What you need to know

• Long-pressing a message now triggers a floating menu right beside the bubble on Google Messages — complete with a blurred background and shortcuts for copying, starring, or replying.
• You can finally drag selection handles to grab specific snippets like codes or addresses instead of being forced to copy the entire message.
• Swiping left across a chat reveals all message timestamps and encryption statuses at once, while swiping right lets you reply instantly.

Google Messages is making some subtle changes to the basic gestures that Android users have relied on for years. Google appears to be changing how you copy text, check timestamps, and reply to individual messages, alongside the new long-press menu.

The biggest visual change is the new long-press menu. Google Messages now places a floating menu next to the selected bubble instead of pushing controls to a toolbar on top. You have quick access to Reply, Forward, Copy, Star, Delete, Select more, and Info, while images add options like Save and Remix, as spotted by a Reddit user (via Android Authority). As you open the menu, the background of the conversation also blurs.

Copying text is also getting a very useful upgrade, as was previously discovered through an APK teardown. Instead of copying the whole message when you just need a phone number, address or snippet, you can press again and select a specific piece of text. Google has confirmed that the touch-and-hold actions work on text, images, videos, links, files, locations and contact cards.

Gesture changes may take longer to become muscle memory. Swiping left anywhere in a conversation will now show message timestamps and the RCS encryption status, while replying requires a right swipe directly on the message bubble (via 9to5Google). Tapping a message still displays read receipts, and Messages briefly displays timestamps after a tap to tip you off to the new behavior.

One practical consequence may be easy to miss: the new timestamp gesture gives you a quick way to scan an entire conversation’s timing rather than opening message details one by one. That makes the change more useful in long threads where it’s important to figure out when messages were actually sent.

The rollout is linked to recent Google Messages builds, including 20260910_03_RC02, but it’s server-side, so all phones won’t receive the new behavior at once.

Ever since I was a kid, I hoped that I'd live to see the day when we have proper holograms as I saw in Star Wars. Of course, I hoped that real-life holograms would be a little higher quality than the fuzzy, often broken-up counterparts in the sci-fi series, and it looks like I'm mostly getting my wish thanks to Meta.

At Meta Connect 2026, the company debuted a new type of digital avatar system it simply calls Holograms. The company has substantially revised its avatar system over the years, from the extraordinarily ugly original release to 2024's modern upgrade, and now avatars are getting a truly realistic makeover, starting in WhatsApp calls.

Holograms are made from scans you take with your smartphone using Meta's app. During my demo, I completed a scan to be used on Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses and standard WhatsApp calls, which took about 60 seconds to set up. During the onboarding process, the app had me turn my head in a few different directions, then answer some questions out loud so it could learn my mannerisms.

The Meta rep then put on his Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, walked into the other room, and called me from the glasses. When I answered the WhatsApp call, he appeared on screen as if it were any normal day, not wearing glasses at all. Despite what my eyes were telling me, the video I was seeing was not actually him; it was his Hologram.

You can see the difference in the video above, which shows me on the video call (with my Hologram on the phone), then a close-up of the phone showing the rep's Hologram followed by his real video. The results are uncanny. Even, perhaps, a bit scary.

As you might have imagined, this all uses Meta AI to function. The initial 60-second scan I described earlier is followed by a 5-10 minute server-side processing time, where Meta AI creates a personalized model of your imagery for Hologram-friendly apps. On Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, this video call appears right on the glasses display and is designed to give the other person a way to see you on the call without needing cameras on the glasses looking at you.

This tech gets even more amazing when you answer a call in VR. For the demo, I used Meta VR Glasses, which give me full-color passthrough video to see the room around me. Calls normally appear in a floating window and show the same Hologram you'd get when using WhatsApp on a phone, although Holograms in VR have a 3D spatial quality to them.

Things get even cooler when you tap the full person button, as the call window melts away and the person is suddenly standing in front of you in the room with their correct height and proportions. It's a real-life hologram, and it moves impressively convincingly along with the person's voice and inflection.

There's no need to have a device that supports full-body tracking or anything like that, either. Meta AI is smart enough to understand human behavior and bases gestures and movements on the way you moved in the setup. In this case, she was wearing the same outfit in her Hologram that she was in real life.

You can walk around the room, and the Hologram will stay in place, although it will always be facing you. You can also move it around the room, or resize it to put it in a better place. Holograms are part of the Meta ecosystem and can even be adapted to work in different apps via an API. That means you could see your Hologram appear in more than just WhatsApp or Meta VR products in the near future.

Meta has been working on this technology for years, originally calling it "codec avatars," but renaming it for the final release to something more understandable. It's a massive leap in quality compared to what we have now, and I can't wait to use it more as it nears the final release in the coming months.

What you need to know

• Google Calendar now supports three time zones on the web.
• Three zones appear side by side in Day, Week, and Custom multi-day views.
• The rollout started September 25, covering Workspace, Workspace Individual, and personal Google accounts.

Google Calendar is making life a little easier for anyone who routinely schedules meetings across borders. Now the web version can show up to three time zones at once, so global teams can see when everyone is actually working.

Previously, Calendar allowed you to see a primary and secondary time zone. That worked well enough for two locations, but things can get messy quickly when a meeting involves people in San Francisco, New York, and Zurich, for example.

Google’s new third time zone adds a third reference right on the calendar grid, so you don’t have to keep doing the time conversions yourself.

The three zones are displayed side by side for the Day, Week, and Custom multi-day views, per Google's blog post. These will also be added to the Find a Time scheduling screen, where they’ll be visible when creating or editing an event.

You also can assign a custom label to each time zone. You could also use labels like SFO, NYC, or ZRH instead of abbreviations to make the calendar easier to scan.

There's also one more small upgrade that makes this setup less tedious: Google overhauled Calendar’s time-zone picker earlier this year, so you can now search for a city or country instead of scrolling through a long list.

The update began rolling out September 25 for Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers, and personal Google accounts. Rapid Release users could see it within 15 days; Scheduled Release domains begin rollout on October 12.

There is no need for an admin switch. When the extra zone reaches your account, you are able to set it up yourself.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6 to Pixel testers, aiming to fix an assortment of crashes and unexpected reboots for a few phones.
• The Pixel 9 Pro Fold experienced an unexpected reboot, thanks to a third-party app issue when trying to open the camera's viewfinder.
• QPR2 Beta 5 rolled out almost ten days ago; however, we are down the final stretch since Google achieved Platform Stability with this update.

Google continues to press ahead with its Android !7 QPR2 Beta with another update for Pixel users.

Over on the Android Beta subreddit, Google announced that it's rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6 to Pixel testers. The company states all devices are synced up on build numbers, so all users will find vCP41.260831.007. Eligible phones include the Pixel 6a up to the Pixel 10 series (10a, too). There's a handful of fixes arriving late this week, and one concerns a major Pixel 9 Pro Fold reboot problem.

This was a fairly prominent issue for Pixel testers in the QPR2 Beta. Several threads have appeared on the Issue Tracker, informing Google that their devices have experienced an "unexpected reboot." Google states the issue would occur when "initializing the camera viewfinder in third-party applications." The fix for this should hopefully alleviate any problems users have been experiencing.

Elsewhere, QPR2 Beta 6 offers a fix for a severe "system kernel crash." This problem also affected devices when a third-party app would "request simultaneous camera and microphone access" during biometric verification stages.

Clarity to the situation

• A visual regression causing letterboxed content to leak through the status bar during activity transitions
• The screensaver displays a blank screen while charging
• Locked applications could not be dismissed using swipe gestures in Recents
• An issue that caused device crashes, reboots, or hangs when scrolling

There are two things to note about Beta 6. One user reports that Google removed blurred notifications on the lock screen. This drew quick attention from Mishaal Rahman on Reddit, who clarified the situation, stating, "The product team temporarily reverted the lock screen blur effect from this recent beta release in order to fix some bugs."

Other users note that their phones (Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 7, Pixel 9) have received Kernel 6.12. Many note improved fluidity on their devices.

QPR2 Beta 5 rolled out almost ten days ago, and it seems Google is keen on getting these major fixes in as quickly as possible. A few additional Bluetooth fixes were included last week, following Android 17 QPR2's "Platform Stability" achievement. We continue our trek down the final stretch toward a full release.

What you need to know

• Meta reportedly debuted its latest gadget, the Muse Charm, which is designed to keep users connected directly to its AI via 5G connectivity.
• The Charm features a 2-inch OLED touch screen, a camera, a microphone, and speakers, with a price tag that could encroach on smartwatches.
• During the event, Zuckerberg stated, "...if you’re not wearing glasses, this is going to be by far the fastest way" to talk to Muse AI.

We're winding down from Meta Connect 2026, but one thing stole the show for us (aside from AI glasses), and that's the Muse Charm.

A post by The Verge discussed this AI device called the Muse Charm, stating it will feature a "built-in 5G modem" so consumers can communicate with Meta's AI. To us, this looks like the classic Tamagotchi but for the modern age. Meta provided us with images of this device, showcasing the small, rounded size, similar to the virtual pet gadget we used to have (Tamagotchis are making a return, though).

Meta is reportedly eyeing a December launch for the Muse Charm, but there's more to this. It's been announced to have a 2-inch OLED touchscreen, a camera, a microphone, built-in speakers, and a USB-C port.

The entire point of the Muse Charm is to let consumers use Meta's AI, Muse. At least, that's the gist of the situation Bloomberg was able to glean. What's more, users can reportedly use the charm's camera to give the AI additional real-world context. By this, it seems no different than opening your camera with Gemini Live and asking, "What does this sign say?"

Some additional coverage by CNBC highlighted more about the Muse Charm. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, "We’ve packed a lot of technology with this little guy. So, if you’re not wearing glasses, this is going to be by far the fastest way to talk to your Muse and to show it what’s going on around you." Aside from cute avatars designed to attract the user, the publication notes that the Muse Charm is a part of Meta's bigger AI push.

Elsewhere, it's been alleged that the Muse Charm could see pricing mirroring smartwatches.

Muse will charm you

Meta Connect 2026 was packed with a bunch of reveals from the company. While it revealed new AI glasses, it had another reveal in store: VR Glasses. Meta's new device caught Android Central's Nicholas Sutrich off guard. While many VR-related devices are headsets—larger and heavier—Meta's VR Glasses strip that all away. This device is reportedly 83% lighter and 60% smaller than your typical VR headset (Apple Vision Pro).

One thing to note is that these VR Glasses are not meant to be worn all day. They're not AI glasses. Regarding their specifications, the VR Glasses feature 5K micro-OLED panels and a 37 pixels-per-degree (PPD) resolution. This level of clarity didn't come without compromise. Sutrich states Meta achieved this by narrowing the FOV (field of view). These VR Glasses are roughly 11 degrees narrower than the Quest 3S and 25 degrees narrower than the Quest 3.

Android Central's Take

I'm more than a little curious about why this is a thing. The idea of walking around with a tiny device resembling a Tamagotchi... for the sole purpose of communicating with Muse seems strange. What makes it more strange is the alleged pricing—near the levels of a smartwatch? The Charm has a camera (oh boy), a touch screen, and will reportedly play nice with Android and iOS for setup purposes. To me, it seems like a gimmick, and one that I'm unsure of the purpose it serves.

Amazon's Big Deal Days sale kicks off on October 6th, which means a lot of our readers will be on the hunt for the next great tablet, smartwatch, and Android phone deal. The problem is, just like the regular Prime Day event in July, many of the best deals during the Amazon sale will be exclusive to Prime members.

A large number of shoppers already have Prime memberships, but if you don't want to add yet another monthly subscription to your budget, there is a way to shop all of the best October Prime Day deals for free.

The Amazon Prime free trial lasts 30 days and gives you full access to all of the benefits of a Prime membership, including unlimited streaming, fuel discounts, and yes, exclusive discounts during Big Deal Days on October 6th and 7th.

That means that you could sign up for Amazon's free trial today, shop to your heart's content during the sale, and cancel your membership once Big Deal Days wraps up, all without paying a cent.

• Prime Big Deal Days returns October 6-7: see the full list of early deals

What is Prime Big Deal Days?

Big Deal Days is Amazon's attempt at bringing the excitement of July's Prime Day sale into early October (which is why I often call it 'October Prime Day'). Now that it's been around for a few years, it also signals the beginning of the fall sale season, giving shoppers an opportunity to knock out some of their holiday shopping early.

Just like the Prime Day event held in July, many of the best deals during Big Deal Days will be exclusive to Prime members, so consider using Amazon's free trial if you haven't signed up already.

When is Prime Big Deal Days?

Prime Big Deal Days is scheduled for October 6th and 7th this year, giving Prime members 48 hours to explore a bounty of exclusive deals on everything from TVs and smartphones to clothing and kitchen appliances.

What deals can I expect during Prime Big Deal Days?

Sales like Prime Day and Big Deal Days often present excellent opportunities to get Android tech for cheap. It also gives us an early look at what to expect when the Black Friday deals start kicking off in November.

This year, expect solid discounts on foldable phones and flagships from Samsung and Google. I expect the Pixel 11 series, in particular, to get some good discounts, in addition to phones like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Fold 8. You can also expect SSD and NAS storage devices to get some good deals as the current RAM shortage continues on.

What if I don't want to support Amazon during Prime Big Deal Days?

If you'd rather not support Amazon at all, it's worth noting that the retailer's biggest competitors — such as Best Buy, Walmart, and Target — usually launch their own rival sales at the same time as the Prime Day event. These sale events will often match (or even surpass) Amazon's discounts, and they rarely require a membership to enjoy the full savings.

Motorola deals are hardly uncommon, but if you're a Verizon customer, you may have noticed that a few key models are missing from the carrier's store. Fortunately, that changes today, as Verizon just added some new 2026 Razr phones to its site with some excellent discounts to boot.

Whether you want the groundbreaking Motorola Razr Fold, the crowd-pleasing Razr Plus, or an exclusive variant of the standard Motorola Razr (2026), September's Verizon deals spell great news for Android users and foldable phone fans alike. Just be aware that most of the new offers require a trade-in to receive the full discount, so get ready to dig up those old devices.

Need a new smartwatch? Verizon has also started carrying the Moto Watch Ultra, and you can get this sleek wearable for free when you bundle the purchase with a Motorola phone. Needless to say, things are clearly changing over at Verizon, and Motorola fans should take note.

Verizon just got some new Motorola phones in stock - don't miss these deals

Look, there are hundreds of great GaN chargers these days, and if you want something small that you can just take anywhere, I have a few recommendations. UGREEN constantly comes out with new products (like its 160W Nexode Pro charger), and the Nexode Air 65W is its smallest yet in this category. It costs just $24 (down from its $39 retail price), comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable, and is a good choice if you want a 65W charger on hand at all times.

There's also Rolling Square's 65W charger, which looks about the same as the UGREEN but with one difference: it has a textured design at the sides, and that makes it easy to identify if you have it in a bag and are digging around. It costs $49 as of writing, so you are shelling out twice as much. Rolling Square mentions the design allows the charger to be cooler, but I didn't see much of a difference between this one and the Nexode Air when using both side-by-side to charge two Pixels. Both chargers are made out of plastic and have roughly the same dimensions.

With the Rolling Square, that translates to 60.5mm in length, 35mm in height and width, and a weight of just 70g. Obviously, the charger is much better if you get the U.S. blade prongs as it folds inward into the chassis; the EU style I've been using has pins that jut out considerably, and it's slightly heavier at 73g.

The Nexode Air is a smidgen heavier than that at 77g, but again, either charger is noticeably smaller and lighter than just about anything else in this category — they're half the size and less than a third of the weight as a regular charger that doesn't use GaN tech. Each charger has a single USB-C port, and while I would've liked a second charging port (I always have too many devices on hand), I can understand why either brand went with a solitary port to maintain a smaller profile.

Of the two, I prefer the Rolling Square because of the textured design; it just makes it easier to hold the charger and plug it into the wall. It also gets the standard 65W USB PD 3.0 power profiles: 5V/3A (15W), 9V/3A (27W), 12V/3A (36W), 15V/3A (45W), and 20V/3.25A (65W). What's interesting is that you get PPS as well, making it a good choice with Samsung phones.

What I like about the Nexode Air 65W is that it is available in four colors, so you can pair it with your iPhone or MacBook Air (yes, there's an orange one, and I would've preferred that color). It also gets 65W via USB PD 3.0, and has the USB PD 3.2 AVS fast charging protocol, so if you use the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro, you will see a difference in how fast your phone charges.

