Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Google has announced a new open standard known as Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) that enables AI agents to shop, complete purchases, and manage payments on your behalf. This groundbreaking protocol seeks to enhance the online shopping journey by enabling AI agents to handle product searches, comparisons, cart additions, and checkouts with one command. UCP standardizes the interactions among AI agents, retailers, and payment processors, establishing a unified language for effortless transactions.

Google has collaborated with significant entities such as Shopify, Walmart, Visa, and others to implement this protocol. Initially, UCP-enabled checkout will be accessible in AI Mode within Google Search and the Gemini app in the U.S., utilizing Google Pay and Google Wallet for transactions. Support for PayPal and additional features like loyalty rewards is expected to be introduced soon.

For enterprises, Google is rolling out Business Agents, virtual sales helpers that provide product information in the brand’s voice, along with Direct Offers, which deliver exclusive coupons within AI Mode. This advancement sets the stage for AI-driven shopping experiences, simplifying purchases to a single tap.

A recent case listing from Thinborne seems to have confirmed the design of the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, just prior to its official introduction. The leaked design hints at an elegant appearance with rounded edges, consistent with earlier rumors regarding the device. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is projected to be revealed on February 25, 2026, during Samsung’s launch event for the Galaxy S26 series.

The leaked design reveals that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will showcase a slightly modified camera arrangement, featuring three lenses situated in a pill-shaped, slightly elevated island on the left side, alongside two additional sensors to the right. This design has been verified by various leaks, implying that it is likely close to the final aesthetic of the device.

In addition to the design modifications, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to support Qi2 magnetic wireless charging and will be equipped with a larger battery and enhanced charging capabilities. The device is also rumored to come in a striking orange color option, potentially rivaling the iPhone 17 Pro’s orange finish.

Although case manufacturers frequently base their designs on early CAD representations, the uniformity across multiple leaks suggests that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will closely mirror the leaked design. As the launch date draws nearer, more information is anticipated to surface, offering a clearer insight into what to anticipate from Samsung’s latest flagship.

all-inclusive AI plans to genuine workout coaches, gym exercise logs to marathon support, these are our carefully selected app suggestions.

Whether you’re aiming to achieve New Year’s resolutions or simply require a robust workout or diet tracker, the top health and fitness apps can assist you in reaching your objectives. And if the available options feel daunting (or lacking), I’m here to provide personally-tested workout and planning apps to get you underway.

Some individuals thrive with tailored, AI-generated workout or diet strategies. Others gain from social apps like Strava where challenges and “kudos” from friends keep you inspired. And you’d be amazed at how an effective spreadsheet or straightforward workout log could outperform an expensive app laden with videos and plans.

Categorized into specific segments — general health/ fitness apps, workout applications, companion apps for smartwatches, and weight/ diet tools — these are the most effective apps to help you achieve your 2026 goals, complete with information on essential features, pricing, and reasons they have assisted our staff in succeeding.

General health & fitness apps

Fitbit Personal Health Coach

Key Health Features: Sleep Score, Daily Readiness Score, Stress Management Score, Menstrual Health, Meal & Water logging, Mindfulness sessions, Trend “Insights”

Key Fitness Features: Active Zone Minutes, Cardio/ Target Load, Gemini-generated personalized workout plans, video workouts, Fitbit/ Pixel Watch integration

Subscription: $10/month or $80/year (AI plans/ analysis, video workouts, long-term reports)

Why Fitbit will aid your goals: Recommending Fitbit Premium became simpler when Google enlisted Gemini to develop the Fitbit Personal Health Coach. It allows you to “converse” with an AI coach and formulate a thorough workout plan within minutes, incorporating a multitude of different indoor or outdoor workout types. So whether your fitness goal is shedding pounds, excelling in a particular sport, enhancing muscle mass, increasing walking frequency, or anything else, Gemini can provide you weeks of tailored workouts for that aim. No other app is as extensive or adaptable.

Beyond AI, Fitbit benefits from syncing with affordable Fitbit trackers, enabling the app to monitor metrics like resting heart rate, blood oxygen, skin temperature, sleep stages, and HRV. The new app displays “Insight” cards with trend data for these metrics, so you can observe how your health is improving as you strive to get fitter or shed weight.

Why we trust Fitbit: “Fitbit is straightforward and accessible for anyone just beginning with serious workouts.” — Derrek Lee, Managing Editor

“I’m enjoying the updated interface and how easy it is to access significant data at a glance. I’ve been impressed with the AI coach and its suggestions. I believe it’s one of the finest lifestyle fitness apps with a comprehensive approach.” — Tshaka Armstrong, Contributor

Google Docs / Google Sheets

Why a spreadsheet will assist with your goals: Apps can be motivating and automatically track your data and progress over time, with elaborate graphs and AI analysis. But they are typically (A) subscription-based, (B) mobile-only, and (C) tailored to a single activity.

