Day: May 29, 2025

How to Fix Battery Drain Problems on Android by Updating Instagram

It is always wise to ensure software is current on your devices, as remaining on older software can lead to significant issues. If you are among the many Android device users facing mysterious battery drain recently, Google has just indicated that Instagram could be the cause.

“Beginning today, Instagram is introducing an updated app designed to address a battery drain concern on Android devices,” a Google community manager mentioned in a support post on Android’s help forum on Wednesday. “Please confirm that you have the latest version of the Instagram app (build 382.0.0.49.84) to fix this problem.”

If you use Instagram on any of your Android devices, visit Google Play to make sure you have the most recent version of the app. You can also verify your version number by pressing and holding the app icon and then selecting App info.

Earlier this month, 9to5Google reported that Pixel device users had been voicing concerns about their batteries unexpectedly draining faster than normal since shortly after the May 2025 update. At that time, the cause of the battery drain was not entirely understood, but it has now been confirmed that the Instagram app was responsible for the Pixel battery issues.

As for the specifics of what happened with that Instagram app that led to quicker battery drain on Android devices, we have no information, and frankly, we may never find out.

Read More
Infinix Creates the GT 30 Pro: An Excellent Affordable Gaming Smartphone
(Image credit: Infinix)

There is a revival in gaming phones thanks to the rise of mobile gaming, with brands paying more attention to the mid-range and budget markets, which is encouraging. Infinix, in particular, has had significant success with its GT series over the past couple of years; I found the GT 10 Pro enjoyable, and the GT 20 Pro built upon that success.

The GT 30 Pro has recently been unveiled, and the phone is poised to launch in India. Prior to its global release, I corresponded via email with Infinix’s Product Director Weiqi Nie to gain insights into what the brand is doing differently this time and how it is positioning the GT series.

Design has consistently been a major attraction of prior GT models, and Infinix has further emphasized this with the GT 30 Pro. The phone boasts a “cyber-mecha” aesthetic that appears quite impressive, and while the GT 10 Pro resembled a derivative of Nothing’s devices, that is certainly not true for the GT 30 Pro.

Nie mentioned that Infinix drew inspiration from “futuristic machines and modular aesthetics” in crafting the device. “As time has passed, this concept has grown to be more expressive, functional, and in tune with the needs of contemporary gamers. In the GT 30 Series, this vision comes to life through the enhanced Mechanical Light Waves system. It features deep integration between software and hardware design, offering 14 lighting scenarios and over 20 customizable effects that respond dynamically to actions like charging, gaming, and notifications.”

Infinix aimed to create a phone with a striking design, and with the unique back pattern and vibrant lighting, the GT 30 Pro stands out considerably. While design is important, the primary consideration when selecting a gaming phone is performance.

Infinix opted for MediaTek instead of Qualcomm, and Nie indicated that the Dimensity 8350 provided the ideal combination of superior frame rate gaming and thermal management. “MediaTek’s platform provided the right blend of performance, efficiency, and scalability to realize the GT 30 Pro’s vision. The Dimensity 8350 Ultimate facilitates smooth high-frame-rate gaming, effective thermal management, and optimized power efficiency—essential for sustaining consistent performance in both gaming and everyday use.”

“The Dimensity 8350 Ultra’s capabilities offered the performance headroom necessary to incorporate features like a 144Hz AMOLED display, advanced cooling solutions, and responsive gaming enhancements, all while keeping price accessibility in mind. This strategy allows the GT 30 Pro to offer a flagship-level experience tailored for a wider audience.”

Overheating remains a challenge for gaming phones, particularly with this year’s Qualcomm chipsets exhibiting a high thermal threshold. Fortunately, this is not an issue with MediaTek designs, and Nie mentioned that sustained performance is a “core priority” for the GT 30 Pro, especially during extended gaming sessions. The GT 30 Pro is equipped with Infinix’s 3D Vapor Cloud Chamber (3D VCC) liquid cooling technology, and Nie noted that the brand performs “intelligent software optimization that dynamically manages power and thermal behavior based on real-time usage.”