Both chargers use GaN tech to good effect and deliver a reliable charge at 65W. I tested both with the iPhone 17 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Find X9 Ultra (it hits 50W over USB PD), iPad Pro M4, and about a dozen power banks. They're just as reliable at charging different products, and the Nexode Air has a slight edge in this regard if you're leaving your phone plugged in overnight — it switches to trickle charging in this situation.

Deciding between these two comes down to what they cost. As of writing, the Nexode Air is just $24, and that gives it a distinct advantage. Rolling Square did a great job as well with its 65W charger, but if I had to just choose one GaN charger to take anywhere, I'm going with the Nexode Air 65W.

It's not much of a surprise, but Xiaomi's latest flagship is the first smartphone to hit the market featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series. The Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max have just dropped in China, but I got a quick hands-on with the devices at Snapdragon Summit after Qualcomm flew me out to check out the latest chips, devices, and innovations.

There's a lot to like about these phones, from the powerful new chipsets to the rear display surrounding the cameras. But one of its most compelling features isn't quite as obvious, and it both borrows from and improves on one of our favorite new Samsung features.

On the surface, the Xiaomi 18 Pro phones don't look much different from their predecessors. The design is nearly identical to the Xiaomi 17 Pro series, from the thick, boxy design to the rear camera display. However, this also gives users outside China a chance to experience this unique smartphone feature, since last year's model was exclusive to China.

In hand, the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max are rather thick, but they're surprisingly light despite this. It's not much of a surprise, given the massive 7,000mAh and 8,500mAh silicon-carbon batteries in the 18 Pro and Pro Max, respectively. This is up to 1,000mAh more than the 17 Pro series.

Most of the colors are pretty standard, although the Galaxy Blue option has a rather unique design that's honestly quite striking, especially in sunlight. There's also a transparent option that gives both Nothing and Product(Red) vibes, and it's probably the one I would buy.

The rear 2.7-inch display is interesting because it adds a bit more personality to the phone, with a selection of wallpapers to choose from. It also allows users to check notifications, toggle various features, and even take selfies. That last part is particularly compelling, as it lets you take advantage of the rear 200MP cameras to preview and capture high-quality selfies.

Xiaomi also says you'll be able to utilize AI features using the rear display. I imagine adding these functions onto a smaller 120Hz panel can help with battery preservation, not that the Xiaomi 18 Pro needs it.

In many ways, it reminds me of the cover screen on flip phones like the Motorola Razr Ultra 2026. I mostly use my Razr while closed, utilizing the cover screen to open apps, respond to messages, and take selfies. However, for anyone not interested in foldables, the Xiaomi 18 Pro feels like a viable alternative, especially since you don't have to deal with the compromises that come with having a flip phone (fewer cameras, less internal space for batteries, etc.).

But the rear display is hardly the coolest or most useful feature on the Xiaomi 18 Pro series. Following Samsung's lead from the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Xiaomi equipped these phones with its own Privacy Display, which it claims is more effective than Samsung's. This is due to the unique pixel arrangement of the display, allowing Xiaomi to utilize the feature without compromising on the display quality.

It's also very customizable, going beyond just hiding apps or notifications and allowing users to hide split-screen apps or even floating apps. It's quite compelling, and I'm glad to see this feature come to more Android smartphones.

The Xiaomi 18 Pro series is available now in China, with a global launch happening later this year. Xiaomi hasn't told me when the phones will come to global markets, but it's very likely that North America won't be part of the global expansion plans. Still, with the latest AI chip from Qualcomm, powerful Leica cameras, and two compelling displays, the Xiaomi 18 Pro series is definitely one to look out for when the global launch comes around.

Earlier this week at Qualcomm's annual Snapdragon Summit, Motorola surprised many people by announcing that the flagship Signature 27 is coming to North America. This is a big deal because the last-gen Motorola Signature didn't make its way stateside, despite being pretty well received for its premium design and excellent cameras.

Interestingly, this is also the first time I've seen Motorola at Snapdragon Summit as a featured OEM, which suggests Motorola is really excited about the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 and its capabilities.

I sat down with Nicole Hagen, the executive director and head of Global Product Marketing at Motorola, to talk about why now is the right time for Motorola's return to traditional smartphone flagships and what we can expect from the Signature 27.

Motorola has heard us

Motorola has always taken a regional approach to its device launches. Many devices that come to Europe or Latin America aren't available in North America, and vice versa. As a result, we miss out on plenty of models, including flagships like the original Motorola Signature, which disappointed me and many others. However, Motorola seems to have gotten the message loud and clear.

"We heard you, we heard media, we heard analysts, and I'll be honest, we even heard from a lot of customers in North America on kind of popular feedback forums that they were disappointed," Hagen told me.

"We felt that this year we have the right product with the right specs, with the right capabilities and experiences, and we think that this product is really going to resonate well amongst users looking for a premium flagship phone and perhaps something a little bit different than what they've been offered over the last few years."

She tells me Motorola even saw Signature devices registered in the U.S. that were purchased in other regions, which underscores demand for the phone.

In a way, it makes sense that Motorola would be a bit conservative with its flagship strategy for traditional smartphones, given Samsung's dominance in North America with the Galaxy S series. Over the last few years, Motorola has focused on the Razr flip phones and, more recently, the Razr Fold, which consumers have received well. Only recently has Motorola begun adding top-tier chips to its Razr series.

But now, Motorola appears more confident in its premium smartphone offerings. Hagen tells me that last quarter, Motorola had its best quarter ever by revenue: "15% year over year, and the majority of that growth, of course, was driven by premium products." Clearly, there's a hunger for more high-end Motorola phones, and not just foldables.

What we know so far about the Motorola Signature 27

This year, Motorola skipped the higher-end Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, opting instead for the lower-end flagship chip on the Razr Fold. It still performs well, but based on what we know about the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, the Signature 27 should be a powerful smartphone.

"What I'm most excited about is that the chipset is unlocking a few things for us," Hagen explains. That includes faster, more reliable performance, more helpful AI, and stronger connectivity. She highlights that "one of the big pillars for this franchise is an incredible camera system, both driven by hardware and software, with this common thread of needing to have an incredible global platform supporting it."

The Motorola Signature 27 comes with a few camera sensors, but has only disclosed the primary 50MP Sony Lytia 910 and the 200MP periscope telephoto lens.

She explains that when testing phones like the Signature 27, Motorola goes through several rounds with its own engineers and Qualcomm's engineers to fine-tune Snapdragon's image-processing AI and stabilization.

"We have a couple more rounds of work to do before, of course, we announce and launch the product. But we expect an exceptional DxO result that will help validate the overall experience."

In fact, she teases that even after one major round of camera testing, the Signature 27 is already proving to outperform the Razr Fold, which got high marks among foldable camera systems and has quickly become one of my favorite overall smartphone cameras.

Beyond the camera, Motorola is also partnering with Bang & Olufsen to enhance the audio experience. This multi-year partnership builds on Motorola's ongoing collaboration with Pantone and will bring B&O audio to Motorola's premium devices.

When asked why these partnerships matter, Hagen says Motorola doesn't have an ego and knows it doesn't have to do everything itself.

"We aim to partner with best-in-class partners that we know do it the best, and then partner with them and leverage their strong capabilities. It enables us to bring better capabilities to our end users more quickly."

As for what B&O brings to the table, "Obviously, they're a premium brand. They've been around for over 100 years, and they are able to help us through in the same way that we're doing the tuning on the back end with the camera. We're doing the exact same thing for sound."

New Moto, who dis?

A new chip, exceptional cameras, and a B&O partnership all come together to create a premium experience, but it also needs a premium design. This year, Motorola is switching up its design language to something that I originally found divisive.

The Motorola Signature 27 has a top-mounted camera housing with five distinct circles making up its camera sensors and a flash unit. I'm not gonna lie, when I first saw the Signature 27, it triggered a sense of tryptophobia that I haven't felt since the Nokia 9 PureView. But the more I look at it, the more I like it, and Hagen says there were some internal debates about how the cameras should be arranged.

"As you can imagine, this was a very popular one for internal debate, and everyone had their own subjective opinion," she explained.

"In some cases, many of the designs....kind of lean maybe into one specific gender. This one resonated with both."

One good thing about the camera housing (something we can all agree on) is that it doesn't protrude from one side of the phone, as Motorola phones have done over the past several years. As Hagen highlights, it's very balanced, not just visually, but physically. "There's no teeter-totter back and forth, and that was very, very well received."

The phone comes in two colorways: a grippy, black woven texture and a soft, green brushed textile-inspired finish. I didn't get to hold the phone, since it's not 100% final yet, but the Pantone Coal Smoke looked great, and the phone is quite thin, with premium-looking buttons on the frame. The camera housing also features two different textures: ceramic and brushed aluminum, for a very distinctive look.

Then, there's the name. In recent years, Motorola's naming convention in North America has included the full year after the product name, but this year it's simplified to the last two digits. It's a small change, but it's reminiscent of what Samsung does with the Galaxy S series, and I think it should resonate more with consumers.

In fact, Hagen says Motorola looked to competitors and the automotive industry for inspiration for the new naming scheme.

"We wanted something that was simple, clear, and easy to understand," Hagen told me. "Because the purpose of a generation is to indicate newness to folks that are considering a new product. To make it clear, as consumers are trying to, at or post-purchase, buy an accessory that will be compatible."

More to come... soon

The Motorola Signature 27 is launching globally this year, and while Motorola is remaining tight-lipped about the launch date and additional specs, it's clear that Hagen and company are very excited about the device.

"When I said on stage the other day that this is the best device that we've ever created... it truly is. The hardware specs are top-notch; the latest and greatest technology. And I think even more importantly, the outcomes and the experience that our users are going to have will really bring the product forward."

What you need to know

• Motorola's Signature 27 will be one of the first phones powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6.
• GrapheneOS has confirmed initial support for the Signature 27, expanding beyond Google Pixel phones for the first time.
• GrapheneOS is based on AOSP but focuses heavily on privacy, with optional Google Play services running sandboxed.

Motorola's Signature 27 is shaping up to be a serious contender for one of the best Android phones of the year. But beyond all the top-tier specs Motorola is packing into the phone, one of the most interesting features just confirmed for the Signature 27 is support for GrapheneOS.

At the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit 2026, Motorola took to the stage to showcase one of the first smartphones powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset. Qualcomm's new flagship chip is built on a 2nm process and can reach clock speeds of up to 5GHz, and the Signature 27 will be one of the first phones to use it.

The phone also breaks away from Motorola's previous Signature design with a new camera layout and packs plenty of other high-end features, including Audio by B&O. But alongside all those beastly specs, there's another interesting detail about the Signature 27, and that's support for GrapheneOS.

If you're unfamiliar, GrapheneOS is a privacy-focused take on Android that has grown significantly in popularity over the past few years. It's based on the Android Open Source Project, or AOSP, but is built with a much heavier focus on privacy and security and doesn't come with Google's services deeply integrated into the operating system.

You can still install Google Play services if you want, but they run sandboxed like regular apps rather than having the deeper system-level access they typically have on Android. Think of it as a much more privacy-focused version of Android that gives you greater control over how much access Google and other services have to your device.

Historically, GrapheneOS has officially supported only Google Pixel devices because of the project's strict hardware and security requirements. But that's finally changing, with the Motorola Signature 27 set to become one of the first non-Pixel smartphones to receive official GrapheneOS support.

GrapheneOS confirmed on X that initial support is planned for the Signature 27, although it stopped short of revealing many more details. We don't yet know exactly when support will arrive or what the installation process will look like, but we now know that Signature 27 owners will have the option to run GrapheneOS.

Motorola hasn't announced the exact release date or pricing for the Signature 27 just yet. But between the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, the new flagship hardware, and now official GrapheneOS support, Motorola is certainly giving Android enthusiasts another reason to keep an eye on this phone.

What you need to know

• Google Photos rolls out an update to help users edit their summer photos, as "Moods" gets introduced.
• With "Moods," users will find a selection of vintage styles that "automatically adapt" to your photo, solidifying Google's intent of a feature that's more than a simple filter.
• This update also brings Gemini Spark integration, giving users an easier, prompt-based way of editing their photos and removing unwanted guests.

Google Photos is rolling out a few updates to help immortalize the pictures we've taken throughout the summer. The app receives a new set of filters, as well as additional AI assistance.

Today (Sept. 24), Google detailed an update for the Photos app that begins with Gemini Spark integration. Availability is rolling out for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S. The company says users can "brighten and share" photos using a single prompt with Gemini Spark. What's more, users can remove people from the photo's background, leaving those who matter.

This update is also introducing "Moods." Google says Moods brings styles that users can use to edit their photos. However, it adds that these are "more than filters." You'll find a few options such as 35mm film and 2000s digicam. When you apply a style, Google states Moods will "automatically adapt" to your photo. But users can take things a step further.

You'll find sliders to fine-tune how much a style influences your photo, as well as mixing themes from other styles. Moods are rolling out to Android users globally.

The Google Photos app is upgrading its markup tool in this September patch. The tool now provides a "redact pen" to help users blur sensitive details. Additionally, you'll find "precise thickness sliders for custom sketches and fresh fonts to make your text pop." Another new addition involves the app's Remix templates. Google is rolling out 15 Remix templates that turn your photos into photo booth-style shots, birthday cards, and more.

The redact pen and other markup tool updates are arriving to Android users globally. The additional Remix templates are arriving for Android and iOS users over 18 in "select countries."

Google detailed one final update, but it's more of an expansion. The Photos app's Wardrobe feature, which lets users curate a digital closet for clothing styles, is now rolling out in the U.S., India, and Brazil on Android and iOS.

Expanding features

If you remember Moto's Razr reveal earlier this year, Wardrobe in Photos would sound familiar. The feature evolves the static gallery into a personal stylist and daily content hub. Wardrobe can automatically identify specific pieces of clothing, helping you fill out your digital closet. Users can mix and match different outfits and share those with others. So if you're looking to coordinate fits for your next outing, this might help.

Gemini Spark is a proactive AI that Google launched in May. The AI is capable of managing tasks and workflows in the background without disturbing you. Users can think of Spark as an AI agent that gets the dirty work done for you. If connected, you can bring Gemini Spark into your Gmail, Docs, Slides, and other apps. You can automate tasks with Gemini Spark or review meeting and email summaries.

Imagine you're scrolling through your Instagram or Facebook feed and see an ad for a game. I get these all the time and they usually catch my interest, but instead of just being a video to watch, what if the game was fully playable right inside your feed?

That's exactly what Meta is working on right now with Horizon Create, a total reboot of the company's Horizon Worlds platform that puts Meta's ubiquitous AI presense at the very heart of its brand new gaming engine.

I sat down with four members of the development team at Meta Connect 2026 as they both demonstrated the new tech to me and let me toy around with it myself, and I came away impressed.

Create what you imagine

Back in the day, I put quite a bit of time into Farmville. It was one of those weird guilty pleasures that was more enjoyable with friends, and it helped that it was built conveninetly into Facebook on my PC. I can't I've been quite as interested in "social media gaming" since then, though.

But Meta's new Horizon Worlds reboot is sparking an interest I had long forgotten about, and it all starts with how easy it is to make something. Like a normal AI prompt, you can start your first game with just a simple idea. Meta showed me a handful, but the one that triggered my imagination the most was creating an adventure game like Fable.

My demo began on Meta's Horizon Create smartphone app, which showed an Instagram-like gaming feed. Scrolling through the feed pulled up dozens of different games, from adventure titles to zombie survival games, crafting titles, you name it. Each one of these can be played instantly by just tapping it, and some of them even let you remix them, but I'll cover that in a moment.

While these games are AI-generated, they don't quite fit into the "slop" category that you might immediately think of. Everything in Horizon Create starts with a prompt, but the engine supports asset imports (so developers can bring in their own models and audio), and you can move, adjust, scale, or remix objects to your heart's content.

What's particularly amazing is that you can create things with friends, all while playing in the game world at the same time. During my demo, we had five people in the same world, all tasked with different jobs. One person was working on the weather, one was working on ground objects, another was working on building vehicles, and I was just running around shooting things.

I was also able to tap on any created object and freely adjust its size and position in the world, plus ask Meta AI to change the object in any way I could think of. Better yet, once things looked good, publishing it to Facebook, Instagram, or Horizon took just two taps.

This is a huge departure from current mobile game development concepts, even if you use AI like Claude to code something like a Roblox game. While Claude can be brilliant at coding, it can't do everything for you. I've tried my hand at making a few apps and almost always run into a wall because I'm simply not a coder.

Meta Horizon Create works fully in-engine and doesn't require 3rd party tools or SDKs to work. That means you don't have to use another AI agent and wait for things to happen; all prompts and changes happen in real-time as you're in the game, and it's pretty crazy to watch.

