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AirDrop Sharing Expands to Additional Devices Beyond Pixel and Galaxy Smartphones

The functionality is now showing up on smartphones from manufacturers like Oppo and Vivo.

What you should know:
– Quick Share with AirDrop compatibility is finally broadening its reach from just Pixel and Galaxy phones to additional Android devices.
– Oppo Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra have begun to receive AirDrop sharing support.
– You must turn on AirDrop visibility on your iPhone for Android devices to recognize and exchange files effortlessly.

Google added the capability for sharing files through Android’s Quick Share using Apple’s AirDrop to its Pixel phones last year, and it appears that the company is at last extending this feature to more Android devices.

Since Google rolled out Quick Share with AirDrop support on the Pixel 10 series, we’ve been anticipating its appearance on more phones. It has since branched out to the Pixel 9 series and more recently appeared on the Galaxy S26 range as well.

Samsung also rolled it out to the Galaxy S25 series with the One UI 8.5 update. However, aside from Pixel and Samsung devices, there hasn’t been much progress until now.

Oppo introduced the Find X9 Ultra last week with a commitment to soon provide AirDrop support, and it seems that this is already taking place. I’ve managed to test this myself, successfully sending and receiving files between the Oppo Find X9 Ultra and an iPhone Air without any problems.

When accessing the Quick Share settings on the Find X9 Ultra, there’s now a notification confirming that AirDrop file sharing is enabled. It also offers a brief guide on usage, which primarily involves activating AirDrop on the iPhone and adjusting visibility to ‘Everyone’ for a duration of 10 minutes.

After that, the iPhone appears in the Quick Share menu on the Android device. You can receive files the same way by adjusting your Android device’s visibility settings.

My colleague Harish Jonnalagadda successfully utilized this feature on his Vivo X300 Ultra, indicating that it is indeed extending beyond just Pixel and Samsung devices. However, we have yet to see it launch on devices like the OnePlus 15, and there has been no confirmation from either OnePlus or Google regarding that.

Regardless, it’s exciting to finally observe this feature being more widely distributed. It simplifies the sharing of images, videos, and files between Android and iPhone without relying on third-party apps. We will keep you posted as it further expands to additional devices.

Android Central’s Perspective:
I’ve personally tested this feature, and it functions surprisingly well. It is still somewhat slower than direct AirDrop-to-AirDrop sharing or even Android-to-Android sharing, but the existence of this feature and its growth beyond Pixel and Galaxy phones is a significant gain for Android users.

Former FCC Officials Seek to Force Vote on the ‘Weapon’ Brendan Carr Cited Against Broadcasters

Several former Federal Communications Commissioners and staffers across parties are urging a federal appeals court to force a vote on the FCC’s news distortion policy, which they argue should be repealed after being abused by Republican Chair Brendan Carr. On Tuesday, a group of petitioners asked the US Court of Appeals for the District of […]

Consequences of Failing to Update Your PlayStation 5 Controller

errors that could damage your PlayStation 5 controller, with prices starting at $74, making replacement quite an expense. One such error is neglecting to update your device when your console alerts you to do so. Although your DualSense may not cease functioning completely if you overlook a few updates, it will be susceptible to additional problems and you’ll miss out on the newest features. Users on Reddit frequently engage in discussions about the cool enhancements that come with DualSense firmware updates — definitely not a gathering you want to skip. 

Failing to update your DualSense endangers security and performance

Three Common Mistakes to Steer Clear of When Buying a Monitor

Whether you’re seeking a new computer monitor because your previous one has ceased functioning or simply aiming for an upgrade, conducting thorough research is crucial. The goal is to prevent wasting money on a device that doesn’t adequately meet your requirements. Investigating monitor alternatives isn’t merely about learning the different types and models available; it’s also essential to steer clear of the typical blunders individuals make when purchasing computer monitors.

You might recall a few monitor purchasing errors you could encounter, like neglecting to set a budget or selecting an incorrect size monitor. Grasping your particular needs will assist you in identifying a monitor that perfectly suits your workspace. However, if you’re not vigilant, there are easily overlooked pitfalls that might lead to a regrettable investment. Familiarizing yourself with these mistakes and taking them into account while shopping for a monitor can help you avoid acquiring technology that you’ll ultimately wish you hadn’t bought.

