Author: sparta

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    • Comments Off on “Google Messages Beta Broadens Access to Expressive Redesign”
    “Google Messages Beta Broadens Access to Expressive Redesign”

    Google Advances Its Efforts to Shape an Expressive Future for Android

    Google is progressing in its goal to transition Android into a more expressive future through the launch of the Material 3 Expressive design. This innovative design philosophy is progressively being applied across various Google applications, with Google Messages being among the first to highlight these modifications.

    Key Information

    • A Reddit user with a Galaxy Z Fold 6 observed the new M3 Expressive redesign for Google Messages.
    • The update slightly modifies the plus icon menu and presents a “connected button group” for emojis, GIFs, and more.
    • The M3 Expressive update in the Google Messages beta introduces a solid-color backdrop for conversations and distinguishes texts from contact options.

    After the announcement at I/O 2025, Google has commenced rolling out its substantial Android redesign, which is now evident in Google Messages. A Reddit user reported witnessing the updated design on their Galaxy Z Fold 6, showcasing the essence of Material 3 Expressive. This update is presently accessible to users with the beta version of Google Messages.

    The redesign features modifications to the app’s text field menus, especially for emojis and the plus icon. Google is revamping its tabs for Photomoji, Emoji, GIFs, and Stickers, which are now contained within a pill-shaped design. When selected, these choices adopt a more vibrant aesthetic, aligning with the Material 3 Expressive concept.

    Google’s Progress

    Google is also implementing modifications to the conversation interface, introducing a solid-colored background and a rounded-corner container for text fields. This creates a distinction between conversations and standard calling, video calling, and menu buttons.

    Beta users of Google Messages may soon notice this UI update. However, the rollout is gradual, and not all users have received it yet.

    During I/O 2025, Google revealed its most extensive Android redesign: Material 3 Expressive. This new design prioritizes aesthetics that feel intuitive and aid users in achieving more. It highlights colors and shapes to propel Android into a new design era. The complete Android OS and several Google applications are anticipated to embrace M3 Expressive.

    Other Google applications, such as Gmail, have already begun integrating these Expressive updates, with new features creating lighter, elevated cards to improve email visibility.

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    • Comments Off on “Samsung’s Premier Android Smartwatch Reaches Historic Low Price, Competing with Amazon”
    “Samsung’s Premier Android Smartwatch Reaches Historic Low Price, Competing with Amazon”

    Why postpone until Prime Day when these Samsung offers are so impressive?

    (Image credit: Ara Wagoner / Android Central)

    The weeklong Discover Samsung Sale is underway, and although there are plenty of fantastic Android deals to consider, a specific deal on the Galaxy Watch 7 has me eager to make a purchase.

    This week only, Samsung is offering up to $175 off the Galaxy Watch 7 if you trade in an old device, bringing the price down to just $124.99. Prefer to avoid the trouble of a trade-in? You can easily skip that step and you

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Google Chrome Attains Unprecedented Speedometer 3 Score, Establishing New Benchmarks for Loading Durations
    Google Chrome Attains Unprecedented Speedometer 3 Score, Establishing New Benchmarks for Loading Durations

    The latest refinements from the company are said to help users avoid “millions” of hours spent in wait.

    Google has unveiled major enhancements to its Chrome browser, aimed at significantly reducing the time users spend browsing the internet. In a recent Speedometer 3 evaluation, Chrome reached its best score to date, 52.35, due to updates that have improved its performance by 10% since 2024. These upgrades are projected to save users around 58 million hours by decreasing website loading durations.

    The enhancements comprise redesigning how Chrome utilizes a computer’s CPU caches, trimming down irrelevant items, and upgrading its application of Apple Advanced Typography technology for typefaces. These adjustments have led to a swifter browsing experience, concentrating on fine-tuning rendering paths and optimizing memory structures.

    Chrome’s performance has surged by 72% since the launch of the Speedometer benchmark, exhibiting enhanced memory efficiency and the removal of unnecessary processes. While the recent evaluations were centered on computers, Android devices, particularly those featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, have also benefited from these upgrades. A new iteration of Chrome for premium Android devices has achieved double its earlier score on the Speedometer 2.1 assessment.

    Google is dedicated to persistently improving Chrome’s browsing functions, with additional updates forthcoming.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Frequent Problems with the iPhone Mail Application Impacting Numerous Users
    Frequent Problems with the iPhone Mail Application Impacting Numerous Users

    The Mail application has been a key and highly favored first-party app for iPhone users from Apple for quite some time, but currently, it seems to be malfunctioning. MacRumors highlighted on Thursday that numerous reports are surfacing from various online sources, indicating that iPhone users are facing a completely blank screen when attempting to launch the Mail app.

    What’s the situation with the Mail app?