That’s why, when dealing with New Year’s resolutions or creating a workout schedule, a straightforward document or spreadsheet is more effective than trying to discover the perfect all-in-one app! Utilize other apps to monitor specific objectives like miles/ steps/ weight loss/ books read, but consolidate them into one document you can access on your phone or computer, utilizing tables and drop-down menus to indicate your progress (as I did above).

Alternatively, use a spreadsheet to outline your long-term workout plans, and then a specific running or strength app to execute those plans. I applied that technique to plan my months of marathon training (see above), combined with my Garmin watch, and it was exceedingly effective.

Why we depend on Google Docs/ Sheets: “Yeah, it might sound silly, but I’ve genuinely found a purpose for spreadsheets. I need upper body strength, so lifting weights is how I aim to maintain it. I can record my existing regimen as well as any ambitions, and there’s ample space for additional notes. Best of all, I can check off each day’s workout from my phone or my desktop and have access to all my long-term progress, so I feel like I’m achieving something.” — Jerry Hildenbrand, Senior Editor

Strava

Key Fitness Features: Activity recording, local routes with 3D maps, Heatmap, Segment leaderboards, Clubs, Challenges, long-term workout analysis, Athlete Intelligence summaries, race predictions, Instant Workouts

Subscription: $12/month or $80/year (Saved routes, comprehensive data analysis with AI summaries, Instant Workouts)

Why Strava will support your goals: Most individuals exert more effort when encouraged or competing with others. Strava allows you to connect with friends to give and receive “kudos,” motivating you to continue getting out there. You also have “Challenges” where reaching specific thresholds earns you badges and awards from

The Bixby leaks continue to emerge, and this particular one has a wealth of information.

What you should know:
– Samsung’s Bixby featured prominently in a significant report on Reddit that disclosed potential AI enhancements for One UI 8.5.
– Among the findings, it appears that Samsung is set to introduce a “Bixby Live” functionality, akin to Gemini Live, along with “Circle to Ask.”
– Recent rumors regarding Bixby suggest that the device may acquire a new pop-up bar for swift inquiries, as well as integration with Perplexity.

We’ve encountered these rumors previously, but now a social media report claims to have identified various ways Bixby could evolve. A Reddit user explored Samsung’s One UI 8.5 build and allegedly found clues about what a major Bixby upgrade could entail (via SamMobile). One notable feature mentioned is allegedly named “Bixby Live.” If this rings a bell (Gemini Live), it’s because the functionality operates in a manner quite similar to Google’s iteration, at least based on this initial discovery.

When enabled, it seems Bixby Live will display a multi-hued strip along the edges of your phone’s screen. The center will likely contain a circle, probably just signaling the AI’s presence. At the bottom, the AI will be “listening,” along with options to mute the microphone, share the camera, and upload content.

As pointed out by SamMobile, the drop menu is reportedly indicating “conversational styles” for Bixby. Styles such as general agent, tour guide, storyteller, interview, and others.

AI generation features for Bixby were observed, with one of the Reddit user’s screenshots showcasing a “content above was generated by AI” notice. Two additional purported glimpses reveal Bixby’s chatting interface: one that’s its primary app and the other that exists off the home screen. Concerning the former, it seems users immersing themselves in Bixby’s app can experience a chat thread reminiscent of what one would encounter with Gemini. It even mentions “Circle to Ask,” which sounds remarkably akin to Circle to Search.

The alternative chatting method with Bixby is a straightforward, semi-transparent window that appears for quick inquiries on your device.

Bixby aims to keep pace

These alleged modifications for Bixby were identified in Samsung’s One UI 8.5 test; however, indications first surfaced back in October. A social media update noted that Samsung was trialing a new Bixby pop-up bar when activated on a Galaxy device. The bar would align with your Light or Dark mode selection and present a vibrant blue/purple color scheme along its edges.

It certainly imparts a more Gemini-like essence to the otherwise ordinary and low-profile AI.

On a more significant note, Samsung was recently observed testing its Perplexity AI integration with Bixby. A report indicates that the company was assessing the AI’s replies for queries directed to Bixby, intensifying speculations regarding its possible enhancements for the complete One UI 8.5 rollout. Furthermore, leaks suggest that Bixby could handle basic functions, while Perplexity’s intelligence would be utilized for “complex, web-backed” inquiries.

A summary of the most significant technology news highlights from this week.

**Strava’s Instant Workouts: A New Chapter in Customized Fitness**

Strava has unveiled a revolutionary feature named Instant Workouts, aimed at providing personalized workout recommendations based on individual fitness levels and recent activities. This development places Strava in competition with Garmin’s daily workout suggestions and Fitbit’s Premium Health Coach, delivering a customized fitness journey.

