Since I saw the TCL X11L SQD-Mini LED TV at a pre-CES event in December, I’ve been eager to get a close look at it in my living room. At first glance, the TV impressed me enough that I named it the best TV of CES 2026. From the moment I completed Google TV setup […]
Netflix Isn’t Buying Warner Bros: The Latest Updates
Just months after Netflix struck a deal to acquire the Warner Bros. studio, HBO, HBO Max, and Warner Games, the streaming giant has backed out of the arrangement, declining to raise its offer beyond Paramountâs âbest and finalâ bid. Itâs just the latest twist in the acquisition saga, which started with a bidding war that […]
Blender for iPad Development Halted to Prioritize Android Tablet Focus
**Blender’s iPad Pro Development Paused as Android Takes Precedence**
Last summer, the Blender team, recognized for their open-source 3D creation software, revealed intentions to support the iPad Pro. Yet, seven months later, it seems the project is on pause as attention has shifted towards developing an Android tablet version.
In July, the Blender team acknowledged the increasing significance of tablet devices in computing, articulating the necessity to modify their software for multi-touch interfaces. They stressed that with the rise in processing power in tablets, these devices have evolved into viable primary computing tools. The aim is to make 3D technology available to a wider audience, which includes compatibility with devices like the Apple iPad, Microsoft Surface, Huawei MatePad, and Wacom MovinkPad.
Initial testing was slated to commence with the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, with the goal of delivering the complete capabilities of Blender to these platforms. This would entail adapting to unique platform paradigms and developing user interfaces that are more task-focused. The team intended to expand existing input methods and improve workspaces and application templates while operating on a standard Blender build.
However, recent updates suggest that development has made more notable strides in the Android sector. YouTuber Brad Colbow pointed out this change, noting that the Blender team has publicly confirmed that the iPad project is presently on hold. The team will now focus on Android tablets, although they have not entirely ruled out the iPad version. The iPad Pro’s hardware specifications are comparable to Macs, indicating that the delay is more about resource distribution than technical constraints.
For the time being, the Blender community awaits further updates, with a teaser video from last year serving as a reminder of the potential future for Blender on iPad.
South Korea Allows Full Operation of Google Maps
After years of appeals, Google has finally won approval to export high-precision geographic information out of South Korea and provide proper Google Maps services in the country, including walking and real-time driving directions.
Creative Amazon Device Converts Common Items into Musical Instruments
If you’re searching for distinctive and cost-effective Amazon gadgets, the Synth-a-Sette is a must-check. This creative musical instrument, reminiscent of ’80s technology, is an analog synthesizer cleverly designed to look like an audio cassette. It’s made for music lovers and students to craft tunes on the move, featuring a 13-key monophonic touchpad and an integrated speaker. With its all-analog architecture, there’s no requirement for microprocessors or coding; just pop in two AAA batteries and start playing. An audio jack permits silent practice.
The highlight of the Synth-a-Sette is its capability to convert ordinary objects into a musical keyboard. By attaching alligator clips to the holes on the underside of each key, you can use any conductive item to activate sounds. This unveils limitless opportunities for performers and educators, enabling interactive experiences with things like silverware, fruits, and even individuals. The Synth-a-Sette is ideal for music aficionados and provides a playful, educational tool for delving into sound and creativity. For additional audio-themed gifts, consider checking out other budget-friendly audiophile gadgets to elevate your music experience.
MWC 2026: All the Phones, Gadgets, and Announcements from Barcelona
The Verge is heading to Barcelona, Spain, for Mobile World Congress, the biggest phone show of the year. CES may dominate the headlines when it comes to TVs, computer components, and AI inanity, but for all things mobile, MWC has it beat. Since it’s a global show, that includes all manner of announcements of phones, […]
Phones Will Get Strange Next Week
With rare exceptions, phones are pretty boring these days. The good news is, a boatload of those rare exceptions are about to show up at once, courtesy of Mobile World Congress. The tech industry’s biggest mobile show may not quite have the clout it once did, when the likes of Samsung, Sony, LG, and HTC […]
Ultrahuman’s New Flagship Smart Ring Boasts a 15-Day Battery
Ultrahuman is expanding its health monitoring ecosystem with the launch of a new flagship smart ring and a “biointelligence AI” platform upgrade. The Ring Pro is Ultrahuman’s third-generation smart ring, and promises up to 15 days of battery life before needing to recharge, alongside 250 days of on-device health history storage. Those are some significant […]
Distinctions Between Android Auto and Android Automotive OS Clarified
Apple CarPlay has emerged as one of the leading smartphone mirroring platforms for contemporary vehicles. Most cars come with built-in support for Android Auto right from production, allowing you to access your smartphone’s applications and functionalities through your vehicle’s infotainment system. Simply pairing or connecting your phone to your vehicle makes Android Auto visible on your car’s display. Its numerous advantages often make it a primary factor for vehicle purchasers.
