Day: May 31, 2025

“One UI 8 Beta Launched for Galaxy S25, Galaxy Watch 8 Exposed, Nothing Terminates ‘Spark’ Function, and Further Updates”

A compilation of the most notable Tech-related news highlights from this week.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
Weekly News

(Image credit: Future)

Weekly News is our section where we bring attention to and summarize some of the week’s leading stories so you can stay informed about the latest in tech.

This is Android Central’s Weekly News, your reliable source for a succinct recap of the week’s most important tech headlines. Here, we explore the prime stories that illuminate the recent advancements and progress shaping the digital realm.

This week, Samsung revealed an unexpected announcement for Galaxy S25 owners, the Galaxy Watch 8 series reportedly secures another certification, Nothing disables its Glyph lights on the upcoming flagship, OnePlus introduces two new devices in the Ace 5 series, and a leak regarding the Pixel 10 Pro reveals familiar details.

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Apple’s Upcoming Corporate Strategy: Investigating Subscription-Based Desktop Solutions in Light of Growing Interest in DaaS and VDI

**Apple’s Promise in the VDI/DaaS Arena: A Tactical Initiative for Businesses**

Apple has historically excelled in the consumer technology domain, but its engagement in the corporate landscape has been relatively limited. Nevertheless, emerging trends suggest a notable chance for Apple to broaden its portfolio in the area of Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). The 2025 Parallels Cloud Survey shows that 58% of enterprises are currently investigating DaaS or VDI options, with half intending to implement these solutions in the upcoming six months. This transition is fueled by the demand for secure, scalable access to applications and data from any location, a need that Apple is ideally suited to fulfill.

### The Bedrock for VDI/DaaS

Apple’s current framework, featuring Managed Apple Accounts and comprehensive device management APIs, lays a strong groundwork for introducing a cloud-based Mac desktop solution. As more organizations adopt Macs broadly, the idea of a subscription-based macOS desktop that functions in a browser or as an on-demand virtual space becomes increasingly practical. This solution could act as Apple’s counter to ChromeOS, offering versatility without requiring specific hardware.

### Security and Revenue Considerations

The trend towards hybrid work scenarios is far from a temporary phase. The Cloud survey reveals that 85% of companies still support various forms of remote work, with security being a critical issue. DaaS and VDI offerings are becoming popular not just for centralized IT management but also for their capacity to secure data while ensuring productivity. Improved internet speeds are making the VDI experience increasingly comparable to that of native systems.

For Apple, venturing into the DaaS/VDI domain would not only strengthen its macOS ecosystem but also generate new subscription revenue opportunities. A cloud-based Mac would streamline onboarding for temporary and contract employees, remove the challenges of hardware provisioning, and improve user experience through seamless integration with existing device management solutions. This strategy could also boost iPad sales in the corporate world by enabling only macOS and iPadOS devices to utilize the service.

### Concluding Thoughts

The prospect of a cloud-based macOS environment corresponds with the changing demands of businesses. It provides a simplified method for onboarding, problem-solving, and security management. Apple has the possibility to create a specialized Remote Desktop application focused on enterprise needs, increasing its attractiveness in the business field.

Additionally, a hosted macOS option could allow developers and data teams access to high-performance machines without the initial expenses of acquiring hardware. With the scalability of Apple Silicon, a virtualized Mac Studio or Mac mini could supply the computing power needed by teams requiring robust resources on demand.

In summary, if Apple strategically sets pricing and positioning for this offering, it could greatly enhance its subscription revenues in the business market while reinforcing its dedication to delivering a seamless user experience across its devices. The potential for advancement in this area is significant, and the moment for Apple to take action is now.

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The Garmin Vivoactive 6: Perfect for Fitness Lovers in Search of Harmony

The Garmin Vivoactive 6 serves as a multifunctional fitness watch that delivers an intuitive experience, particularly for individuals unfamiliar with Garmin products. With a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from Android Central, it shines due to its cost-effectiveness, extensive battery longevity, and diverse selection of workout modes. The watch boasts a bright AMOLED display and ensures comfort during use, even while sleeping. Nonetheless, it omits certain advanced functionalities such as ECG and body temperature tracking, and its older sensor technology may not match the precision of more recent models. Despite these limitations, the Vivoactive 6 is a dependable entry-level choice for fitness fans seeking a trustworthy smartwatch. It retails for $299.99 and can be found at various retailers, including Amazon, Backcountry.com, and Macy’s.

