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Shokz Improves Open-Ear Workout Earbuds with Significant Noise-Cancelling Enhancement

The Shokz OpenFit 2 series has already established itself as a leader in audio excellence, and the newly unveiled OpenFit Pro earbuds are poised to elevate this reputation even further. Unveiled at CES 2026, the OpenFit Pro brings several innovative features that represent a significant improvement over its forerunners.

A prominent feature of the OpenFit Pro is the introduction of “Open-Ear Noise Reduction,” a first for Shokz. Each earbud boasts a triple-mic setup that monitors ambient noise and equalizes it, creating an indoor Private Mode while still allowing for situational awareness in outdoor settings. This functionality is especially advantageous for users desiring to immerse themselves in music without becoming entirely detached from their environment.

The Pros also present a new Dolby Atmos mode, delivering 3D directional sound for a captivating auditory experience. The earbuds have been engineered with dual speaker elements that facilitate multi-directional audio, boosting the bass and diminishing Total Harmonic Distortion. Furthermore, the OpenFit Pro features wear detection, expanded frequency response, and an additional hour of battery life compared to the OpenFit 2+.

Weighing approximately 3g more per earbud than earlier models, the OpenFit Pro is offered at $249, which is $50 higher than the OpenFit 2+. Despite the slight increase in weight, the earbuds continue to provide comfort during wear, thanks to the nickel-titanium ear hooks that ensure stability during physical activities.

The OpenFit Pro is additionally equipped with Bluetooth 6.1 for enhanced energy efficiency and superior audio streaming quality. The quick charging functionality has been improved, delivering four hours of playback after merely ten minutes of charging. The earbuds also feature a more reliable charging contact, guaranteeing they stay charged and ready for use.

In summary, the Shokz OpenFit Pro earbuds are crafted for athletes and active individuals looking to enjoy superior audio without sacrificing awareness of their environment. With features such as noise reduction, Dolby Atmos capability, and enhanced battery longevity, the OpenFit Pro stands out as an attractive choice for those aiming for a blend of performance and situational consciousness.

Comparison between Moto G Power 2026 and CMF Phone 2 Pro: Features and Value Below $300

Both the Moto G Power 2026 and CMF Phone 2 Pro are affordable smartphones priced below $300, making them suitable for teens, tweens, seniors, casual users, and as backup devices. Here’s a thorough comparison of the two:

**Moto G Power 2026:**
– **Design & Display:** Sports a 6.8-inch 120Hz FHD+ display with excellent brightness, available in Pantone Pure Cashmere and Pantone Evening Blue. It boasts a robust design with Gorilla Glass 7i and IP68/IP69 ratings.
– **Performance:** Driven by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor with 8GB RAM, expandable storage reaching 1TB, and operates on Android 16.
– **Battery & Charging:** Features a 5,200mAh battery providing up to two days of usage and supports 30W TurboPower charging.
– **Camera:** Includes a 50MP primary camera, 8MP ultra-wide, macro vision lens, and a 32MP front camera.
– **Pros:** Large display, extended battery life, budget-friendly, resilient.
– **Cons:** Mediocre camera quality, limited software upgrades.

**CMF Phone 2 Pro:**
– **Design & Display:** Comes with a 6.77-inch FHD+ flexible AMOLED screen with a distinctive design offered in black, orange, light green, and white.
– **Performance:** Operates on a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro processor with 8GB RAM, storage options reaching 256GB (expandable to 2TB), and runs Android 15 (with upgrade potential).
– **Battery & Charging:** Houses a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging and 5W reverse wired charging capabilities.
– **Camera:** Features a 50MP main camera, 50MP telephoto, 8MP ultra-wide, and 16MP front camera.
– **Pros:** Distinctive design, Essential Space feature, extended security support.
– **Cons:** Mono speaker, limited availability in the US.

**Conclusion:**
The Moto G Power 2026 is a great option for users who prioritize sturdiness and battery longevity, whereas the CMF Phone 2 Pro presents a unique design and superior camera specifications. While the CMF Phone 2 Pro is deemed the top budget phone under $300, its limited availability in the US could be a disadvantage for some consumers.

