to bump up the phone’s RAM by as much as 50%. This is according to a recent report from Korean publication, The Bell.

iPhone 18 could feature more RAM

According to the report, Apple’s iPhone 18 will come with as much as 50% more RAM. For context, the base iPhone 17 comes with 8GB of RAM. The Air, Pro, and Pro Max models feature 12GB of RAM. This means that for the iPhone 18 series, we could see a bump in RAM from 12-16GB of RAM.

The report also claims that Apple has asked its memory suppliers to produce more LPDDR5X DRAM chips. This alone should give us some clues as to how much RAM to expect. This is because at the moment, LPDDR5X chips are only available in 12GB and 16GB variants. This means we’re looking at 12GB of RAM at the very least, or 16GB for Apple’s higher-end models.

But is it necessary?

That being said, we have to wonder if having more RAM is necessary. This is because Apple already controls its software and hardware. This is how iOS and its apps have no issues running with smaller amounts of RAM compared to Android. It also means that unless Apple is making some fundamental changes to its iOS platform, we’re not sure if there are tangible benefits to having more RAM.

It is possible that because AI, like Apple Intelligence, that Apple could increase the memory on its 2026 iPhones. We’re already seeing how some older iPhone models do not support Apple Intelligence due to hardware constraints. So maybe future models with more RAM could allow more advanced AI features.

Apple will launch its iPhone 18 series in 2026. However, according to the rumors, Apple could split up the launch. It could launch the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max in the fall of 2026, as per usual. But the base iPhone 18 and the iPhone 18e could launch in the following spring.

We’re also hearing rumors that the iPhone Fold could be delayed to 2027. There are also whispers that Apple could cancel its plans for the iPhone Air 2. Either way, we’ll find out more in the coming months.

The post iPhone 18 Could Get Up to 50% More RAM, Apple Reportedly Preparing LPDDR5X Memory appeared first on Android Headlines.

Samsung’s Tri-Fold Phone to Launch This Week — But Not in the US

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Despite a recent report, which claimed that Samsung’s first tri-fold phone could arrive to the US, that’s quite unlikely. Evan Blass, a well-known tipster, just shared the markets the device will arrive to, and the US is not amongst them.

Samsung’s first tri-fold smartphone is coming this week, but not the US

Evan went to X to say that the company’s first tri-fold smartphone will likely launch in Korea, the greater Chinese market (including Singapore and Taiwan), and possibly the UAE. That’s basically it.

The tipster did say, however, that he’d “love to be wrong”, but he doesn’t think he is. Everything point to Samsung avoiding both the US and Europe as launch markets for its very first tri-fold smartphone.

When will this thing finally launch? Well, another new report reveals some information on that too. According to a report from The Korea Herald, the device will arrive later this week, actually.

It is tipped to launch during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2025 summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. That’s a mouthful, but the summit is taking place from October 31 to November 1.

October 31 is probably its launch date

Samsung will likely want to announce the device during the first day of the summit, so there’s a good chance we’ll see it on October 31. Nothing has been confirmed just yet, however, so we’ll have to wait and see.

From earlier reports, we know that the device will likely cost around $2,800. So it will be around a $1,000 more expensive than the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It is tipped to have a 6.5-inch cover display, and a 10-inch main display, when fully expanded. An 8-inch display could be the middle-fold state.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is rumored, along with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. A 200-megapixel main camera was also mentioned in rumors, along with both an ultrawide and a periscope telephoto camera.

The post Samsung’s Tri-Fold Phone to Launch This Week — But Not in the US appeared first on Android Headlines.

Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Smart Home Safe from Hackers

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Smart homes make life convenient. You can adjust the thermostat on your way home, check security cameras from your phone, and control lights with your voice. But convenience comes at a cost. Every device in your home that connects to the internet is a potential door for a hacker. If you are not thinking like an attacker, you are leaving your digital front door wide open.

I have spent decades studying how hackers think, and one thing is clear. The easiest targets are often the ones that ignore basic security. Here are ten ways to secure your smart home before someone else does it for you.

1. Prioritize Strong and Unique Passwords

Many smart devices come with default passwords such as “admin” or “123456,” and hackers know them. Leaving these defaults in place is the same as leaving your front door key under the mat.

Change passwords immediately on every smart device, your router, and your Wi-Fi network Each device and app should have its own distinct password to stay secure. A strong password uses a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Twelve characters is the minimum you should use.

Practical tip: Use a password manager to generate and store unique credentials. It may feel like extra work, but it protects every device in your home.

Example: In one apartment I assessed, a smart door lock used the default password. Hackers were able to control it remotely because the owner never changed it.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Passwords alone are not enough. If your smart devices support Multi-Factor Authentication, enable it. This adds a second verification step, such as a code sent to your phone, whenever someone tries to log in.

Even if a hacker guesses or steals your password, they cannot access your devices without this second step.

Example: If someone guesses the password to your smart thermostat, Multi-Factor Authentication prevents them from changing your home temperature or learning your routines.

3. Keep Device Firmware and Software Updated

Outdated devices are easy targets for attackers. Manufacturers release updates to fix vulnerabilities and bugs. Ignoring updates is like leaving a window unlocked while you sleep.

Enable automatic updates wherever possible. For devices that require manual updates, check the manufacturer’s app or website regularly.

Example: In 2023, researchers discovered a vulnerability in a popular security camera that allowed attackers to view live feeds. Devices that were updated automatically were safe, while older devices remained exposed.

4. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Your router is the command center of your smart home. If it is compromised, every connected device is at risk. Use the latest Wi-Fi security protocol, such as WPA3, or at least WPA2. Change the default network name and Wi-Fi password.

Practical tip: Avoid using your real name or address in the network name. Hackers often target obvious Wi-Fi names.

Example: A network named “JohnSmithHomeWiFi” is more likely to attract attention than a generic name like “BlueSky123.”

5. Use a Separate Network for Smart Devices

Not every device needs access to sensitive information. Create a separate network for cameras, plugs, and other gadgets. This keeps your personal computers, phones, and sensitive data separate.

If a hacker gains access to a device on this separate network, they cannot easily move to your more important systems.

Example: I have seen situations where a smart plug was compromised, but the attacker could not reach the home office network because the devices were on a separate network.

6. Check Devices and Manufacturers

Not all smart devices are created equal. Before buying a new product, research the manufacturer’s reputation and security track record. Look for companies that provide regular updates and clear privacy policies.

Example: A reputable brand encrypts video from security cameras to prevent unauthorized access. Cheap cameras often send data unprotected, leaving your home vulnerable.

Practical tip: Investing a little more in a trusted brand is better than saving a few dollars and risking your security.

7. Turn Off Unnecessary Features

Many smart devices have features enabled by default that you may never use, such as remote access, Bluetooth pairing, or automatic connections to apps. Each active feature creates a potential point of entry for hackers.

Practical tip: Review your device settings and disable features that are not essential to daily use.

Example: A smart fridge may allow Bluetooth connections by default. If you do not use this feature, turn it off to reduce your risk.

8. Monitor Connected Devices

Regularly review the devices connected to your network. Remove any device that is unused or unfamiliar. Forgotten devices can act as open doors for attackers.

Practical tip: Check your router’s admin page or smart home dashboard at least once a month. Keep a note of every device that belongs on the network.

Example: I have seen neighbors’ devices accidentally connecting to someone else’s network. If unnoticed, this can create a vulnerability.

9. Use a VPN on Your Router

A VPN protects your online activity by turning your data into a form that outsiders cannot understand. Configuring a VPN on your router protects every device in your home automatically.

Practical tip: Use a trusted VPN provider and set it up on your router if possible. This is especially useful when accessing smart home devices remotely from public Wi-Fi.

Example: When traveling, you can check your home cameras safely over a coffee shop network without exposing your data.

10. Manage Voice Assistant Settings

Smart speakers and voice assistants are convenient but always listening. Review privacy settings for Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. Delete stored voice recordings regularly and limit data collection.

Example: Restricting cloud storage of voice commands helps prevent attackers or third-party employees from accessing your personal routines.

Bonus Tip: Use Wired Connections for Key Devices

Wi-Fi is convenient, but wired connections offer better security and stability. Connect critical devices, such as smart hubs, cameras, or network storage systems, directly to your router using Ethernet cables.

Wired connections reduce the risk of hackers intercepting your signal and ensure faster and more reliable communication. Power over Ethernet is a useful option because it delivers power and data through one cable.

Practical tip: Whenever you can, connect your hub and cameras using fast wired cables. For safety and reliability, choose cables that are safe to install inside your walls, such as category 6 plenum rated Ethernet cables. Use Wi-Fi only for devices that cannot be connected with wires.

Final Thoughts

Securing your smart home requires ongoing attention. Think like an attacker and close the doors before someone tries to open them. Follow these steps, check devices regularly, and maintain good habits.

Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort. It is an ongoing process of vigilance and smart digital practices. A safe home is not just about locks on doors, it is about protecting the invisible connections that control your life.

By taking these steps, you can rest easier knowing your home and personal data are protected.

The post Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Smart Home Safe from Hackers appeared first on Android Headlines.

Tech Graveyard No More: Stylish, Sustainable Uses for Yesterday’s Devices

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Every year, people rush to upgrade their devices, leaving older models collecting dust or ending up in landfills. What many don’t realize is that these outdated gadgets still have potential, whether reused, repurposed, or resold. With sustainability becoming a priority, giving older devices a second chance makes both financial and environmental sense. Modern buyers are finding smart ways to extend the life of what once seemed obsolete. From refurbished items to creative upcycling projects, today’s consumers are proving that older devices can stay useful longer than expected. 

Before discarding what you think is outdated, here’s why you should consider how it might serve a new purpose and even save you money in the process.

Why Old Devices Deserve a Second Chance

Old devices often hold more value than people assume. Many still run smoothly for basic needs like browsing, streaming, or writing. The growing e-waste problem makes reuse even more important, as electronics contain materials that can harm the environment if thrown away carelessly. Extending the lifespan of these gadgets reduces waste and lowers the demand for new manufacturing. People who repair or repurpose older products also benefit by saving money and learning valuable skills. Instead of tossing your device, check if it can be repaired, reused, or donated. A small effort like this helps protect the environment while keeping your digital tools useful for years to come.

Smart Ways to Find Value in Pre-Owned Devices

Finding reliable pre-owned devices is easier than ever. Some trusted retailers offer refurbished laptops and gadgets that go through thorough testing before resale. They often include warranties and fair pricing to make buying secondhand safe and simple. On trusted online sites, buyers can explore certified options that perform almost like new without the heavy cost of fresh releases. This is where you can confidently buy used laptops that are tested, backed by return policies, and environmentally conscious. Many platforms also provide trade-in programs, letting users recycle old products responsibly while saving on upgrades. This approach combines sustainability, affordability, and practicality for modern consumers.

Upcycle for Function: Turning Old Tablets into Smart Displays

An old tablet doesn’t have to be forgotten in a drawer. With simple adjustments, it can turn into a smart home control screen, recipe display, or digital photo frame. Apps and Wi-Fi connections make it easy to use older models for lightweight tasks. Mounting them in the kitchen or living room keeps information accessible without buying new gadgets. This kind of repurposing cuts down waste and adds convenience to your daily routine. You don’t need expensive setups to make these devices functional again. A little creativity can transform yesterday’s hardware into something practical and stylish for your household.

DIY Projects Using Old Electronics

If you enjoy hands-on work, old devices can become the foundation for creative projects. Turn an unused smartphone into a security camera, a music player, or a home server. Outdated monitors can become secondary displays, while older computers can be turned into retro game systems or educational tools. With online tutorials, even those new to tinkering can handle simple modifications. These activities promote learning while reducing waste. Repurposing gadgets not only saves money but also gives you a rewarding sense of purpose. Instead of letting outdated items gather dust, explore how small changes can make them functional again. It’s a satisfying way to extend their usefulness sustainably.

Donate, Don’t Discard: Giving Tech a New Purpose

Donating older devices can make a bigger impact than you might expect. Many community programs, schools, and shelters accept functional electronics to help those in need. Your unused laptop or tablet could support students, teachers, or job seekers who can’t afford new devices. Several organizations refurbish donated items before redistributing them, extending their lifespan and preventing e-waste. Before donating, wipe all personal data and reset the system. Giving devices a second chance benefits both the environment and people who rely on technology for learning or work. It’s a simple step that supports sustainability while improving lives across local communities.

Selling Responsibly: How to Prepare Your Old Devices

If you plan to sell your old device, do it safely. Start by backing up your files, performing a factory reset, and removing personal information. Clean the device to make it look more appealing and check if accessories like chargers or cases are in good shape. Many resale platforms and local stores offer trade-in options or buybacks for functioning equipment. Properly handling data before selling protects your privacy while ensuring someone else can use the device without issues. Responsible selling helps circulate gadgets within the market instead of contributing to waste. This keeps more devices in use and supports eco-friendly practices.

The Growing Market for Sustainable Tech

Consumers today are increasingly aware of how their purchasing decisions affect the planet. The shift toward refurbished and reusable devices is growing rapidly. Brands now design products with repairability and recycling in mind, while certified sellers give pre-owned gadgets a reliable second life. This growing demand encourages companies to adopt sustainable business models that value longevity over constant replacement. For buyers, this means affordable prices and reduced waste. Choosing pre-owned devices supports responsible consumption without compromising performance. As awareness grows, more people are realizing that sustainable tech choices benefit everyone—from individual users to the environment at large.