The desktop Horizon Studio app delivers even more options, as well. You can look at the entire development tree, including dependencies, delve down into each of the game's mechanics, and more. All of these can be iterated on, and it was pretty wild to see it all in action.

Meta has been working on this new version of Horizon only since April, so while this all seems extremely advanced, it's surprisingly early in development. They're expecting it to start rolling out early next year, but you can sign up to test out the new platform right now.

What you need to know

• Even Realities introduced its "Exposed" campaign, which will evolve into an eight-episode micro-drama on TikTok on October 8.
• "Exposed" will shine a bright light on the privacy concerns that smart glasses with cameras bring to the world.
• Consent is key, but when someone can walk around with a pair of glasses that's capturing you, the drama will ask: where's the consent in that?
• "Exposed" is directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan, alongside VIRTUE Worldwide.

Even Realities looks to capitalize on Meta Connect by introducing its "Exposed" campaign. The microdrama draws awareness to the ongoing issue we're already facing: the extreme privacy concerns regarding camera-equipped smart glasses.

In a press release, Even Realities says its micro-drama explores the impacts these types of devices have on the people around us. Deepa Patel, managing director at VIRTUE Worldwide, said, “We didn’t want to run another traditional ad that people instantly skip; we wanted to, as always, tap into a cultural conversation and build a piece of entertainment genuinely worth watching.”

Cameras are moving away from our phones, and that's what Even Realities wants to spotlight. "Exposed" is also a part of VICE Media and is rolling out across major cities like the San Francisco Bay Area and New York this week before an eight-episode micro-drama begins on October 8. Even Realities says the reality is simple: "smart glasses do not need cameras to be useful..."

Consent is huge. And in a world where we have smart glasses with cameras, anyone can be captured and recorded at any time. The "Exposed" campaign and micro-drama is directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan, and it's already getting its name out there in big places. Even Realities states it's running the campaign in Times Square in New York with the intent of bringing ads to more private places: bathrooms and gyms.

In San Francisco, the company has brought its campaign to buses running around Meta's campus in time for its Connect event. When the full eight-episode series launches on October 8, you can catch them on TikTok.

Meta Connect continues, but let's not forget...

Meta Connect is continuing as usual this year, despite the many alarms raised about smart glasses (or "pervert glasses" insult). It's forced Meta to take a step back and rethink some of its products. On one hand, we have rumors that the company is experimenting with a hardware lock for cameras and microphones. On the other hand, we have reports that the camera would disable if the LED indicator had been tampered with.

All of this is in response to users not wanting to be filmed or captured constantly by someone's smart glasses. It's a privacy violation, and when bad apples mess with the LED indicator, you're really in the dark. Meta did reveal some glasses—the Ray-Ban Audio—at Connect 2026 without a camera, but there are still plenty with one. However, VITURE's founders have revealed glasses with a privacy feature we wish everyone else would adopt.

Android Central's Take

I think I can already imagine where Even Realities' "Exposed" micro-drama is headed. It makes sense. And for people who will watch it, it might change their perspective. Sure, there's the usefulness of having these glasses with a camera. It's another way of recording memories. However, there's a malicious undertone to this. There's the ease for someone with nefarious intentions to capture you and do... what with it? I'd have to agree: smart glasses can be just as useful without a camera that's capturing people without their consent or knowledge.

What you need to know

• The Google Health app is rolling out blood pressure trends, insulin resistance trends, and sleep breathing quality tracking to its Health Guardian suite.
• The features analyze long-term pattern changes over weeks rather than providing instant clinical readings, functioning as wellness indicators instead of direct medical diagnostic tools.
• The update is available for free to Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5 users, while Fitbit Air owners can access it via a Google Health Premium subscription.

Google is expanding the health-monitoring tools available on its Pixel Watch lineup, with three new Health Guardian features starting to roll out this week. The update adds blood pressure trends, insulin resistance trends, and sleep breathing quality metrics to the Google Health app.

The features are intended to look for changes over time, not to replace traditional medical measurements. Pixel Watch owners can start to set them up this week, Google says.

According to the tech giant, the Health Guardian system uses AI models trained on billions of minutes of sensor data to recognize subtle physiological patterns, so the watch can estimate trends from signals it already collects without a dedicated blood-pressure cuff or blood sample.

That approach is especially notable for trends in insulin resistance, which Google says can analyze multiple weeks of physiological data without requiring a blood draw. The company says the feature is meant to promote overall wellness, not to diagnose diabetes or replace clinical testing.

The additions join Google's broader Health Guardian suite, which also includes Breathing Emergency Detection on the Pixel Watch 4 and Watch 5 in select European countries.

Existing owners also get in on the fun, as the new tools will be offered for free on the Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5. Users of the Fitbit Air will soon have access as part of a Google Health Premium subscription.

The first detailed trend reports are expected in early October, offering users their first real glimpse at how Google’s trend-based health monitoring functions outside of the company’s launch messaging.

Amazon doesn't refresh its tablets and e-readers every year because it doesn't need to. The Kindle tablet series is wildly popular year round, because there's no other brand delivering such value-packed products at prices as low as Amazon. What's even more awesome is that Amazon is kicking off a few October Prime Day deals ahead of Big Deal Days, slashing more than half off the Fire HD 10 (2023) tablet.

Retailing for $154.99, the Fire HD 10 was already an insanely cheap 10-inch tablet. This 53% discount chops it down to an unbelievably low $72.99 on Amazon, but only for a limited time. The large 10.1-inch Full HD LCD display with a crisp 1920 x 1200 resolution makes this an ideal tablet for adults as well as children, which is why we named it the best cheap Android tablet for kids in 2026.

• Prime Big Deal Days returns October 6-7: see the full list of early deals

✅Recommended if: you want a cheap Amazon Fire tablet below $100 for streaming, gaming, or as a shared smart display for a family household; you need something with a battery life of over 12 hours; you want something that includes expandable storage.

❌Skip this deal if: you prefer a thin and lightweight build; you need higher quality cameras.

Although this deal is for the 32GB version of the device, the Fire HD 10 supports expandable storage via microSD, and you can add up to 1TB of storage. The uptime is superb, giving you about 13 hours of battery life per charge, and there are 5MP cameras on both the front and rear that are good enough for basic needs like video calls.

The tablet has easy-to-use parental controls for shared device usage and is compatible with the separately sold Amazon stylus.

One of the Fire HD 10's rarer features is the 3.5mm audio jack, allowing you to plug in headphones. It also sports dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, so the auditory experience when streaming your favorite TV shows or movies is fabulous.

The Amazon tablet is powered by an octa-core processor and 4GB RAM, which may not sound like much, but actually manages to perform well in real life. In fact, you'll be delightfully taken aback by how decently the Amazon Fire HD 10 2023 handles multitasking, light office work, and even some gaming.

It's official: the Googlebook is coming, and while this laptop isn't receiving as many preorder deals as, say, a new Android phone might, there is one offer that you should know about. Preorder one of the new laptops ahead of their October 4th release date and Best Buy will give you a free pair of Google Pixel Buds 2a (in Hazel), no strings attached. There's also some trade-in credit up for grabs if you have an old laptop lying around.

Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo are all launching their Googlebooks on the aforementioned date, and this preorder deal from Best Buy presents an easy way to get equipped with two pieces of Pixel tech in one fell swoop. Now if they'll just throw in a free Google Pixel phone, it will really be a party...

What is a Googlebook?

Designed as a successor to Chromebooks, Googlebooks are laptops built for integration into the modern AI-focused device ecosystem. These premium laptops feature touchscreen displays with great battery life (up to 14 hours) and the latest processors from Intel and Qualcomm, plus you'll get to experience a ton of new software features that seamlessly connect the Googlebook with your Android phone.

Other specs include backlit keyboards, convertible designs, and 16GB of RAM out of the box. Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo are all participating in the initial Googlebook launch, with devices that range from $899 to $1,299 for OLED models. In addition to the free wireless earbuds, your preorder will come with free limited subscriptions to YouTube Premium, Adobe Premiere, and Google AI Pro subscriptions.

What you need to know

• Pixel 11 users can now delegate routine calls — like checking store inventory, booking appointments, or changing reservations — directly to Gemini.
• You can monitor the entire conversation via a live transcript on your screen and take over the call at any moment.
• The preview begins September 24 for Gemini paid subscribers in the Phone by Google Public Beta.

Google today introduced a new task for Gemini on the Pixel 11: helping you dodge those pesky calls you keep putting off. The company is testing a feature that allows Gemini to contact businesses for routine tasks such as checking inventory, booking appointments, and changing reservations.

The idea builds on Google’s existing Hold for Me and Direct My Call features, which already take care of parts of the experience of a phone call. This time, Gemini goes one step further. You tell it what you need, and it will call the business, identify itself, go through automated menus, wait on hold, and speak with the person who answers, all through the Gemini app.

Google’s updated terms say these agentic calls are placed from your own phone number and use an AI-generated voice. That makes the feature less like a glorified voicemail assistant and more like an AI impersonating you.

You aren't handing over the phone altogether, though. The experience will include a live transcript so you can follow the conversation as it happens, Google says. If Gemini starts to go off the rails, you can take over the call at any point.

Google says it’s limiting the initial rollout as it works through the nuances of real-world conversations. There’s a good practical reason for Google’s decision to limit the initial rollout. These are conversations that are real. Gemini's calls are from real customers trying to book appointments, hold items, or change the date of services, meaning that businesses and the people who work for them have to deal with the AI on the other end.

The preview starts on September 24 for Gemini paid subscribers enrolled in the Phone by Google Public Beta, which is limited to Pixel 11 phones in the U.S.

Have you ever taken a photo on your phone, only to look back later and wonder where all the life went? I've seen people ask why their newer smartphone photos look dull and sterile compared to their older phone, and the answer mainly lies in how phones process photos these days.

Google seems to have heard everyone's cries and implemented a new feature on the Pixel 11 series called Camera Looks. These looks are more than a plain filter; they change how color science works and how shadows are calculated when you take a photo, leading to a result you'll hopefully like better.

What are Camera Looks?

To understand what Camera Looks does to your photos, you first have to understand how modern smartphone photography works. Unlike a "normal" camera, modern smartphones don't just take one picture when you tap the shutter button. Instead, your Pixel phone constantly takes pictures while the camera viewfinder is open; it just doesn't store them until you tap the shutter button.

The moment you press the shutter button, your Pixel saves roughly five photos taken before you press it, plus another five taken during and slightly after. Each photo is taken at different exposure values — meaning some photos are darker while others are brighter — to ensure the camera captures the widest range of light in an image. All this happens in less than a split second.

Your Pixel then takes those photos and combines them into a single picture at the pixel level. If you've ever taken a photo and then immediately tapped the thumbnail to see your shot, you've probably seen the picture "pop" into place and look a lot better after a second or two. This is the result of what Google calls HDR+.

While brightening the shadows and reducing the brightest parts of the photos might be technically excellent, it doesn't look "correct" to our eyes. After years of developing HDR+ into the industry's most technically advanced photo-processing software, Google is letting users pull back on the proverbial reins if they want to.

Google calls this extra control "Camera Looks," and it gives users a quick, easy way to make the Pixel camera look and work the way they want. You can reduce or enhance any specific processing parameters, including sharpening, shadows, vibrance, tinting, and more.

Camera Looks aren't "filters." Each look changes how the photo is processed when taken and delivers a different end look. A filter is something applied to a photo after it's taken, while Camera Looks changes the entire processing pipeline.

How to use Camera Looks on a Pixel 11

Camera Looks is supported on all Pixel 11 series phones, including the base Pixel 11, the Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Google hasn't ported this feature to older Pixel phones yet, as Camera Looks currently runs at the hardware level on the Tensor G6's ISP.

Camera Looks is a simple feature on the surface, but it also lets power users dive into more granular settings. Here's how to apply basic Camera Looks to your photos:

1. Open the camera app. You can also double-press the power button to quickly launch the camera.

2. Tap the Settings Sliders button on the bottom right of the viewfinder.

3. Tap on the Looks button on the bottom left of the viewfinder.

4. The viewfinder will now transform into a series of cards. At the top, tap the dropdown next to "default look" and select your desired base processing style.

5. You can also swipe through the Camera Looks cards to choose from 7 different preset options.

Setting your look as the default

By default, you'll need to tap the Camera Looks button every time you reopen the camera. Google does this to make "normal" photo-taking easy, but you can also set your preferred camera look as the default when you open the camera. To do that, follow these steps:

1. Open the camera app.

2. Tap the photo settings icon on the bottom left. It looks like a gear.

3. Tap the More button on the top right of the pop-up. It looks like three dots.

4. Scroll down and enable Always use selected look.

Now, when you open your Pixel's camera, the Camera Look you previously configured will always be enabled. To disable it, just tap the Camera Look button on the bottom right, then swipe through the cards to select another look.

Getting the most out of Camera Looks

While the carousel of cards is a quick way to get some nice presets, Camera Looks lets you dial in eight different properties of the Pixel's photography engine and adjust them in granular detail. When you open Camera Looks, you'll see a row of buttons along the bottom for individual settings. Here's what each one does:

Contrast (-10 to +10): The difference between the image's brightest and darkest parts. Increase this number to create starker darks and lights, and lower it to make the image gentler.

Highlights (-10 to +10): This refers to the brightest parts of a photo, usually something like sunlight coming through a window, a reflection in glass, etc. Increase this number to brighten highlights, and decrease it to reduce them.

Shadows (-10 to +10): This setting affects the darkest parts of a photo. Increasing this number brightens all the dark parts in an image. Decreasing this number will make the darker parts even darker, resulting in higher-contrast scenes.

Vibrance (-10 to +10): This setting affects color intensity. Higher vibrance settings make colors "pop" but can look unrealistic or cartoony at too-high settings. Lower settings make colors look duller.

Tint (-10 to +10): Adjusts how green or magenta an image is. Higher numbers skew the image toward a more magenta tone, while lower numbers make the image look greener.

Warmth (-10 to +10): Adjusts how blue or yellow an image is. Higher numbers skew the image toward yellow, or warmer colors, while lower numbers skew the image toward blue, or cooler tones.

Sharpness (0 to 15): This refers to how much artificial sharpening is added to a photo. Digital photography often uses sharpening to make photos look "high resolution" by enhancing fine detail, but an image that's too sharp looks noticeably fake and often "harsh."

Grain (None/Weak/Moderate/Strong): Adds an artificial grain look to photos. This differs from digital noise, a by-product of how digital photo sensors work. The grain setting does not enhance fine detail. It only adds a grain filter.

Feel free to play with each of these settings to find the look you want. If you don't like the look of stock Pixel photos, I suggest adjusting three settings right away: shadows, vibrance, and sharpness.

Try dropping the shadows a notch or two and see if you like the look. I think the preset "Shadows" Look (found in the drop-down menu at the top of the viewfinder when Camera Looks is enabled) already does a good job of adjusting this setting.

When you're done with that, try giving vibrance a little punch-up. Start with +2 and adjust from there. That, combined with shadow darkening, should give your Pixel photos a nice pop. Lastly, try reducing sharpness just a bit by bringing it down to 8 (the default is 10). This will reduce sharpening, making the photo look more like film and less digital.

I have fond memories of using flat-head earbuds as a kid in the '90s; I was just getting started with music discovery, and I was basically glued to my Walkman. I still use earbuds today, whether it's Bluetooth products like the FoKus Amadeus, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2, Status Pro X, or IEMs such as the Fiio FX15, Thieaudio Monarch MKIV, and Elysian Acoustic Labs Pilgrim.

So when Sivga said it's coming out with flat-head buds, I was obviously interested. The M260 have a bland naming convention (in a sense, that fits its retro positioning), but that's thankfully the only negative thing I have to say about these buds. They cost $39 on Amazon and come with a standard 3.5mm connector, and you can also get a USB-C version (like I did) when you buy at Sivga's website (these are $40 as well).

Let's start with the design. The M260 may be aimed at the budget category, but they're made out of machined aluminum, and the build quality is exquisite. The silver finish looks great in its own right, and the gold accents add a bit of flair.

There are a decent number of these earbuds around now, but they're mostly made out of plastic, and the attention to detail that Sivga lavished on the M260 makes the earbuds stand out quite a bit. This isn't anything new; I tested Sivga's Luan headset two years ago, and it has a delightful design and a high degree of comfort. It's so good that my wife immediately stole it to use with her gaming machine.

Anyway, the flat-head design of the M260 means they're extremely comfortable to wear, and if you've used IEMs in the past and didn't quite get a good fit, you should consider giving these a go. Unlike regular earbuds where the sound tube nuzzles into your ear canal — causing fatigue with long-term use — these buds sit around the outer ear, and they don't exert any pressure. You don't get a tight seal, so there isn't the same level of noise isolation as Bluetooth earbuds, but that isn't a big problem.