Android Central’s Best Selections from CES 2026

From the TriFold to intelligent eyewear and distinctive accessories, these are the champions from CES 2026.

Another chapter of CES has concluded, and this year, it seemed every brand was determined to create smart glasses or smart rings. I witnessed a wide array of AI, AR, and XR eyewear, and while some definitely show a lot of promise (as you’ll see further on in this article), the majority of the products fell short.

Fortunately, I encountered numerous outstanding items, including smartphones, audio devices, accessories, and various AI-powered technologies. So let’s examine what made an impression at CES 2026.

Best Android phone (flagship): Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold

There was always going to be one clear winner this year. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z TriFold at the event prior to its launch in the U.S., and the one-of-a-kind foldable deserves commendation on its own merit. It is being offered in limited stock, and the retail price is astonishingly high, but as a demonstration of what mobile technology can achieve, there truly isn’t a better phone.

This marks my second experience with the TriFold — I tested it in a Dubai shopping mall last month — and it felt significantly improved this time. The device is on par with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in terms of refinement, and it doesn’t give off the impression of being a mere technology demonstration. The extra screen space is fantastic for enjoying entertainment, and even though the display has more glare compared to the Z Fold 7, it’s simply wonderful to transform a standard-sized phone into a 10-inch tablet.

Best Android phone (budget): TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro

TCL’s NXTPAPER technology is truly remarkable, and the brand presented the 70 Pro in Las Vegas. It features the same display that is designed to be more eye-friendly, and I appreciate how pleasant it is to use. The phone itself is a solid budget option, but the unique display distinguishes it from the rest.

Best concept: TDM Neo

TDM is an emerging manufacturer with a highly intriguing concept: a headset that converts into a speaker. It’s called the Neo, and at first glance, it appears to be just another headset — it has a similar weight too. However, you can twist both ear cups inward, transforming it into a Bluetooth speaker.

I haven’t encountered anything quite like it, and the Neo functions effectively as both a headset and a speaker. It isn’t fully in production yet, but it is the type of idea I would love to see materialize in a consumer product.

Best wearable: XGIMI Memo One

There’s no denying that XGIMI produces the finest projectors. At CES, the brand revealed MemoMind, a new line of fashionable smart glasses. There are several models available, but my favorite is Memo One, which includes a built-in display and a significant degree of personalization, and did I mention it’s stylish?

Best accessory: Anker Nano Charger 45W

The Nano appears as a typical charger, but it boasts a unique 180-degree foldable design, ensuring that the charger is always upright regardless of its orientation during use. It’s a minor adjustment, but one that greatly enhances the usability of the product. I predict that many other charging brands will soon introduce comparable designs.

Best AI innovation: NVIDIA Remix Logic

NVIDIA’s Remix technology rejuvenates classic games visually, and the brand demonstrated a preview of its latest feature, Remix Logic. The new mode interacts more deeply with game scenarios, granting game modders even greater flexibility and control in customizing in-game environments. Remix Logic represents the most impressive application of AI I’ve observed at CES this year, and as someone who enjoys retro games, I’m genuinely thrilled that NVIDIA is expanding this technology.

Best VR/XR device: Even Realities G2

Even Realities isn’t merely following the latest fads in smart glasses — it’s forging its own path, which is what I appreciate most about the G2. The glasses don’t resemble traditional tech products, yet they still feature waveguided lenses that display notifications and relevant information from your phone. It’s an excellent product, and I was frequently approached about the eyewear while navigating the show floor.

Pixel 9 May Possibly Acquire AirDrop-Fast Share Cross-Transfer Feature

Google has recently implemented a major update to its Pixel 9 series by incorporating AirDrop-Quick Share cross-sharing features within the latest Android Canary release. This functionality, which was formerly limited to the Pixel 10 series, facilitates effortless file sharing between Pixel devices and devices compatible with Apple’s AirDrop. The enhancement was detected in the firmware of Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, although it is currently inactive. Google may activate this capability in future Android updates, possibly with Android 16 QPR3 or Android 17. This initiative is a pivotal advancement in improving interoperability between Android and iOS devices, providing users with greater flexibility in file sharing across various platforms.

