Author: Richard

“Remarkably Stunning Phone Now More Than 50% Discounted at Best Buy”

Is the Motorola Edge Plus (2023) still a viable option in 2025?

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Motorola consistently releases an array of excellent — and sometimes less impressive — Android smartphones each year, yet a current Best Buy promotion is enticing me to consider a timeless device that you might have overlooked. 

The Motorola Edge Plus (2023) amazed us upon its launch a few years ago, and now you can grab this unlocked phone at an incredible discount of $450 during Best Buy’s Android Savings event. But is this flagship model still a worthwhile investment in 2025? Let’s dive in.

✅Recommended if: you desire a smartphone with an astonishingly beautiful display, two days of battery endurance, and quick performance for just $350.

❌Skip this deal if: you seek all the newest AI functionalities or highly adaptable camera technology; you need a device with years of software updates. 

While the phone is beginning to display some signs of aging in certain aspects, the Motorola Edge Plus (2023) remains an impressive device, featuring a 165Hz pOLED display, robust Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and a sizable 5,100mAh battery. Additionally, this model offers 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, along with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, which is a greatly appreciated feature. 

The device’s performance might trail behind the newest models from Samsung or Google, but if you’re aiming to conserve some funds, the Edge Plus (2023) stands strong against any of the top budget Android phones on the market today. In fact, if you’re ready to spend 350 dollars on a smartphone, nothing quite matches the Edge Plus (2023) at present. 

The main downside is that the Moto Edge Plus (2023) is only promised four years of software support, meaning it will not receive any OS updates post-Android 16 or security updates after 2027. Whether that is a dealbreaker for you is a personal decision, but if you’re simply looking for an affordable, visually appealing phone today, the Edge Plus (2023) is an excellent choice. 

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Manufacturing of Foldable iPhone Expected to Commence in Late 2025

Apple’s Initial Foldable iPhone: Production and Anticipations

The announcement regarding Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone has been eagerly awaited for several years, and it seems the unveiling is approaching. According to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple supplier Foxconn is preparing to start the assembly of foldable iPhones by the conclusion of the third quarter or the beginning of the fourth quarter of this year.

Foldable iPhone Assembly on the Horizon

While the production’s commencement is imminent, Kuo highlights that “numerous component specifications

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Google App to Improve Android Experience with Innovative AI Function

Gemini within the app could soon gain the ability to assess videos.

(Image credit: Nandika Ravi/Android Central)

Essential information

  • Gemini in the Google app is now equipped for video analysis, enabling users to submit videos for AI-driven insights.
  • The latest APK teardown indicates that users can submit videos up to five minutes long via the Gemini AI assistant chat.
  • Subsequent updates might integrate direct video analysis captured through the camera app.

Gemini is continually acquiring new functionalities, and the most recent update of the Google app provides fresh abilities to the AI assistant similar to ChatGPT, including the capacity to analyze videos.

An APK teardown conducted by the team at Android Authority has uncovered that Gemini has introduced video analysis support. This feature appears to have been discovered in the Google app with version 16.23.69. It is reportedly being rolled out gradually at this time, with users anticipated to receive it shortly.

As per a video shared by the outlet, videos from your <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/best-android-phones

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Google’s Veo 3 Anticipated to Debut on YouTube Shorts This Summer

YouTube aims to become the hub everyone discusses when it involves leveraging their content.

(Image credit: Google)

Essential information

  • YouTube’s chief Neal Mohan confirmed at the Cannes Lions Festival that Shorts will soon feature Veo 3 integration.
  • Mohan appeared to focus on the platform’s goal to further enhance creator innovation and establish YouTube as a destination for such initiatives.
  • YouTube has ongoing discussions and implementations of previous Google Veo models in Dream Screen for Shorts for creators in 2024.

YouTube is allegedly reiterating its commitment to introducing robust AI video generation tools for its creators.