There are also two accessories — the MagCase and MagCharge Cooler — the latter serving as an active cooling solution directing cool air to the back of the device. “The GT 30 Pro adopts a system-level strategy—integrating a high-performance chipset, efficient cooling, and smart charging solutions such as Bypass Charging 2.0 and optimized wireless charging with active cooling. This guarantees stable, high frame rates over extended periods without overheating or throttling—even during charging.”

I will be assessing the GT 30 Pro’s capabilities in this area, and having utilized other MediaTek mid-range models, I am eager to discover what this phone has to offer. Additionally, the GT 30 Pro retains ultrasonic triggers, enabling gamers to easily assign in-game actions — these features genuinely enhance the gaming experience.

The phone sports a 144Hz display, and what excites me the most is that it unlocks 120fps in demanding titles such as PUBG Mobile.

Read More
More than One-Fifth of the Ocean is Facing Lower Sunlight Penetration: Effects and Outcomes

Over 20% of the world’s oceans are becoming darker, and scientists warn that this could have significant repercussions for marine habitats and human beings. A recent investigation by the University of Plymouth reveals that 21% of the planet’s oceans have witnessed a decrease in sunlight penetration from 2003 to 2022.

This phenomenon, referred to as ocean darkening, occurs when the surface layers of the ocean limit how deep sunlight can reach. The research indicates that in certain areas, light penetration has diminished by more than 100 meters. Over 9% of the ocean experienced a decline of at least 50 meters, covering an area approximately the size of Africa.

Various factors may be contributing to this trend. Alterations in algal bloom behavior, escalating sea surface temperatures, and heightened artificial lighting are among the potential culprits. These changes, many associated with climate change, affect the way light travels through the water.

Diminished lighting in the oceans could also disrupt life beneath the surface. Numerous marine organisms rely on light cues for hunting, migration, and reproduction. As illumination decreases, these natural cycles are disrupted. Dr. Thomas Davies, a researcher involved in the study, indicated that darkening could reduce the regions where light-dependent species can live and flourish.

In addition to marine organisms, this trend may also impact humans. Ocean darkening could affect oxygen generation, carbon absorption, and global climate dynamics. It may additionally force light-sensitive species towards the surface, where they encounter heightened competition for sustenance and other necessities.

The researchers emphasize that such alterations could lead to fundamental changes in the functionality of marine ecosystems. With many of the ocean’s services, such as fisheries and climate management, endangered, the results highlight the necessity for increased scrutiny of the developments occurring beneath the surface. Nevertheless, some question whether there is anything we can do to combat climate change, especially as we seem to be losing the battle.

Read More
“Pocket Supercession: 5 Options for Storing Articles to Consume Later”

Mozilla has declared that it will close Pocket, its widely-used read-it-later application, on July 8, 2025. This indicates that unless the Digg acquisition offer materializes, its users will need to seek an alternative read-it-later app by that date.

If this pertains to you, here are five possible substitutes, though I’m aware none will truly fill the Pocket-shaped void in your heart.

### 1. Instapaper

[Instapaper](https://www.instapaper.com/) has been in existence nearly as long as Pocket, with origins tracing back to 2008. Initially created by Marco Arment, it changed ownership a few times before becoming independently operated once again under Instant Paper, Inc.

The application features a clean, distraction-free interface with capabilities for offline reading, text highlighting, and customizable text settings. As a former Pocket user, you might appreciate the app’s speed-reading mode, note-taking features, and seamless synchronization across devices.

**Availability:** iOS, iPadOS, Android, web, Kindle.
**Price:** Free tier available. Premium plan for $5.99/month or $59.99/year.

### 2. Raindrop.io

Established in 2013, [Raindrop.io](https://raindrop.io/) started as a modern bookmarking solution and has consistently transformed into a comprehensive cross-platform content manager. It’s particularly favored by power users seeking more than what standard read-it-later apps typically claim to provide.

Raindrop.io manages not only articles but also images, videos, and PDFs. It supports collaboration and public page creation and includes a browser web clipper. Additionally, it can integrate and sync bookmarks from RSS, Alfred, Dropbox, Evernote, and more in both directions.

**Availability:** iOS, iPadOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, web.
**Price:** Free tier available. Premium plan for $3/month or $28/year.

### 3. Readwise Reader

[Reader](https://readwise.io/read) is a newer offering from the team behind Readwise, a service designed to assist users in rediscovering and retaining highlights from books, articles, and notes. Unlike most read-it-later apps, Reader focuses on extended reads and overall knowledge management.