Google Unveils Significant AI-Powered Revamp for Gmail

Google has revealed a bold redesign of Gmail, incorporating new AI-enhanced functionalities to improve user experience. These features, fueled by Google’s Gemini AI, comprise Suggested Replies, AI Overviews, Help Me Write, Proofread, and AI Inbox. Suggested Replies provide tailored responses, while Help Me Write aids in composing emails. AI Overviews enable conversational search within Gmail, and Proofread makes complex sentences easier to understand. AI Inbox, the most significant enhancement, organizes emails by priority and offers task suggestions based on urgency. Initially accessible to free Gmail users in the U.S., certain features will necessitate a premium Gemini subscription. Google prioritizes privacy, guaranteeing that AI operations take place in a secure setting without utilizing email content for AI training or advertisements.

How One Television Adjustment Can Influence Your Display’s Brightness

affordable smart TV brands are quite proficient and frequently incorporate technologies such as Mini-LED backlighting, quantum dots, and micro-lens array (MLA) to guarantee a sufficiently bright screen. The brightness of a TV is crucial as it influences the quality of HDR content, its ability to handle glare and reflections, and the variety of unique color combinations a TV can reproduce. Thus, when a TV’s brightness is subpar, it doesn’t just mean a dim display; the entire visual experience can suffer.

Regrettably, nearly all TVs come equipped with a feature called Eco Mode or a power-saving mode, which is usually preset from the manufacturer and diminishes your TV’s brightness to reduce energy consumption. Many individuals who are not very knowledgeable about technology may not even realize they are not maximizing their TV’s performance because of this feature. Here’s what you should understand about Eco Mode and how to disable it.

What is Eco Mode on a TV?

Google Unveils AI-Enhanced Inbox Featuring Gemini Integration in Gmail

Google has unveiled a major update for Gmail, featuring AI Overviews, smarter responses, and a novel AI Inbox aimed at prioritizing essential emails. This update, driven by Google’s Gemini, seeks to improve email composing, searching, and summarizing functions. Notable features include tailored Suggested Replies and Help Me Write, which are now accessible to all Gmail users at no additional charge. The AI Overviews functionality enables users to pose questions in natural language and obtain succinct summaries from their emails, simplifying the task of locating vital information. Furthermore, the new AI Inbox will emphasize to-dos and important communications, departing from a basic chronological arrangement. Currently, this feature is restricted to trusted testers, with plans for wider rollout in the coming months.

Innovative Technology Enhances Blood Sugar Tracking for Apple Watch

# Apple Watch Glucose Level Tracking: A Move Towards Non-Invasive Health Innovations

For quite some time, Apple has been rumored to include glucose level tracking within its Apple Watch series, a feature that reportedly originated with the very first model. In spite of more than ten years of speculation and eagerness, this function has not yet become a reality. Nevertheless, recent progress indicates that we may be approaching a significant advancement in non-invasive glucose assessment.

## Importance of Glucose Level Tracking

According to the International Diabetes Federation, more than 10% of adults suffer from diabetes, with almost half of these individuals unaware of their status. Diabetes ranks as a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and the dangers are particularly pronounced for those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes prior to age 40. Timely detection is vital for effective handling and treatment, yet existing glucose monitoring tools are invasive, necessitating a needle to penetrate the skin. This invasive characteristic restricts use primarily to individuals already at risk.

## Non-Invasive Device Currently Under Clinical Assessment

The pursuit of non-invasive glucose monitoring has been a major focus within health technology. Should this effort succeed, incorporating this feature into widely utilized devices like the Apple Watch could significantly impact public health. One encouraging approach involves analyzing acetone levels in breath, which can signal increasing blood glucose levels.

A device named Isaac, which is presently in clinical testing, employs this method. It is crafted to be worn as a pendant, measuring volatile organic compounds in breath to identify biomarkers linked to glucose levels. The device is undergoing active trials at Indiana University, evaluating its efficacy against traditional glucose monitoring techniques, beginning with adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and later expanding to adults with type 2 diabetes. The trials aim for regulatory assessment by the FDA soon.