In a report by The Hollywood Reporter, Neal Mohan’s participation at the Cannes Lions Festival provided significant insight into future AI efforts. Alongside several content creators, Mohan talked about YouTube’s plans to integrate Google’s latest video generation model, Veo 3, into Shorts. For Mohan, adopting Veo 3 will “unveil new creative pathways” for both new and established content creators.

Mohan indicated that YouTube intends to effectively integrate Google’s Veo 3 model into its Short format “later this summer.”

Kuo States Apple Has Yet to Conclude Specifications for Foldable iPhone

### The Latest on the iPhone Fold

Ming-Chi Kuo has shared an update on Apple’s eagerly awaited foldable iPhone, revealing that Foxconn is poised to start the project in late Q3 or early Q4 of this year. Nonetheless, several component specifications for the device are still pending finalization.

One of the key attributes of Apple’s foldable iPhone is anticipated to be its display. Unlike many current foldable Android devices that exhibit a prominent crease, Apple has partnered with Samsung Display to create a display that reduces this concern. Kuo highlights that the foldable display is among the few elements with confirmed specifications, which is essential for forecasting potential shipments. Samsung Display aims to manufacture 7-8 million foldable panels each year to satisfy the demand for the 2026 foldable iPhone, although actual production may take place over a limited time frame, resulting in shipments that may not reach total capacity.

Another expected design element is the hinge, crafted from stainless steel and titanium alloy. Although this component has attracted considerable market interest, its specifications are still not confirmed. Kuo indicates that Foxconn is anticipated to officially commence work on the foldable iPhone initiative in late Q3 2025 or early Q4 2025.

Mass production of the device is not expected to begin until later in 2026, with a rumored launch date in late 2026. The foldable iPhone is believed to feature an approximate 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display, making it similar in size to an iPad mini when opened. In terms of thickness, the device is estimated to measure around 4.5 mm when opened and 9.5 mm when closed.

For those keen on the latest news and speculation regarding the iPhone Fold, a specialized guide is available for ongoing tracking of advancements.

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iOS 18.6 and macOS 15.6 Are Now Accessible in Public Beta

**Apple’s Latest Software Releases: iOS 18.6 and More**

Last week, Apple introduced its forthcoming software versions scheduled for release this fall, such as iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. However, the tech titan isn’t done with its existing software cycle, having now launched the initial betas for iOS 18.6, macOS 15.6, and other updates.

**Public Beta Rollouts**

Starting June 18, 2025, public beta editions are being distributed promptly following the developer versions. This represents a pivotal advancement in the software update process, enabling more users to engage with the latest functionalities and enhancements.

**Final Updates in the Ongoing Cycle**

Internally, Apple has directed a significant portion of its engineering efforts towards the creation of iOS 26 and the additional new operating systems. Nevertheless, the firm remains dedicated to releasing at least one more update for iOS 18 and its related platforms, likely signaling the conclusion of their current cycle.

The newly issued x.6 betas cover a variety of software platforms, including iOS 18.6, macOS 15.6, visionOS 2.6, and tvOS 18.6. While these updates are not anticipated to bring substantial new functionalities, they are intended to provide crucial bug fixes and performance upgrades, enhancing overall user stability.

**Significance of Performance and Stability**

Performance and stability are essential elements of software updates, particularly as a version approaches its end of life. Traditionally, Apple has managed to deliver some of its most dependable updates during this stage, reducing bugs and enhancing overall efficiency.

For users keen on testing the new betas, it is important to recognize that while the final iterations of iOS 18.6, tvOS 18.6, and watchOS 11.6 are expected to be stable, the current beta 1 version may still exhibit some issues.

**User Insights**

Apple invites users to provide feedback on their experiences with beta 1 of iOS 18.6 and other updates, cultivating a feedback community that can assist in improving future releases.

As the software environment progresses, Apple’s dedication to refining its current operating systems while gearing up for new launches underscores its commitment to user satisfaction and technological progress.

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Craig Federighi talks about the arguments against operating macOS on iPad in a recent interview.

