Month: October 2025

CarPlay in iOS 16 Unveils ‘Video in the Car’ Functionality, Missing Support

Apple has implemented a major update concerning CarPlay, allowing for video playback for the first time since its launch. This new capability, rolled out with iOS 26, allows apps to showcase video on the CarPlay screen, but exclusively while the vehicle is stationary. This represents a significant change in Apple’s stance after ten years of prohibiting video playback in cars.

The feature, known as “video in the car,” is emphasized on Apple’s developer site. It permits users to view videos from their iPhone directly on the CarPlay interface, as long as they are not operating the vehicle. Developers looking to incorporate this functionality into their apps are invited to utilize the resources offered through Apple’s MFi Program.

However, even with this progress, video playback support is not yet commonplace. Each car manufacturer has the authority to permit or deny AirPlay video options in their vehicles, which indicates that the application of this feature will differ among various car brands. Consequently, while the functionality is available, it remains unclear when or if video playback will become a widespread feature in cars equipped with CarPlay.

In April 2025, a third-party app managed to provide a CarPlay web browser with video playback for a short time, but this feature was later withdrawn after an App Store review. This occurrence highlights the difficulties developers encounter when navigating Apple’s regulations and the policies of automakers.

Besides the video playback feature, iOS 26 has introduced numerous enhancements to CarPlay, including redesigned icons, improved appearance options, widget support, and updates to crucial applications like Music and Messages. Nonetheless, at this time, no car manufacturers have publicly stated their intentions to support video playback in CarPlay, leaving users and developers eagerly awaiting future updates.

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Apple Maps Functionality Gets Significant Enhancement in iOS 26

iOS 26 rollout introduced a multitude of fresh updates to Apple’s mobile interface, with Apple Maps being one app that garnered considerable focus. A new Visited Places feature allows you to easily identify repeat restaurants, shops, and other locations that you often revisit.

Additionally, a feature called Preferred Routes has been added, which remembers the routes you frequently take to provide alerts for your daily commutes. However, a noteworthy change that will influence user interactions with iOS Maps is a natural language search capability integrated directly into the application.

Driven by Apple Intelligence, the natural language search harnesses AI technology to enhance your Apple Maps search experience. There’s no need to delve into settings to activate this feature, as it is seamlessly incorporated into the Apple Maps code.

Users who update to iOS 26 will encounter a pop-up upon launching Maps that states, “Search The Way You Talk.” This paves the way for more engaging and conversational search methods, with prompts such as “Where’s the best Chinese food near me that’s open late?” or “Locate a café with free Wi-Fi on my route to work.”

Natural language search makes Maps feel more human

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 Get Important Security Update for October 2025

The One UI 8-based update was launched for the Galaxy S25 lineup earlier this month, representing a major advancement for Samsung’s premier devices. This update introduces the October 2025 security patch, initially rolled out for the Galaxy S25 series, providing improved security as well as performance enhancements. It encompasses a total of 34 security fixes, addressing vulnerabilities categorized with high and moderate severity. Samsung users are urged to install this update without delay to take advantage of the newest security upgrades.

The deployment of the One UI 8-based update reflects Samsung’s dedication to delivering timely software updates and ensuring device security. The update procedure is simple, requiring users to go to the Settings app, select the Software update option, and then click on Download and install. This guarantees that users can seamlessly keep their devices updated with the most recent software enhancements.

Alongside the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung’s foldable devices, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, are also getting the October 2025 security update. Originally launched in Korea, the update is anticipated to become available in other regions shortly. The patch features 14 high-severity fixes from Google’s Android Security Bulletin and 20 additional fixes tailored for Samsung devices. Users of these foldable devices should prioritize updating to protect their devices from potential security risks.

In summary, the One UI 8-based update for the Galaxy S25 series, as well as Samsung’s foldable devices, highlights the significance of regular software updates in preserving device security and enhancing performance. By remaining informed and quickly installing updates, Samsung users can ensure their devices stay secure and optimized for everyday use.

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Qualcomm Improves Budget Smartphones with Latest High-Speed Snapdragon Processor

The Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 might herald the end of trade-offs.