Neglecting to consider the distance from the monitor

Pedometer++ 8 Unveils Revamped Design and New Expedition Mode for Apple Watch

**Pedometer++ 8.0: An Extensive Update for Apple Watch Users**

Pedometer++ has been a cornerstone in step tracking since it first activated this capability on the iPhone 5s back in 2013. After almost 13 years of ongoing enhancements, the newest version, 8.0, brings a reimagined experience for Apple Watch users, featuring a groundbreaking Expedition Mode and a more intuitive workout selector.

### Expedition Mode: Improved Workout Monitoring

The launch of Expedition Mode marks a crucial upgrade for Pedometer++ Premium members. This feature enables users to monitor various types of workouts while conserving battery life, making it perfect for extended activities such as hiking, walking, or jogging. By disabling continuous heart rate monitoring and utilizing basic heart rate data, Expedition Mode can prolong battery life by as much as 40%. This ensures that users can participate in all-day activities without the concern of their device running out of juice.

### Intuitive Workout Selector

Responding to user suggestions about the revamped Workout app in watchOS 26, Pedometer++ 8.0 delivers a more recognizable and intuitive workout selector. The updated layout allows users to easily scroll and choose their preferred workout type, ensuring a fluid experience when initiating a new activity. The focus on large, distinct touch targets improves usability, making it simpler for users to navigate the app while in motion.

### Fun Design Refresh

The visual refresh in Pedometer++ 8.0 goes beyond the workout selector. The home screen on the Apple Watch has been redesigned with a striking and colorful aesthetic, concentrating on key metrics like steps climbed, miles covered, and flights of stairs. The app employs vivid colors to illustrate progress toward daily step targets, offering a visually stimulating method to monitor fitness successes.

During workouts, users can access a personalized map that shows vital metrics, including heart rate, speed, and elevation variations. The design emphasizes readability, ensuring all necessary information is readily available without overwhelming the interface.

### Summary

Pedometer++ 8.0 is an essential tool for anyone aiming to elevate their fitness tracking journey on the Apple Watch. With its innovative Expedition Mode, intuitive workout selector, and playful design enhancements, it stands out as a notable alternative to Apple’s default Workout app. Whether you are a dedicated fitness aficionado or just beginning your path, Pedometer++ is worth downloading for a more enjoyable and effective tracking experience.

Download [Pedometer++ 8](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pedometer/id712286167) now from the App Store.

iOS 26.4 Brings Much-Anticipated Alarm Functionality for iPhone Users

# iOS 26.4: New Features and Improvements for Apple Users

iOS 26.4 has launched a wide array of new features that elevate the user experience across multiple Apple services such as Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and beyond. A key highlight is the introduction of a new alarm function specifically tailored for Apple Watch users, providing enhanced flexibility in managing wake-up alerts.

## Improved Alarm Capabilities for Apple Watch Users

A significant enhancement in iOS 26.4 is the capacity for iPhone alarms to ring even when the user is asleep with an Apple Watch. Previously, if an Apple Watch was worn during sleep, alarms configured on the iPhone would solely activate on the Watch, which could be less effective for individuals who prefer a louder wake-up signal.

### The ‘Always Play on iPhone’ Option

With the innovative ‘Always Play on iPhone’ switch, users can guarantee that their alarms will ring on both their iPhone and Apple Watch. This feature is especially useful for those who might find the haptic alerts of the Apple Watch inadequate for waking up, particularly in a shared sleep setting.

– **Functionality**: When configuring a Sleep Schedule in the Clock app or Health app, users can enable the ‘Always Play on iPhone’ feature. This setting is off by default but can be easily turned on for those desiring a more powerful alarm experience.

– **Advantages**: This feature permits users to take advantage of sleep tracking and the new sleep score function introduced in watchOS 26, while still having the option of a loud alarm to assist in starting their day.

## Other Features in iOS 26.4

In addition to alarm upgrades, iOS 26.4 introduces several other enhancements:

– **Apple Music and Podcasts**: The update presents additional features that improve the usability and functionality of Apple Music and Apple Podcasts, allowing users to discover and enjoy content with ease.

– **Personalization Options**: Users can now tailor their iPhones in various new ways, promoting a more personalized experience.

## Conclusion

iOS 26.4 represents a major update that not only enhances alarm functionality for Apple Watch users but also enriches the overall Apple ecosystem with new features for music, podcasts, and personalization. The addition of the ‘Always Play on iPhone’ feature is a welcomed improvement for those who depend on alarms to commence their day, ensuring that they can reap the benefits of both sleep tracking and effective wake-up signals.