Most of the time, I didn't even realize I was wearing the buds, and they're designed for all-day use. The bundled ear tips provide good cushioning, and honestly, these may just be among the most comfortable earbuds I used in a long time. Also, they're just fun to use; I couldn't keep a smile off my face the entire time I used these.

Sivga went with a standard MMCX connector to plug the buds to the cable, and that means you can easily switch out cables should you need to do so. The bundled cable is of a decent quality, and it has a nylon sheath and a braided design that gives it better durability. Oh, and the cable gets inline controls, so you can easily adjust volume and pause/play music. It has a built-in mic as well, allowing you to take calls.

The USB-C model has a built-in DAC, and it is quite decent. I used the M260 with my Pixel 11 Pro XL, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and Find X9 Ultra, and they did a great job with a diverse range of music. Sivga went with a custom 14.2mm dynamic driver, and it has a tight bass with a good rumble, clean mids, and smooth treble.

The mid-range is where these earbuds shine, with vocals coming through cleanly and with plenty of definition. They're a great choice if you want to listen to music or stream movies and TV shows.

Because they use USB-C, you can use the buds with just about any phone, tablet, and gaming console without having to get a dongle. That kind of convenience is a big deal in and of itself, and it's good to see Sivga provide a USB-C version.

Honestly, if you want earbuds you can plug in, you can't go wrong with the M260. They have a delightfully-retro design with unmatched comfort, great sound, and build quality that's guaranteed to last. Coming in at $40, they're a great value as well.

It's been a month of using the Pixel 11 Pro XL as my daily driver, and I generally like what Google did with the device this year. There are some frustrations (just like with every phone I test), but as a whole, the Pixel 11 Pro XL is better than its predecessors, and while I don't necessarily like Google's aggressive stance on AI, all of these features are easy enough to ignore.

Instead of a traditional long-term review, I wanted to highlight five things that stood out the most in the month I used the Pixel 11 Pro XL, so let's get started.

The Pixel 11 Pro XL can take a beating

The Pixel 11 Pro XL doesn't look too different to the 10 Pro XL, and I don't mind that one bit. The design is visually distinctive, and I like how clean and minimal the camera visor looks this year. The Obsidian model doesn't have much flair (you'll need to buy the Canyon instead), but the all-matte texture feels great to hold and use.

The positioning of the camera bar means there's no wobble at all when using the phone on a table — this is diametrically opposite to Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra, which wobbles if you look at it. It is on the heavier side at 226g, but the weight is balanced well, and at no point did I feel that it was unwieldy to use.

I'm pleased to report that the phone has proven durability. The Pixel 11 Pro XL took over a dozen tumbles in the month I used it, and while there is some visible damage on the sides, it is all around the mid-frame, and the glass panels at the front and rear are unharmed. There was one notable instance where it skid face-down on a tiled floor; it just slid out of my hand, and my rescue attempt ended up with me kicking it across the room. Anyway, outside of minor scratching on one edge of the screen, the panel held up admirably.

It's good to see that Google actually paid quite a bit of attention to build quality, as the Pixel 11 Pro XL is designed to last a better part of a decade. I had issues with the fit and finish of older Pixels, but that thankfully hasn't been the case in the last two years, so it looks like Google finally has a handle on this.

The cameras are good — if not the best you'll find

I went to an Apple briefing to go hands-on with the iPhone Duo, and normally, I use whatever phone I'm daily driving to take product photos. In this scenario, it was the Pixel 11 Pro XL, and after taking two photos, I realized I made a mistake.

It took significantly more effort to shoot with the Pixel 11 Pro XL, and I wasn't satisfied with the resultant imagery — so much so that I regretted not bringing the Find X9 Ultra at least a half-dozen times. This isn't to say that the cameras are bad on the Pixel 11 Pro XL; if anything, the phone does a better job than previous years. I got plenty of great shots out of the camera over the last month, but it isn't well-suited to take product photos in questionable lighting.

Chinese flagships like the Find X9 Ultra, X9 Pro, Vivo X300 Ultra, X300 Pro, and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra do such a good job in this area that I didn't spot the Pixel 11 Pro XL's obvious limitations with the sensor size and resolution. Anyway, I got usable shots (if not the best quality or detail), but it reinforced the idea that Chinese phones have a significant lead when it comes to the cameras.

Connectivity is a mixed bag (yet again)

You don't need me to tell you about the state of the cellular modem on Pixels. With Google switching to a MediaTek modem this year, I thought the Pixel 11 Pro XL would be on par with other high-end phones. While connectivity is better, it wasn't as reliable as other devices I used in recent months.

I routinely saw an LTE signal in areas where I used to get 5G, and even at home, the signal was spotty. The phone intermittently disconnected from my home network, and I had to manually toggle the internet tile to get it to register on the network again. I get that these are minor quibbles, but I don't want to see any of these issues on a $1,199 phone — no other flagship has these problems.

Battery life is better than I imagined

The 5,115mAh battery on the Pixel 11 Pro XL is relatively smaller (the Find X9 Ultra has a 7,000mAh unit), but thanks to efficiency gains this year, it manages to last an entire day (and a bit) without any problems.

I got a full day of use even while traveling, and charging it wasn't as much of a hassle — it takes just an hour to fully charge the battery. On busy days that involve taking hundreds of photos, the Pixel 11 Pro XL managed to last until the night.

Qi 2.2 integration is a big deal, and not having to use a case makes a real difference. I use Qi 2.2 power banks and chargers daily, and as someone who doesn't like using cases, it's great to see native integration on the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

The software continues to be the real highlight

The main reason I use Pixels is the software, and there's a lot to like in Android 17. Most of the new features are around AI (which I don't need or use), but Rambler in Gboard is incredibly good, and I need it on other Android devices and the iPhone. I like that Google doesn't have any bloatware, and the interface itself is clean, has bright colors, and is highly customizable.

Using the Pixel 11 Pro XL made me realize that Google really needs to launch a Pixel Ultra to take on its Chinese rivals. While the phone does a good job against the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the Galaxy S26 Ultra, it doesn't have an answer to the Find X9 Ultra, Vivo X300 Ultra, and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, and Google needs to rectify that in coming years.

Although the brand always focused on software to make up the difference with cameras, we are getting to the point with diminishing returns, and Google needs to start using higher-resolution modules and generally deliver better camera hardware.

The era of giant, heavy VR headsets is officially over. The Oculus Quest began the era of standalone VR headsets in 2019, and now Meta VR Glasses will begin the era of tiny, comfortable standalone headsets when they launch in Spring 2027.

Despite what the name implies, Meta VR Glasses aren't associated with the company's other wearables offerings from brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley. Operationally, these are essentially a Meta Quest headset without the Quest branding, clearly separating it from that product line and giving it a new identity.

While Quest became most popular with kids and teenagers, Meta is aiming its new VR Glasses squarely at adults who want a cutting-edge immersive experience. It has brand-new features, content partnerships with streaming companies and sports leagues, and 75 new hand-tracking games at launch (including new Ace Attorney VR and Two Point Hospital VR, to name two).

All that, plus 100% backward compatibility with existing Meta Quest apps and games. It's a monumental moment for VR and the culmination of everything Meta has built up to this point.

The lightest standalone VR headset ever

When Apple Vision Pro launched, it blew people away. The experience was revolutionary, but its 600g weight and $3500 price tag severely diminished its appeal. Samsung's Galaxy XR launched last year at half the price, but it still weighed 545g and doesn't have the gaming support of Meta's platform.

Meta VR Glasses weigh just 100g. They're also less than half the size of either Apple's or Samsung's headsets. They also come in two sizes to accommodate as many people as possible and don't need an uncomfortable head strap to keep the VR Glasses on your face.

Instead, Meta VR Glasses look and feel more like a pair of glasses than a headset. Each temple arm folds in like a pair of glasses, and they even use adjustable nose pads. They're not intended to be worn all day like Meta AI Glasses, though. These are still VR headsets, just without all the bulk and weight the category has become synonymous with.

Prescription lenses magnetically attach to the headset's lenses, making fitting and sharing a breeze. The 5K micro-OLED panels inside each lens are incredibly bright and crisp, sporting a 37 pixels-per-degree (PPD) resolution. By comparison, Quest 3 has just 20 PPD, while Apple Vision Pro has around 34 PPD.

The trick here is that Meta reduced the FoV to achieve this level of clarity. At 85 degrees, it's around 11 degrees narrower than Quest 3S and 25 degrees narrower than Quest 3. It felt narrower than Quest, for sure, but not as narrow as even the best smart glasses. You adjust the IPD by manually sliding the lenses.

Meta VR Glasses don't ship with controllers, but you can pair them with any existing Quest 3-era controller or order a separate pair. I got to play a new version of Beat Saber called Beat Saber Flux, which is hand-tracking-only and heavily modifies the gameplay to match hand tracking's vibe. If you're familiar with Synth Riders, this new Beat Saber will feel familiar.

I also got to see an upcoming mixed reality title called Dice Throne Digital, a video game version of the popular Dice Throne board game. This roguelike title is like "battle Yatzi," as the developers described it to me: you grab imaginary dice, shake them violently in your hand, and throw them anywhere in your room.

Thanks to Meta's continuously improved hand tracking — plus the power of the new Qualcomm Snapdragon Reality Elite chipset inside Meta VR Glasses — the action looks more visceral than I ever thought a hand-tracking game could. Watch your hand transform into a powerful glowing fist when you shake the dice, and watch them bounce off your real-world objects as if they actually existed.

The new chipset and battery are housed in a separate, phone-sized compute puck that clips onto a belt or pocket. Ventilation on top of the puck keeps things cool, and a USB-C port on the bottom can power the headset indefinitely with a 45W charger. It even supports USB-C video input, so you can plug in your Steam Deck and get a massive 5K resolution screen anywhere.

Meta intends this headset to be used primarily while seated, so you'll likely want a "proper" headset for fully immersive VR experiences (read: ones you physically walk around, duck, or look under objects). Magnetic light blockers (like on Meta Quest Pro) will make things even more immersive, but I didn't get to see either of these at my hands-on.

The UI is the same as on existing Quest headsets, but built-in eye tracking capabilities and new cameras make navigating truly effortless. No need to raise your hand anymore; just look at what you want to select and pinch your thumb and index finger together, or make a fist and use your thumb like a D-pad to scroll. Meta VR Glasses will even create a virtual mouse and keyboard on any surface, both of which worked unbelievably well in my demo.

Speaking of cinema-grade experiences, Meta is clearly aiming this headset at a more casual crowd than the folks who normally enjoy the highly active gaming experiences synonymous with VR. Meta VR Glasses are designed primarily as a private screen, delivering IMAX-quality visuals with native 12-bit micro-OLED panels, all of which are James Cameron-certified (seriously!).

The displays use a PWM dimming method that matches the refresh rate, which lines up with how its LCD-based headsets have always worked. This should be comfortable for most people, including PWM-sensitive people like me. That's great since the 3-hour battery life and more casual use cases will likely have you in the headset for hours at a time.

A key part of this experience is a bespoke selection of included services, such as courtside seats at NBA games included in the headset's price (no additional subscription required). I don't know how many games this service will cover, but the game I watched in the headset felt like I was right next to the celebrities who can afford front-row tickets.

Meta VR Glasses are a total reboot of the VR paradigm Meta has been selling, and the company is putting high hopes in this product being a smash hit. The $1,299 price will limit its appeal a bit, but this is the most cutting-edge VR headset I've used in my 11 years covering VR professionally, and it finally solves the weight and size problem people have been asking for.

New month, new Ray-Bans. That's certainly what Meta seems to think these days, as it's launching nearly 10 new AI glasses at Meta Connect 2026.

These come hot on the heels of the company's July event that launched a slew of new glasses under the "Meta AI Glasses" brand. September's new reveals include three new Meta AI Glasses-branded glasses, a brand-new Ray-Ban Gen 3 line with three main styles, and another brand-new line called Ray-Ban Audio that ditches the cameras altogether.

That, and Meta announced a new partnership with superstar musician LISA, bringing the artist's style to two Meta AI glasses styles, plus blindbox charms that come with each pair. Here's everything you can expect.

Upgrades for (nearly) all Meta AI glasses

All new Meta AI glasses launch with the features I'm about to detail, but most existing pairs will get them too, starting with customizable controls that let you change the function of the buttons and touchpads to launch apps or run commands.

Meta AI glasses with cameras now support landscape mode cropping, which will automatically crop images taken with your glasses and straighten them using AI. A new dynamic camera feature can also be enabled to take a burst of photos when you press the shutter, letting you select the best photo after capture.

The audio experience is also getting an upgrade with Dolby Atmos-certified playback, so you get proper surround sound when watching videos with your Meta AI glasses connected to your phone. You'll also be able to customize the left/rigth audio balance, or select mono audio for a louder output.

Last is what Meta calls a groundbreaking new FDA-approved mode named Hearing Enhancement, which uses the glasses' microphones to amplify what someone in front of you is saying. That audio is then immediately played back through the glasses' speakers, which reside over your ear, helping replace hearing aids for some people.

I tried this feature using earplugs to simulate hearing loss and was impressed with how much easier it was to hear the Meta rep talk to me. I'd like to see how it works for someone with actual hearing loss, but the demo felt legit. This feature is coming to select Meta AI glasses, which means all the new models plus a handful of older ones, but it's an extra $149 upcharge to enable the feature. Meta One subscribers get the feature included in their plans.

Ray-Ban Meta Audio

I tried the new Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses at the Hearing Enhancement booth, and they're exactly what you'd expect: cameraless Meta AI glasses. Meta says it chose this because people mainly use the audio function on camera glasses, but it's clear the company is also responding to the privacy issues plaguing the brand.

There are no new exclusive features here, just the optional $149 Hearing Enhancement add-on if you need it. Ray-Ban Meta Audio Glasses come in two main styles: Burbank, which looks pretty similar to Wayfarer to me, and Clubmaster, which is a radically different style from the rest of the pack. Clubmaster would be my style pick, for sure.

Since there's no camera, these weigh just 42g and feel substantially lighter because of it. Every gram counts with glasses, and it shows here. These start at $349 and will be available on October 7.

Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3

It's hard to believe Meta is already launching a 3rd-generation Ray-Ban Meta product, but it's here with some surprisingly light upgrades over last year's pair. They launch in the classic Wayfarer style, as well as two new ones: Aviator and Zena.

Aviator is a larger, more structured style with wide lenses, while Zena pulls things in for a more feminine look. The limited-edition Warm Beige Aviators particularly appealed to me, though they'll run you an eye-watering $549. All three models come in black and Havana, plus select "seasonal" options and the usual lens types and colors.

Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 sports one extra mic (for a total of 6) and an additional hour of battery life over Gen 2 models. Gen 3 also has the customizable action button from July's Meta AI Glasses, as well as the slightly upgraded chipset, but, curiously, doesn't feature the adjustable nose pads. Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 glasses retail for $449 and up, and are available right now.

LISA needs glasses

Meta AI glasses may have launched just two months ago, but Meta is already debuting four new options so people can buy another pair. The main new styles are Capri, which looks somewhat similar to the Adventurer style but with a more cat-eye appearance, and Nova, which has nicely rounded frames. Both pairs start at $299.

In addition to that, Meta is partnering with renowned musician LISA and launching special LISA versions of the Adventurer and Capri styles. These colorways, as Meta called them, feature unique color accents and a trademark star on each temple tip.

Each pair comes with a specially styled case, blind-box-style pet charms that clip onto the case, and unique digital photocards in the Meta AI app, all for $399. Meta is also launching a new $249 pair of Meta AI Glasses with a black frame and grey lenses in the Adventurer style, making them the most affordable pair yet.

What you need to know

• Samsung is reportedly focusing on the Galaxy Tab S12 Plus and Ultra, thus ditching the base variant.
• The Plus could get a 12.6-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, while the Ultra keeps its massive 14.6-inch panel.
• Both tablets are powered by the 3nm Dimensity 9500 chip, with leaked benchmarks pointing to a major performance leap over the previous generation.

Samsung’s upcoming flagship tablets are shaping up to be a fairly conservative upgrade, with the Galaxy Tab S12 Plus and Tab S12 Ultra rumored to be bringing a new MediaTek chip and minor changes to the battery.

The Korean tech giant is not expected to release a standard Galaxy Tab S12, with the company instead focusing on the Plus and Ultra models. The Tab S12 Plus is said to feature a 12.6-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 2,800 x 1,752, while the Ultra could stick to its giant 14.6-inch 120Hz panel with a resolution of 2,960 x 1,848, according to WinFuture.