It imports highlights from Pocket, Instapaper, Kindle, and can also manage PDFs, RSS feeds, newsletters, and even YouTube transcripts. Notes and highlights sync back to Readwise, making it ideal for researchers or anyone wishing to recall their readings.

**Availability:** iOS, iPadOS, macOS (via web app), Android, web.
**Price:** Included with Readwise subscription. $12.99/month or $119.88/year after free trial.

### 4. Matter

[Matter](https://getmatter.com) was introduced in 2021 and aims to be a premium reading hub by bringing together newsletters, articles, and other long-form content into a single application. It’s visually polished and designed with mobile-first readers in mind.

Matter allows for text highlighting, audio narration of saved content, and integrations with tools such as Notion and Readwise. It also enables you to follow specific authors, transforming your inbox into a curated reading feed. Pocket users who depended on newsletter subscriptions will find Matter particularly attractive.

**Availability:** iOS, iPadOS, web
**Price:** Free tier available. Premium plan for $14.99/month or $77.99/year.

### 5. GoodLinks

Read More
Qualcomm Research Shows Apple’s 5G Chip Operates at a Slower Speed Compared to Qualcomm’s

A few months following the launch of the iPhone 16e equipped with Apple’s inaugural 5G modem, the C1 chip, Qualcomm undertook an independent analysis that indicated, unsurprisingly, that its chips surpass Apple’s in nearly every situation.

Although this isn’t the first instance of Qualcomm making such a statement, it serves to reassure investors that its business remains robust and that iPhone users may miss out on vital features with Apple’s approach.

Some key points from the report are highlighted below:

– **Consistent Performance Gap:** Qualcomm-powered Android devices exhibited download speeds that were 34.3% to 35.2% quicker and upload speeds that were 81.4% to 91.0% faster than the iPhone 16e.

– **Real-world User Experience Impact:** Qualcomm chips prove to have more efficient spectrum use and superior performance.

– **Thermal Management Issues:** The iPhone 16e encounters several thermal management challenges under heavy load, which can occasionally reduce the performance disparity under optimal near-cell conditions.

– **Better Features:** Android devices utilizing Qualcomm chips were equipped with sub-6 GHz and other 5G capabilities that were not present in the initial generation of Apple’s 5G chip.

Nonetheless, Apple recognizes that its chip cannot match the prowess of those found in an iPhone 16 Pro, for instance. This is why speculations suggest that the company is not employing a variant of the C1 chip for the iPhone 17 series (with the exception of the Air model), opting instead for MediaTek’s solutions.

Despite this, Apple remains optimistic that a C2 chip could drive the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro. While Qualcomm’s chips may likely outperform those of Apple, the company is focusing on other enhancements, such as improved battery performance and management, along with upgraded connectivity features related to AirDrop and Bluetooth.

With this perspective, Apple aspires for a scenario reminiscent of the M1, where its former partner can outpace its processor in certain cases, but the advantages for users are more substantial than simply having a marginally faster device or slightly improved download speeds.

Should Apple manage to shift to its own connectivity chips, Qualcomm could face a considerable loss in revenue.

Read More
White House Affirms 25% Tariff on iPhones Will Persist Throughout Trump Administration

Over the last few weeks, Donald Trump has implemented a range of sudden tariff adjustments, seemingly increasing and decreasing tariffs at random. The resulting chaos has impacted the stock market significantly while raising numerous unresolved questions regarding the effects these tariffs will have on international trade. This situation escalated to an almost humorous level earlier this year when Trump imposed an immense 145% tariff on Chinese products before reducing it to 30% just weeks later. Meanwhile, Apple finds itself and the iPhone at the mercy of Trump’s erratic tariffs.

For some time, Apple believed it could evade the tariffs in China by shifting a considerable part of its production to India. However, Trump recently stated that this is insufficient. Instead, Trump aims to pressure Apple into producing the iPhone in the United States and has plans to enact a 25% tariff.

Taking to social media last week, Trump expressed the following:

“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else. If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the US Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

As expected, Apple shares plummeted amidst investor worries that the company would be compelled to increase iPhone prices, seriously affecting iPhone sales. However, it is important to mention that Apple might find it more practical to absorb the tariff costs, maintain iPhone prices, and utilize its substantial cash reserves to cover the tariff.