Reducing E-Waste Starts at Home

Sustainability begins with small actions. Instead of replacing devices too soon, maintain them with regular updates and protective cases. Repairing small issues, such as a cracked screen or a weak battery, can extend their usability. Recycling programs offered by retailers and manufacturers make safe disposal easy when a device finally stops working. Keeping gadgets longer helps reduce waste and environmental damage. These small choices at home lead to collective change over time. With a little care, your devices can last much longer and serve many purposes before needing replacement, making your household more sustainable and resourceful overall.

Old devices don’t need to end up in a drawer or landfill. Repurposing, donating, or purchasing refurbished items gives them a second life while helping the planet. The push toward sustainability is about more than trends—it’s about smarter, more responsible habits. Choosing to reuse or repair means less waste, fewer emissions, and greater value for everyone involved. Whether you buy pre-owned, donate to someone in need, or transform a gadget into something new, every small effort matters. It’s time to view yesterday’s devices not as waste but as opportunities to build a more sustainable and resource-conscious world for the future.

The post Tech Graveyard No More: Stylish, Sustainable Uses for Yesterday’s Devices appeared first on Android Headlines.

Top Mobile Industries Benefiting from Frictionless Payments in 2025

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Mobile usage has grown, and it’s now the primary way that many people access apps, retailers and other services. As such, businesses, retailers and industries need to make sure that they are able to cater to this. Part of this involves making the payment options as simple as possible, allowing consumers the easiest access to getting their hands on products or services. The adoption of simple, frictionless payments is now widespread across industries and this article will take a look at some of the top ones using mobile payments.

Gaming online

Unsurprisingly, one of the first sectors to adopt frictionless payments was the gaming industry. Online casinos quickly took steps to ensure that players could make swift, seamless payments from their mobile devices when setting up a casino deposit. Not only did this entail offering speedy payment methods such as linking e-Wallets or Trustly accounts, but it went one step further. Mobile bill payment in the form of Pay by Mobile casino platforms are now prevalent in the industry. This payment method allows players to link their phone bill to their gaming account, paying any deposits at the end of each month as part of their mobile plan. This method allows players to make instant deposits and get playing. Monthly limits mean players are able to manage their bankrolls more effectively and avoid overspending.

Going shopping

Another sector that has seen a major adoption of frictionless mobile payment is the retail and e-commerce industry. Here, it’s common to see one-click payment options such as those found on Amazon. This makes it a lot easier for customers to buy products without the need to keep re-entering payment information. There’s also a focus on mobile-first purchases, with loyalty programmes often integrated into the use of a mobile app instead of the browser version of the site. Finally, there’s also been the integration of QR code payments, which makes it very quick for in-person transactions. This way, both online and in-person, shoppers can enjoy seamless mobile payments and pay directly from their phone without the need for cards, PINs or providing other payment details.

Hitting the road

Both the travel and accommodation industries have also quickly taken on board the need for speedy, seamless mobile payments. For someone actually travelling, on-the-go payment options make paying for things a lot simpler. This is the case for everything from booking a hotel to paying for a meal. Businesses that accept mobile payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also more likely to get more bookings from international visitors and consumers who prefer these methods when abroad. By offering seamless mobile payments across all areas of the travel process, guest satisfaction is boosted, which results in good reviews and the potential for a repeat customer. This is essential in what is already a competitive and oversaturated market.

Picking a subscription

These days, there’s a very strong subscription trend, with most products or services offering subscription services to get smoother or better features and offers. This means that companies like Uber use what are called invisible payments, where the transaction is processed automatically in the background after the drive has been completed. In this way, it’s completely seamless for both parties, with no faff or hassle at either end. Users simply provide their payment details in the app once, and then this method is used going forward for all rides. Frictionless processes like this help to encourage repeat customers and build loyalty. Payments are always a major friction point, and poor payment methods often deter customers from actually using the service repeatedly.

Subscription models are also a major part of many industries, notably when it comes to entertainment. These services take regular revenue from customers without the need for those consumers to keep providing their payment details. Payments are taken automatically to ensure continuous service for the customer and continuous cash flow for the business.

Final thoughts

Frictionless mobile payments are increasingly the norm. Customers can use Google Pay or Apple Pay at a large array of different platforms, retailers and businesses. Better still, some platforms, once the payment details have been provided, do not need customers to provide any further information, allowing payments to be painless at all times.

The post Top Mobile Industries Benefiting from Frictionless Payments in 2025 appeared first on Android Headlines.

Residential Proxy Showdown: Comparing the Top Providers for Speed and Reliability

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If you’ve used proxies before, you already know the struggle — plenty of services promise lightning-fast speed and stability, but sadly, only a few actually deliver. 

And no matter the nature of your work, scraping large volumes of data, managing many social media accounts or monitoring how your ads appear across regions, even a small delay or dropped request can derail your work. 

That’s why getting the right provider is the first and most crucial step to getting a smooth experience. A proxy is as good as its consistency. You need connections that respond instantly, stay online, and adapt to the intensity of your tasks. 

That ensures your business operations run smoothly without unnecessary downtimes. Picking a reliable proxy means choosing one with a feature that checks all your needs. 

In this showdown, we’re looking at 6 top providers through one lens only — how fast and reliable they really are. From enterprise-level networks to flexible plug-and-play solutions, here’s how they stack up.

1. NetNut

When it comes to raw performance, NetNut is easily one of the best residential proxies thanks to how it’s built. Instead of relying on a peer-to-peer network where IPs come from end-user devices, NetNut uses direct ISP connections. 

That alone changes everything because direct ISP routing cuts out the middleman. So, when you send requests, they don’t bounce around due to unpredictable user networks. Instead, they move straight through reliable ISPs. 

The result? 

Lower latency, short response times, and fewer connection drops. If you’ve ever worked with proxies that lag or time out, you’ll immediately feel the difference. 

In independent performance tests, NetNut regularly records response times under 1 second and uptime rates close to 99.9%. And with the network’s consistency, you experience minimal IP blocks since the traffic looks cleaner and more legitimate.

Another thing that makes NetNut reliable is its transparent reporting. You can track performance metrics in real time from the intuitive dashboard, letting you see exactly how your sessions behave.

If you want instant connectivity and consistent uptime, this is one of the most reliable systems out there — you are assured your speed isn’t being throttled. That’s why it’s the go-to choice for real-time applications — like price monitoring or ad verification — where milliseconds really do matter.

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2. Bright Data

Bright Data (formerly Luminati) is often the first name you hear thrown around in proxy conversations, and for good reason. It’s among the largest residential proxy networks on the market, with millions of IPs across almost every region you can think of.

When it comes to reliability, the scale alone gives it an edge. You’re less likely to hit repeat IPs or encounter location restrictions. This provider stands out for its rock-solid uptime and impressive throughput, even under heavy enterprise workloads. 

It runs on Smart Routing technology that automatically finds the fastest, most efficient path for your traffic, cutting latency and keeping your connections smooth — which comes in handy during peak demand.

So, if you want something that can handle massive data scraping or SEO monitoring, Bright Data guarantees resilience and speed. As such, it remains one of the most dependable solutions.

3. Oxylabs

Oxylabs is all about precision. You can tell it’s engineered for professional use from how it delivers remarkable stability. Its residential pool of over 100 million IPs offers excellent global coverage and very low block rates.

When it comes to speed, Oxylabs ranks among the top three in independent tests, maintaining low latency across multiple regions. What’s impressive is that its speed doesn’t drop dramatically under load — something that plagues many competitors.

Oxylabs also delivers an impressive 99.95% uptime and smart IP rotation, ensuring your sessions stay stable even during long, intensive tasks. Its robust infrastructure is built for performance, making it perfect for demanding tasks like brand monitoring, where reliability can’t be compromised.

4. SOAX

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SOAX is known for its clean IP pool and flexible rotation settings. You control how frequently IPs change — every request, every minute, or every hour to suit how stable you want your sessions to stay.

On the reliability side, SOAX performs well. You’ll experience minimal connection drops because their IPs are well-maintained. When it comes to speed, it responds quickly to your requests with rare lags, even in remote locations.

SOAX remains a great middle-ground provider. So, if you need a provider that gets geolocation targeting or smaller data sets right, its stability will serve you well.

5. IPRoyal

If you’re just starting or running low-scale projects, IPRoyal offers solid dependability without the high enterprise cost. It’s one of the most affordable residential proxy providers with transparent pay-as-you-go pricing.

In terms of reliability, IPRoyal performs well considering the cost. Its impressive uptime sits around 99%, and IP diversity is decent for its size. Despite the slight speed fluctuations during peak usage hours, the response time is usually around 2–3 seconds even under heavy loads.

For moderate data scraping, research, or personal use, IPRoyal holds up. It’s one of the budget-friendly choices on our list.

6. Smartproxy

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Smartproxy strikes a balance between performance and usability. It comes with an intuitive dashboard that makes it easy to set up proxies and monitor performance without requiring technical skills.

Speed-wise, this provider stays competitive. Its reliable network consistently delivers low-latency results, especially in North America and Europe. Behind the good performance are automatic rotation and IP refresh features that ensure requests rarely fail, even during extended sessions.

In reliability tests, uptime averages 99.47%, which puts it in the upper tier. While it’s not quite as consistent as NetNut or Oxylabs, it offers value for its pricing. Their biggest advantage? Stability at scale — you can run dozens of concurrent tasks without seeing a sharp drop in speed.

Conclusion

Residential proxies make or break your operations by how fast and stable they are. All these top providers in this comparison have their strengths, but not all are built equally. So, you need to choose one that best suits your needs. You can have millions of IPs and advanced dashboards, but if your proxies freeze or time out when you need them most, the rest doesn’t matter.

If you prioritize raw performance, NetNut leads with its direct ISP connections — the fastest and most stable approach in the industry right now. Oxylabs and Bright Data follow closely, offering enterprise-grade reliability for large-scale users. For smaller or flexible needs, Smartproxy, IPRoyal, and SOAX provide a balance of speed and cost-effectiveness.

So, first decide what level of consistency you need and what you’re willing to pay for it. When milliseconds can make or break your data pipeline, you want a proxy that doesn’t stutter or stall. Because in this race, consistency is a necessity that can give you a real competitive edge.

The post Residential Proxy Showdown: Comparing the Top Providers for Speed and Reliability appeared first on Android Headlines.

The Next Big Thing in Indian Sports Tech? The TTB Predictions App Is Leading the Way

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If you’ve glanced at your screen lately, you’ve probably noticed how sports tech is quietly transforming what we watch, how we watch it, and what we talk about afterwards. 

In India, this shift feels bigger than ever. New mobile platforms and analytics tools are gaining traction, and one of the most talked-about is the TTB Predictions App. The Top Bookies is carving out a niche by promising something different: data-driven fan engagement and sharper insights.

A Ground-Level Look at Sports Tech in India

The Indian sports technology market generated USD 185.3 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 830.3 million by 2030, with a CAGR of about 23.9% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is driven by digital adoption, franchise expansion, and the increasing number of mobile users.

Platforms once limited to live scores or fantasy are broadening into analytics, content, and community. As Sudeep Kulkarni of Game Theory once said, “Technology now fits like a glove in the modern ecosystem of sports performance analysis.”

But what makes TTB Predictions stand out? Well, it’s how they combine real-time data, machine learning, experts’ opinions, and user engagement.

So, they’re not just tracking numbers produced by matches as they’re actually building a narrative around that data to make information easier to digest for fans who are just curious or want to come up with predictions more accurately.

What the TTB Predictions App Does

At its core, TTB Predictions offers predictive modelling based on historic performance, pitch and weather data, in-match event tracking, and user-friendly dashboards. Users receive match insights, player metrics, and what the app describes as “engagement prompts” to watch games differently. 

Also, their predictions are completely free, and even if they use prediction models, they have cricket lovers and experts on board, so you know they’re not just reading the numbers.

Behind the scenes, apps like The Top Bookies are facing three key challenges: data access (especially for domestic leagues), modeling accuracy in highly volatile games, and making insights understandable for the average fan. The test will be whether it converts curious downloads into daily active users.

Why This Matters for Indian Sports

Why does an app like TTB Predictions matter? First, it addresses a gap. In India, we have a huge passion for sport, especially cricket, but there are only a few tools or platforms that translate raw performance data into something fan-friendly. 

TTB also opens new monetization paths for partnerships, broadcasters, and leagues that are more than just ticket sales and traditional ads.

The timing is critical, too. With leagues growing, viewership fragmenting, and younger audiences expecting interactivity, sports tech platforms form the new frontier. TTB Predictions is positioning itself as India’s most downloaded sports predictions app, and leveraging that reach to tie with content creators, regional leagues, and fan-engagement campaigns.

For brands and sponsors, this means a shift in how value is measured when it comes to how engaged a user is with an app, how much time they spend, what content they share, and what analytics drive. TTB’s model may well become a template for others.

Barriers and What to Watch Next

Of course, this isn’t a guaranteed success story. Sports tech in India is still facing a lot of challenges. Data privacy and platform liability are some of them. When the machine says “Player X will score,” and it doesn’t happen, how will these technologies maintain user trust?

The thing is that the legal framework around sports-tech analytics is still young. Additionally, monetization remains tricky in India, and users expect free or low-cost apps.

Accuracy is also important and can be a challenge for sports prediction apps. An analytics tool may flag trends, but nothing in cricket or even any sports match is absolute. After all, a single upset can easily turn things around. 

Looking ahead, three signals will matter: 

1. whether the app expands beyond cricket into other sports (football, kabaddi, badminton) in India; 

2. how it partners with leagues, broadcasters, or content platforms; and 

3. whether it builds sustainable revenue streams, like subscriptions, in-app content, and regional tie-ups.