Both phones are said to be powered by MediaTek’s 3nm Dimensity 9500 and come with 12GB of RAM as standard under the hood. The Ultra could pack up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, and both tablets are expected to provide microSD expansion. Samsung seems to be sticking with its aluminum construction, IP68 protection, and bundled S Pen, too.

The Plus may pack a 10,600mAh battery, while the Ultra is said to retain its 11,600mAh cell. The outlet reports that both can charge at 45W. The Plus is also said to tip the scales at 555 grams, making it lighter than Samsung's previous Plus tablet, even with the larger battery.

Another potentially bigger change is happening under the hood: the Dimensity 9500 has already shown up in a Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra Geekbench listing, with reported scores significantly higher than the previous Tab S11 Ultra. That points to performance—rather than a visual redesign—as Samsung’s biggest practical upgrade.

The more important question is price. Previous leaks priced Tab S12 Plus at $1,200 for 256GB and Ultra at $1,400 for 256GB. The European pricing is said to be €1,299 and €1,539, respectively.

Those numbers are still not official, but earlier leaks already pointed to a big bump in price over the Tab S11 generation, especially for the Ultra.

The two tablets are tipped to launch on October 7, and just how much that familiar hardware package actually costs will be determined by Samsung’s final pricing.

What you need to know

• Qualcomm and Global Health Connector announce a partnership as the companies found the Personal AI Health Alliance.
• The PAIHA's purpose is to make the health data our wearables capture mean something with a more proactive, detailed, and accessible mindset.
• Continuous health data capture, secure information, and more are a major focus.

New chips for our phones are probably what we look forward to the most at Snapdragon Summit. However, Qualcomm's coming forward with a new partnership—or rather, a new alliance for our health.

Over in Belfast, U.K., AI-powered health solutions were the name of the game for Qualcomm and its partner, Global Health Connector. According to a press release, the two companies have joined forces to leverage AI for our health and create the Personal AI Health Alliance (PAIHA). While these two companies are at the helm, Optum Health, Scripps Health, MERCK, Digital Medicine Society, and Biocom, among others, are also involved.

The PAIHA reportedly has "three main beliefs" that are steering its focus moving forward. The first involves remaining "perceptive." Wearables should provide "richer health insights" through continuous, real-world sensing. The post builds on this, stating AI-powered health solutions show promise in delivering crucial information to users and health providers daily.

Staying "proximal" is another aspect of having AI solutions that are a seamless part of our daily lives. Specifically, this concerns the storage and processing of the user's health data. The Personal AI Health Alliance wants user data to remain private by implementing on-device AI to "reduce exposure associated with transmitting data..."

This is an ongoing process, though; one that the alliance states it will continue to work on and research. Finally, there's the "proactive" side of what the Health Alliance is chasing. Delivering "timely" and "relevant" health insights to users is important for the user's well-being. However, the PAIHA also sees this as a way to "reduce costs or validate drug efficacy."

Rich data should mean something

We're still at the beginning of the PAIHA, but it states that it has provided proof of concept and more. Echoing its beliefs, the PAIHA states these AI-powered solutions aim to make health data "more continuous." However, your health data is yours. It should feel personal, while also remaining accessible. Bleddyn Rees, Global Health Connector, said, "Healthcare is data-rich but often insight-poor. The real opportunity lies in turning data into actionable intelligence that improves outcomes for everyone."

We've seen similar sentiments and an urge to make continuous health recording mean something before. This seems to be the direction this space is headed. With a stronger alliance such as the PAIHA, perhaps the future looks bright.

What you need to know

• Qualcomm revealed the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2, its latest advancement in its premium audio technology.
• The chip offers "industry-leading" audio tech with adaptive ANC and aptX Lossless support, with "context-aware" listening.
• The Sound Elite Gen 2's personal AI will assist users daily with requests and tasks given, while keeping its power consumption low and your audio experience strong.

It feels like it's been a while since Qualcomm's premium audio technology. That's precisely why, at Snapdragon Summit, the company announced the next generation of Snapdragon Sound.

This afternoon, Qualcomm revealed the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2. Its press release positions the Sound Elite Gen 2 as a "premium audio platform purpose-built for personal AI..." Qualcomm states that it combined on-device AI, cloud-connected capabilities, and "industry-leading" audio tech for this new chip. However, it's the audio power of the Sound Elite Gen 2 that's the main focus.

Qualcomm says it's reworked the new chip to feature immersive, "high-fidelity" audio for wireless devices. Consumers should notice these improvements while listening to music, voices, shows/movies, games, and more. The chip's aptX Lossless support delivers "bit-for-bit" music streaming, meaning you won't miss a beat and every sound is delivered with clarity.

Qualcomm is reportedly confident that this higher-quality sound will remain consistent over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. On the other hand, you have Qualcomm's AI that can reportedly "continuously respond to the user." The AI will account for your activity and your environment while you're listening to ensure everything remains clear. Adaptive ANC (active noise cancellation) and "context-aware listening" are two major hallmarks. The chip's AI is also fully capable of taking user requests.

In short, it can assist with translations, retrieving information, and more.

Qualcomm Sound

With everything new and improved Qualcomm's worked on, there's a concern about the toll on our phones. The company states the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 features "up to 40% lower power consumption" compared to previous generations. What's more, Qualcomm sees the chip headed to "intelligent hearables." Such devices include premium AI earbuds, open-ear devices, audio glasses, camera buds, hearing and wellness devices, and AI wearables.

Other areas include qobuz, cinemo, and more. Much of the Sound Elite Gen 2's AI assistance is enhanced by its Wi-Fi 6E support. Qualcomm says this offers direct-to-cloud connectivity that "makes always-on personal AI" possible. The post states this is more "practical," as to not compromise your battery life and audio listening experience.

What you need to know

• Xiaomi launched the 18 Pro series in China this week, stating the 18 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch main display and a 2.9-inch rear display.
• The Xiaomi 18 Pro features a 6.4-inch screen and a 2.7-inch rear display; however, both phones feature the new privacy screen with "location-based triggers."
• This privacy screen will automatically hide content on your phone depending on your location, which may carry sensitive information (alerts, floating windows, etc.).
• The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max starts at 6,999 CNY (~$1,042), while the 18 Pro begins at 5,999 CNY (~$900).

The wait is over; Xiaomi's 18 Pro series is here. The Chinese OEM has launched its latest flagship phones for its consumers, and there's new tech and new features to explore.

The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max debuted in China early this morning (via GSMArena). Getting us started is the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. The device features a 6.9-inch AMOLED front display and a 2.9-inch rear screen. For the moment, we'll focus on the main display, since Xiaomi has equipped it with a proactive privacy screen.

This will sound similar to what Samsung did with the Galaxy S26 Ultra; however, the publication notes one major difference: Xiaomi uses "location-based triggers." This privacy screen will activate depending on where you are to block anything carrying sensitive information (notifications, floating windows, etc.). The rear display now benefits from Xiaomi's AI, Xiao, for mini-app creation, timers, and reminders.

There are three cameras on the 18 Pro Max: a 200MP main lens, a 200MP periscope telephoto sensor, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. The selfie camera reportedly arrives at 50MP. Powering the phone is an 8,500mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging capabilities. Xiaomi officially lists the 18 Pro Max with five RAM/storage configurations. Consumers will find an entry 12/256GB up to a 16/1TB option.

The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max starts at 6,999 CNY (~$1,042). The phone is available in China in black, white, blue, and pink; however, there is a Special Edition transparent red option (16/1TB). A global launch is expected, something that Xiaomi mentioned during the Snapdragon Summit. Details about it will likely come at a later date

Xiaomi 18 Pro

There are a few similarities between the 18 Pro and the 18 Pro Max, but we'll begin with what separates them. The Xiaomi 18 Pro features a slightly smaller 6.4-inch AMOLED main screen and a 2.7-inch rear display. The OEM opted for Qualcomm's "more efficient" Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 for the 18 Pro and a 7,000mAh battery with similar charging capabilities.

For what remains continuous, the 18 Pro features the same triple camera array as the 18 Pro Max: a 200MP main lens, a 200MP periscope telephoto sensor, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. Additionally, Xiaomi placed its new privacy screen with location-based triggers on the 18 Pro, too. Other tools, such as Xiao AI and the mini-app creation for the rear display, remain on the 18 Pro.

Xiaomi lists the 18 Pro with the same color assortment as the 18 Pro, including the red transparent Special Edition. The phone starts at 5,999 CNY (~$900). Consumers in China will find it in four RAM/storage configurations: 12/256GB, 12/512GB, 16/512GB, 16/1TB.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit is going on. Yesterday (Sept. 22), Xiaomi's SVP and president of international business, Adam Zeng, took the stage to tease the 18 Pro series. Adam Zeng said that the Xiaomi 18 Pro series will be the first phones to feature Qualcomm's Dual 8 Elites: the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and the 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. Each chip is designed for a different purpose. While both are strong, Qualcomm says the 8 Elite Gen 6 is "built for efficiency," while the 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 is more focused on "peak performance."

Tech keeps getting more and more expensive, but that doesn't mean that you can't find the occasional cheap Android phone deal if you know where to look. Grab the unlocked Nothing Phone (4a) Pro from Amazon today, for example, and you'll get a straight $50 off your purchase. That knocks the price of the midrange masterpiece down to just $449!

The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro easily holds its own against midrange Android phones like the Google Pixel 10a and the Samsung Galaxy A57 5G, blending eye-catching design and a 144Hz AMOLED display with efficient Snapdragon performance and a large 5,080mAh battery.

This deal comes just a few weeks before Amazon's Big Deal Days sale on October 6th and 7th, but why wait for Prime Day when you can score a discount on a great cheap Android phone today? After all, it's unlikely that the price will dip much further when the sale begins in earnest, and you run the risk of stock selling out if you wait too long.

• Prime Big Deal Days returns October 6-7: see the full list of early deals

Reviewer Nick Sutrich called the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro the 'only $499 phone I'd buy' in his 4.5/5-star review earlier this year, and looking at the specs, it isn't hard to see why. The cheap Android phone boasts incredible build quality with one of the best-looking designs in the business, plus you get a gorgeous 144Hz AMOLED display with PWM dimming, plenty of on-device AI features, and six years of software support guaranteed.

The 128GB configuration of the phone also comes with 8GB of RAM, while the 256GB version will increase that to 12GB. Constructed from a metal unibody with an IP65 resistance rating, the Phone (4a) Pro also features a large 5,080mAh battery that will easily last over a day on a single charge, while unique features like Essential Space and Nothing Playground ensure that you're getting a flagship-quality software experience without paying a flagship price.

As far as hardware is concerned, the Phone (4a) Pro utilizes a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset that falls a bit behind the Google Pixel 10a's Tensor G4 when looking at peak performance, but it's crucial to note that the Snapdragon CPU performs more efficiently over longer periods of time. The Pixel 10a, on the other hand, is known to overheat, making it less reliable for regular daily use.

Each phone has their own strengths and weaknesses, but if I was trying to decide between the Pixel 10a and the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, I'd choose the device that takes risks over the same-old, same-old.

What you need to know

• Motorola and Lenovo's always-on AI, Qira, receives a major phone expansion with the company's Android 17 upgrade.
• Qira is a context-aware AI that helps users find new outfits with "Style Sync" or stay in the loop with "Catch me up."
• Motorola says that with its Android 17 upgrade, consumers should look out for Qira on the Signature, Razr, and Edge series.

Motorola and Lenovo's system-level intelligence, Qira, is expanding to more phones this week with Android 17. Motorola details which devices will see Qira in this new expansion.

At the start of Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit, Motorola got a Qira announcement out of the way regarding its Android 17 upgrade. If Qira is supported, Moto says users can take the AI's assistance with them from their phone, desktop, watch, and PC. With the "Hey Qira" wake word, Moto says the AI can provide "features like Catch me up, the ability to ask urgent questions, and a knowledge base that features all of their saved files, preferences, and synced cross-device information."

Permitting Qira activates another level of assistance for your Motorola phone. Continuing a project from your phone on your PC is one of those unlocked features. What's more, "Pay Attention" helps users with transcribed audio recordings that "summarize key points." You can also find "Next Move." This feature suggests what you should do next. If you're reading a blog post, it might ask if you want a summary. Or if you've booked a flight, Qira might suggest setting a reminder so you're on time.

"Catch me up" keeps you in the loop with a round-up of notifications, news, and more, while "Style Sync" brings Qira in for new fashion styles. A collaboration with Lenovo's Workato lets users lean on Qira to complete tasks for them (if told to) and quickly find important information in their email.

Android 17 is where Moto users can expect to find Qira's massive expansion. Motorola is being selective, stating you'll see Qira on its Signature, Razr, and Edge devices.

Moto AI

We were introduced to Qira earlier this year. The AI was a pretty big swing from Motorola and Lenovo, as the two companies went beyond "simple chatbots" to a "personal ambient intelligence" system. The point of Qira is to create an experience that's always-on and consistent across Android, PC, and more. In conjunction with "Next Move" and "Catch me up," users can chat with Qira.

Additionally, Motorola says you can chat via voice, text, images, or videos. Qira is wrapped inside the Moto AI feature suite. Remaining context-aware is key for Motorola and Lenovo. It's one significant way for the AI to deliver the assistance it was designed to do. Of course, much of this is based on its level of permissions. If users don't want it inside their emails or notifications for "Catch me up," you don't have to let it.

Let's face it: we spend a lot of time staring at screens, so it's no wonder that many folks are searching for devices that utilize eye-friendly display technology. TCL is a leading manufacturer in this regard, and you can get one of their best phones for FREE by adding a line with an eligible data plan at Total Wireless.

The last-gen TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G boasts a 6.78-inch eye-friendly display with a 120Hz refresh rate and multiple display modes, making it ideal for users with PWM sensitivity. The matte, paper-like finish of the screen is perfect for reducing glare and eye strain, while the RGB sensor automatically adjusts the color temperature depending on the time of day. The TCL 50 XL also comes with an SD slot for expandable storage, 8GB of RAM, and a 5,100mAh battery, all of which are rare specs for a phone in this price range.

The Total Max 5G plan starts at $50 per month for a single line with AutoPay, although the price drops a lot when you add multiple lines. The plan gives you unlimited talk, text, and 5G Ultra Wideband data on Verizon's vast network, plus you get an unlimited mobile hotspot and free calling to and from Mexico included in the package.

Your plan also comes with a 5-year price guarantee and no confusing contracts or hidden fees to worry about. As an MVNO carrier, what you see is what you get, even if Total Wireless doesn't have as many perks as some premium unlimited plans.

TCL proves that the latest innovations in display technology don't have to cost an arm and a leg, and now that they've partnered up with Total Wireless, protecting your long-term vision health is easier (and more affordable) than ever before.

What you need to know

• Amazfit has unveiled the T-Rex Dual Solar, its first dual-sided solar AMOLED smartwatch that collects sunlight from both the front and rear.
• A larger panel sits inside the glass-ceramic rear plate, which Amazfit claims has twice the collection area, so the watch keeps charging even when it's off your wrist.
• Its 660mAh battery is said to deliver 25 days of standard use (or 41 hours in Accuracy GPS mode), extending up to 34 days with three daily hours of direct sunlight.

If you’re in the market for a rugged outdoor watch with great battery life that’s built to withstand off-grid excursions, Garmin’s Fenix series has long held a monopoly on your wrist. But it makes you choose between a battery-sipping, washed-out Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) display with solar, or a rich, vibrant AMOLED display, and settle for shorter battery life. Amazfit's new T-Rex Dual Solar takes a different approach: keep the bright AMOLED display and add solar charging to both sides of the watch.

The T-Rex Dual Solar is the brand's first-ever AMOLED smartwatch with dual-sided solar charging. The front display can harness sunlight while you’re wearing it, and a larger solar panel is inside the glass-ceramic rear plate. Amazfit says the rear panel has twice the collection area of the front one, giving you another option when the watch is not on your wrist.

That means a somewhat surreal but actually useful backup plan: if the battery dies, you can flip the watch over and expose its back to the sun, or just leave it in a sunny place, to get enough power to boot essential functions back up. The watch also has a Solar Priority Mode to help you get the most out of this off-wrist charging.

Amazfit rates the 660mAh battery for up to 25 days of typical use and 41 hours in Accuracy GPS mode. Under the test conditions described, 50,000 lux for three hours a day can extend typical battery life up to 34 days.

The rest of the package is suitably rugged too, with a 1.32-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, sapphire crystal, a Grade 5 titanium bezel, 10 ATM water resistance, maps, turn-by-turn navigation, waypoint tools, ski maps, and LiveShare location tracking. Plus, there's a red-light flashlight for night use.