White House states it doesn’t wish to harm Apple

Amid all these discussions, the White House contends that people are overreacting. During a CNBC interview, National Economic Council Director Keven Hasset minimized what he referred to as a “tiny little tariff” on technology companies such as Apple.

“The bottom line is, what we’re trying to do, is onshore as much as we can in the US and make it so the US is not hyper-dependent on imports from China,” Hassett stated. “And I think one of the things we’re seeing is that people are moving way faster than you might expect.”

Hasset highlighted that the objective is to redirect manufacturing to the United States as much as possible “to ensure the US economy is secure and not susceptible to Chinese extortion.”

Read More
Google Introduces Web Application Showcasing Gemini and Canvas for Public Testing

Wondering what a real AI web application looks like? Google just revealed it to us with highlights from I/O.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Key points to consider

  • Google developed an interactive web application with Gemini to summarize some of its I/O announcements.
  • The web application was crafted using Canvas with AI assistance, and you can experiment with the app and access the code that created it.
  • The interactive experience conceals a secret Veo 3 announcement that wasn’t disclosed during the event.

At Google I/O 2025 last week, Google showcased numerous real-world uses for AI, including its role as a coding assistant. The company highlighted various ways to swiftly create custom web applications using Gemini, specifically focusing on Canvas, its AI-enhanced workspace for coding and beyond. There’s doubt regarding AI’s ability to truly create applications, which might explain why Google produced its own web application with Gemini that you can try immediately.

In a blog post, Google outlined its method for creating the web application, aimed at showcasing some announcements from I/O in an enjoyable and interactive way. The company invited <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/google-gemini" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software

Read More
Galaxy Watch 8 Series Attains Extra Certification, Based on Recent Leak

Samsung’s Affordable Galaxy Buds Core Sighted Again

Samsung’s forthcoming budget-friendly earbuds, the Galaxy Buds Core, have been seen again, this time gaining approval from the Bluetooth SIG authority. The certification displays the model number SM-R410 along with the product name “Galaxy Buds Core.” While the SIG certification offers limited information, recent leaks have provided an insight into the possible design and features of these earbuds. It is speculated that each earbud might incorporate a 100mAh battery, paired with a 500mAh charging case. These details indicate a significant enhancement in battery capacity compared to the former Buds FE model. As excitement grows, the Galaxy Buds Core is likely to deliver an economical choice for consumers in search of quality audio experiences.

Read More
Eight Key Features of the One UI 8 Beta

Samsung has already made an impressive beginning with the quickest update they have ever released.

It seems unbelievable, given the lengthy wait for the One UI 7 update, but the initial One UI 8 beta is now available for the Galaxy S25 series. One UI 8 introduces Android 16 to the Galaxy S25 for the first time, allowing select users to experiment with new features ahead of their public rollout.

Overall, One UI 8 is a progressive update featuring UI modifications and new functionalities for many of Samsung’s essential applications, including Samsung Health, Reminders, Routines, Internet, Calendar, Contacts, and beyond.

The update also revitalizes key aspects of the user interface, including a redesigned Quick Share UI that simplifies the process of sending and receiving files, enhanced accessibility options for users with vision and hearing challenges, as well as solutions for hard-to-locate UI components like Auracast.

Although the update encompasses numerous changes, I’ve highlighted my eight favorites, with some additional favorites discovered during my experience with the beta on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

AI Select evolves into Speed Racer

With One UI 7, Samsung modernized its outdated Smart Select feature into what is now termed AI Select, incorporating significant context-sensitive actions that enhance the tool’s usefulness. However, it felt like an eternity for it to initiate in One UI 7, which became rather frustrating for regular use.

This has been entirely rectified in One UI 8. Previously, it took about 5 seconds from clicking the “AI Select” button to the moment you could start selecting content on your display. Now, tapping AI Select renders the feature almost instantly available, enabling me to outline an image on the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s screen in approximately 2 seconds.

Multitasking improved to 90:10 standard

When the OnePlus Open debuted in 2023, it astonished us for various reasons, but its multitasking capabilities were among the most impressive features for daily use. Integral to that was OnePlus Canvas, allowing you to dock an app to 10% of one side of the screen and switch seamlessly between any opened app by tapping the window.