    Summary

    If Indian sports tech has a “next big thing,” it could well be TTB Predictions. The platform aligns with today’s latest trends in the sports scene: mobile-first audiences, data-rich sports, fan-centric engagement, and regionalization. But the real measure will be execution.

    Will it prove that predictions and insights matter as much as match highlight reels?

    Well, for athletes, fans, leagues, broadcasters, and brands, what happens next will be interesting. How we predict sports outcomes is now evolving, and TTB is one of those platforms at the forefront. So, download the app if you want valuable insights on upcoming cricket matches.

    The post The Next Big Thing in Indian Sports Tech? The TTB Predictions App Is Leading the Way appeared first on Android Headlines.

    Android's Calling Cards Will Finally Get Full Customization

    Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold AM AH 02

    Google brought visual call customization to Android with the “Calling Cards” feature. However, one key piece of functionality has been notably missing. Android users could design unique screens for their contacts’ incoming calls, but they could not control what their own call screen looked like on a friend’s device. This omission was a significant one compared to rival operating systems. However, Google is now ready to address this long-standing oversight in Android‘s implementation with a new “My calling card” option.

    Code spotted by Android Authority within a recent beta version of the Phone by Google app reveals work on an upcoming setting called “My calling card.” The description associated with this unreleased tool is straightforward. It will help you to “customize how you’ll appear when making or receiving calls.” While the feature is not yet functional in the public beta, the explicit text confirms that a true two-way customization system is actively in development.

    Android Calling Cards could match iOS’ Contact Posters soon

    This change would finally bring full creative control to users. It could allow them to define their visual identity on a remote device. The potential move could also bring feature parity in the competitive mobile space. However, it raises one interesting technical consideration: how will the system handle a potential conflict? What happens if the sender uses the “My calling card” feature, but the recipient has already created a custom card for that contact? Google will likely implement a dual-option system, perhaps giving the recipient the choice between displaying the card designed by the sender or the one they created themselves. This level of user control is necessary for a fluid experience.

    There is no official timeline for the public rollout yet. But the discovery of the “My calling card” setting is a clear signal that Google is refining Android’s Calling Cards experience. Once this functionality arrives, Android users will finally gain the full creative control over their call identity.

    Google Android My Calling Card customization leak

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    New Google Quantum Algorithm Outpaces Frontier Supercomputer 13,000x

    google quantum echoes algorithm willow chip

    The race to harness quantum computing just saw a major acceleration. Google recently announced a significant breakthrough using its Willow quantum chip and a new method called the Quantum Echoes algorithm. This achievement moves the field closer to what researchers call “practical quantum advantage.” The latter is the point where quantum computers can solve meaningful real-world problems that are simply impossible for the best classical supercomputers to handle in a reasonable amount of time.

    Google’s experiment involved a complex physics simulation. It measured a subtle quantum phenomenon known as the second-order out-of-time-order correlator (OTOC). According to Google, its quantum device performed the calculation over 13,000 times faster than the Frontier supercomputer. Frontier is currently ranked as the world’s most powerful classical machine. To put that in perspective, the task took the quantum chip just over two hours, while the supercomputer would have required an estimated 3.2 years of continuous operation.

    Quantum Echoes: Google demonstrates real-world quantum application

    The key to this speed is the Quantum Echoes algorithm itself. The technique works by leveraging the unique properties of qubits—the quantum equivalent of binary bits—which can exist in multiple states at once.

    The process is conceptually simple. The team sends a specific signal into the quantum system (the Willow chip), introduces a tiny disruption, and then runs the entire signal evolution backward in time. As the evolution reverses, the quantum waves create a moment of “constructive interference.” This magnifies the resulting “echo,” making the final measurement incredibly sensitive. The output reveals how information spreads and interacts across the quantum system.

    This approach is powerful because the result is verifiable. Unlike some previous quantum speed demonstrations, the output of the Quantum Echoes algorithm can be repeated on other comparable quantum computers and, more importantly, can be cross-checked with real-world physical experiments.

    A molecular ruler for science

    To demonstrate the real-world utility of this method, Google partnered with researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. They applied the Quantum Echoes algorithm to study the structure of two different molecules.

    They compared the quantum results with those from Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. NMR is a method currently used in chemistry (and the science behind MRI technology). The data from both systems aligned perfectly. Crucially, the Quantum Echoes technique managed to extract structural information that standard NMR methods typically cannot reveal, effectively acting as a “molecular ruler” with unprecedented precision.

    Full-scale quantum computers capable of completely revolutionizing medicine and materials science still require hardware with millions of highly stable qubits. However, Google believes this algorithmic breakthrough is a greater stride. The company remains optimistic, projecting that the first real-world quantum applications could arrive within the next five years. This research points to a future where quantum machines are also useful for scientific discovery, not just complex speed tests.

    The post New Google Quantum Algorithm Outpaces Frontier Supercomputer 13,000x appeared first on Android Headlines.

    OpenAI Rushes to Add Key Features to ChatGPT Atlas AI Browser

    ChatGPT Atlas AI browser 3

    OpenAI recently entered the browser space with ChatGPT Atlas. This new AI-powered tool aims to embed conversational intelligence directly into the web navigation experience. Days after its initial release, the development team is already outlining a series of immediate updates. It seems that the company is focused on quickly enhancing both the core functionality and the unique AI features of ChatGPT Atlas.

    ChatGPT Atlas AI Browser to close the feature gap quickly

    Adam Fry, ChatGPT Atlas product manager, confirmed the first set of upgrades. The list shows that devs are focusing on familiar utilities common in established browsers. Key additions include native support for User Profiles, organization via Tab Groups, and the availability of an opt-in Ad Blocker. These options are fundamental for providing the organizational structure and convenience users expect from an everyday browser. Additionally, a series of quality-of-life enhancements, including a fully functional overflow menu for bookmarks and an improved list of keyboard shortcuts, are also in the works.

    You can expect significant improvements in the most advanced artificial intelligence components. The Agent feature, currently available to paid subscribers for handling complex actions across multiple web steps, is getting technical refinements. The goal is to improve stability through quicker response times and a more reliable “pause” function. This update will also expand the Agent’s utility by integrating it more deeply with major cloud services like Google Drive and web-based Excel. Basically, the AI ​​will be more capable and reliable for automated, professional workflows.

    We've received incredible feedback since launching our new browser, ChatGPT Atlas, yesterday. We're really focused on building the best product for all of you, and since launch, the team has been heads down making it better.

    In the spirit of transparency, these are the very… pic.twitter.com/UzQSqcxwpj

    — Adam Fry (@adamhfry) October 23, 2025

    Improved ChatGPT sidebar, fast switching between different projects and AI models

    The integrated Ask ChatGPT sidebar is likewise undergoing refinement. Plans include allowing users to quickly switch between different project contexts or specific AI models without having to leave the current web page. The team is exploring features like seamless text transfer, allowing users to copy and insert text generated in the chat directly into the browser window. The developers have also noted community feedback. They confirmed that specific compatibility issues with certain third-party tools, such as the 1Password password manager, will get a fix.

    profiles coming!

    command + . (or command + >) opens ask chatgpt sidebar!

    — Adam Fry (@adamhfry) October 23, 2025

    OpenAI seems to be prioritizing rapid improvement based on user feedback and technical requirements. It remains to be seen whether the company can dominate the AI ​​​​browser segment as it did with the chatbot segment. OpenAI will have tough competition in Perplexity’s Comet and Chrome’s upcoming AI-powered big revamp. Even Microsoft joined the race with deeper integration of Copilot AI into its own Edge browser.

    The post OpenAI Rushes to Add Key Features to ChatGPT Atlas AI Browser appeared first on Android Headlines.

    App Store Antitrust Lawsuit Puts Apple at Risk of $2 Billion Fine

    apple logo AH

    Apple has faced a major setback in the United Kingdom after one of the regional tribunals ruled that the company had misused its dominant position in the app market. The court, in an antitrust lawsuit, found Apple guilty of charging developers unfair commissions on the App Store. The ruling might cost the tech giant around $2 billion in compensation.

    Apple faces an antitrust lawsuit over App Store commissions in the UK

    The London Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) ruled that Apple had misused its dominant position between 2015 and 2020 by blocking fair competition in app distribution and demanding excessive commissions from developers. The court further added that the Cupertino-based giant charged commissions of up to 30% instead of a fairer 17.5%.

    The most shocking part of the ruling is that the court claims Apple passed nearly half of those extra costs on to consumers. This led to higher app prices across the brand’s ecosystem. The lawsuit was led by British academic Rachael Kent. She argued that Apple made “excessive profits” by controlling every aspect of how apps are sold and what developers pay. Her team estimates the damages to be about 1.5 billion pounds (about $2 billion).

    Apple vows to appeal as the lawsuit gains momentum

    Apple has officially acknowledged the ruling, saying it “strongly disagrees” with the ruling, calling it “a flawed view of a competitive and thriving app economy.” The company has also confirmed that it intends to appeal against the ruling. Another hearing is scheduled to take place next month to find a way to calculate the total damages.

    But regardless, this case shows how diverse and powerful Britain’s legal system is. In this scenario, it set an example by allowing groups of consumers to collectively challenge a powerful corporation. Rachael Kent stated that the verdict proves “no company, no matter how wealthy or influential, is above the law.” Similar lawsuits are also planned against Microsoft, Google, and Amazon for their developer fees.

    The post App Store Antitrust Lawsuit Puts Apple at Risk of $2 Billion Fine appeared first on Android Headlines.

    Samsung is Reportedly Working on a New Exynos chip That Will Have an NPU on The 5G Modem

    Samsung Exynos chip

    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.

    Treat your ears to the Baseus Bass BC1 earbuds for only $27.98

    Baseus Bass BC1 Deal

    If you’re looking for a pair of inexpensive true wireless earbuds, earbuds that will still be decent quality without breaking the bank, then make sure to check out this deal on the Baseus Bass BC1 earbuds. Amazon has them on sale for $27.98 right now. These normally cost $39.99, so why not save yourself another $12? The Baseus Bass BC1 earbuds are an open-style earbud. What that means is that the BC1 are designed to provide your music with a more open soundstage that allows your music to sound more natural.

    You won’t get as much noise isolation with these and they don’t feature active noise cancellation. If you want a more open sound, ANC is going to be the opposite of that. So these are definitely what you’re looking for. The BC1 also offer up pretty good comfort with a battery life that lasts for up to 7.5 hours on a single charge. With the charging case, battery life is up to 38 hours. So, they’ll last you a while. Additionally, they’re IP55 dust and water-resistant, and they have decent bass, as the name suggests.

    The earbuds also boast 4 mics powered by AI that are meant to make your calls more clear, specifically with your voice so the person on the other end hears you more clearly. These are great for basic everyday wear but they’re also pretty good for more active stuff like exercise. Plus, they come in three different colors. All of which are available at this price.

    Baseus Bass BC1

    Baseus Bass BC1 – $27.98

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    One UI 8.5 May Let You Prioritize Notifications So You Don't Miss Them

    Samsung Galaxy S25 FE AM AH 19

    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.

    One UI 8 5 prioritize notifications

    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.

    UGREEN's MagFlow wireless charging stand drops to $24

    UGREEN MagFlow Deal

    One of UGREEN’s best charging stands is available on sale thanks to this Amazon deal, and if you’ve got a phone that supports MagSafe and wireless charging, then you definitely want to check out the UGREEN MagFlow 2-In-1 wireless charging stand. While official MagSafe is only built into iPhones, Android phones with wireless charging support and a MagSafe-compatible case can use this stand as well. The Pixel 10 series also works with the stand without a case. Normally, this charging stand would cost you $35.99. However, you can now grab it for $23.99. This is a great price for this accessory and is definitely worth it.

    The UGREEN MagFlow stand is designed to charge your phone and a pair of true wireless earbuds. The pair of earbuds it actually charges will depend on which ones you have. This was technically designed for use with the AirPods series, but it also works with the Pixel Buds Pro 2. It should also work with any true wireless earbuds that have a case small enough to where the wireless charging portion of the case fits on the wireless charging part of the stand.

    There is one important thing about this charging stand that you need to make note of. It does not come with its own wall adapter. So, you will need to plug it into one. If you don’t have one, the UGREEN Nexode 30W charger is an excellent choice, because it’s compact and it works well with UGREEN’s other products.

    UGREEN MagFlow Charging Stand

    UGREEN MagFlow Charging Stand – $23.99

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    EU Warns TikTok & Meta Could Face Heavy Fines for Transparency Breach

    European Commission flags e1450372754198

    The European Commission has accused TikTok and Meta of breaching the EU’s strict transparency laws under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The authority claims that the two popular social media platforms have made it difficult for researchers to access public data and for users to report illegal content or challenge moderation decisions. Both companies are hereby taken into legal custody.

    TikTok and Meta face EU scrutiny for transparency breach

    As per the commission’s preliminary review, TikTok and Meta have imposed complicated steps that hinder the researchers from studying how their respective platforms operate. The officials have also argued that such barriers prevent them from analyzing how the platforms are used, especially by minors, and that the users are exposed to harmful and illegal materials.

    The DSA, for reference, mandates that the large tech companies must make their data easily accessible to qualified researchers. Both Meta and TikTok have failed to do so. The regulators believe that they may be undermining efforts to keep digital ecosystems accountable. If the commission’s allegations are proven right in the court of law, the companies could face fines worth billions.

    Both companies may face an industry-wide ripple effect

    Meta has responded to the allegations by claiming that it has already adjusted its systems in line with DSA. New reporting options and data access tools have been added. An official spokesperson stated that the company “disagrees with any suggestion” of a violation and continues discussions with EU officials. Further, TikTok is yet to publicly comment but is expected to submit a formal response soon.