**Key Features of Strava Instant Workouts:**

– **Tailored Recommendations:** Each Monday, Strava assesses users’ past activity data to create personalized workout plans. These plans cater to distinct fitness levels and objectives.
– **Variety of Sports:** The feature accommodates over 40 various sports, presenting an extensive selection of activities for users to select.
– **Workout Goals:** Users have the option to pick from four workout goals—Maintain, Build, Explore, and Recover—enabling them to customize their fitness paths to suit their immediate requirements.
– **GPS Functionality:** For outdoor pursuits, Strava automatically generates a GPS map utilizing its Heatmap feature, aiding users in discovering new routes and locations.
– **Subscription Necessary:** The Instant Workouts feature is only available to Strava subscribers, with forthcoming updates to enable workouts to be sent to Apple and Garmin devices.

**Operational Mechanics:**

Strava’s algorithm evaluates recent activities and proposes workouts that align with users’ capabilities. Users can opt to sustain their current pace, challenge themselves, venture into new sports, or recuperate with lighter workouts. Each workout card contains comprehensive details about the pace and route, enriching the workout experience.

**Comparisons with Other Fitness Applications:**

Strava’s Instant Workouts present a distinct choice compared to workout recommendations from Garmin and Fitbit. Unlike Garmin’s emphasis on long-term strategies, Strava delivers immediate, flexible workouts. While Garmin’s suggestions depend on training load data, Strava enables users to determine their workout intensity. Furthermore, the routes generated from Strava’s Heatmap offer a novel method for discovering new areas, although the effectiveness of these routes is still to be evaluated.

**Final Thoughts:**

Strava’s Instant Workouts signify an important leap in personalized fitness. By providing adaptable, customized workouts without requiring specific devices or long-term commitments, Strava appeals to casual athletes in search of a versatile fitness experience. As the feature develops, it is set to elevate the way users engage with their fitness routines, establishing Strava as a strong contender in the fitness app arena.

Acquire the Galaxy A17 for just 100 dollars at Samsung.

While contemporary flip phones like the Motorola Razr and Galaxy Z Flip have served as my primary devices for several years, I’ve explored larger book-style foldables intermittently. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold initially piqued my interest in this form factor, while the OPPO Find N5 genuinely amazed me with its impressive design and build quality. Yet, none of them convinced me that book-style foldables were the preferred choice.

Then everything shifted with the arrival of the Galaxy Z TriFold and Motorola Razr Fold. These two devices were recently unveiled, and one is already available in select markets. To my astonishment, both phones are prompting me to reconsider book-style foldables, making me seriously contemplate switching from my loyalty to flip phones. Nevertheless, the Razr Fold and Galaxy Z TriFold attract me for distinctly different reasons.

The Razr Fold presents Motorola with an opportunity to leverage one of its core strengths. For years, Motorola has been primarily viewed as the go-to budget brand, and it still holds that image to some degree today. The company’s Moto G series continues to thrive in global markets, delivering substantial value in devices that don’t break the bank.

The same can be said for its premium models. Motorola has effectively managed to strike a balance between specifications and pricing, often underpricing its competitors. The Motorola Edge Plus 2023 exemplifies this philosophy, offering flagship specifications that compete with (and in some respects surpass) the Galaxy S23 Plus for significantly less.

I anticipate Motorola will apply this same approach to the Razr Fold. Foldable phones are already quite expensive, with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 surpassing its predecessor at a staggering $2,000. As attractive as the phone may be, that price doesn’t entice me. However, if it were a few hundred dollars less, I might reconsider.

A recent rumor suggests that Motorola will set the price of the Razr Fold at just $1,500 upon its release later this year. Although Motorola has yet to officially announce any pricing details, that would already position it below most new book-style foldables, which typically start at $1,800 in the U.S. Even with potential concerns over losing a significant U.S. carrier, that price remains appealing.

While the superb Razr Ultra 2025 is arguably slightly costlier than it ought to be, it follows years of providing compelling flip phones at parallel or lower prices than its closest rivals. Part of the allure of flip phones lies in their affordability compared to book-style foldables. The company still offers one of the most budget-friendly flip phones available in the Razr 2025, which arguably represents a better value than the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE.

With the Razr Fold, Motorola can replicate this success, undercut its competitors, and provide something more budget-conscious.

Furthermore, Motorola arguably offers the finest overall flip phone experience, employing the cover screen in ways that others cannot or will not mimic. Who’s to say it can’t accomplish something equally distinctive with a fold? After all, Motorola is introducing an S Pen-like stylus with the Razr Fold at a time when Samsung has abandoned S Pen support for its foldable models.