The catch is the cost. Amazfit is stepping up into the premium adventure watch arena with this $650 offering, rather than its usual value-focused space. The T-Rex Dual Solar is now available on Amazfit's website and Amazon, and real-world testing will determine if its dual-sided solar system can live up to its lofty battery promises.

If you're sick of paying an arm and a leg for wireless, there's a Mint Mobile deal that you should be checking out immediately. For a limited time, the T-Mobile-owned carrier is dropping all of its data plans down to just $15 per month, regardless of the plan length or data allotment. And yes, that includes Mint's popular unlimited tier.

This Mint Mobile deal has been available for a while, but the carrier is planning to officially retire the promotion on September 30th. That means you have less than a week to sign up before the wireless plans return to their original price.

The only catch is that, due to Mint's buy-in-bulk plan system, you will have to pay for a minimum of three months to enjoy the savings. That shakes out to just $45 upfront for three months of unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mobile's network, which is still pretty impressive when you compare the costs with other phone plans.

Mint Mobile operates with a unique buy-in-bulk plan system that lets you purchase wireless in 3, 6, and 12-month increments of time. This deal knocks all of its data plans down to the same price, including Unlimited, which means you can secure yourself up to a year of unlimited wireless and it'll only cost you $180 upfront.

Mint's plans give you coverage on T-Mobile's vast 5G network, plus you'll get a free mobile hotspot and calling to Mexico, Canada, and the UK. Sure, the MVNO's offerings aren't quite as comprehensive as some unlimited plans, but if cost is your main concern, you can't do much better than Mint.

Need a new phone too?

What you need to know

• Google believes Apple's entry with the iPhone Duo validates a foldable category Android brands have built for years.
• The company believes the iPhone Duo's halo effect could increase consumer interest in Android foldable phones as well.
• A bigger foldable market could finally push developers to properly optimize more apps for Android's larger displays.

Apple is finally entering the foldable smartphone market with the iPhone Duo very soon. And Google actually thinks Apple's arrival in the category could be a good thing.

We've been waiting for a foldable iPhone for years, but it's finally no longer a dream. Apple is opening pre-orders for the iPhone Duo next month, and as expected, the company's entrance into the category is expected to shake things up. Counterpoint even believes Apple could capture around 25% of the foldable smartphone market within a year of the iPhone Duo's launch.

So technically, Google and its Android partners should be worried about Apple jumping into the foldable phones market, right? Apparently not. In fact, Google believes Apple's arrival could be beneficial for the entire category.

Android president Sameer Samat sat down with Tom's Guide this week to talk about the foldable market and the iPhone Duo. Samat, who says he personally uses the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, praised the multitasking experience and noted that Android is often where consumers get to experience new technologies first, with foldables being one example.

But rather than seeing the iPhone Duo as a threat, Google views Apple's entrance as a long-awaited validation of the foldable category that Android manufacturers have been building for years.

Despite the momentum Apple currently has, Samat believes the halo effect of the iPhone Duo could actually increase consumer interest in Android foldables as well. More importantly, he believes a larger foldable market will finally give developers more reason to properly optimize their apps for bigger folding displays.

That's one area where Apple already appears to have an advantage. The company showcased apps like Netflix and Slack properly optimized for the iPhone Duo, while some of those same apps on Android foldables still look like stretched-out versions of their regular phone interfaces.

Samat, however, believes Apple's entrance could help change that. As foldables become more popular across both platforms, developers have more incentive to invest in the form factor, and Google says developers are already in conversations or actively working on better foldable-optimized Android apps.

The Beats 360 are an interesting mix of hardware and design choices, representing a new approach to Beats headphone design. One that has Apple’s fingerprints all over it. They include some great longevity features right out of the box, so let's get into them.

Beats 360 to the Max!

Though Apple acquired Beats in 2014, the company kept its design aesthetic, with seemingly minor visual changes over the years. Twelve years later, Apple has entered the design chat. Beats has been dabbling in expanding color options for Apple accessories, and that “dabbling” shows up in the 360 ecosystem of frames and accessories.

I can’t help but notice the similarities to the AirPods Max 2. With their thin, round, telescoping arms and flatter cups, the new headphones look like they belong in a Max product lineup, rather than alongside Beats’ current headphone offerings.

This year, Beats introduces four frame colors, along with six performance knit and two ultra plush cushion color kits. Each kit includes ear cushions and a headband and costs $50. Beats says that gives you up to 256 combinations if you mix ear and headband cushions.

I have the Sky frames for review, and like the other three frame color options, these come with color-matched Performance Knit Sky ear cushions and headband. Beats also sent me a Volt Performance Knit kit (pictured on the headphones) and a Cloud UltraPlush kit.

The headbands are extremely simple to swap out. I just pulled the Sky headband off and pushed the Volt headband in. They have knit covers and silicone backs with silicone connectors that have bulbous ends that snap into the frames. The ear cushions also have silicone backs with plastic twist-to-lock nodes that lock into L-shaped grooves in the frames.

Since you get two different cushion densities, which can affect sound, the ear cushions have sensors that tell the frames to adjust the tuning so the sound profile stays consistent. Beats 360 also has a chime that sounds off when the ear cushions are properly seated. The LED on the power button will also turn red if they aren’t seated properly.

During my listening sessions, I didn't hear any distracting differences in tone or timbre between the two cushion styles.

Living to the Beat

The Beats 360 are aimed at active consumers on the go. Over the last week, I've worn them for casual listening and gym sessions. The Performance Knit has done a great job wicking sweat while keeping my ears cooler than most competing ear cushions.

For me and my giant bald head, the knit headband and cushion texture provide enough friction that the 360 stays in place when I lay flat on a bench or lean forward for pushups or barbell rows. The clamping force also makes this possible without becoming fatiguing during extended wear, thanks to the softness of the cushions. When things got really sweaty, the physical controls remained responsive, and for the first time, Beats headphones have an IPX4 protection, so I'm not second-guessing using them for sweaty gym sessions.

When the cushions and headbands get icky, you can hand-wash them with diluted liquid laundry detergent, then air-dry them (avoid the dryer). The only issue users on the go may have is that the headphones no longer fold into a small-ish "ball"; instead, the ear cups rotate flat like the AirPods Max 2, taking up more space in your workout or messenger bag.

Both sets of new ear cushions are much deeper, wider, and more comfortable than the Studio Pros. The only downside to the magnificent ear cups is that they don’t include wear-detection sensors, so they won't automatically play or pause music when you put them on or take them off. A disappointing omission for $350 headphones.

What isn't disappointing is the improved longevity, so you can actually get your money's worth. Beats is offering a $79 mail-in or carry-in battery replacement service similar to the Beats Studio Pro and Solo 4. Beats also says it'll offer a user-replaceable, self-service option in the coming months.

The nine-microphone configuration and noise-cancellation algorithms that give the 360 better ANC than the Beats Studio Pro are a boon for fitness-minded folks. In the gym or on the streets, you'll get noticeably better ANC in the high mids and high frequencies.

While that ANC still doesn’t compete with Bose or Sony for canceling voices and high-frequency noise, it does an admirable job with weight plates clanking about and high-frequency airplane cabin hum.

Beats has actively improved its sound signature since the Solo 3, and the 360s are no exception. We’ve said this over and over, but the muddy sound that pre-Apple Beats headphones had is gone, replaced by a more balanced sound with more prominent mids, greater clarity, and highs that can be a bit stilted on some tracks, teetering on the edge of sibilance.

Despite the lack of Hi-Res Wireless Audio support and the loss of USB-C lossless or 3.5mm wired audio support, you’ll still get respectable detail retrieval when listening to songs like Charles Mingus’ “Moanin’.” Though the instrumentation on “Moanin’” wasn’t the strongest I’ve heard, owing to the lack of higher-bitrate stream support, the ability to pick out different instruments in the arrangement during the most frenetic moments is respectable. I can’t say the same for many Bluetooth headphones, including the venerable Sony WH-1000XM6.

That said, the bass still rumbles on my test tracks from The Roots and Skrillex, but it's tight. The soundstage is large and open, and Dolby Atmos tracks sound fully engaging on the Beats 360.

If you’re an iPhone user, Spatial Audio with movies and content that supports it is very immersive, and I actually prefer listening to music with Spatial Audio activated.

My 360 view of the Beats 360

I called the Powerbeats Fit my favorite workout earbuds, and now I can call Beats 360 my favorite over-ear workout headphones. Just like I do with my smartwatch bands, using a separate pair for working out, daily wear, and sleeping, the ability to switch out a sweaty headband and pair of ear cushions for a dry pair is a delight. The clamping force during workouts is great. The fit and comfort of the UltraPlush cushions for more recreational active listening is wonderful.

If you’re an audiophile or a frequent traveler who prioritizes space-saving carry, you may want to consider competing products along with the Beats 360. If you’re an athlete or someone who hits the gym, the trails, or the urban jungle regularly, this is my Editor’s Choice for you.

If you're looking to buy a charger in India, you can't go wrong with Stuffcool. The brand regularly churns out reliable products, and with the Omni Pro, it's making its debut with Qi 2.2 charging tech. The Omni Pro is now available for ₹4,999, and that is in line with other Qi 2.2 power banks I used from the likes of Baseus, Anker, and other global brands.

But the Omni Pro isn't just a standard Qi 2.2 power bank. It also has a swivel arm that swings out, and you can easily charge your Apple Watch on it. This is a brilliant idea, and you don't have to take any other devices if you're heading out with an iPhone and Apple Watch. Oh, and there's also a kickstand, giving you the freedom to plonk your phone on the Omni Pro and use it while charging.

The design is elegant too; Stuffcool went with a silver finish that looks good, and build quality is great — I didn't see any issues in the month I used the power bank. It isn't much bigger than other 10,000mAh power banks, and at 214g, you can slot it into a bag without any issues. There's a tiny panel on the left that shows battery level, and while you don't get charging metrics like the Nexode Pro, it is an easy way of seeing how much charge is left on the power bank.

Qi 2.2 charging tech is interesting because it delivers 25W, and I use it constantly with my iPhone 17 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL. I'm switching to the iPhone 18 Pro Max this week, and it's great to be able to reliably charge these devices without having to connect a cable. The versatility of being able to do so with the Apple Watch is just the icing on the cake.

There's a USB-C cable as well that goes up to 35W, so if you need a faster charge, this is the way to go. The internal battery also charges at 35W, and you get a USB-C cable bundled in the box.

The Omni Pro has a 10,000mAh battery, and it can easily charge the Pixel 11 Pro XL or iPhone 18 Pro Max once over. Standard energy conversion means you don't actually get up to 10,000mAh of usable power — it's around 5,500mAh or so. This is the case with all power banks, and the Omni Pro did a good job delivering consistent power in the month I used it.

There aren't many reliable Qi 2.2 power banks in India, and the Omni Pro is one of the best available in the country. It looks good, does a good job charging devices over the Qi 2.2 standard, and is easy to take anywhere.

What you need to know

• One UI 9 has started rolling out to some T-Mobile Galaxy S26 Ultra owners in the U.S.
• The Android 17-based update is around 4GB in size and also includes the September security patch.
• Unlocked Galaxy S26 phones and models on AT&T and Verizon don't appear to have received the update yet..

Samsung has started rolling out the One UI 9 update for Galaxy S26 Ultra owners in the U.S., although it appears to be limited to T-Mobile models for now.

Earlier this month, Samsung announced that One UI 9, which debuted with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, would begin rolling out to the Galaxy S26 lineup this month. Reports initially suggested the rollout would begin around September 21, but that didn't happen. We later even heard rumors that Samsung may have delayed the Galaxy S26 series' One UI 9 rollout indefinitely.

It now looks like things have taken a U-turn, and there's finally some good news for Samsung users in the U.S. The company appears to have started rolling out One UI 9 to at least some Galaxy S26 Ultra owners.

A user on Reddit reports that their T-Mobile Galaxy S26 Ultra has received the One UI 9 update. As expected, the update is based on Android 17 and comes in at around 4GB. It carries the build number S948USQU4BZID/S948UOYN4BZID/S948USQU4BZID and also includes the September security patch.

A few other users in the Reddit thread have also confirmed receiving the update on their T-Mobile Galaxy S26 Ultra. However, it appears that other Galaxy S26 models on T-Mobile, alongside unlocked devices and phones on AT&T and Verizon, haven't received the update just yet. So, it looks like T-Mobile may have jumped the gun and started rolling out One UI 9 ahead of the wider U.S. release.

That said, if you have a T-Mobile Galaxy S26 Ultra, it's worth heading into Settings and manually checking for the One UI 9 update if you haven't received a notification yet.

There's currently no word on exactly when One UI 9 will arrive for unlocked devices or other carrier variants. But with the update now appearing on T-Mobile models in the U.S., the wait hopefully shouldn't be much longer.

What you need to know

• Garmin is rolling out a new software update to select Fenix, Forerunner, Venu and Vivoactive smartwatches.
• The Venu 6 is getting fall detection, which can automatically share your live location with emergency contacts.
• Select Garmin watches are also gaining hands-free "OK Garmin" voice controls and personalized run workouts.

Garmin has released a new software update for some of its smartwatches, bringing a variety of new features to the ecosystem.

Garmin makes some of the best smartwatches for fitness tracking, and the company continues to improve its devices with regular software updates. Now, Garmin has announced its latest round of features for select watches, including the Fenix 8 series, Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970, Venu 6, and Vivoactive 6.

Garmin says the new features are designed to help users get even more from their devices and take their training to the next level.

With the fall update, Garmin is bringing fall detection to the Venu 6. The feature can send the user's live location to emergency contacts after detecting a hard fall. It's something we've already seen on plenty of Apple and Wear OS smartwatches, but thankfully, Garmin is adding it as well.

Several Garmin smartwatches are also getting hands-free voice controls with a new "OK Garmin" command, allowing users to access certain features without touching their watch.

Garmin is also improving its running features. The update brings personalized run workouts alongside a new adaptive Garmin Run Coach plan, which can adjust training based on the user's performance and progress.

Garmin says the software updates have already started rolling out to compatible devices. Users can check for the latest software through the Garmin Connect app on their phone. If you don't see the update or new features just yet, it's worth checking again over the next few days as the rollout continues.

In addition to its smartwatch updates, Garmin has released new features for its Edge cycling computers as well, including automatic climb and descent detection and switching. Those updates can also be installed through the Garmin Connect app.

We haven't tested the new software on our Garmin smartwatches just yet, but I'm particularly looking forward to trying the new personalized running features. Garmin already excels when it comes to run and training guidance, and these additions could make that part of the experience even better.

What you need to know

• Qualcomm is splitting its top-tier lineup into the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 and the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6.
• Both 2nm platforms center around custom Oryon CPUs, redesigned Adreno GPUs, and Hexagon NPUs tuned to run responsive, context-aware AI assistants locally.
• APV support and Intelligent Pixel Control aim to deliver better scene understanding and more natural photos and videos.

Qualcomm is doubling down on AI-powered smartphones with two new flagship mobile platforms: the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. The company says both chips are designed to push on-device AI further while improving gaming, cameras, and connectivity across premium Android phones.

The new Qualcomm lineup is capped out with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. It’s built for high-end Android phones and is very much centered around what Qualcomm calls “everyday agents” — AI that can respond faster, customize experiences, and learn about users during the day.

There are already a handful of likely homes for the Extreme chip. Rumors suggest Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S27 Pro and S27 Ultra, while the iQOO 16 has also been associated with the processor in benchmark leaks. Motorola’s upcoming Signature 27 is also said to be in queue for the chipset, but none of these rumors is confirmed.

Qualcomm’s new Adreno Neural Fusion technology uses AI to improve graphics for gamers, and the company says it will lead to better visuals and longer gaming sessions.

The chip also adds new camera features like support for Advanced Professional Video (APV) and Intelligent Pixel Control, which is designed to help the camera understand the scene better and deliver more natural-looking photos and video.

Meanwhile, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 is a bit more broad in its approach. It’s based on the same 2nm process and packs Qualcomm’s custom Oryon CPU, redesigned Adreno GPU, and Hexagon NPU.

Qualcomm says phones with both chips will come from leading global smartphone brands. That said, it remains to be seen whether the AI, gaming, and camera upgrades they promise will make any real difference for the average user.

What you need to know

• The Motorola Signature 27 is powered by Qualcomm's new 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset.
• Motorola's new ArcticMesh cooling system promises around 40% better thermal performance than the previous generation.
• The quad-camera setup includes a 50MP Sony LYTIA 910 main camera and a massive 200MP periscope telephoto sensor.
• Motorola hasn't announced pricing yet, but the Signature 27 is expected to launch in markets worldwide later this year.