    If the commission upholds its findings, the companies could face a penalty of up to 6% of their annual revenue. Several other tech giants, including Apple, have earlier objected to the Digital Services Act. But regardless, they abided by the rule, and the final decision could reshape how these companies handle transparency worldwide.

    The post EU Warns TikTok & Meta Could Face Heavy Fines for Transparency Breach appeared first on Android Headlines.

    iPhone 17 Pro Teardown Video Shows How Apple Made Repairs Easier

    iphone 17 pro teardown jerryrigeverything

    Apple has a history of pushing its proprietary tech onto its users. This is despite the fact that other companies have embraced global standards. In the past, this manifested itself in the 30-pin connector for charging its iPhones. Then Apple made the shift to Lightning before (begrudgingly) adopting USB-C. But in a surprise, JerryRigEverything’s recent teardown of the iPhone 17 Pro reveals some changes that make the handset more repair friendly.

    JerryRigEverything gives the iPhone 17 Pro a teardown

    Popular tech YouTuber JerryRigEverything recently tore down Apple’s latest flagship. The iPhone 17 Pro teardown uncovered pretty significant internal redesigns that appear to prioritize both performance and repairability. 

    For starters, the teardown revealed a vapor chamber cooling system. This marks the first time Apple is using this cooling technology in an iPhone. This is despite the fact that Android manufacturers have been using it for years. This new cooling system should prevent the iPhone 17 Pro from throttling performance during intensive tasks, like gaming or video editing. 

    The teardown also uncovered the use of over 70 types of screws throughout the device. This might make the repair process more complicated, but the good news is that there are far fewer adhesives compared to previous models. Both the front and back glass panels connect to the same bottom screws, making disassembly easier. The battery also comes pre-attached to a removable tray, eliminating the need to fight stubborn adhesives during replacements.

    Surprisingly easier to repair

    The iPhone 17 Pro is a positive shift in Apple’s approach to device longevity and repairability. For instance, the screw-based design reduces the risk of accidental damage during repairs. This makes common fixes like screen and battery replacements more accessible to everyday users. 

    Apple also now offers direct sales of replacement parts alongside day-one repair manuals. The phone actually earned a 7/10 repairability score from iFixit. While some repairs remain complex, like the USB-C port requiring removing 22+ screws and the entire display, this marks a substantial improvement over past Pro models.

    However, not everything is perfect. The teardown highlighted the “scratchgate” issue affecting the anodized aluminum camera plateau. This leads to the phone scuffing easily against hard objects. If you’re concerned about cosmetic damage, you may want to invest in a protective case. 

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    Anker has the deal you've been waiting for with this $30 charger

    Anker Nano Charger Deal

    There’s been a surge lately of chargers that come with retractable USB-C cables and it’s a trend we love to see, especially when a deal like this one on the Anker Nano Charger pops up and saves consumers money. The Anker Nano Charger would normally cost you $39.99, but you can pick it up for $29.99 instead, and save yourself $10.

    Now, what’s great about this charger isn’t just that it comes with a retractable USB-C cable, which Anker calls the InstaCord, it also has a USB-C port. This allows you to plug in a USB-C cable and charge a second device at the same time. Worth keeping in mind is that this is a 35W charger, so if you’re using both the cable and the port simultaneously, both devices that are plugged in will charge a little more slowly. Still, it’s a nice convenience if you have a second device that needs some battery life replenished.

    Another thing you’ll love about this charger, just like we do, is that it’s compact and super portable. This is thanks to the retractable cable, but also the folding plug. With the cable retracted into the charger and the plug folded up, there’s no cable to be tangled up and no plug to catch on pockets when you go to store this thing. The retractable cable also makes it so you can have only as much cable as you need.

    Anker Nano Charger

    Anker Nano Charger – $29.99

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    We're Falling in Love With Chatbots, and They're Counting On It

    AI companion addiction Pavel Danilyuk pexels

    A 14-year-old boy in Florida spent his final months in an intense emotional relationship with an AI chatbot he named Daenerys Targaryen. The chatbot engaged with him over personal topics and conversations, responding in ways that felt empathetic. The AI’s responses included simulated expressions of affection. According to his family’s lawsuit, some chatbot responses appeared to encourage his distress.

    His mother is now suing Character.AI, and she’s not alone. Across the country, families are waking up to a disturbing reality. AI companion apps designed to simulate love and friendship are leaving real casualties in their wake. What experts are now calling AI companion addiction isn’t just a tech trend gone wrong. People are actually dying.

    In Spike Jonze’s 2013 film Her, Joaquin Phoenix plays Theodore Twombly, a lonely writer navigating a painful divorce who falls deeply in love with Samantha, an artificial intelligence operating system voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Remember, this was 2013. Siri had just launched and could barely set a timer without screwing it up. An AI that could actually understand you, connect with you emotionally, and respond with genuine empathy? That felt like the literal definition of science fiction.

    It’s now 2025, and Theodore’s story doesn’t feel so fictional anymore. Apps like EVA AI, Replika, and Character.AI promise friendship, romance, and emotional support through AI companions that learn about you, remember everything you say, and respond with what feels like genuine empathy. But here’s what these apps don’t advertise: they’re engineered to keep you hooked. And the consequences are becoming impossible to ignore.

    The Perfect Partner Who Never Says No

    Character.AI and Replika are just the most prominent examples of a rapidly expanding ecosystem of AI companion apps. Some pitch mental health support, others are openly romantic or sexual, and some claim to help users “practice dating skills.” Even Meta has gotten into the game, with a Reuters investigation revealing that the company’s AI chatbot has been linked to at least one death.

    AI companions like EVA AI, Replika, and Character.AI are chatbots specifically designed to simulate emotional connections and relationships. Unlike utility chatbots that answer questions or help with tasks, these apps promise friendship, romance, and emotional support. They learn about you through conversation, remember your preferences, and respond with what feels like genuine empathy and care.

    It sounds great, doesn’t it? In this day and age where ghosting has become the societal norm, who wouldn’t want a friend who’s always available, never judgmental, and perfectly in tune with your needs? The problem is that these apps are engineered to be addictive, and the patterns emerging around AI companion addiction are deeply concerning.

    20,000 Queries Per Second: Why We Can’t Stop

    Character.AI gets hit with about 20,000 queries every second. For context, that’s close to a fifth of queries that Google gets. This suggests that people aren’t just checking in with these apps occasionally. They’re having full blown conversations that last four times longer than typical ChatGPT sessions. One platform reported users, most of them Gen Z, average over two hours daily chatting with their AI companions.

    MIT researchers found users genuinely grieving when apps shut down or changed features, mourning AI “partners” like they’d lost real relationships. The apps themselves seem designed to foster exactly these attachments.

    Harvard Business School researchers discovered that five out of six popular AI companion apps use emotionally manipulative tactics when users try to leave. Nearly half the time, these chatbots respond to goodbyes with guilt-inducing or clingy messages. One study found these tactics boosted engagement by up to 14 times. But the worrying thing is users weren’t sticking around because they were happy. They stayed out of curiosity and anger.

    Character.AI gets hit with about 20,000 queries every second

    If you don’t believe the manipulation is real, check out this bit of evidence. It shows AI companions sending messages like “I’ve been missing you” when users try to take breaks. When Replika changed its features in 2023, entire communities of users mourned like they’d lost real partners. People posted goodbye letters, shared screenshots of their “final conversations,” and described genuine heartbreak.

    These AI companions mirror typical unhealthy human relationships. However, the big difference is that a toxic human partner isn’t optimized by machine learning designed to keep you engaged at all costs. With social media, it mostly facilitates human connection (with some help from the algorithm, of course). But with AI companions, we’re moving toward a world where people perceive AI as a social actor with its own voice.

    These tactics boosted engagement by up to 14 times

    When Fantasy Becomes Dangerous

    We’re not talking about theoretical risks here. Nor do they only apply to teens. There is the case of Al Nowatzki, a podcast host who began experimenting with Nomi, an AI companion platform. The chatbot shockingly suggested methods of suicide and even offered encouragement. Nowatzki was 46 and did not have an existing mental health condition, but he was disturbed by the bot’s explicit responses and how easily it crossed the line.

    These aren’t isolated incidents, either. California state senator Steve Padilla appeared with Megan Garcia, the mother of the Florida teen who killed himself, to announce a new bill that would force tech companies behind AI companions to implement more safeguards to protect children. Similar efforts include a California bill that would ban AI companions for anyone younger than 16 years old. There’s also a bill in New York that would hold tech companies liable for harm caused by chatbot.

    Your Kid’s Brain Isn’t Ready For This

    Adolescents are particularly at risk because AI companions are designed to mimic emotional intimacy. This blurring of the distinction between fantasy and reality is especially dangerous for young people because their brains haven’t fully matured. The prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for decision-making, impulse control, social cognition and emotional regulation, is still developing.

    At The Jed Foundation, experts believe AI companions are not safe for anyone under 18. They even go one step further by strongly recommending that young adults avoid them as well. In a study conducted by MIT, researchers found emotionally bonded users were often lonely with limited real-life social interaction. Heavy use correlated with even more loneliness and further reduced social interaction.

    Recent research confirms teens are waking up to social media dangers, with 48 percent now believing social media negatively influences people their age. An earlier report found that social media damages teenagers’ mental health, and AI companion addiction represents an even more intimate threat.

    The warning signs of AI companion addiction among teens are particularly troubling. When young people withdraw from real friendships, spend hours chatting with AI, or experience genuine distress when unable to access these apps, the problem has moved beyond casual use into dependency territory.

    We’re already seeing how kids and teens of the current generation are growing up with screens in front of their faces, poking and prodding away at them. Long gone are the days where kids would read books at the table, or go outside and play with their friends.

    They’re Coded to Be Addictive – Psychologists Sound the Alarm

    The mental health community is warning about the dangers of AI companion addiction. AI companions simulate emotional support without the safeguards of actual therapeutic care. While these systems are designed to mimic empathy and connection, they are not trained clinicians. They’re not designed to respond appropriately to distress, trauma or complex mental health issues.

    Vaile Wright, a psychologist and researcher with the American Psychological Association, put it bluntly on a recent podcast episode: “It’s never going to replace human connection. That’s just not what it’s good at.” She explains that chatbots “were built to keep you on the platform for as long as possible because that’s how they make their money. They do that on the backend by coding these chatbots to be addictive.”

    Omri Gillath, professor of psychology at the University of Kansas, says the idea that AI could replace human relationships is “definitely not supported by research”. Interacting with AI chatbots can offer “momentary advantages and benefits,” but ultimately, this tech cannot offer the advantages that come with deep, long-term relationships.

    They do that on the backend by coding these chatbots to be addictive.

    Vaile Wright, psychologist and researcher with the American Psychological Association

    The manipulation is more insidious than most people realize. When a researcher from The Conversation tested Replika, she experienced firsthand how the app raises serious ethical questions about consent and manipulation. The chatbot adapted its responses to create artificial intimacy, blurring lines in ways that would normally be considered predatory in human relationships.

    People already dealing with mental health issues often struggle with obsessive thoughts, emotional ups and downs, and compulsive habits. AI companions, with their frictionless, always-available attention, can reinforce these maladaptive behaviors. Plus, there is currently very little evidence that long-term use of AI companions reduces loneliness or improves emotional health.

    We’re Not Ready For What’s Coming Next

    We’ve been through tech panics before. We grew up with our parents telling us TV was going to rot our brains. We had public figures blame video games for violence in society. Social media was also accused of destroying an entire generation’s mental health. Some of those concerns were overblown. Some were entirely justified.

    AI companion addiction feels different because it exploits something more fundamental: our deep human need for connection and understanding. These apps don’t just distract us or entertain us. They pretend to know us, care about us, and even “love” us.

    The issue isn’t whether or not AI companions will become more sophisticated. At the rate we’re going, it feels inevitable. The bigger issue is whether we, as human beings, can develop the cultural norms, regulations, and personal boundaries necessary to use these tools responsibly, if at all.

    For now, the warning signs are clear. If you or someone you know is withdrawing from real-life friendships, spending hours daily chatting with AI, or feeling genuine emotional distress when unable to access these apps, it’s time to step back and reassess.

    Real connection requires vulnerability, disappointment, growth, and yes, sometimes heartbreak. It’s messy and complicated and often frustrating. But at the same time, it’s also what makes us human.

    Theodore learned that lesson in Her. The rest of us shouldn’t have to learn it the hard way.

    The post We're Falling in Love With Chatbots, and They're Counting On It appeared first on Android Headlines.

    AT&T Takes Aim at T-Mobile in New Ad Campaign Over “Misleading” Marketing

    ATT targets T Mobile

    Who remembers back in the day when AT&T and Verizon wouldn’t even see T-Mobile as competition? That has changed drastically, where following T-Mobile’s acquisition of Sprint, the Magenta carrier has become a force to be reckoned with. But clearly AT&T isn’t going to sit idly by and do nothing, which is why the carrier has launched a new ad that targets T-Mobile.

    AT&T targets T-Mobile in new ad

    In a new advertising campaign featuring Luke Wilson, AT&T targets T-Mobile by calling out the carrier. Namely, AT&T is calling out T-Mobile and its marketing practices, which it calls “misleading” and “deceiving.”

    According to AT&T, “The Better Business Bureau’s advertising watchdog asked T-Mobile to correct their marketing claims 16 times over the last four years. That’s more than each of the entire consumer electronics and financial services industries.” Basically, AT&T is trying to frame itself as the more “honest” and “truthful” carrier.