Nevertheless, it isn’t the sole method by which Google’s Android is incorporated into vehicles. The company also provides a system known as Android Automotive OS, which is sometimes mistaken for Android Auto, though it is an entirely distinct product. While Android Automotive OS isn’t as prevalent as Android Auto, it is gradually gaining popularity among car manufacturers, many of whom have begun to adopt it in certain models. Let’s explore precisely what Android Auto and Android Automotive provide and how they differ from one another.
What is Android Auto?
One UI 8.5 Beta 6 Introduced for Galaxy S25 Series After S26 Debut
Here’s another one.
What you need to know
– Samsung has supposedly begun rolling out One UI 8.5 Beta 6 to Galaxy S25 users in India prior to other areas.
– The update resolves numerous problems that have affected users since Beta 5, including a Bixby wake phrase issue, Now Brief/Now Bar card glitches, and additional issues.
– The Galaxy S26 series debuted this week, featuring the Ultra’s Privacy Display, a sleeker design, and many other enhancements.
If you were anticipating an official One UI 8.5 announcement for the Galaxy S25 series, reconsider, as another beta has surfaced.
Following Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked, well-known tipster Tarun Vats reported that a new One UI 8.5 beta has been identified for the Galaxy S25 series (via 9to5Google). This indicates that One UI 8.5 Beta 6 is on its way. Vats notes that the update has been observed late this week in India for registered Galaxy S25 users. Each variant will see build versions S938BXXU8ZZAO, S938BOXM8ZZAO, and S938BXXU8CZAO for the S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra, respectively.
For its modifications, the accompanying screenshot highlights several bugs that Samsung aims to address (hopefully) before the official release.
One issue involves Now Bar and Now Brief. Samsung is introducing a fix for “text, icons, and AOD visibility” related to the feature’s recommendation cards. The update also addresses a problem where “two ‘View Previous Image’ buttons appeared when utilizing the sketch conversion feature in the Gallery.”
Bixby’s wake-up phrase in Labs > Create is receiving a fix for users who may have encountered issues after Beta 5.
– Resolved a force close issue when altering the camera area settings in Settings > Display
– Fixed an issue where the lock screen style of Basic mode was modified in Modes and Routines
– Enhanced animation concerning notification cards
Unpacked is over; One UI 8.5, you’re next
Other regions should gradually start seeing this forthcoming One UI 8.5 beta shortly.
We truly wished it was “one last call” for Samsung’s One UI 8.5 beta when Beta 5 was released five days prior to Unpacked. That patch was rather minor, as Samsung’s only notable aspect was an “applied” Bixby version update. There were speculations that this was a significant Bixby overhaul for the software, which would subsequently roll out onto the Galaxy S25 series.
Samsung was relatively quick to discuss those Bixby changes as Beta 5 circulated. The company confirmed that Bixby now has the capability to comprehend more “natural conversation” when users engage with it for assistance. Users can rely on the AI for support with their settings and beyond, along with real-time online searches. While this upgraded Bixby is soaring in One UI 8.5, it’s primarily just the Galaxy S26 series that is benefiting from it.
Galaxy Unpacked fully unveiled the Galaxy S26 series and the appealing Privacy Display for the S26 Ultra. Pre-orders are readily accessible for users eager to acquire the next-gen devices.
Android Central’s Take
Hopefully—and I genuinely mean this—Beta 6 will be the final version we see of One UI 8.5’s testing. We’ve been on this path for several months, and it’s probable Samsung needs to refine more elements of its software than we realized. There’s considerable interest surrounding this upgrade, as it’s more impactful than a minor v0.1 update would have been. Beyond that, its latest series is already reaping the benefits, so individuals like me with a Galaxy S25 series model wish to participate in that as well.