Essential information

  • The Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 marks Qualcomm’s inaugural 6-series chip utilizing a 4nm architecture, delivering flagship-grade efficiency and performance for entry-level devices.
  • Featuring a Kryo CPU that’s as much as 36% quicker and an Adreno GPU providing 59% additional power, anticipate enhanced multitasking, quicker app launches, and superior gaming experiences.
  • Capable of handling up to 200MP images and 2K video with three ISPs, HDR enhancements, and multi-frame noise suppression for clearer, sharper images.
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Google Unveils Future GPU Improvements for Pixel 10 in Upcoming Releases

Owners of the Pixel 10 can look forward to more GPU enhancements in the future updates as Google aims to enhance the performance of the Tensor G5.

Key points to note:
– Google has announced it will provide regular GPU driver updates for the Pixel 10 series to enhance performance.
– The Tensor G5 chip operates cooler than its predecessor, yet still displays minimal performance improvements in high-end gaming evaluations.
– Users have experienced lag and freezes in titles like Genshin Impact, attributing it to outdated GPU drivers as the principal issue.
– The Pixel 10 is currently equipped with an older version of the GPU driver, but Google may soon introduce updated drivers.

Google has been criticized for rendering challenges with high-end games on the Pixel 10 series and for general graphics issues. The company has now confirmed it intends to issue GPU driver updates for the Pixel 10 lineup to enhance performance.

In a response to Android Authority, Google confirmed that monthly and quarterly system updates for the Pixel 10 series will continue to deliver GPU enhancements. The company noted that the patch releases for September and October already included GPU driver improvements. “In future releases, we are planning further GPU driver updates,” it stated to the publication.

Google shifted to TSMC for the Tensor G5 chipset in the Pixel 10 series, which theoretically should have resulted in significant enhancements. While thermal performance has improved compared to the previous generation, the overall performance gains with the Tensor G5 are not considerable.

GPU driver updates could enhance gaming performance on the Pixel 10.

Recently, some users reported that the Pixel 10 struggles with games such as Genshin Impact, showing notable lag and freezes. Fortunately, Google intends to roll out GPU driver updates that could provide crucial improvements in graphics performance.

For reference, the Tensor G5 chipset in the Pixel 10 features Imagination Technologies’ PowerVR DXT-48-1536 GPU, which theoretically delivers up to 1.5 TFLOPS FP32 performance. However, the Pixel 10’s performance still falls short compared to devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra or OnePlus 13.

This is partly due to the Pixel 10 being shipped with outdated GPU drivers. Some users on Reddit noted that the Tensor G5 utilizes version 24.3 of the driver, which does not support Android 16.

Even though Imagination Technologies has released version v25.1, compatible with Android 16 and Vulkan 1.4, Google has not yet updated the drivers for the Pixel 10. This might explain why the Pixel 10 lags behind other flagship Android devices in gaming capability.

It’s possible that Google’s announcement regarding forthcoming GPU driver updates pertains to these newer versions, although the company has not shared a specific timeline. Unfortunately, even the recent Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.1 update does not feature these driver updates for the Pixel 10 series; thus, we may need to wait a little longer for significant enhancements.

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Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Gets Its Last Significant Android Update

One UI 8, built on Android 16, is now being rolled out to the Galaxy S21 FE

Samsung is initiating the rollout of One UI 8 for the Galaxy S21 FE in Thailand and Vietnam. This update is anticipated to be the last significant Android OS upgrade for the Galaxy S21 FE, as its four-year update guarantee is approaching its conclusion. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE still has over a year remaining for monthly security patches.

After its introduction alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 during the summer, Samsung has gradually expanded One UI 8 to additional devices. The operating system, based on Android 16, enhances the One UI 7 redesign by incorporating new features and reinforcing Galaxy AI. Now, Samsung is releasing the One UI 8 update for the Galaxy S21 FE, likely marking its final significant Android OS upgrade.

SamMobile was the first to notice the One UI 8 rollout for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, which commenced on Thursday, Oct. 23 for users in Thailand and Vietnam. There is currently no information regarding when the update will be made available in other regions, but this initial release indicates that One UI 8 will be globally accessible for the Galaxy S21 FE. As reported, the update size is over 2GB — relatively compact for a major OS upgrade — and arrives with version G990EXXUIHYJ2.

Samsung’s rollout speed seems to be faster than usual for the Galaxy S21 FE. As with several Galaxy phone models, the Galaxy S21 FE received Android 15 later than anticipated. It only received the upgrade to One UI 7 in May 2025. One UI 8 now swiftly takes its place as the latest software version just a few months later.

To verify the update, access the Settings app on your Galaxy S21 FE and tap on the Software update tab. Next, click Download and install, then Install now to download One UI 8 once it becomes available. If you are not situated in Thailand or Vietnam, you might need to wait a little longer for Samsung to distribute the update in additional regions.