    “My [Mail] app stopped functioning after the

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Meta’s Quest 4 Launch Could Be Pushed to 2027; Slimmer Version Anticipated Next Year
    Meta’s Quest 4 Launch Could Be Pushed to 2027; Slimmer Version Anticipated Next Year

    Meta is allegedly altering its VR strategy, postponing the Quest 4 until 2027 and concentrating on a new lightweight headset, codenamed Puffin, expected to debut in 2026. Puffin will incorporate an independent processing unit, marking a shift from the conventional all-in-one format. This external unit is small enough to be portable, in contrast to Apple’s Vision Pro’s external battery. The headset will prioritize hand tracking instead of controllers, making it ideal for casual usage rather than intensive gaming. Puffin seeks to provide virtual displays for a multi-monitor VR experience, boosting both productivity and entertainment. With the Quest 4 delayed, Meta is relying on Puffin to propel the next evolution in VR.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Reasons Behind the Galaxy S25 Edge’s Lack of Popularity: My Observations and Thoughts
    Reasons Behind the Galaxy S25 Edge’s Lack of Popularity: My Observations and Thoughts

    The Galaxy S25 Edge has its shortcomings, much like every other smartphone available today.

    (Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

    Last month, Samsung attempted to outpace Apple by unveiling the Galaxy S25 Edge. Speculation has been rife regarding Apple’s pending ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air, with the Galaxy S25 Edge being showcased as early as January 2025, and officially launched in May. Although the company may have believed it had triumphed in a significant competition against the Cupertino tech leader, the Galaxy S25 Edge could prove to be yet another example of Samsung misdirecting its focus and resources.

    I purchased the Galaxy S25 Edge, and even I can identify the smartphone’s noticeable flaws. I had actually requested Samsung to develop this kind of ultra-slim device back in November. For this controversial, niche gadget to succeed, Samsung must confront its deficiencies directly. Ignoring them, as they seem to be doing, is not a solution.

    Even enthusiasts of the Samsung Galaxy series appear to dislike the

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Evaluation of the Motorola Edge 2025: Performance Lags Behind
    Evaluation of the Motorola Edge 2025: Performance Lags Behind

    **Android Central Verdict**

    The Motorola Edge 2025 is a stunning smartphone boasting IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance ratings, more resilient glass than ever before, and a vegan leather back that will keep you captivated all day long. The camera capabilities have significantly improved from last year’s model, while both battery life and charging efficiency are impressive. Additionally, Moto AI introduces some fantastic features. However, its value is somewhat diminished by a sluggish processor and limited update promises.

    **Pros**
    – Beautifully slim design
    – Classy anti-slip vegan leather back
    – IP68/IP69 rated
    – Superb battery life with rapid 68W charging
    – Enhanced camera compared to last year

    **Cons**
    – Performance can lag at times
    – Occasional bloatware present
    – Only 2 promised OS updates
    – Price is relatively steep

    **Price, availability, and specs**

    The Motorola Edge 2025 will be offered as an unlocked model in the U.S. starting June 5, available at Best Buy, Amazon, and Motorola.com for $549.99. Motorola indicates that T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Total Wireless, Visible, Spectrum, and Xfinity Mobile will also have the device in the upcoming months. Canadian customers can expect it on June 5 at Motorola.ca.

    The Motorola Edge 2025 comes with a PANTONE Deep Forest vegan leather back and is equipped with 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 256GB of uMCP storage.

    **Motorola Edge 2025 specs**

    – Display: 6.7-inch pOLED, 2712 x 1220 resolution (446 ppi), 120Hz refresh rate
    – CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 7400
    – RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X
    – Storage: 256GB uMCP
    – Rear camera 1: 50MP, Sony Lytia 700C, f/1.8, 1.0μm pixel size, 2.0μm quad pixel binning, quad PDAF, OIS
    – Rear camera 2: 50MP, ultrawide + macro, 120-degree FoV, macro vision, f/2.0, 1.28μm quad-binned to 12MP, PDAF
    – Rear camera 3: 10MP, telephoto, 3x optical zoom, f/2.0, 1.0μm, OIS
    – Front camera: 50MP, f/1.9, 1.28μm quad-binned, PDAF
    – Water and dust resistance: IP68/IP69, MIL-STD-810H
    – OS: Android 15
    – Battery: 5200mAh
    – Charging: 68W wired (not included in box), 15W wireless, USB PD 3.0
    – Audio: Dolby Atmos, dual stereo speakers, Bluetooth 5.4
    – Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E
    – Dimensions: 161.19mm x 73.06mm x 7.99mm
    – Weight: 181g
    – Colors: PANTONE Deep Forest (vegan leather back)

    **What I loved**

    If there’s one thing Motorola can be commended for, it’s the design of its smartphones. While some may find the curved glass approach less appealing, it contributes to a breathtaking device that, together with the vegan leather back, is hard to stop admiring throughout the day.