Android 16 and One UI 8 have embraced this 90:10 functionality, permitting you to resize a split window down to 10% of its standard size. This makes juggling between two apps with a single tap easy, without the cramped feeling typical of conventional split screens. It’s a significant enhancement over regular split-window multitasking, making me eager to utilize multiple apps concurrently.

Quick Share becomes even faster

Quick Share has been one of the most valuable additions to Android recently, but accepting files from non-contacts has posed some difficulties. A sleek new UI modification from Samsung significantly streamlines this process, commencing when you tap the Quick Share button in the quick toggles section.

The well-known Send screen remains the default when accessing Quick Share, but a new Receive tab allows you to effortlessly obtain files from anyone as long as the window is active. No more choosing between “no one, contacts only, or everyone” options. Just open the Receive window, and you’re set, regardless of who the sender is.

Enhanced reminders and routines

One of the less intelligent decisions Google ever made was to eliminate the location-based reminder function in Google Assistant. This advantage makes tools like Samsung’s Reminder app far superior, allowing you to be reminded of tasks when you arrive at a specific location, at a particular time or date, and more. The revamped Reminders app now features quick category buttons at the top, enabling you to locate everything you need at a glance.

Routines have also received an enhancement, now enabling you to pick from fresh preset routines like weather, which is quite handy if you need a nudge to grab your umbrella or raincoat before the rain starts, or sunscreen when the cloudy skies clear up.

Samsung Health is enhanced

In the past, I attempted to log my food intake to monitor calories, macros, and improve my health. The challenge was often forgetting to enter my meals, which would lead to vague recollections of what I had eaten. Now, Samsung Health can prompt you to log your meals throughout the day, resolving this common issue.

As you focus on healthier eating, you can also leverage peer encouragement to motivate you to exercise more frequently. An upgraded Together feature within Samsung Health enables you to issue running distance challenges to your contacts, setting goals to be the first to run a designated distance each week. It’s a terrific enhancement compared to the usual step count challenge.

The better to see (and hear) you with

If you have ever needed the zoom tool found in accessibility settings, you’ll

Read More
Opera Unveils Neon: A Subscription-Driven AI Browser with Website Creation Features

**Opera’s AI Browser Operator: A Fresh Phase in Web Navigation**

In early April, Opera unveiled its groundbreaking AI Browser Operator, offering an insight into its vision for agentic browsing in the age of AI. This announcement introduced a novel browser named Opera Neon, which incorporates the Operator as a fundamental element instead of just a feature.

### Opera’s Confidence in the “Agentic Web”

Opera highlights that Neon is crafted not only for browsing purposes but also for proactively undertaking tasks on behalf of users. This encompasses a variety of capabilities, including researching, designing, and even developing websites, code snippets, reports, and games. The browser functions with AI agents that operate in the cloud, enabling them to keep processing tasks even if the user’s device is offline. Furthermore, Neon boasts the Browser Operator, an integrated AI agent with which users can interact to obtain contextual responses, automate online tasks like filling forms or booking accommodations, and directly engage with webpage content.

Henrik Lexow, Opera’s Senior AI Product Director, remarked, “We’re at a juncture where AI can radically alter the way we navigate the internet and carry out numerous tasks within the browser. Opera Neon places this at our users’ fingertips. (…) We view it as a collaborative platform to co-create the next era of agentic browsing alongside our community.”

### The AI Browser Competition is Underway

Opera’s latest browser makes its entrance into a swiftly growing market of AI-augmented browsers, contending with Microsoft Edge featuring Copilot, Chrome with Gemini, Perplexity’s Comet, Brave with Leo, and Firefox’s recent beta release of Link Previews. Even Apple has woven subtle AI features into Safari’s Reader Mode.

Despite the buzz surrounding Neon, a number of questions linger unanswered. The performance of Neon in practical situations beyond basic showcases, pricing specifics, and the timeline for wider user accessibility are still uncertain, as users presently need to join a waitlist for access.

If Opera can fulfill its ambitious commitments, Neon may represent a crucial marker of the future of web navigation, potentially altering how users interact with the internet.

Read More