Will the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE receive further updates?

The rapid rollout of One UI 8 should be appreciated by Galaxy S21 FE proprietors, but it might be their final major Android update. Samsung originally launched the Galaxy S21 FE in January 2022, backed by a four-year OS update commitment. One UI 8 signifies the fourth complete Android OS upgrade the device has received, and the Galaxy S21 FE will be four years old in a few months. Consequently, it is unlikely that the Galaxy S21 FE will receive Android 17.

Nonetheless, the device is expected to obtain security updates for another year following the conclusion of its OS upgrade guarantee in January 2026. Looking forward, newer Galaxy FE models will not lose support as quickly. Beginning with the Galaxy S24 FE and continuing with the Galaxy S25 FE, these “Fan Edition” devices are promised a lengthy seven-year update support.

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Strava Drops Patent Litigation Against Garmin After 21-Day Conflict

Strava’s lawsuit against Garmin for patent infringement has concluded unexpectedly, as Strava requested a dismissal just three weeks after filing the case. The complaint, submitted on September 30 in the U.S. District Court for Colorado, dealt with patents concerning heat maps and live segments. Strava aimed for a permanent injunction to prevent the sale of Garmin products that allegedly utilized its patented technology. However, on October 21, Strava opted to withdraw the lawsuit voluntarily, without prejudice, allowing for the possibility of refiling in the future.

The issue was not solely legal but also public, with Strava’s Chief Product Officer, Matt Salazar, lambasting Garmin’s API guidelines on Reddit. Strava took issue with Garmin’s demand for its logo to be featured on content employing its data, which Strava deemed unreasonable for its users. Despite efforts to settle the matter over five months, no resolution was achieved.

This legal dispute coincided with Strava’s preparations for a potential initial public offering (IPO), which may occur next year. The lawsuit drew attention to Strava in the wearable tech sphere, but its implications for the IPO remain uncertain. Simultaneously, Garmin is contending with a separate patent infringement lawsuit from Suunto, which is still in progress.

Strava and Garmin had previously maintained a close partnership, with Garmin data playing a crucial role in Strava’s platform. The prospects for future collaboration between the two companies are unclear following this brief yet intense legal skirmish.

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Production Hold-ups for Galaxy S26 Plus Might Affect Release Timeline

The Elec reports that mass production of the Galaxy S26 Plus will commence only in January. This timing may hinder Samsung’s ability to unveil the new smartphones as early as it has done in past generations.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is anticipated to make up nearly half of the Galaxy S26 orders for the upcoming year, will begin mass production in January. According to The Elec, Samsung will initiate manufacturing of the standard Galaxy S26 and the Galaxy S26 Plus a month later. Initial plans indicated that Samsung intended to produce three Galaxy S26 models in December; however, the Galaxy S26 Edge was initially included in next year’s offerings. The ultra-slim variant was ultimately eliminated due to lackluster sales, with Samsung opting to substitute it with the Galaxy S26 Plus. Though development for the base Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra is complete, the Plus variant will require an additional one to two months to finalize its readiness for mass production.

The report further highlights that manufacturing logistics play a crucial role in Samsung’s approach to mass-producing the new smartphones. For instance, the OLED display for the Galaxy S26 Ultra has received approval, whereas the screens for the standard and Plus models will obtain approvals in December. Additional components for the three devices are set to be manufactured in November, with specific parts entering production in December, following the completion of development for all three models.

When is Samsung set to unveil the Galaxy S26 series?

Google Meet Unveils Halloween Effects for Android Users

Google is infusing Halloween cheer into Google Workspace users’ experience with various festive features in Google Meet. Users can take advantage of AI-driven virtual makeup to morph into characters such as a mummy or zombie, or choose a “Goth Chic” appearance. Moreover, ready-made and adjustable AI-generated virtual backgrounds are offered to elevate the Halloween vibe during virtual meetings. These features are accessible for a temporary period to Google Workspace customers and also to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.

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Motorola Razr Leak Indicates Possible Modifications to Essential Features

Approach this leak cautiously.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Essential information

  • A new Motorola patent for a Razr was allegedly uncovered this week, highlighting a possible forthcoming foldable design.
  • The supposed design significantly transforms the Razr we are familiar with, changing its square cover display into a circular one; however, three lenses remain vertically aligned.
  • Earlier this year, Motorola introduced a set of three Razrs, culminating in an Ultra model.

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