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Caffeine Modifies Brain Activity While Sleeping

Caffeine not only makes it more difficult to drift off; it also alters the brain’s functioning while resting. Recent studies indicate that caffeine modifies brain activity in ways that cause sleep to resemble wakefulness, driving neural networks into an elevated, intricate state usually associated with cognitive performance.

In a study involving 40 adults who ingested either 200 milligrams of caffeine or a placebo prior to sleeping in a laboratory, brain activity was monitored throughout the night. Participants who consumed caffeine entered a phase recognized as a critical regime, where the processing of information becomes quicker and more dynamic. While this state enhances focus and problem-solving capabilities during the day, it can disrupt restoration during sleep.

Caffeine’s impact on the brain is especially marked in younger adults. Their brains exhibited significantly greater increases in complexity and information flow compared to older subjects. This disparity likely arises from biological factors, as younger individuals possess more adenosine receptors, which function as the brain’s natural “sleepiness switches” and are the main targets of caffeine.

The study uncovered that even non-REM sleep, regarded as the most profound and restorative phase, became more active due to caffeine’s effects. Instead of decelerating, the brain continued to process information as if it were awake, diminishing the benefits typically accrued during rest. This impact was notably stronger in younger adults, who may be more susceptible to the long-term ramifications of disrupted sleep.

The research enhances our understanding of caffeine’s effects on the brain. Caffeine does more than merely postpone bedtime or induce light sleep; it fundamentally alters the brain’s behavior at night. Sleep fulfills numerous critical functions, including memory consolidation and cellular repair, which may be compromised if the brain remains overly active.

For those who depend on coffee later in the day, these findings serve as a reminder that the consequences extend well beyond mere wakefulness. The brain does not simply obey commands to fall asleep, despite the plethora of sleep hacks available. It adapts to the chemicals coursing through it, and caffeine modifies the parameters of that process. Unless you happen to be among the few with a rare genetic mutation that allows you to thrive on less sleep, it would be wise to curb late-day caffeine consumption.

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Gmail App Unveils AI-Powered Automatic Email Summaries

Google has rolled out an enhancement to its AI tool, Gemini, in the Gmail mobile application. This enhancement introduces Gemini summary cards that instantly condense lengthy emails and threads, facilitating quicker understanding of key points for users. Earlier, users had to manually solicit summaries, but now they are generated automatically when viewed as beneficial. At present, this feature is exclusive to emails written in English. Users still have the option to create summaries manually if necessary. The rollout is occurring over a span of 15 days for paid Google Workspace accounts, Google One AI Premium subscribers, and Gemini Education users. Those who do not wish to utilize this feature can opt out by deactivating Gmail smart features, although this will also turn off other capabilities.

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Important Announcement: WhatsApp Will Cease Operations on Specific iPhone Models Starting June 1

**WhatsApp Withdraws Support for Older iPhones: Essential Information**

Starting June 1st, WhatsApp has formally stopped supporting various older iPhone models, indicating a major shift for users who depend on outdated smartphones. This move is a part of WhatsApp’s continuous initiatives to improve its platform and guarantee compatibility with the newest technology.

### Update on Minimum Requirements

WhatsApp, a subsidiary of Meta, frequently revises its minimum requirements to enhance user experience and security. Originally, the deadline for this adjustment was scheduled for May 5th but was subsequently pushed back to June 1st. After this date, WhatsApp will only operate on iPhones utilizing iOS 15.1 or newer. Moreover, devices with Android 5.0 or earlier will also be unable to access the application.

### iPhone Models Impacted

The subsequent iPhone models will no longer support WhatsApp:

– iPhone 5s
– iPhone 6
– iPhone 6 Plus

There have been some mentions indicating that the following models might also be impacted:

– iPhone 6s
– iPhone 6s Plus
– iPhone SE (1st generation)

Nevertheless, these latter devices are capable of running up to iOS 15.8.4. Provided they are upgraded to the latest supported iOS version, they will continue to function with WhatsApp until the next possible cutoff, anticipated within the next couple of years.