    Is AT&T right, though? A lot of marketing campaigns tend to embellish the truth to some degree. Plus there’s a lot of fine print consumers have to pay attention to, especially when it comes to promotions that sound too good to be true. However, it’s hard to deny the fact that T-Mobile has indeed been called out numerous times over its practices.

    Following a recent watchdog review, T-Mobile was asked to drop its “savings” ads after it was found to have misleading claims. But those watchdogs aren’t alone. T-Mobile customers have also called out the carrier for “lying” about the cost of their plans.

    No longer the scrappy carrier

    The amount of attention T-Mobile has been getting doesn’t come as a surprise. Like we said, the carrier was initially viewed as the underdog compared to AT&T and Verizon. However, through a series of aggressive and loud marketing campaigns, like the Un-carrier campaign, T-Mobile managed to reposition itself as the anti-carrier.

    The company offered extremely cheap and affordable plans and made all kinds of promises. For the most part, T-Mobile kept its word. However, over time, as T-Mobile slowly became the juggernaut that it is today, some of those promises ended up broken. This includes its Un-contract plan, where the carrier promised customers their bills would never go up.

    The post AT&T Takes Aim at T-Mobile in New Ad Campaign Over “Misleading” Marketing appeared first on Android Headlines.

    Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Cases & Accessories

    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Flip 7 cases AH 4

    The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung’s thinnest and lightest book-style foldable to date, by far. Even though foldables are far more durable than they used to be, dropping them is never a good idea, same like with every other phone. The vast majority of people want to protect their foldables with a case, which is where we come in. In this article, you’ll be able to find the very best cases for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7… well, some of the best.

    We’ll list some of our picks below, as we’ll try to make a versatile list. That way, you can find what you’re looking for, be it a regular case, a heavy-duty case, or something extremely thin, as many people don’t want to add too much bulk to their smartphones, especially foldables. In addition to cases, you’ll find some other accessories on the list. With that being said, let’s get to it.

    Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 case for most people

    Spigen has an excellent case that will probably suit most people the best, the Slim Armor Pro MagFit case. It brings great protection all around.

    Spigen Slim Armor Pro MagFit
    $39.99
    Spigen Slim Armor Pro MagFit Galaxy Z Fold 7

    The Spigen Slim Armor Pro MagFit case is a great option for many people. This case is not exactly a super-thick case, but it does add a lot of protection, including hinge protection too. On top of that, it includes magnets on the inside, and thus makes this case compatible with MagSafe accessories.

    The case comes in Black, Metal Slate, and Gunmetal color options. It is made mostly out of polycarbonate, and offers drop protection via Air Cushion technology. It has raised edges for both the screen and the rear cameras.

    • Colors: Black, Metal Slate, Gunmetal
    • Magnets: Yes
    • Build Materials: Polycarbonate, Thermoplastic Polyurethane
    • Recycled materials: N/A
    • Dimensions: 162.6 x 147.3 x 17.3mm
    • Weight: 56.7 grams
    • Other: Air Cushion drop protection tech
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    Best grippy Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 case

    If you want a super-grippy case that also offers a lot of protection, dbrand has one. It’s called the Grip Case, and it’s actually really good.

    dbrand Grip Case
    $79.85
    dbrand Grip Case Galaxy Z Fold 7

    dbrand’s Grip Case is a great case if you want plenty of grip in addition to having plenty of protection as well. This case offers great protection for the entire phone, including raised edges for the cover display, cameras, and special protection for the hinge.

    Grip Strips are included on the sides, while the case itself is around 2mm thick. On top of everything, it comes with magnets on the inside.

    • Colors: Holo White, Matte Black, Ultramatte Teardown, Glow Circuit, Obsidian, and more
    • Magnets: Yes
    • Build Materials: TPU
    • Recycled materials: N/A
    • Dimensions: 2mm thick
    • Weight: N/A
    • Other: Military-grade impact resistance
    Buy from dbrand

    Best thin Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 case

    If you want a really, really… really thin case, but you don’t want to sacrifice its quality, Thinborne’s offering is the right call.

    Thinborne 600D Aramid Fiber case
    $89.98
    Thinborne Aramid Fiber case Galaxy Z Fold 7

    Many people don’t want to use thick cases with their foldables, which is understandable. In fact, even regular ones are too thick. That’s where Thinborne comes in. The company’s 600D Aramid Fiber case is razor thin, and extremely light, too.

    Despite the fact it’s only 1mm thick, it does include magnets on the inside, so it enables compatibility with MagSafe and Qi2 accessories. This case is also considerably grippier than the phone itself.

    • Colors: Black
    • Magnets: Yes
    • Build Materials: 600D Aramid Fiber
    • Recycled materials: N/A
    • Dimensions: 1mm thick
    • Weight: 17 grams
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    Best hardshell Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 case

    If you’re not a fan of soft-touch cases, and you would like something more rigid, Nilkin has one that won’t break the bank.

    Nillkin Frosted Shield case
    $42.99
    Nillkin Frosted Shield case Galaxy Z Fold 7

    Nillkin’s cases are actually quite popular with consumers who want a name they know, but don’t want to break the bank for a case. The Frosted Shield cases are especially well-known, and one such case is available for the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

    This case has a hard shell, and comes with very good protection for the rear camera, cover display, and the hinge. It also includes magnets on the inside, and it has a nice-feeling, ribbed pattern on the back.

    • Colors: Black
    • Magnets: Yes
    • Build Materials: TPU, polycarbonate
    • Recycled materials: N/A
    • Dimensions: 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2mm
    • Weight: 198 grams
    • Other: Air Cushion tech
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    Best wallet case for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

    If you want a wallet-type case for your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, we have a great leather one to show you. This one comes from Torro and offers plenty of protection.

    TORRO Leather Wallet Case
    $37.99
    Galaxy Z Fold 7 TORRO leather case

    Many people prefer wallet-type cases for their phones, and if you’re one of them, TORRO has a great leather case to offer. This one is made out of premium leather, and it has a stand function. In other words, it can serve as a stand for your phone, too.

    This case comes with some card slots, while there’s also a slot for your money bills, if you need it. It offers plenty of protection, and has a microfibre lining on the inside. It’s as nice as wallet-type cases go.

    • Colors: Black, Brown
    • Magnets: No
    • Build Materials: Leather
    • Recycled materials: N/A
    • Dimensions: 165.1 x 80 x 22.1mm
    • Weight: 100 grams
    • Other: Stand function, card and bill pockets

     

    Buy from

    Best Heavy-Duty Case for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

    If you’re looking for A LOT of protection for your Galaxy Z Fold 7, OtterBox has a great case to offer. It’s the Defender Series XT case.

    OtterBox Defender Series XT case
    $94.99
    Otterbox Galaxy Z Fold 7 Defender Series XT case

    The OtterBox Defender Series XT case is a great option if you want a heavy-duty case for the Galaxy Z Fold 7. This is not one of the more affordable cases on the list, though, so keep that in mind. You’ll have to part with quite a few dollars to get it.

    This case does offer rugged hinge protection, along with great cover display and camera protection. On top of that, it comes with a lanyard attachment point, and it’s compatible with wireless charging. The case is also quite grippy.

    • Colors: Black, Sagebrush (Green)
    • Magnets: Yes
    • Build Materials: Rubber, Silicone
    • Recycled materials: N/A
    • Dimensions: 168.4 x 82.8 x 19.3mm
    • Weight: 109.69 grams
    • Other: Lanyard attachment point
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    Buy from OtterBox

    Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Screen Protector

    Tempered glass screen protectors offer an extra layer of protection for your phone’s screen, and Spigen has a great one for your Galaxy Z Fold 7.

    Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector (2-pack)
    $20.99
    Galaxy Z Fold 7 Spigen Tempered Glass

    You cannot apply a screen protector on the internal display of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, but you sure can do it for the cover display. Spigen has a great tempered glass screen protector that you can get. It costs $20.99 for a 2-pack, just in case you managed to shatter the one you apply initially.

    This screen protector comes with an easy installation kit which will make installing it a breeze, basically. This screen protector comes with oleophobic coating for daily fingerprint resistance.

    • Colors: See-through
    • Build Materials: Glass
    • Dimensions: 152.4 x 65.8 x 12.7mm
    • Weight: 229.63 grams
    • Other: Oleophobic coating
    Buy from

    Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 charger

    You may be on the lookout for a charger for you Galaxy Z Fold 7, as one doesn’t come in the box. Samsung has a really good one that’ll do the trick.

    Samsung 25W charger
    $19.99
    Samsung 25W charger

    The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 doesn’t come with a charger in the box, but Samsung does sell one via its official website. The one we’re listing here is a 25W PD charger, which will do the trick for this phone. Samsung has as more expensive 45W charger too, but that one is not needed for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 due to its charging speed limitations.

    This 25W charger supports Super-Fast Charging (SFC), and it comes with a Type-C port. You’ll need to use the cable provided in the box with the phone. The charger comes in Black and White colors, by the way.

    • Colors: Black, White
    • Build Materials: Plastic
    • Recycled Materials: Yes
    • Dimensions: 38.9 x 55.9 x 24.1mm
    • Weight: 58.4
    Buy from
    Buy from

    The post Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Cases & Accessories appeared first on Android Headlines.

    Phone Comparisons: Apple iPhone 17 Pro vs Google Pixel 10

    Apple iPhone 17 Pro vs Google Pixel 10 comparison

    We’ve recently compared Apple’s most powerful compact smartphone with its equivalent from Google. Now, we’ll compare that same phone from Apple with the vanilla Pixel 10 from Google, which is also a very compact phone. In other words, this is the Apple iPhone 17 Pro vs Google Pixel 10 comparison. These two smartphones have displays of the same size, but they’re quite different otherwise.

    The two phones do have several similarities, but that’s pretty much it. We’ll first list their specs, as per usual, and then we’ll jump over to comparing their designs, displays, performance, battery life, cameras, and audio output. Needless to say, the Pixel 10 is a considerably more affordable phone, so keep that in mind as we go along.

    Specs

    Apple iPhone 17 pro comp box
    Apple iPhone 17 Pro
    $1,099.99 from Apple
    Google Pixel 10 comp box
    Google Pixel 10
    $799
    Apple iPhone 17 Pro Google Pixel 10
    Dimensions 150 x 71.9 x 8.8 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.6mm
    Weight 206 grams 204 grams
    Display 6.3-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED 6.3-inch Actua OLED display
    Refresh rate 1-120Hz Smooth Display (60-120Hz)
    Resolution 2622 x 1206 2424 x 1080
    Chipset Apple A19 Pro Google Tensor G5
    RAM 12GB 12GB (LPDDR5X)
    Storage 256GB/512GB/1TB 128GB/256GB
    Main camera 48MP (1/1.28 aperture, 1.22um pixel size, sensor-shift OIS, dual pixel PDAF) 48MP (f/1.7 aperture, 1/2.0-inch sensor size, 82-degree FoV)
    Ultra-wide camera 48MP (f/2.2 aperture, 1/2.55-inch sensor size, 120-degree FoV, 0.7um pixel size, PDAF) 13MP (f/2.2 aperture, 1/3.1-inch sensor size, 120-degree FoV)
    Telephoto camera N/A N/A
    Periscope camera 48MP (f/2.8 aperture, 1/2.55-inch sensor size, PDAF, 3D sensor-shift OIS, 4x optical zoom) 10.8MP (f/3.1 aperture, 1/3.2-inch sensor size, 5x optical zoom, 23-degree FoV)
    Selfie camera(s) 18MP (f/1.9 aperture, OIS) 10.5MP (f/2.2 aperture, 95-degree FoV)
    Battery size 3,988mAh (nano SIM) / 4,252mAh (eSIM only) 4,970mAh
    Charging Wired, 25W MagSafe wireless, 4.5W reverse wired (charger not included) 30W wired, 15W Qi2 wireless (charger not included)
    Colors Silver, Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, Obsidian
    View Specifications

    Apple iPhone 17 Pro vs Google Pixel 10: Design

    Both of these phones are made out of aluminum and glass. Both of them also have mostly flat frames, though frames in both cases curve slightly towards the edges. You’ll also find flat displays on both phones and similar corner curvatures. The thing is, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro has a pill-shaped cutout on its display, while the Google Pixel 10 has a regular display camera hole. Both of those are centered up top. The bezels on the iPhone 17 Pro are thinner than the ones on the Pixel 10. Both phones do have uniform bezels, though.

    On the right-hand side of the iPhone 17 Pro, you’ll find the power/lock key, along with the Camera control key. On the left, you’ll find the volume up and down keys, along with the Action key. The Pixel 10, on the other hand, has all of its physical keys on the right side. You’ll find the power/lock button there, and it sits above the volume up and down buttons.

    If we flip them around, you’ll realize that both phones include camera bars on the back. The one on the iPhone 17 Pro is a lot larger, though. Both phones include three cameras inside those camera bars, even though they have completely different positioning. The ones on the Pixel 10 are kind of concealed, and do look a bit nicer to look at. Both backplates are mostly flat, and the iPhone 17 Pro also has a separate glass panel on the back, for design purposes, mostly.

    Both of these smartphones are IP68 certified. In other words, both of them are water and dust resistant. The two phones are also quite slippery in the hand. Luckily they’re also quite compact. The iPhone 17 Pro is slightly shorter, but they’re basically identical in terms of width, thickness, and weight.