Motorola has just revealed its first smartphone powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, and it's called the Motorola Signature 27.

Motorola has been teasing the Signature 27 on social media for the past couple of days, and now we're finally learning more about the device. The Signature 27 is the company's top-tier flagship smartphone and the second generation in the lineup following last year's first Signature model.

Motorola says the Signature series is also adopting a new naming scheme, using the final two digits of the coming year for each new model.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, Qualcomm's first 2nm chipset, Motorola says the Signature 27 will deliver flagship performance alongside powerful on-device AI, gaming, and camera capabilities. To keep all of that performance cool, Motorola is using a new ArcticMesh cooling system that combines diamond-infused thermal gel with a redesigned 3D vapor chamber.

Motorola says the new cooling system offers around a 40% improvement in thermal performance compared to the previous generation, particularly during sustained AI workloads, gaming, and video recording.

Speaking of cameras, one of the main highlights of the Signature 27 is the quad-camera setup on the back. It includes a 50MP Sony LYTIA 910 main sensor alongside a massive 200MP periscope telephoto camera.

There's also a new video enhancement engine that uses AI to create a real-time intelligence layer, automatically adjusting things like color tones by analyzing the scene before and during recording. Motorola has also integrated Qualcomm's image stabilization technology with 3.5-degree hardware OIS, which the company says should result in smoother and more stable video.

Audio is getting a major upgrade as well, with the Signature 27 becoming Motorola's first smartphone to feature Audio by B&O.

In terms of design, Motorola is sticking with premium materials and offering the Signature 27 in two distinct finishes. Pantone Cool Smoke features a woven texture designed to improve grip, while Pantone Capulet Green goes for a softer, more fashion-inspired finish.

Motorola hasn't announced the Signature 27's exact release date, availability, or pricing just yet. However, the company says the phone is expected to launch in markets worldwide later this year, so we should hear more about pricing and availability fairly soon.

What you need to know

• Nothing announced that its OS 5.0 (Android 17) Open Beta is now welcoming the Phone 4a, 3a, and 3a Pro.
• Users may find an update ~2.8GB, loaded with new features for the camera, the a new system typeface, widgets, customization, AI, and more.
• The Phone 3 got into the Open Beta in August, and users with that phone should see a full release in mid-October.

Another new day means something to look forward to from Nothing OS. The company announced that it's now rolling out the Open Beta of OS 5 to more phones.

Over on X, Nothing announced that it's now accepting the Phone 4a, Phone 3a, and 3a Pro into the OS 5 Open Beta. Going by the company's timeline, these phones are right on schedule, as it listed a "Late September" timeframe for the Open Beta. What's more, testing should last for a little while. Nothing says these devices likely won't see a general release until early November.

The folks at Android Authority swiped the changelog for the Open Beta. That is, for the Phone 3a. It states the update is ~2.8GB on the Phone 3a, so the size should be similar on the other two devices. Much of the changelog mirrors what Nothing released for the Phone 3 back in August. The Android 17 test brings a dedicated Glyph app for the Glyph Interface. While the Quick Settings and home screen app management get refreshed, Nothing is introducing a new "three-color status bar indicator."

This indicator is for "scenes of sensitive access," location, AI processing, and more. Visual enhancements are rolling out across the board for Nothing's phones, as are updates to its camera. Users will find Filters and Tuning support for video, alongside Dual-View for recordings.

Some users on X have said they've had difficulties with the Open Beta. Basically, it's showing that there's nothing to download. It might be worth waiting a while before attempting as the beta comes online for more users.

Testing continues, but launch is near

There was hype around the Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta for the Phone 3 back in August. This is the company's major Android 17 update, and there was a lot to go over. A new system typeface (Geist), refreshed system icons, better adaptive colors for your wallpapers, and more. Since the Phone 3 got its Open Beta last month, Nothing said users should expect its stable release in mid-October.

Most phones are getting that two-month testing period to iron out any bugs before it his everyone's device. In our hands-on, it was evident that Nothing was pushing ahead with a little more AI on Nothing OS 5.0. What's more, the company is doing so with privacy at the forefront.

What you need to know

• Samsung has reportedly delayed the global release of its One UI 9 (Android 17) update for Galaxy users.
• The company originally planned to release the update on September 21, but missed the date, and quietly changed its new plans twice.
• Samsung went from a September 28 possibility to a general "September 2026" window, but time is running out.
• One UI 9 has been in testing for five months, and users we're eagerly awaiting the release of the next major Android software/

Reactions have been in an uproar across social media and publications early today (Sept. 22). Samsung has reportedly delayed its major Android update, and we have a general timeline for when to expect it.

Reports have been fast and furious on social media; however, we're getting started with a post by SammyGuru. The post reminds us that Samsung originally announced One UI 9's arrival last week, on September 16. The Android 17 update was supposed to begin rolling out globally to more users on September 21 (yesterday), but that didn't happen.

This is where things get strange. Tarun Vats brought this up on X, too, stating that Samsung Thailand's blog changed the original September 21 date to September 28. However, early this morning, the company changed the date once again.

Now, September 28 is no longer present. Samsung has replaced this missed date with a general "September 2026" launch window. The blog reads, "In Thailand, the update will first be available on the Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy S25 series, and Galaxy Z7 series within September, with further updates to the Galaxy S23 FE later this year." It's hard to think one way or the other right now. Either Samsung is still sticking to this delayed September 28 date, or we're going to see it even later.

However, Samsung can't go too late into the month. September only has 30 days. So we'll either see the update on the 28th, 29th, or 30th. Either way, this development is extremely disappointing.

Surprise, surprise

To remind you, we've been dealing with five months of One UI 9 testing with Samsung. Testing for the Galaxy S26 series started for users in May. The company synced its beta across multiple regions, including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the U.S. The start was pretty light, offering users a glimpse into a few new features for the Contacts app and Samsung Notes.

Fast-forward to September, and we received the wondrous announcement of One UI 9's full release. Funnily enough, Samsung's U.S. newsroom post didn't mention a specific date for the global release. Makes one curious. Regardless, Samsung said it was pushing its update in South Korea on September 16. Global users were to follow, but it looks like we're all left waiting—again.

Android Central's Take

I've got nothing to say. That's not true. I have something to say, but I'd rather not. It's frustrating. That's also the sentiment I'm getting from users on social media, too. People are annoyed and tired and confused about the delay. If you remember Samsung's One UI 8.5 update, that was hounded by delay after delay. I can't imagine One UI 9 getting pushed back into October, but I guess I won't hold my breath about it, either.

Fall sale season is swiftly approaching, but you apparently don't need to wait to score some exceptional Chromebook deals from Best Buy. For a limited time, the iconic retailer is slashing up to $250 off laptops from manufacturers like Lenovo, HP, ASUS, and Acer, making Amazon's upcoming Big Deal Days sale (October 6-7) feel a bit superfluous.

The devices on sale are no slouches, either. Some of the best Chromebooks we've ever tested are seeing hefty discounts at Best Buy right now, from the versatile Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 (currently $220 off) to the no-frills HP 14" Chromebook ($170 off). Our favorite Chromebook on the market today, the excellent Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, is even included in the offerings with a hefty $250 discount. Whether you want a new laptop for class, work, or entertainment, there's sure to be a discounted Chromebook that will meet your needs.

Of course, the big question now is whether prices will drop even further when the big sales commence next month. It's tough to say, but the current deals are good enough that you shouldn't feel any FOMO if you simply can't wait. Keep reading for my top recommendations from Best Buy's Chromebook sale.

• See the full list of deals available at Best Buy today

My top picks from Best Buy's Chromebook sale

Didn't find anything today? If the current lineup of Chromebooks doesn't interest you, it's worth mentioning that Google has just opened preorders for its long-awaited Googlebooks series of laptops. Learn more about the launch of these devices here.

• More Chromebook deals: Walmart | Best Buy | Lenovo | HP | Amazon

Choosing between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro Max? I'm about to make this decision much easier for you.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra came out in March 2026, while Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max debuted in September. That six-month gap is enough to account for some major differences between these phones, but Samsung's lackadaisical attitude with its flagship phones in the past few years has finally caught up, and that means I'm about to do something I've never before done in my life: recommend an iPhone.

You might think I'm crazy for it, but Apple's latest flagship checks more boxes than Samsung's and, at the same price, it's hard to argue with the facts. Here's what you need to know.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Design, specs, and performance

Over the years, Samsung has opted for flatter and flatter designs. While the company thankfully got rid of the square corners on the Galaxy S Ultra series, Apple's curvier iPhone designs are far more comfortable to hold on a daily basis. But while those curves certainly feel better in the hand, the iPhone weighs a whopping 35g more and is nearly 1mm thicker than the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Some of this has to do with the MagSafe magnets built into iPhones, but some of it is also because the iPhone has a 10% larger battery than the Galaxy S26 Ultra. And while 10% doesn't sound like a lot, real-world usage of both phones ends up showing a far greater difference in the end.

Samsung's Galaxy S Ultra phones have had the same 5000mAh battery size for the last 5 years. Meanwhile, most Android phones have switched to higher-capacity silicon-carbon batteries that reduce physical size and weight. The Galaxy S26 Ultra at least improves charging speed compared to previous Samsung phones, but it's still slower than Apple's latest.

Plugging the iPhone 18 Pro Max in for 15 minutes gives it a 50% charge, while our tests have shown that the Galaxy S26 Ultra only hits 41% in the same time frame. That difference becomes wider when you consider that the iPhone's battery is larger, too.

Additionally, Apple's A20 chipset in the iPhone 18 Pro Max is at least 20% faster than the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the Galaxy S26 Ultra (and up to 40% faster in gaming). That, combined with Apple's new "next-generation" vapor chamber, gives games like Monster Hunter Outlanders special advanced graphics settings only available on iPhone.

Apple also sports a customizable side key and the camera button, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a built-in stylus. Samsung has been placing less emphasis on the stylus lately, though, stripping it of its Bluetooth features and opting for a weird design that can only be docked one way.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Display and cameras

The Galaxy S26 Ultra's Privacy Display is a unique AMOLED display that allows the phone to dim specific portions of the screen so that they are not visible from an angle, keeping prying eyes from reading your messages or seeing your photos.

While this feature is incredibly cool and quite a bit of fun to show off to people, the screen quality has been degraded because of it. In my display review, I showed that the effective resolution, brightness, contrast, and the anti-reflective layer were worse than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and some people even found that Privacy Display was uncomfortable to look at.

Neither phone is suitable for folks who are PWM-sensitive, but more people in the flicker-sensitive community have had luck using iPhones than Samsung phones. While both phones run at paltry 480HZ dimming rates, Apple does a better job of managing the intensity of the PWM cycle.

Samsung experimented with variable aperture cameras a few years ago on the Galaxy S9 series, but did not stick with the technology for very long. Now that Apple has adopted variable aperture, the iPhone 18 Pro Max's main camera promises to deliver crisper low-light photography and better bokeh than the Galaxy S26 Ultra's 200MP main camera.

Apple has also caught up to Samsung with several features, including an actual Pro camera mode. The iPhone 18 Pro Max's ultrawide camera and portrait modes are better than what Samsung offers, and the iPhone even lets you adjust the angle you took the photo after it was taken with its Spatial Reframing feature. Samsung's most unique camera feature is Horizon Lock, which is excellent if you take a lot of action videos.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Software and features

One of the most difficult reasons to choose the iPhone over the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the fact that Apple's iOS operating system is nowhere near as customizable or open as Android. Aside from general customization, Android phones like the Galaxy S26 Ultra support a wider variety of peripherals.

Apple mainly wants you to only buy its products, so many parts of the operating system are locked down, meaning third-party watches, smart glasses, etc. don't have the same level of access as Apple's own products. This is the reason I've chosen Android for the last 16 years, and the reason I will continue to stick with it.

There's also no denying that Samsung phones are substantially more feature-rich than any iPhone. There's a running joke every year that Apple announces features that Android users have had for 10 years, and that's really no different this year.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Which should you buy?

If you're truly only the fence between these phones this year, it's pretty clear that Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max is the better option. With better performance, better battery life, faster charging, a better display, and tons of new features that finally caught up with Samsung, it's difficult not to recommend Apple's latest.

If I were picking from the huge selection of Android flagship phones, I'd definitely pick something other than a Galaxy S26 Ultra.

An Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs. Google Pixel 11 comparison is like apples to oranges. Both devices run different operating systems and have very different ecosystems. Based on what you value in a smartphone, and how much money you've got to spare, which phone is better is subjective.

What makes this a difficult choice is that both phones came out a month apart, so they have the best of what Apple and Google have to offer, and both phones have different positive and negative attributes. Before making a suggestion, let me break down the cold hard facts and dive into the important aspects of what make each device good — or bad.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs. Google Pixel 11: Design, specs, and performance

Looks-wise, both the iPhone 18 Pro and Pixel 11 haven't changed much over their last-gen counterparts beside getting a bit slimmer and lighter. Interestingly, between the two of them, they have a similar in-hand feel as both sport 6.3-inch AMOLED screens, weigh almost the same, and have very similar dimensions too. Neither display is good for PWM-sensitive folks, but iPhone tends to manage PWM cycles better.

The iPhone 18 Pro has a smaller battery than the Pixel 11, but phones deliver all-day battery life on average. The iPhone charges faster when plugged in, recharging 50% in just 15 minutes as opposed to the Pixel — 55% in 30 minutes. The Pixel also lacks UWB.

Both phones have 12GB RAM and start with 256GB storage as standard, but the Pixel 11 only comes in one other variant with 512GB. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro goes all the way up to 2TB. Notably the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 while the Pixel 11 starts at $899, setting them $300 apart.

Apple's A20 chipset is superior to Google's Tensor chipset in terms of raw performance and power, so the iPhone is better for processor-heavy gaming.

Google promises seven years of updates, while Apple guarantees five. In reality, Apple usually delivers seven years of software support, so they're evenly matched.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs. Google Pixel 11: Cameras

The iPhone 18 Pro favors a strikingly different camera unit compared to the Pixel 11's camera bar, even though both have triple cameras. If you have trypophobia, the iPhone will probably trigger it.

The iPhone has superior camera hardware with higher resolution overall. Variable-aperture is the biggest upgrade on the iPhone 18 series, allowing users to have granular control over the aperture and depth of field. Low-light photography has also improved.

On the Android side of things, the Pixel 11 has a new main camera compared to the Pixel 10, but overall the camera hardware is largely unchanged. Pixels always take spectacular photos, as do iPhones, so this is a really tough battle.

Both devices have their own set of camera tools and features baked in. The iPhone 18 Pro finally has a proper Pro camera mode and features like Spatial Reframing. Google also has cool tricks up its sleeves with AI-based features like Magic Capture, the most attractive draw of the Pixel 11.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs. Google Pixel 11: Software and features

This is the most polarizing part of the face off because iOS and Android are vastly different operating systems. Apple focuses on a more shut-off, locked in ecosystem that does not play nice with third-party peripherals, and that flows into the software, restricting customization.

Meanwhile, Android is a lot more open, and the Pixel UI is arguably one of the purest, most useful and fun versions of the Android experience. And, of course, Pixel users get access to a significantly more open and wider range of accessories.

At the end of the day, Apple might have introduced a ton of useful "new" features with the iPhone 18 Pro, but the truth is, most Android devices have had these features for years. The Pixel 11 is much more versatile and feature rich in terms of software.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs. Google Pixel 11: Which should you buy?

Unless you're an absolute camera nut or gaming enthusiast, the Google Pixel 11 is clearly the better deal overall. You still get triple cameras, all-day battery, spectacular software, and seven years of OS and security upgrades, all for $300 cheaper than the iPhone 18 Pro.

Admittedly, the iPhone 18 Pro may beat the Pixel 11 at photography and videography, as well as heavy gaming, but this in no way means that the Pixel can't stand on its own. You can still game on it, though the phone might need a few breaks. Not to mention, the Pixel's cameras blow us away every time.

In the entry-level flagship segment, the Pixel 11 delivers better value overall.

Samsung's foldable phones are more popular than ever before, and retailers all across the web are trying to capitalize on this success by dropping some pretty great Galaxy Z Fold 8 deals ahead of fall sale season.

The offers from Verizon and T-Mobile are particularly impressive this time around, but which Z Fold 8 deal is best? Well, as always with carrier deals, the answer isn't exactly straightforward. Let's break it down.

How do the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 deals compare?

T-Mobile:

For starters, it's important to note that, in the world of phone deals, nothing is ever truly free. Yes, play your cards right and T-Mobile won't charge you anything for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but you'll still need to pay for the wireless. The Experience Beyond plan starts at $105 per month for a single line, although you can drop that price down considerably by adding multiple lines and using AutoPay.