    The phone is also impressively thin and lightweight, aided by the tapered edges, and the choice of PANTONE Forest Green is absolutely gorgeous. Finding a smartphone that looks better is a challenge, even if sourcing a suitable tempered glass protector might prove difficult.

    In addition to its elegant design, this phone ranks among the premier options with an IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance rating, allowing it to withstand rough conditions, be washed in the dishwasher, and still perform like a champion. Inside, it houses a hefty 5,200mAh battery providing outstanding battery life, and the 68W charging capability ensures a quick top-up before you head out.

    A significant drawback of the Motorola Edge 2024 was its camera performance, which has been thoroughly addressed in this iteration. The Motorola Edge 2025 not only showcases upgraded 50MP ultrawide and selfie cameras but also now includes an impressive 3x optical zoom telephoto lens on the rear.

    With Motorola’s integration of AI and PANTONE color tuning, photos captured with this phone typically display remarkable quality in various lighting conditions. When compared to the Pixel 9a, you’ll benefit from a superior quality selfie camera with autofocus and enhanced zoom detail courtesy of the telephoto lens.

    If there’s any reason to consider passing on this phone, it’s certainly not due to the camera this time. I’ve been genuinely

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Anticipated to Include Major Display Improvements
    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Anticipated to Include Major Display Improvements

    The forthcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has been the focus of recent leaks, unveiling thrilling information regarding its screen dimensions. As stated by well-known analyst Ross Young, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is set to sport an 8-inch internal foldable display, up from the 7.6-inch screen of its predecessor, the Z Fold 6. Moreover, the cover display is anticipated to measure 6.49 inches, an increase from the earlier 6.3 inches. These modifications are in line with the design of the China-exclusive Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition that debuted last year.

    In spite of the rise in screen dimensions, the battery capacity is said to remain at 4400mAh, emphasizing the significance of effective battery management in the new iteration. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is also predicted to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, akin to the Galaxy S25 series, and to support Qi2.1 wireless charging standards.

    The design characteristics of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 are expected to mirror those of the Special Edition, which was lighter and slimmer compared to the Z Fold 6. As Samsung continues to lead innovation in the foldable smartphone arena, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is poised to provide upgraded features and performance.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on New Apple MagSafe Charger Suggests Possible 50W Wireless Charging for iPhone 17
    New Apple MagSafe Charger Suggests Possible 50W Wireless Charging for iPhone 17

    ### Upcoming Apple MagSafe Chargers: An Advancement in Wireless Charging Technology

    Recent regulatory submissions have revealed information about a forthcoming Apple MagSafe charger that features an impressive charging capacity of up to 50W. This advancement implies that Apple might be gearing up to double the highest wireless charging rate for the expected iPhone 17, which currently accommodates a limit of 25W.

    #### Current Charging Capabilities of iPhone 16

    The iPhone 16 can charge wirelessly at a maximum rate of 25W. For accelerated charging, users are required to opt for a wired connection. The actual wireless charging rates may differ depending on the specific charging puck and power brick being used.

    #### Insights on Upcoming Apple MagSafe Chargers

    A recent article from 91mobiles pointed out the identification of new MagSafe chargers in a regulatory filing. These chargers, recognized by model numbers A3503 and A3502, have obtained certification from the National Communications Commission (NCC) in Taiwan, which manages the approval of telecom and broadcasting technology items.

    The new chargers are designed to support the latest Qi 2.2 standard, facilitating a maximum output of 50W. Although two models are documented, the main difference between them lies in the length of the included USB-C cable, available in 1M and 2M variations. Apple presently provides its MagSafe charging pucks with comparable cable selections.

    The introduction of chargers with such a high power rating may suggest Apple’s aim to integrate this feature into the iPhone 17 series. Nevertheless, even users with older iPhone models could gain from upgrading to these new chargers, since the Qi 2.2 standard provides further benefits, such as improved efficiency.

    #### Advantages of Qi 2.2 Standard

    1. **Enhanced Magnetic Charging**: The Qi 2.2 standard includes refined magnetic alignment, ensuring that devices attach to the charger swiftly and accurately.

    2. **Improved Efficiency**: With proper alignment, charging becomes more reliable, leading to minimized power loss and heat generation.

    #### Conclusion

    While it is still uncertain whether the iPhone 17 will support 50W charging, the demand for quicker charging solutions remains a significant factor for consumers. The innovations associated with the Qi 2.2 standard, along with the potential for heightened charging speeds, make the imminent MagSafe chargers an exciting addition to Apple’s accessory collection.

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