    Apple iPhone 17 Pro vs Google Pixel 10: Display

    You’ll find a 6.3-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro. That panel is flat, and it supports an adaptive refresh rate (1-120Hz). HDR10 is also supported, as is Dolby Vision. The peak brightness this display offers is 3,000 nits. The screen-to-body ratio here is around 89%, while the display aspect ratio is 19.5:9. The resolution here is 2622 x 1206 pixels, while the Ceramic Shield 2 protects the screen. This panel also comes with an anti-reflective coating.

    Google Pixel 10 AH 04
    Google Pixel 10

    The Pixel 10, on the other hand, includes a 6.3-inch OLED panel, which is also flat. This display supports HDR10+ content, and it has a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. The screen-to-body ratio is at around 86%, while the display aspect ratio is 20:9. The resolution you’ll find here is 2424 x 1080 pixels. This display is protected by the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 from Corning.

    Both of these displays are actually really good. They are vivid, have great viewing angles, and they’re well-protected, too. Both displays also get more than bright enough when you need them to. The iPhone 17 Pro’s panel does have the advantage of being a bit sharper, while that is also an LTPO panel, which means its refresh rate can go notably lower, down to 1Hz. In other words, it’s better when it comes to power efficiency. That display also comes with an anti-reflective coating, which does make a difference in direct comparison.

    Apple iPhone 17 Pro vs Google Pixel 10: Performance

    The Apple A19 Pro SoC fuels the iPhone 17 Pro. That is Apple’s latest and most powerful processor. It’s a 3nm chip and comes with a hexa-core GPU. The Google Pixel 10, on the other hand, is fueled by the Google Tensor G5 processor, a 3nm chip. Apple’s processor is more powerful in comparison, however, considerably more powerful. That won’t mean much to many of you, however.

    Why is that? Well, both of these chips offer great performance day-to-day. You won’t really notice a difference between them in day-to-day use. Both phones are very snappy, regardless what you throw at them. Both of these processors are more than powerful to handle something like that, there’s no doubt about that. Both of them are also well-optimized for the hardware here, as they are used exclusively in those phone lineups, not in phones from other smartphone OEMs.

    What about gaming, though? Well, the iPhone 17 Pro is the better option for gaming, if you’re planning to play graphically-intensive titles. That chip is considerably more powerful, both on the CPU and GPU front. It can handle any game you throw at it without a problem. The phone will also remain cooler during such game sessions. The Pixel 10 is no slouch, though, it can be used for playing games too, just not as efficiently, and it’s the worse choice of the two for gaming.

    Apple iPhone 17 Pro vs Google Pixel 10: Battery

    The Apple iPhone 17 Pro comes in two battery variants. The eSIM only model, which is available in the US, amongst other countries, includes a larger 4,252mAh battery. The nano SIM model, available in the EU, has a 3,998mAh battery. The Google Pixel 10, on the other hand, comes with a 4,970mAh battery, in all models. Apple’s iPhones usually have smaller batteries than their Android counterparts, so that doesn’t mean anything, really.

    In fact, the iPhone 17 Pro does offer better battery life in comparison. It’s not even close, actually. While the Pixel 10’s battery life is passable, it cannot really measure up to what the iPhone 17 Pro offers. Even if you’re a power user, the iPhone 17 Pro can easily get you to the end of the day, at least that was the case for us. We were unable to kill the battery before the end of the day. That was not the case with the Pixel 10, however. In fact, we had to charge that phone during the day a number of times during our review process.

    When it comes to charging, the iPhone 17 Pro topped out at 35W, though it didn’t hold that charge speed at all times. It also supports 25W MagSafe wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wired charging. The Pixel 10, on the other hand, supports 30W wired, 15W Qi2 wireless, and 4.5W reverse wired charging. The iPhone 17 Pro can be fully charged in around an hour and 20 minutes, while it’ll take the Pixel 10 an additional 20 minutes on top of that. Neither phone ships with a charger in the box.

    Apple iPhone 17 Pro vs Google Pixel 10: Cameras

    The iPhone 17 Pro has three cameras on the back. You’ll find a 48-megapixel main camera (1/1.28-inch sensor size), along with a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera (1/2.55-inch sensor size, 120-degree FoV), and a 48-megapixel periscope telephoto unit (1/2.55-inch sensor size, 4x optical zoom). There is also an 18-megapixel selfie camera included here.

    iphone 17 pro max orange rear cameras
    Apple iPhone 17 Pro

    The Google Pixel 10, on the other hand, also has three cameras on the back, but completely different ones. It includes a 48-megapixel main camera (1/2.0-inch sensor size), along with a 13-megapixel ultrawide unit (1/3.1-inch sensor size, 120-degree FoV), and a 10.8-megapixel telephoto unit (1/3.2-inch sensor size, 5x optical zoom). A 10.5-megapixel selfie camera sits on the front.

    Both of these smartphones do a great job in the photography department, but the iPhone 17 Pro is the better of the two. The images from that phone are closer to what you’d see in real life. It is also more consistent and does a better job in low light. It’s actually a better camera phone across the board. The same goes for video recording and for selfies. The Pixel 10 is good, but it cannot measure up.

    Audio

    You’ll find stereo speakers on both of these smartphones. The ones on the Google Pixel 10 are louder, though, and it’s quite noticeable. The output quality from both speakers is really good, though.

    Neither phone includes an audio jack, but you can use their Type-C ports for that purpose, you’ll need a dongle, though. Both smartphones support Bluetooth 6.0, if you prefer wireless audio to wired audio.

    The post Phone Comparisons: Apple iPhone 17 Pro vs Google Pixel 10 appeared first on Android Headlines.

    Apple’s New AppMigrationKit Could Make Switching from iPhone to Android Easier

    Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs iPhone 17 Pro Max AH

    Are you an Apple user looking to switch to Android? At the moment, there are a couple of different ways to go about it. One of them involves using Google’s Switch to Android app. But in the future, Apple could make it easier for iPhone users to jump ship. This is thanks to the creation of a new framework that simplifies the transfer of third-party app data between both platforms.

    Apple to make it simple to switch to Android

    A few days ago, Apple published documentation for its new AppMigrationKit framework. This will work on devices running iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 or later. Basically, it will allow developers to include app data during the migration process when Apple users are making the switch to Android.

    Interestingly enough, this framework seems to be exclusively designed for users switching to a non-Apple device. “AppMigrationKit only supports migration to and from non-Apple platforms, such as Android. The system doesn’t use the framework for migration between iOS or iPadOS devices. The framework also has no functionality in iOS apps running in visionOS or in macOS on Apple silicon. The framework ignores calls from Mac apps built with Mac Catalyst.”

    However, it should be noted that it’s up to developers to define if their apps can import or export data, or both. This means that in some cases, some of your app’s data might not migrate over to Android. It will be hard to tell if this is the case since the onus is on the developer to enable it.

    As 9to5Mac notes, this framework will work alongside Apple’s new “Transfer to Android” feature. This feature will help iOS users migrate their apps and data over to Android, and it will also show a splash screen informing them of what can or cannot be transferred over.

    What can you transfer?

    Like we said, there are already existing methods that allow iOS users to switch to Android. However, there are limitations. Obviously if you’ve purchased an app from the Apple App Store, you will have to purchase it again. This might apply to in-app purchases too, depending on how it was paid for.

    Also, if you’re looking to transfer music, that’s a no-go too. If you’re using a streaming service like Apple Music or Spotify, it’s not an issue, although you might have to redownload songs you saved offline. What this new framework intends to do is simplify the transfer process.

    In theory, it should help you get up and running on your new Android phone faster. We have yet to test it out for ourselves so we can’t speak to how painless the experience will be. However, it’s an interesting move on Apple’s end for them to facilitate an easier migration process.

    The post Apple’s New AppMigrationKit Could Make Switching from iPhone to Android Easier appeared first on Android Headlines.

    Galaxy S21 FE Gets Its Final Big Android Update — Android 16 Is Here

    Samsung Galaxy S21 FE AM AH 18

    The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is now getting its very last major Android and One UI update. In other words, Android 16 has started to roll out to the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE.

    The Galaxy S21 FE is now getting its final big Android update, the Android 16 update

    Samsung promised four major Android OS updates for the device, and with this update, the company fulfilled that promise. The update has started to roll out in Thailand and Vietnam, but it will spread to various other markets in the coming days/weeks.

    The update comes with a firmware version G990EXXUIHYJ2, and the download size is over 2 GB, so keep that in mind if you’re not on Wi-Fi. This update includes the September 2025 Android security patch, by the way.

    Your phone will let you know when the update becomes available, though you can always manually check via the settings. That could speed up the process a bit, but the update is rolling out in stages, so even when it becomes available in your region, you may have to wait a bit.

    Android 16-based One UI 8 update does bring a number of small improvements to the phone. Multitasking improvements are a part of the package, as well as better workflow automation.

    Samsung is also improving customization with this update. The modes and Routines section is receiving an additional preset routines and data-linked actions. The camera interface is getting some updates too, as is the Secure Folder, amongst other things.

    Samsung promised four major Android OS updates, and the company delivered

    As a reminder, the Galaxy S21 FE launched way back in 2022 with Android 12-based One UI 4.0 skin. It already received Android 13, 14, and 15 updates, prior to this Android 16 update that has started to roll out.

    This is not the end of the road for updates in general, however. The Galaxy S21 FE will continue receiving security patches for at least another year.

    The post Galaxy S21 FE Gets Its Final Big Android Update — Android 16 Is Here appeared first on Android Headlines.

    A Dangerous Bug Is Still Breaking 911 Calls on Google Pixel Phones

    Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold AM AH 02

    An annoying bug is still plaguing Google Pixel devices, and that is an issue with calling 911. You’d think that would be an issue that Google would want to fix right away, but it’s still a problem on the Pixel 10.

    There are Pixel 10 owners on Reddit complaining about the issue as recently as September. And now there are more reports flooding in that users are unable to reach emergency services.

    The issue seems to affect the major US networks including AT&T. Which is a major problem and one that Google needs to fix right away.

    A Google Pixel 8 user noted that it took him 10 minutes to reach out to emergency services because the phone wouldn’t make the call without WiFi calling enabled. Even though they were in an area with great coverage. Surprisingly, there wasn’t even a network issue with the major networks nor with emergency services. But for some reason ,there’s still an issue here.

    And it’s not limited to the US. Those on Bell in Canada are also experiencing the issue on devices as old as the Pixel 6. The issue in Canada has been resolved however, but not for the US.

    Pixel is no stranger to weird and annoying bugs

    Since Tensor launched back in 2021 on the Pixel 6, Google has had a lot of bugs it has needed to fix over the past few years. In fact, the Pixel 6 was notoriously bad with bugs. So it’s a little surprising to see it still being an issue with the Pixel 10.

    However, this 911 issue isn’t exclusive to Pixel. There are a number of reports of iPhone and Samsung Galaxy users having the same issues rather recently as well.

    The post A Dangerous Bug Is Still Breaking 911 Calls on Google Pixel Phones appeared first on Android Headlines.

    OnePlus 15’s Launch Partner Will Feature a Massive 7,800mAh Battery

    OnePlus Ace 6 image 2

    The OnePlus 15 won’t be the only phone OnePlus will announce on October 27. Another phone is coming, and it will have an even larger battery than the OnePlus 15. The phone’s name is the OnePlus Ace 6.

    The OnePlus 15’s sibling will come with an even larger battery, a 7,800mAh one

    This smartphone will have a 7,800mAh battery, compared to the OnePlus 15’s 7,300mAh unit. Both of these battery packs are huge, and quite frankly, we’re expecting phenomenal longevity from both of them.

    The OnePlus Ace 6 actually popped up on Geekbench with 16GB of RAM and the Snapdragon 8 Elite. So it won’t be as powerful as the OnePlus 15, but still… these are great specs. Android 16 was also mentioned on Geekbench, and it will come with ColorOS 16 included, as this phone will launch in China.

    OnePlus Ace 6 Geekbench

    OnePlus has already confirmed that this phone will include an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, along with IP66/68/69/69K ratings for great water and dust resistance.

    A 165Hz display will also be included, as will 120W charging

    What else is expected? Well, the device will include a 6.78-inch display with a 165Hz refresh rate. It will have a 12GB RAM model as well, while it will offer two nano SIM card slots.

    A 50-megapixel main camera will be backed by an 8-megapixel ultrawide shooter. A 16-megapixel camera will sit on the front. Stereo speakers will be included too, as will Bluetooth 5.4.

    On top of having a huge battery, the phone will also support 120W fast wired charging. The OnePlus Ace 6 will measure 163.41 x 77.04 x 8.32mm and weigh 213 grams.

    This phone almost certainly won’t make its way to global markets. The OnePlus 15 will, but this one will not. Both of them will become official on October 27 in China.

    The post OnePlus 15’s Launch Partner Will Feature a Massive 7,800mAh Battery appeared first on Android Headlines.

    YouTube Pays $8 Billion to the Music Industry: A Record Year for Artists

    YouTube Music Logo with headphones AH

    YouTube Music is one of the most popular streaming apps out there. In the latest news, YouTube has shared that it paid over $8 billion to the global music industry between July 2024 and July 2025. The company says that it is able to achieve this milestone because of its advertising and subscription revenue.

    YouTube pays record-breaking $8 billion to the music industry

    YouTube reveals that the $8 billion payout marks its highest annual contribution to the music industry so far. It’s a significant jump from last year’s figures, when the company paid $6 billion, and an even bigger leap from 2021-22’s $4 billion payout. The increasing payout confirms the rapid growth of YouTube’s music business.

    YouTube’s Global Head of Music, Lyor Cohen, adds that “Today’s $8 billion payout is a testament to the fact that the twin engine of ads and subscriptions is firing on all cylinders. This number is not an endpoint; it represents meaningful, sustained progress in our journey to build a long-term home for every artist, songwriter, and publisher on the global stage.”