It also helps that it's one of the best unlimited plans in the business, providing unlimited coverage and premium data with a mobile hotspot, free streaming subscriptions, and a ton of international benefits.

You'll also need to trade in an old or broken device to receive the full savings. At this time, Samsung phones dating back to the Galaxy S23 Plus will earn you the max credit, in addition to a number of devices from OEMs like Apple and Google. Check T-Mobile's product page for the full list of phones.

Verizon:

Verizon is actually keeping things pretty simple with its Galaxy Z Fold 8 deal. New customers who bundle the device with the carrier's Simplicity plan will only pay $59.98 per month for 48 months.

The plan in question gets you unlimited talk, text, and 5G Ultra Wideband data, plus you'll get 10GB of mobile hotspot data and coverage in Mexico and Canada. The benefits aren't as comprehensive as T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan, but if you just want some straightforward wireless coverage, Verizon's Simplicity plan is a great deal.

No trade-in is required, although you'll need to be a new customer and use AutoPay to enjoy the full discount. Existing Verizon customers can enjoy the same deal, but the rate will increase to $85 per month.

So which Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 deal is best?

✅Choose T-Mobile's deal if: you have a device to trade-in; you're a heavy data user and you want to experience one of the best unlimited plans in wireless; you live in an area with good T-Mobile coverage.

✅Choose Verizon's deal if: you're looking to switch wireless carriers; you don't need all of the bells and whistles included in some unlimited plans; you live in an area with good Verizon coverage.

The AI glasses race is seriously heating up in fall 2026 with yet another new brand, but this one is doing something no one else has done so far. Vonder, a new company from the folks behind Viture and Oura, showed me its new line of intelligent eyewear that's coming to Best Buy shelves in just a few weeks, with preorders starting on September 28.

Vonder sets itself apart by ditching the camera, a piece that's become a privacy nightmare for some smart glasses, and instead uses a combination of bone conduction sensors, powerful speakers, and seriously intelligent AI to create a totally different experience.

Instead of capturing moments in photos or videos, Vonder Intelligent Eyewear captures all the thoughts you (and only you) have spoken out loud throughout the day and turns them into searchable, actionable information. It's a similar concept to MemoMind One, but with a far more private experience and more mature software, and they're going to be a huge hit if my time with them is any indication.

A chat with the founders

I spent just over two hours chatting with two of Vonder's three founders, Emily Wang and David Jiang, on a Monday afternoon in Palo Alto. The duo showed up with a briefcase full of Vonder glasses, showcasing a blend of every glasses style the company offers.

As they talked to me about their latest product, Emily, who co-founded Viture (some of the best smart glasses), pointed out that David was wearing the style I had just picked up, something I hadn't noticed at all because the glasses looked so normal. Even Ray-Ban Metas are a tad thicker than a normal pair of Ray-Bans, but these glasses had totally fooled me, and that's just the start of where Vonder got things right.

At just 30g, these glasses are by far the lightest smart glasses I've worn to date, making them the same weight as a normal prescription pair. It's the moment I've been waiting for, and I know a lot of other people have, as well.

But what good are smart glasses without a camera? Here's where the paradigm shift comes in. Instead of capturing moments in the form of photos and video, Vonder Intelligent Eyewear captures your thoughts as you speak them out loud via a clever bone conduction sensor located at the end of the temples, before the curved temple tips.

This ensures that other people around you aren't recorded without their consent. Consent is the biggest problem with smart glasses today, and Vonder's clever design goes a long way to solving it. You can even permanently delete all your data with one tap in the app if you want to.

The glasses have two switches onboard plus a tactile raised touchpad on the underside of the right temple. One switch is a power switch, while the other is a "meeting mode" switch. This second one switches the glasses' recording function from bone conduction to four microphones located on the temples: two forward and two downward.

This mode is intended to be used only for recording meeting notes or other conversations that are important and is paired with a tamper-proof bright blue LED on the side. Start recording, and it immediately illuminates. Flip the switch, and it turns off. Audio is deleted the moment it's transcribed.

Vonder's AI platform soaks in all the data and turns it into actionable items and summaries. Full conversations — whether they're just your thoughts or the entire meeting room's — are not available at any time. "Notes, not recordings," is one of Vonder's key tenets for ensuring privacy, and it seems to work impressively well in the two hours I spent talking to Emily and David.

The Vonder app and web platform store all these notes for future reference, allowing you to search your memories at any time. It's a full AI agent that's powered by every major AI platform to date, including ChatGPT, Gemini, you name it, so you know it works well.

The service sports a unique 3D knowledge cloud that links common topics you talk about. Everything is not only searchable when you need it, but also proactive. That means when you search using Vonder, it doesn't just come up with the same information that ChatGPT or Gemini would; it also adds your memories into the mix.

Vonder AI can even be connected to your Google account, letting it parse details from there. David showed me his AI-generated daily digest, which included a "know before you go" summary of my bio and articles I've published about Viture, all pulled from the calendar entry for u

It's the sort of personalized "superintelligence" that we've heard Google, Meta, and others talk about, and it's made possible by a pair of ordinary-looking glasses you'll want to wear all day.

Less looking down, more looking forward

As David Jiang was telling me this, he made it a point to highlight the brand's blend of fashion and tech roots. Emily Wang, who was also at the table, previously worked for The RealReal and NEIWAI. The company's other co-founder, Guillaume Hamon, comes from Rivian and Oura, while David himself hails from Google.

Vonder features European design, comes in six different styles, three different colors, two sizes for each style, and a boatload of different lens and color combinations for all of them. Unlike Meta's somewhat confusing product lineup, which features a mishmash of colors and style options unique to each line, everything Vonder makes is available in the style you want.

It's all part of making glasses you'll actually want to wear all day, including battery life that matches the part. Vonder glasses ship with a magnetic charging cable that lets them charge while being worn (unlike glasses that charge in a case), but you likely won't ever need to do this thanks to 16-hour long battery life. That's more than double Meta's best estimates.

And, of course, there's no denying the utility that comes with a wearable AI companion. Vonder is a 100% American company founded and based in San Francisco's Bay Area, another building block in ensuring you feel comfortable while wearing these glasses.

Plus, Vonder AI seems to actually be able to do "regular" tasks like play and control music and answer calls with your voice, something brands like Even Realities and MemoMind haven't been able to deliver on just yet. And if you'd prefer a pair of Vonder glasses with displays in the lenses, well, they've got that coming, too!

All of this adds up to the best pair of camera-free AI glasses I've used to date, and I can't wait to get a final retail pair on my head.

What you need to know

• Google is expanding the motion-sickness feature to more Android phones through Google Play services.
• You’ll need an Android 17 or newer device running Google Play services v26.37.
• Motion Assist uses your phone’s motion sensors to move on-screen bubbles in sync with the vehicle.

Google is taking one of the more unusual features from its September Pixel Drop and bringing it to a much wider audience. Motion Assist, the company’s attempt to reduce motion sickness while you’re using your phone in a moving vehicle, is now rolling out through Google Play services.

The feature arrived on Pixel phones a few weeks ago, but the latest update to Google Play services v26.37 extends support beyond Google's hardware. You’ll need an Android 17 or later phone and the latest version of Google Play services.

For starters, Motion Assist places small visual bubbles around the edges of the display. Then, it uses the phone’s motion sensors to move those shapes in sync with the vehicle. This works pretty much like Apple’s own take on the feature, which has long been available on iOS devices.

The idea is to provide your eyes with a visual reference that correlates more closely with what your body is experiencing. This might lessen the mismatch that can cause motion sickness.

The appearance of the feature can also be customized, including the opacity, color and shape of the bubbles. Motion Assist can turn on when your phone detects that you are in a moving vehicle, or you can turn it on manually through Quick Settings.

The September 21 update is not solely about motion sickness. Google is also working on making it easier to transfer real-time health metrics from Wear OS watches to phones, making it easier to find Driving Do Not Disturb, and creating larger, more refined system emoji fonts.

Google Play Store v53.3 also includes a few extras such as local-currency purchases in Argentina, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Ethiopia; changes to Wear search results; and the ability to add a pre-registered paid app or game to your wishlist after it launches.

You can find the full changelog on Google’s help page. Keep an eye out for the system update rolling out to your device over the coming days — your stomach will thank you on your next road trip.

I have a never-ending pile of books to read, and I try to take at least an hour a day to read. That usually involves sitting on the couch with the Kobo Libra Colour, and while I enjoy using the 7-inch e-reader (a lot), it isn't what I'd call portable; I mostly use it while at home or on a flight.

This is the biggest advantage with the Boox Palma 2 Pro solves. As it has roughly the same dimensions as a phone, it is seamless to take anywhere, and I just throw it in my EDC bag. While I was initially hesitant to use the device because of the smaller size, I now see it as a huge advantage, and I ended up using the Palma 2 Pro much more than I imagined in the last six months. Starting at $399, it isn't an impulse purchase by any measure, and it costs more than most high-end e-readers; I like the DuRoBo Krono as well, and that retails for $279 as of writing.

That said, the unique size and feature-set of the Palma 2 Pro make it a great choice to use just about anywhere, and I'm outlining three areas where it's made a real difference.

The Palma 2 Pro allowed me to read everywhere

When I take out the Kobo, it is intentional. I plan my reading sessions and try to minimize distractions. That hasn't been easy in recent years because of a busy schedule and a toddler, and there are weeks where I don't get any reading done.

This isn't an issue with the Palma 2 Pro; I have it with me while going out, so if I'm just waiting around, I just use it instead of reaching for my phone. While I prefer reading in hour-long sessions, it's just easier to take out 10 minutes to read something interesting rather than get distracted by my phone, and the Palma 2 Pro made a big difference in that area.

The 6.13-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 panel is a delight to use, and it has the standard 300ppi pixel density with monochrome content. It has colors as well, and the 150ppi density is decent enough when reading comics on the go. What I like better is that it has adjustable light with warm tones, and it definitely comes in handy.

I didn't use my phone as much

I'd like to think I do a good job with phone usage. I have DND enabled throughout the day, and I try to be cognizant about how much I use my phone. That said, there have been enough times when I went down a Reddit rabbit hole and didn't realize hours had passed (r/watches is addictive).

This is where having a dedicated device like the Palma 2 Pro is so handy. The e-reader runs Android 15 out of the box and gives you full access to the Play Store, and it has a SIM slot that lets you use a data plan as well. But because it has an E Ink panel, you're limited in what you can do with the device. This is a good thing overall, and I found the size to be ideal to hold in-hand and read on the go.

I don't have to charge it daily

Look, I don't like charging devices daily; that's why I used the Find X9 Ultra as my daily driver, and why I'm liking the Pixel Watch 5. Thankfully, the Palma 2 Pro does a great job in this area, and the 3,950mAh battery easily lasts a week between charges.

This is a big part of what makes e-readers great in general. The battery on my Kobo Libra Colour lasts closer to two weeks before having to plug in it, and not having to worry about whether I've charged a device — particularly while on the go — is a big relief.

Honestly, I didn't think I'd use the Palma 2 Pro anywhere as much as I did when I got started with the e-reader. The smaller size is just so convenient, and while it doesn't have the same screen real estate as a 7-inch reader, the portability is unmatched. If you don't want to shell out quite as much cash, the Krono is a decent enough alternative, but you get a lot of additional software features with the Palma 2 Pro.

What you need to know

• Xiaomi has confirmed the Xiaomi 18 Pro will feature a hardware-based smart privacy display similar to Samsung's.
• The screen will remain clearly visible from the front, while side brightness reportedly drops to around 1% beyond 60 degrees.
• Privacy protection will also be able to work with specific lock screen notifications as well as floating windows.

Xiaomi has already confirmed that the Xiaomi 18 series is arriving very soon with a magical rear display. And now, the company has revealed another major feature coming to its new flagship smartphone lineup.

Similar to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Xiaomi has confirmed that the Xiaomi 18 Pro will feature a new smart privacy display. For those who don't remember, Samsung introduced Privacy Display with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which uses the display hardware itself to make it difficult for people looking from the sides to see what's on your screen. And now, Xiaomi is bringing similar technology to the Xiaomi 18 Pro.

In a teaser posted on Weibo, Xiaomi confirmed that the Xiaomi 18 Pro will ship with what it calls a smart privacy screen. Similar to Samsung's implementation, the privacy effect is built into the display itself rather than relying on software or a third-party privacy screen protector.

When the mode is active, the person directly in front of the phone will still be able to see the display properly, while someone looking from the side will instead see a much darker, nearly black screen.

But Xiaomi claims it's going one step further than Samsung here. One downside of Samsung's Privacy Display is that enabling the feature also makes the screen look slightly dimmer for the person directly using the phone. Xiaomi says its implementation won't compromise normal front-on viewing when the privacy feature is enabled.

Once you move beyond a 60-degree viewing angle, Xiaomi says the side brightness drops to roughly 1%, making the display appear almost completely black to anyone trying to look from the side.

Similar to Samsung, Xiaomi is also building software controls around when the privacy mode kicks in. For example, Xiaomi's implementation can automatically protect specific notifications on the lock screen, while the feature will also work with floating windows.

Thankfully, we won't have to wait much longer to see how well the technology actually works. The Xiaomi 18 series is set to launch in just a few days, so we should learn much more about the smart privacy display soon.

What you need to know

• Googlebooks are finally here, and Google says pre-orders have begun as promised today (Sept. 21).
• The Googlebooks feature touchscreens, haptic glass trackpads, backlit keyboards, and strong Android phone pairing.
• The company says users can cast apps or stop and start projects from their Android phone on their Googlebook.
• Googlebooks from ASUS, Dell, HP, and more start at $899; available at Best Buy, Google Store, and other retailers ahead of an October 4 market release.

In case you haven't checked your phone, it's September 21. Googlebook pre-orders officially begin today, and Google's full announcement is finally here.

Today (Sept. 21), Google announced that pre-orders for the first wave of Googlebooks have begun. The post states that Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo build this initial wave. Pre-orders are open, and laptops begin at $899. Each brand features distinct craftsmanship, ranging from custom keyboards to cinematic audio. Google states these laptops from these brands were crafted in "premium materials like aluminum, magnesium alloy, and carbon fiber, making them exceptionally light, sleek, and durable.."

These Googlebooks provide touchscreens with up to 2.8K OLED displays, haptic glass trackpads, and backlit keyboards. Powered by Qualcomm and Intel processors (depending on the brand), these laptops also offer up to 14 hours of battery life. It's also hard not to mention that the Glowbar is back.

Google says this illuminates on startup and offers information about your battery percentage, as well as fancy animations when talking to Gemini.

You also shouldn't miss out on what's powering the Googlebook: Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite. The first Googlebooks are being powered by this chip, delivering a 12-core Oryon CPU setup, clocking in at up to 4GHz.

Google is taking its Android software on the Googlebook seriously this time around. These laptops "bring the best of the web and the Play Store" to consumers, but everything you enjoy on your phone is right on your Googlebook.

The post states that when users sign in, everything moves with them. By "everything," Google means your "Android phone’s settings, saved passwords, Wi-Fi networks, and messages." Users can pick up where they left off with projects or booking tickets at a venue. App casting makes it easy to continue what you're doing on your phone, but on a bigger screen. Additionally, you can search your phone's files from your computer. The Googlebook's Files app lets users "view, search, and open files and photos" from their Android phone.

We briefly mentioned the Googlebook's support for the web and Play Store, but the company stresses this for the user experience. Major apps like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom feel right at home on the Googlebook, alongside streaming services and games (since the Play Store is supported). What's more, users can launch AAA titles from popular gaming studios thanks to "a complimentary year of GeForce NOW included with every purchase."

Of course, Google wouldn't leave out its AI: Gemini. Googlebooks feature "Magic Pointer." If you remember its I/O 2026 reveal, you'll recognize this feature. Magic Pointer lets users bring Gemini directly to what they're looking at on their screen by wiggling their pointer. When it appears, you can give it a task to complete or ask for assistance. Among the major Pixel 11 features this year, there was Rambler.

This spruces up your text, cutting out any filler words you might've said while speaking. Elsewhere, consumers will find "Create My Widget" with AI, which will create a custom widget displaying information you want.

Meet the Googlebook

As previously stated, pre-orders are open today (Sept. 21) for the Googlebook. Users can pre-order a laptop from Best Buy and the Google Store, alongside other retailers. The Googlebook won't arrive on shelves until October 4 in the U.S. Consumers in Canada will see them on October 5 with the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, and Australia. There are also several goodies you'll earn upon purchasing a Googlebook for Google AI Pro and YouTube Premium.