## This Technology May Find Its Way into an Apple Watch

The Isaac device functions by having users exhale into it, delivering a quick reading rather than continuous observation. While this technique facilitates daily assessments, each test only requires a few seconds. The challenge is to miniaturize the technology to fit into the streamlined design of an Apple Watch, as the current dimensions of the Isaac are comparable to that of the watch itself.

If the Isaac device secures FDA approval, it could set the stage for similar technology to be incorporated into future Apple Watch iterations. This advancement would mark a significant leap in wearable health technology, potentially allowing millions to monitor their glucose levels easily and non-invasively.

In conclusion, as the field of health technology progresses, the addition of non-invasive glucose level tracking into devices like the Apple Watch could transform diabetes management and early detection, ultimately preserving lives and enhancing health outcomes for countless individuals.

The Smartlet Dual Watch Band: An Exceptional Apple Watch Add-On

### The Smartlet: Fusing Tradition with Innovation

Deciding between a traditional timepiece and a smartwatch such as the Apple Watch can be quite challenging for watch aficionados. While classic mechanical watches are revered for their artistry and enduring charm, smartwatches provide a multitude of features that align with contemporary lifestyles, especially in terms of health and fitness monitoring. Enter the Smartlet watch band, a new accessory that seeks to connect these two realms.

#### The Challenge of Selection

Numerous people find themselves conflicted between the charm of a timeless watch and the practical advantages of a smartwatch. After years of utilizing Apple Watches, some individuals have chosen to revert back to conventional watches, desiring the sophistication and straightforwardness of analog styles. Nevertheless, they often lament the absence of the health and fitness functionalities offered by smartwatches. This is where the Smartlet becomes relevant.

#### What exactly is the Smartlet?

The Smartlet is an innovative watch band crafted to fit both an Apple Watch and a classic watch on a single wrist. This groundbreaking accessory permits users to wear their smartwatch alongside their luxury watch, enabling the advantages of both options. Depending on their taste or the event, wearers can opt for one watch to be showcased prominently on top, while the other remains beneath.

#### Compatibility and Aesthetic

The Smartlet is designed to be compatible with all Apple Watch models and traditional metal watches boasting a lug width of 20mm or 22mm. This includes prestigious brands like Rolex, Tag Heuer, Tudor, Omega, and Zenith. The Smartlet’s design focuses on seamlessly combining both watches, ensuring a chic yet practical appearance.

#### Functionality and Elegance

Although the idea of donning two watches might appear unusual, initial feedback indicates that the Smartlet is less flamboyant than expected. Users can leverage their Apple Watch’s capabilities—monitoring fitness, getting notifications, and more—while still flaunting the sophistication of a classic watch.

#### Final Thoughts

The Smartlet watch band serves as an inventive answer for those who find it difficult to choose between the timeless design of a mechanical watch and the contemporary features of a smartwatch. By allowing users to merge both styles, it meets the demands of a varied audience, ensuring that no one needs to compromise on style for practicality. As technology advances, accessories such as the Smartlet may transform our perceptions of timekeeping, merging tradition and modernity in a manner that resonates with both watch lovers and tech enthusiasts alike.

Samsung Boosts SmartThings Security with Major Arlo Integration Improvement

Samsung is working to improve home security by merging SmartThings with Arlo’s advanced security platform. This partnership aims to position SmartThings as the primary hub for home security and automation, with Arlo delivering the strong security capabilities. The collaboration enables users to control security services right from the SmartThings app, removing the necessity for multiple apps to oversee security cameras or motion detectors. Initially set to launch in the U.S., this integration will utilize Arlo’s Smart Security SaaS platform to introduce new security services, making the process easier for Samsung users. This initiative builds upon earlier partnerships, like the implementation of Arlo’s AI-driven object detection in SmartThings, and is anticipated to streamline security management for Galaxy users while broadening Arlo’s outreach.