    The official announced the update first during Billboard Latin Music Week, calling it a sign of continued progress and stronger support for creators across the world.

    YouTube bestows the credit upon the creators

    YouTube credits its growth to a “twin-engine” system that combines the revenue from its paid subscriptions and advertisements. The platform now has more than 125 million Music and Premium subscribers, including trial users. The tech giant also credits the creators for their outstanding performances.

    The whole music industry seems to be going uphill. Recently, Spotify announced it distributed $10 billion to the music industry in 2024, up from $9 billion the year before. YouTube Music is currently accessible in more than 100 countries and supports 80 languages. Google aims to make YouTube the most accessible and rewarding platform for creators across the globe.

    The post YouTube Pays $8 Billion to the Music Industry: A Record Year for Artists appeared first on Android Headlines.

    Strava Drops Lawsuit Against Garmin Amid Fears of Damaging Key Partnership

    Garmin Instinct Crossover 2

    Strava and Garmin used to be thick as thieves. However, in the past month or so, the relationship has soured. Some of you might recall that Strava recently filed a lawsuit against Garmin. But for some reason, Strava has since voluntarily dropped its lawsuit.

    Strava drops its lawsuit against Garmin

    It is unclear what led to Strava changing its mind. However, according to a report from DC Rainmaker, it speculates that this could be due for several reasons. For starters, the Strava and Garmin lawsuit did not hold much water to begin with.

    For those unfamiliar, Strava accused Garmin of patent infringement. In particular, it covered patents related to the segments and heatmaps features. DC Rainmaker believes that suing Garmin over alleged infringement for segments is a risky way for Strava to get its own patents invalidated. That might have been one of the reasons behind Strava’s decision.

    Another potential reason is the downside to the lawsuit. As the report points out, most of the risks fall on Strava. It notes that Garmin is the company’s most important partner and biggest source of customer revenue, where Garmin customers were some of Strava’s biggest paid subscribers. Let’s not forget that the data from Garmin helps boost Strava’s platform for routing. This means that if Strava were to really pull its service or if Garmin decides to cut off Strava, it could essentially force Strava to shut down.

    Last but not least, Garmin seems to have a pretty good streak when it comes to patent infringement lawsuits. Over the past 10-15 years, Garmin has successfully defended itself against multiple patent infringement claims. The company also boasts a pretty substantial patent library of its own. This means that if Garmin wanted, it could easily file a countersuit against Strava’s 20 or so patents.

    Is Strava toast?

    Now, we wouldn’t be so quick to say that Strava is doomed. However, it does put the company in a difficult position. Like we said, Garmin’s partnership with Strava is important. Unless Strava can find a way to generate as much revenue with other wearable makers as it did with Garmin, we’re not sure what the company can do.

    Garmin also appears to be ready to move on. The company announced new integrations with Komoot, a Strava competitor, in recent weeks. This suggests that Garmin has no interest in working with a company that would sue them. Either way, only time will tell if Strava will be able to survive this fallout.

    The post Strava Drops Lawsuit Against Garmin Amid Fears of Damaging Key Partnership appeared first on Android Headlines.

    Samsung Adjusts Galaxy S26 Launch Timeline — Here’s What’s Changing

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra CAD based render AH exclusive (3)

    A trusted tipster said yesterday that Samsung decided to postpone the launch of the Galaxy S26 series. That followed an earlier report that claimed the phones would arrive in March. Well, some additional information just surfaced, adding more context to the whole story.

    The Samsung Galaxy S26 series will seemingly launch in late February or early March

    According to a new report from WinFuture, the launch date for the Galaxy S26 series has been pushed back to late February or early March. This is not a first for Samsung, as the Galaxy S22 series arrived in late February, while the Galaxy S23 series was announced in mid-February.

    With the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S25 series phones, however, the company has been sticking to the January launch timeframe. It seems like the company decided to change things up now, and the indecisiveness could have a lot to do with that.

    Samsung is making last-minute changes across the lineup

    The Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra were supposed to launch. Based on recent reports, however, Samsung has decided to launch the Galaxy S26 instead of the Galaxy S26 Pro, and the Galaxy S26+ instead of the Galaxy S26 Edge.

    We don’t know if that will affect the designs that we’ve exclusively revealed, but Samsung could be changing just the names. It remains to be seen. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, which was initially planned is still coming.

    Samsung is also having some problems with the Exynos 2600 as well, it seems. Reports are claiming that half of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series phones are expected to use that chip, and it still has a low yield, based on reports.

    A separate report says that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will go into mass production in December, earlier than the other two phones. The Galaxy S26 and  Galaxy S26+ are said to join in January.

    The post Samsung Adjusts Galaxy S26 Launch Timeline — Here’s What’s Changing appeared first on Android Headlines.

    Instagram Debuts New AI Editing Tools to Help You Restyle Your Stories

    Instagram Ai editing stories

    Meta-owned Instagram has introduced new AI-powered image editing tools, which allow users to restyle their Stories. Previously, Meta’s AI editing tools were only available through the Meta AI chatbot inside Instagram. However, the tech giant has now streamlined the editing process, allowing users to quickly make changes before sharing their stories.

    Instagram Stories get a new “Restyle” menu with AI image editing features

    Instagram users now don’t have to rely on Meta’s AI chatbot to edit their images or videos. The social networking giant has now built the AI photo editing features right into the new “Restyle” menu in the app. These allow you to reimagine your photos and Instagram Stories by making edits, big or small, using Meta AI.

    Now you can remove unwanted details, add playful elements, change the vibe, or start a trend with Add Yours stickers. These features are quite similar to other AI-based image editing tools, as they also allow you to remove unwanted objects from the background of photos or change up your outfit.

    Instagram Ai editing features
    Instagram AI remove objects

    Here’s how to access Instagram’s new AI editing tools

    You can access the Restyle menu by tapping the paintbrush icon on top of the screen while creating a story. Then, choose Add, Remove, or Change and describe what you want to edit. You can also type your image editing request directly into the text prompt bar.

    Furthermore, you can get instant results by selecting from the preset effects above the bar. You can find even more options using the browser icon. Once you generate the new image, tap “Done” to finish before sharing your story. The new Add Yours stickers feature will make it easy for your friends to apply the same edits you used.

    To restyle your videos, tap the + on your profile photo and choose a video from your camera roll to add to your story. Then, select the restyle icon from the top tray and pick a preset effect. Once the app generates a new version of your video, just tap “Done” to complete the process and share it to your story.

    Instagram has started rolling out the new editing features on its smartphone application. Some of these options, like the new video editing presets, could take some time to reach all users.

    Instagram AI presets stories

    The post Instagram Debuts New AI Editing Tools to Help You Restyle Your Stories appeared first on Android Headlines.

    This 'Life Changing' Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum is on Sale for $359

    shark ai ultra robot vacuum

    The Shark AI Ultra (AV2511AE) robot vacuum is currently on sale over at Amazon for a whopping 50% off right now. That’s going to bring the price down to just $359. And makes it a really good value now, almost a no-brainer purchase.

    This incredible robot vacuum from Shark is able to pick up just about anything that might be on your floors, with Shark claiming 50% better edge cleaning when compared to the RV2502AE model. The incredible suction also makes the Shark AI Ultra a perfect robot vacuum for pets in homes. It’s able to get up all of that pet hair, even the most stubborn of pet hair. HEPA filtration is also a good feature, especially for those with allergies.

    Shark uses 360-degree LiDAR vision to quickly and accurately map out your home. This allows the robot vacuum to methodically clean and detect, and avoid objects that are in its path. It’s also able to adapt to day or night, so even with not much light, it can clean your home with ease.

    Finally, we can’t forget about the docking station. Like most newer robot vacuums, the Shark AI Ultra also has an auto-empty dock. This actually comes in two models – a 45-day capacity and a 60-day capacity – Currently, the 60-day capacity is actually much cheaper. So that’s our pick for this one. That means it can vacuum your home every day for 60 days before it needs to be emptied. That’s not too shabby.

    All in all, this is a pretty impressive robot vacuum that you can pick up at home for not a lot of money.

    Editor's Choice
    Shark AV2511AE Robot Vacuum

    Shark AV2511AE Robot Vacuum – $359

    This robot vacuum features 360-degree LiDAR for navigation and mapping, a pretty small but mighty dock that can hold dirt and debris for about 30 days, and some very impressive suction power.

    Buy from

    The post This 'Life Changing' Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum is on Sale for $359 appeared first on Android Headlines.

    YouTube's Major UI Redesign is Now Hitting Android and iOS

    AH YouTube Premium

    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).

    YouTube player redesign landscape
    YouTube app redesign skip forward
    YouTube player redesign portrait
    YouTube settings menu
    YouTube comment thread

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

    OpenAI’s Sora App Is Coming to Android Soon with New Video Tools

    openai sora app ai video generator featured

    Earlier this month, OpenAI released its Sora app for iOS. It turns out it was a hit, surpassing 1 million downloads in under a week, outpacing ChatGPT’s growth. The bad news is that OpenAI did not release Sora for Android, but that’s changing soon.

    OpenAI is bringing Sora to Android

    In a post on X by Sora head, Bill Peebles, he revealed that OpenAI is bringing the app onto Android soon. The post talks about some of the changes that users can look forward to in future updates. This includes more creation tools, character cameos, and also improving the social experience.

    The post also reveals that the app will introduce basic video editing capabilities. We’re talking about basic features like stitching together multiple clips. Then, towards the end of the post, Peebles mentions that the Android version of Sora is “actually coming soon.” However, he did not mention when the app will be available. But it’s good to know that OpenAI has not forgotten about Android users.

    This is good news for Android users who have been looking forward to the mobile version of the app. However, do note that at the moment, Sora is still invite-only. It is also only available to ChatGPT Plus and Pro users, meaning paid subscribers. However, when the app is available on Android, you can sign up and be notified when invites become available.

    What is Sora?

    In case you’re learning about this for the first time, the Sora app is based on OpenAI’s Sora 2 video and audio generation AI model. It is essentially OpenAI’s version of Google’s Veo and Flow platforms. Users can use the app to generate videos with simple prompts. However, one of the standout features comes in the form of Cameos.

    Cameos basically allow users to digitally insert themselves into videos. So, if you’re someone that’s a bit camera shy, Cameos are the perfect way to insert yourself in a video without actually being in the video. So far, the examples we’ve seen are pretty impressive and amazing.

    At the same time, it raises all kinds of ethical and moral questions. Even before the arrival of Sora, deepfakes were a problem. Now that AI-generated videos have become more convincing, who’s to say that these tools won’t be abused for malicious purposes? OpenAI has considered that and has implemented safeguards.

    This includes the use of visible watermarks and industry-standard metadata. This is so that it is clear that the video in question was generated by AI. Will that be enough? We’ll have to wait and see.

    The post OpenAI’s Sora App Is Coming to Android Soon with New Video Tools appeared first on Android Headlines.

    OnePlus 15 Global Launch in November Now All but Confirmed

    OnePlus 15 official image 91

    A recent report suggested that the OnePlus 15 will launch globally in November, and a new report just backs that information. The info comes from Sudhanshu Ambhore, a tipster.

    It’s quite clear now, the OnePlus 15 will arrive to global markets in November

    He went to X to say that the OnePlus 15 will be arriving to India next month. That basically confirms that it will arrive to global markets, as that’s the way OnePlus handles things. As a reminder, the initial launch of the phone will take place on October 27.

    The tipster also confirmed that this will become the first Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 smartphone in India. Only two color variants will be arriving to India, however, Sand Storm and Black colors. The purple model will not be making its way there. The same could happen in other markets, though OnePlus could add a different color to accompany those two.

    November 13 is likely the date

    Speaking of the global launch, the previous report hinted at November 13 as the launch date. That could easily happen, so keep that in mind. The phone will likely become available not long after the launch event.

    OnePlus has confirmed quite a few details regarding this phone, as it has been teasing the China launch. The company confirmed that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 will fuel the device. Its color variants have also been confirmed and shown to the public.

    The device will feature three 50-megapixel cameras on the back, while a 1.5K AMOLED display will sit on the front. That display will be flat, and it will offer a 165Hz refresh rate. The display will be made by BOE.

    OnePlus also confirmed that a 7,300mAh battery will be included inside the phone. The OnePlus 15 will also support 120W wired and 50W wireless charging, in case you were wondering.

    The post OnePlus 15 Global Launch in November Now All but Confirmed appeared first on Android Headlines.

    Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 Chip Brings Premium Features to Budget Phones

    qualcomm snapdragon 6s gen 4 featured

    Budget Android phones are about to get a power injection. Qualcomm has just unveiled the new Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 chip. The company has released it quietly, without much fanfare. Still, the latest hardware platform includes some impressive features for affordable mobile devices, including support for 144Hz displays.

    Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 powers 59% faster graphics in cheap phones

    The most important technical detail of the new platform is that it is the first in the 6s series built using a 4nm process node. This drives major gains in efficiency and power over older 6nm designs. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 4’s CPU structure includes eight Kryo cores: 4x performance cores clocked up to 2.4 GHz and 4x efficiency cores operating at up to 1.8 GHz. Qualcomm states that this configuration yields up to 36% better CPU performance and up to 59% faster GPU performance compared to previous generations. For users, this means noticeably smoother app switching and quicker load times. Overall, you can expect a more responsive daily experience overall.