### Consequences for Users

Although these older models are no longer state-of-the-art, they still function as backup phones or hand-me-downs for users who might not be particularly tech-savvy. With around 3 billion users worldwide, this change may surprise some individuals, especially those who have retained their older devices for various factors.

### Final Thoughts

As technology progresses, applications like WhatsApp are required to evolve to maintain security and functionality. Users with older iPhones should think about upgrading their devices to ensure uninterrupted access to WhatsApp and its features.

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Logitech Gears Up for the Release of MX Master 4 Mouse

**Logitech MX Master 4: Expected Successor to the MX Master 3S**

Logitech, a prominent brand in the realm of computer accessories, has yet to officially unveil the successor to the highly praised MX Master 3S mouse, but recent developments imply that the introduction of the MX Master 4 might be approaching. The company has filed paperwork for Bluetooth certification in Brazil, and a teaser image has surfaced on its official Instagram account, hinting at the forthcoming product.

As per Brazilian tech website Tecnoblog, the MX Master 4, recognized by the model number MR0118, has received certification from Anatel, Brazil’s telecommunications authority, which is similar to the FCC in the U.S. This certification, obtained on May 9, was essential because of the device’s Bluetooth connectivity, categorizing it under the regulator’s “restricted radiation transceivers” class.

Though the certification documentation did not contain images of the product, Logitech may have unintentionally disclosed some information via a promotional image that briefly showed up on their social media. This image swiftly spread on Reddit before being taken down following a legal demand from Logitech. The leaked image indicates that the design modifications in the MX Master 4, while subtle, are perceptible. For example, the side scroll wheel has been shifted slightly forward and upward, and the primary click buttons have been made larger, offering more space than the prior model.

The MX series is esteemed for its premium productivity features, making it a preferred choice for creatives and developers. Its customization capabilities, gesture controls, and ability to connect with multiple devices further render it appealing for casual users and light gaming.

Although Logitech has not issued any formal statements about the MX Master 4, the finalization of certification and the presence of marketing materials suggest that a launch is near. Fans and users are keenly anticipating the debut of this new member of the MX family.

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Scientists Strive to Reproduce Earth’s Primordial Life Form

For centuries, the enigma of how life initially began on Earth has captivated scientists. One prominent hypothesis is that our planet once featured what researchers refer to as an “RNA World.” This concept posits that long before the existence of DNA or proteins, life may have originated from RNA strands capable of self-replication. Nevertheless, substantiating this notion in a laboratory setting has posed a considerable challenge.

The primary difficulty surrounding the RNA World theory is that scientists have encountered obstacles in recreating the conditions under which RNA could have formed and duplicated in the environments present on early Earth. Recently, a novel study spearheaded by researchers at University College London is illuminating how this process may have functioned, bringing us nearer to comprehending what the first life form on Earth might have resembled.

The research team utilized synthetic RNA components known as trinucleotides. Although these do not exist in modern organisms, they provide a simpler structure that possibly existed billions of years ago. During the experiment, the RNA was subjected to heat, acid, and freezing conditions in water. These temperature cycles prevented the strands from rejoining, enabling the RNA to continue to expand.

Eventually, the strands elongated sufficiently to exhibit behaviors akin to biological molecules, potentially capable of undertaking advantageous chemical functions. While the researchers have only succeeded in replicating about 17% of an RNA strand so far, they are optimistic that complete replication may be achieved with future advancements. This could represent a crucial element in deciphering how the first living entities on Earth emerged.

Interestingly, the experiment also indicated that replication would not succeed in saltwater. This implies that the earliest living molecules likely originated in freshwater settings, such as hot springs or geothermal ponds. These locations would have provided the appropriate chemistry and temperature variations essential for facilitating the process.

This study builds upon years of research exploring the roots of Earth’s primitive genetic materials. Although numerous questions remain unanswered, scientists are now closer to formulating a functional model of how the first living organism on Earth could have formed and begun replicating.

This marks a significant advancement in addressing one of biology’s most profound questions. Furthermore, it may ultimately aid us in understanding not only our origins but also how life might emerge elsewhere in the universe.

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