### iPadOS 26: A Significant Upgrade for Power Users

iPadOS 26 is recognized as a crucial upgrade that caters to the requirements of iPad power users. In a recent conversation with Craig Federighi, Apple’s head of software, valuable insights were shared regarding the motivation behind the creation of iPadOS 26, the choice to keep macOS separate from iPad, and the overarching vision for the future of the iPad.

#### Key Insights from the Interview

Federico Viticci, a well-known proponent for optimizing the iPad’s capabilities, interviewed Federighi during WWDC. The conversation focused on the new functionalities of iPadOS 26 and the philosophy that drives Apple’s strategy with its devices.

A primary theme was the ongoing discussion among users about the feasibility of operating macOS on the iPad. Federighi clarified that Apple’s objective is to preserve the individual identities of its devices. He likened this scenario to a “spork,” explaining that merging two exceptional tools typically results in a less effective product. He stressed that while uniformity across platforms is valuable, each device should provide a customized experience tailored to its specific function.

#### The Essence of the iPad

Federighi conveyed that the iPad should not operate macOS, yet it can take cues from Mac features. He believes that both systems can leverage each other’s strengths without sacrificing their distinct personalities. This ideology is vital as Apple continues to enhance the iPad’s functionalities while staying true to its fundamental essence.

#### Development of iPadOS 26

The rollout of advanced windowing and multitasking capabilities in iPadOS 26 has been a much-anticipated improvement. Federighi attributed the postponement of these features to various factors, including:

– **Performance Limitations**: Initial constraints of the iPad hardware made it difficult to incorporate powerful multitasking features.
– **User Input**: Over the years, Apple has taken the feedback from power users seriously, which has shaped the development of features that meet their expectations.
– **Maintaining the iPad’s Identity**: There was a careful approach to integrating Mac-like functionalities that might overshadow the iPad’s distinctive traits.

#### Conclusion

As we gaze into the future of the iPad, Federighi’s insights offer a clear perspective on Apple’s vision. The company seeks to enhance the iPad experience while safeguarding its unique identity, ensuring it remains a potent tool for users. For a more in-depth exploration of Federighi’s views on the iPad’s essence and the future of iPadOS, the complete interview is accessible on MacStories.

### Best iPad Accessories

For those aiming to elevate their iPad experience, investigating the best available accessories can lead to a substantial enhancement.

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Cutting-edge AI Precisely Assesses Age via Eye Examination

One of the most remarkable domains of generative AI technologies such as ChatGPT currently revolves around improved computer vision. AI is capable of comprehending and interpreting information from images. This is the reason we now have highly sophisticated image and video creation models in ChatGPT, Gemini, Firefly, and other AI applications.

Models such as ChatGPT o3 can precisely determine the location of an image by examining its features. Google provides advanced photo editing capabilities within its Photos application, as well as directly in Gemini. These features enable you to modify real photographs in ways that were previously unachievable.

These AI abilities related to images aren’t solely employed to create memes or overload OpenAI’s servers. Scientists are crafting AI models that can understand images for various applications, including healthcare.

The most recent research highlighting such progress originates from China.

Scientists from various universities have successfully identified a person’s age with remarkable accuracy by having AI analyze an image of their retina. The findings also indicated disparities between the individual’s age and the age of the eye. The researchers discovered that the age discrepancy provided by the AI can be particularly advantageous for women. A straightforward retinal scan could assist healthcare providers in offering improved support to couples seeking to conceive and to women at risk for early menopause.

Retinal fundus imaging, or an image of the back of the eye, allows doctors to observe microvascular characteristics that reflect systemic aging. An AI developed with thousands of images can then forecast the age of the eye and compare it to the individual’s actual age to “forecast retinal age from fundus images with high accuracy.”

The researchers employed an AI known as Frozen and Learning Ensemble Crossover (FLEX) to estimate retinal age from fundus images. They trained FLEX using over 20,000 eye photographs from more than 10,000 adults across various age groups to teach it how the back of the eye appears as people age. FLEX also examined more than 2,500 images from nearly 1,300 pre-menopausal women.

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