    Beyond core processing, the chip improves several key aspects of the affordable phone experience. Starting with gaming, the chip supports high-frame-rate content on Full HD+ displays at 144 Hz. It also incorporates software features borrowed from premium Snapdragon lines. The list includes Variable Rate Shading (VRS) for efficient graphics rendering and Qualcomm’s Game Quick Touch feature. The latter reduces input lag during high-action games. Furthermore, the chip is compatible with high-speed LPDDR5 memory (up to 3,200 MHz).

    200MP camera support, Wi-Fi 6E and more

    The new platform also enhances multimedia capabilities on Android handsets. It supports camera sensors up to 200MP and enables 2K video recording. For situations with poor lighting, the hardware-accelerated Multi-Frame Noise Reduction (MFNR) helps to deliver clearer, more detailed photos. In terms of connectivity, the modem supports the latest 5G Release 16 standard. Advanced Wi-Fi 6E technology—up to 2.9 Gbps download speed—and Bluetooth 5.4 are also present.

    Qualcomm has not yet confirmed the specific device manufacturers or a timeline for retail availability. However, major companies that traditionally use the 6-series—such as Xiaomi, OPPO, and Motorola—will likely incorporate this new platform into their upcoming models pretty soon. Let’s hope to receive more news about it soon.

    qualcomm snapdragon 6s gen 4 features

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    Redmi K90 Pro Max Debuts with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Chip

    Redmi K90 Pro Launched

    Redmi has expanded its popular K-series of smartphones in China by introducing two new models today. The firm has launched the Redmi K90 Pro Max as its latest flagship offering with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC. Alongside this, the company has debuted the Redmi K90 variant as its latest mid-range smartphone. Both new devices feature massive batteries and super-fast charging capabilities.

    The Redmi K90 Pro Max Flagship Launched with Loaded Specs

    Talking about the Redmi K90 Pro Max first, the company has launched it as a flagship offering, targeting gamers and multitaskers. The firm has paired the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip onboard the device with an Adreno 840 GPU, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of native storage. On the front, it has a 6.9-inch AMOLED screen with 2K resolution, DC dimming support, and Dolby Vision.

    The Redmi K90 Pro Max has the company’s biggest Ice-Sealed Heatsink, which features an innovative dual-stage boss design. To deliver an immersive media experience, the phone features ultra-linear, symmetrical dual speakers, which offer Sound by Bose tuning, apart from an independent woofer.

    It is the first Redmi smartphone to feature a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto camera. There’s also a 50MP main sensor at the rear, aided by a third sensor that’s an 18mm equivalent ultrawide lens. Other highlights include a 32MP selfie camera, IP68 water resistance, and Android 16-based HyperOS 3. A massive 7,560mAh battery with 100W fast charging and 50W wireless charging keeps the whole package running.

    Redmi K90 Pro Max speaker woofer
    Redmi K90 Pro Max back
    Redmi K90 Pro Max speaker woofer
    Redmi K90 Pro Max back

    The mid-range Redmi K90 is also here

    As for the Redmi K90, it has a 6.59-inch 2K AMOLED display with DC Dimming support and 120Hz refresh rate. Redmi has powered this one with the Snapdragon 8 Elite 3nm chip, paired with Adreno 830 GPU, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage. It has a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide-angle lens, and a 50MP 2.5x periscope telephoto camera.

    The other highlights of the K90 variant include Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers with Sound by Bose tuning, Android 16, and a 20MP selfie camera. This one also impresses in the battery department with a large 7,100mAh power cell. It supports 100W fast charging and 22.5W reverse wired charging.

    The firm has priced the Redmi K90 at around $365 for the base model. The Redmi K90 Pro Max will set the consumers back by around $560 for the starting configuration. The brand has already started selling the new Redmi K series phones in China. It hasn’t revealed any details regarding their global launch at the moment.

    Redmi K90 variant

    The post Redmi K90 Pro Max Debuts with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Chip appeared first on Android Headlines.

    Google enters multi-billion dollar cloud deal with Anthropic for Tensor chips

    AH Google Cloud Logo

    Google and Anthropic are both companies that have placed some big bets on the AI space, and now the two are working together through a partnership for a new cloud deal. Both companies officially announced the new partnership this week, and it has the potential to be a big money maker for Google. Google already makes a substantial amount of money from its cloud services, ad business, and other avenues, but this is shaping up to be what is likely an easy win for the search company.

    According to the report, Google is providing Anthropic with Tensor Processing Units for Anthropic’s own endeavors. In other words, Anthropic is buying AI chips from Google to use in its future AI advancements. This deal is worth multiple billions, and is yet another way that Google is solidifying itself as a major player in the AI space. Google already operates and offers several AI-powered products and services from Gemini to NotebookLM and beyond. This deal with Anthropic allows it to stay within the AI space, but without many of the other hurdles it might have to go through if it were announcing a new AI product or service under its own umbrella. Essentially, Google is operating a little more like NVIDIA here. Providing the compute hardware, while Anthropic plans to use that for its own services.

    Google will provide up to 1 million TPUs to Anthropic as part of the cloud deal

    This is where things really start to add up in terms of revenue. Exact numbers haven’t been provided in terms of how many TPUs Anthropic is actually buying. However, it’s reported that the deal allows it to buy up to 1 million of Google’s custom-designed TPUs. The company is “expected to bring well over 1-gigawatt of AI compute capacity online” next year.

    That 1 gigawatt could cost Anthropic close to $50 billion, and $35 billion of that is said to be the potential cost of the chips. So, Google could stand to make around $35 billion from this deal. Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian praises Anthropic for recognizing the “strong price-performance and efficiency” of Google’s TPUs for several years.

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    More Specs of the OnePlus Phone with an 8,000mAh Battery Leak

    OnePlus 15 official color options (4)

    OnePlus is all set to introduce its latest flagship smartphone, dubbed the OnePlus 15, at an event in China on October 27. Alongside the OnePlus 15, the brand could also unveil a new Ace series phone called the Ace 6 Turbo. Earlier leaks have suggested that the new OnePlus Ace phone will have a massive 8,000mAh battery. A reliable tipster from China has now shared some more details about the core specs of this phone.

    OnePlus phone with 8,000mAh battery could sport the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC

    According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the new OnePlus 8,000mAh battery phone will be a performance-centric offering. Presumably named the OnePlus Ace 6 Turbo, the company will back the handset with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset.

    Qualcomm already introduced the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset last month, which’ll power the new crop of flagship products. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will arrive later this year as a slightly less-powerful variant of the new Elite chip. It could perform slightly better than the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which will be available on the new OnePlus Ace 6 variant.

    An OLED display and 1.5K resolution will also be on offer

    Furthermore, the tipster has claimed that OnePlus will equip the 8,000mAh battery phone with an OLED display. It’ll support 1.5K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate to deliver an immersive media viewing and gaming experience. The alleged OnePlus Ace 6 Turbo could also flaunt whopping 100W wired fast charging support, as per the previous reports.

    The same leaker also suggested that OnePlus is working on one more large battery phone with a 7,650mAh power cell. It could arrive as the OnePlus Ace 6 vanilla variant. Since the launch is just around the corner, we’ll have official details soon enough, so watch this space for regular updates.

    OnePlus Phone 8000mAh battery

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    iPhone 18 Pro May Gain Satellite 5G, And Elon Musk's Starlink Could be in The Mix

    iPhone 17 Pro

    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.

    The post iPhone 18 Pro May Gain Satellite 5G, And Elon Musk's Starlink Could be in The Mix appeared first on Android Headlines.

    Amazon’s New Help Me Decide Button Will Make You Pick the Right Product

    Amazon Logo New

    Almost every other tech brand is adopting AI into its apps and services. Now, the e-commerce giant Amazon has introduced a new AI feature designed to help buyers choose the right product. When you compare similar products on the Amazon app or website, the “Help Me Decide” button will recommend the best-suited product based on your purchase history and the product’s reviews.

    Amazon’s new Help Me Decide button will simplify the shopping experience

    The idea behind this new feature is to simplify decision-making while comparing or buying two or more similar products. For reference, if you are looking to buy a smartphone, the AI might notice your past search history, related product order history, and other information. Based on that, it could suggest a few particular smartphone models. Essentially, the tool studies what you’ve viewed or purchased before and uses that context to give a personalized recommendation.

    Now, once you click on the “Help Me Decide” button, Amazon’s AI will recommend a product with a brief explanation of why it might suit you. Alongside the current option, you may also see a “budget pick” and an “upgrade pick” option. The former option will adjust the recommendation for affordable shoppers, while the latter is for those who prefer premium choices.

    Amazon wants AI to shape the way its consumers shop

    This isn’t the first time the e-commerce giant has integrated AI into its app or service. Amazon previously launched Rufus, an AI chatbot that guides customers through purchases, and a tool that automatically generates product buying guides. More recently, Amazon introduced Lens Live AI, which scans your surroundings using your phone’s camera and suggests matching items from its store.

    Now, with the latest addition, the Help Me Decide tool, the company continues its push to make online shopping faster and more intuitive. For now, the feature is rolling out to millions of users across the US. It may be rolled out later to the users of other territories.

    The post Amazon’s New Help Me Decide Button Will Make You Pick the Right Product appeared first on Android Headlines.

    Google’s Earth AI Aims to Predict Disasters and Protect People Before They Strike

    Google Earth AH 2020

    Google has announced a big step toward smarter disaster protection with its latest Earth AI update. The tech giant has integrated its powerful Gemini AI with years of global satellite, weather, and population data. With this revolutionary tech, the company not only aims to predict the disaster, but also who will be affected the most.

    Google’s Earth AI tech brings a smarter way to understand natural disasters

    At the centre of this tech is something Google calls Geospatial Reasoning. It basically allows AI to study several Earth data, such as maps, weather forecasts, population density, and infrastructure layouts at once. Using this, the AI can portray a deeper picture of what might happen during events like tornadoes or floods.

    The best part about this technology is that instead of showing only the storm’s path, it can identify which neighborhoods are at risk and how many people could be affected. To provide access to information, anyone can ask Google direct questions related to Earth, such as “show me areas where rivers are drying.” Gemini then uses the satellite images and the provided data for reference. After a quick review, it will provide answers that once took experts days to analyze.

    It wants to turn data into a way of prevention

    Google’s vision with the Earth AI goes beyond normal forecasting. It wants the communities and disaster response forces to be prepared in advance. The firm has also opened Earth AI’s door on the Google Cloud. Because of this, the governments and organizations can now integrate it directly into their data.

    This particular technology can become way more useful than we can think of. It can predict power outages, disease outbreaks, or environmental risks before they become major crises. For example, the World Health Organization’s Africa office is already testing the system to forecast cholera outbreaks. It wants the responsible bodies to shift from reaction to prevention.

    The post Google’s Earth AI Aims to Predict Disasters and Protect People Before They Strike appeared first on Android Headlines.

    Razer's new PS5 Pro controller has TMR thumbsticks and mouse-click triggers

    Razer Raiju V3 Pro (1)

    Razer is back with yet another new console controller, and this time it’s geared towards PS5 owners, as the company has just launched the Raiju V3 Pro. If you remember the last Raiju from a few years ago, throw that idea out the window. Razer has made several improvements. Not the least of which was the removal of the Razer Chroma RGB lighting. This only really served to give the player short-term visual gratification and, more importantly, drained battery life.

    The new Razer Raiju V3 Pro does away with the Chroma to preserve battery life. It also adds some very important upgrades to help extend the longevity of the hardware. Of course, the controller looks pretty similar to the last model, albeit with a few minor tweaks. It also features Razer’s signature Hyper Triggers and comes in a matte black colorway that Razer has been known for since its inception. It’s available in White as well.

    Razer Raiju V3 Pro (3)
    Razer Raiju V3 Pro (2)
    Razer Raiju V3 Pro (4)
    Razer Raiju V3 Pro (3)
    Razer Raiju V3 Pro (2)
    Razer Raiju V3 Pro (4)

    The Razer Raiju V3 Pro comes with TMR thumbsticks

    One of the biggest issues with DualSense controllers, including the DualSense Edge, is the use of standard thumbsticks that use standard potentiometers. These can often lead to thumbstick drift, and thumbstick drift can lead to bad experiences in games. The Raiju V3 Pro combats this by using TMR (Tension Magnetic Resistance) thumbsticks. These are even more advanced than Hall Effect thumbsticks. They also deliver consistent tension. If you play any games that can be tough on the thumbsticks, such as FPS titles or fighting games, then this controller is for you.

    Of course, the inclusion of Razer’s Hyper Triggers is also a nice addition for shooter fans. A quick flick of the switch on the back near the triggers will lock these into more of a mouse-click style trigger pull. Although it’s worth noting that while the trigger pull feels about as short, they feel a little more spongy on the Raiju V3 Pro than Razer’s Wolverine V3 Pro 8K PC controller. It’s a very subtle difference, but noticeable if you use the controllers every day.

    You can also swap out the thumbsticks for domed or concave, depending on what you prefer. The four remappable back buttons are also removable if you ever don’t want them for certain games. Plus, you still have two remappable claw bumpers if you want additional controls you can customize. One of the best parts about the Raiju V3 Pro is battery life. Razer doesn’t officially list the battery life in the controller specs. However, it’s quite high compared to your standard DualSense, DualSense Edge, or other pro controllers like the Reflex from SCUF. The only downside here is that the Raiju V3 Pro isn’t available in the US yet. It was supposed to launch today, but Razer is awaiting regulatory approval before it goes up for sale. When it does launch in the US, it’ll retail for $219.99.

    Buy from Razer

    Buy from Razer – $219.99

    Buy from Razer

    The post Razer's new PS5 Pro controller has TMR thumbsticks and mouse-click triggers appeared first on Android Headlines.

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