The Galaxy Z TriFold does what we thought other foldables could achieve. Book-style foldables have always been regarded by some as a blend of a traditional smartphone and a tablet. They provide a unique capability to function as a typical phone while also presenting the advantage of transforming into a “tablet-like” experience with a significantly larger display. However, they generally feature a meager 8 inches and adopt a more square aspect ratio, which doesn’t precisely convey “tablet.”

That isn’t to say the larger displays on these foldables lack utility, but the overall experience still feels constrained compared to a conventional Android tablet.

To address this limitation, the Galaxy Z TriFold embraces that concept by expanding to a full 10-inch display. This size is on the lower spectrum of most tablets, which are typically 10 or 11 inches, while still offering a more tablet-like aspect ratio that isn’t found in bi-fold foldables. The outcome is a more versatile experience that should prove beneficial.

Samsung has also taken it a step further by allowing the TriFold to operate in a standalone DeX mode, meaning you won’t require an external display to utilize it, similar to its tablets. Unlike the standard One UI experience, this mode provides a more desktop-like atmosphere, enabling users to freely arrange windows and run applications side-by-side without the constraints of the usual mobile experience.

It also allows for running up to 20 apps across multiple desktop workspaces, positioning the Galaxy Z TriFold as the ultimate multitasking device. Essentially, you can view it as a hybrid between a smartphone and tablet experience, seamlessly merging the two in a manner that feels appropriate for such a device.

Utilize the promo code and the discounts are yours!

If you’re similar to me, the onset of a new year signifies it’s time to reassess your phone plan and (ideally) save some money in the process. Luckily, numerous top-tier wireless carriers in the industry provide special temporary offers during this season, and Verizon-owned Visible Wireless is no exception.

Enroll today with the promo code SWITCH26 at checkout and you might save up to $12 each month for 26 months. While it might not seem substantial, Visible’s plans are already quite economical, so this promotion could significantly change your perception of your phone bill in 2026 (and beyond). Let’s break it down for clarity.

Even though it’s not officially an MVNO, I still regard Visible Wireless as one of the premier prepaid carriers available, due to the company’s transparent plan structure and the fact that it utilizes Verizon’s 5G network.

The carrier provides three plan choices starting at the Basic Visible plan (typically $25 per month) and extending to the more comprehensive Visible Plus Pro plan ($45 per month without the promotion). Applying the code SWITCH26 at checkout reduces costs by $6, $9, and $12 for the Visible Basic, Visible Plus, and Visible Plus Pro plans, respectively, and the offer secures the discounted price for over two years with no hidden charges whatsoever.

In other terms, if you utilize the promotion to save $12 each month on the Visible Plus Pro plan, you’re essentially receiving six months of Verizon-powered wireless for FREE over 26 months. That plan also includes unlimited premium data on Verizon’s Ultra Wideband network, an unlimited mobile hotspot, and extensive coverage to over 85 countries globally.

Even if you select one of Visible’s less comprehensive data plans, you’ll still enjoy unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon’s acclaimed network, a complimentary mobile hotspot, discounts on home internet, and much more.

Why should I transition to Visible?

Visible Wireless stands out as it provides the ease and flexibility of a prepaid carrier along with the support and coverage of a Big Three provider. There are only three clear plans to select from, and all three include unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon’s extensive 5G network. You won’t have to worry about hidden fees, unlimited hotspot data is included, and because Verizon owns and manages the carrier, de-prioritization is rare.

Does Visible Wireless offer a free trial?

Absolutely! Visible Wireless has a 15-day free trial that allows you to discover the details of its service without any hassle or commitment. You can even run it concurrently with your current phone plan without interruptions.

Does Visible Wireless provide smartphones?

Yes! While I don’t favor its phone deals as much as those from, let’s say, Mint Mobile, Visible Wireless does present occasional phone promotions throughout the year that can get you the latest Android devices for affordable prices (or even free) if you play your cards right.

The company is at last responding to all the feedback that users have been outspoken about. Nothing has revealed an update that tackles user issues with its software, with a specific emphasis on eliminating unnecessary features and bloatware. The update, announced on January 9, involves the removal of the Lock Glimpse feature from Nothing Phone a Series devices, with the exception of the Lite version, based on user input. The company intends to bring back the feature only after considerable enhancements are made to lessen its intrusiveness.

Moreover, Nothing is offering users a way to completely eliminate bloatware, including Meta service apps, from their devices. Users are now able to disable these applications and restart their devices to erase them from the system partition. However, these services will reappear if the device undergoes a factory reset.

In addition, Nothing is launching “app recommendations” as part of the device setup process and after specific updates. Users can either ignore these notifications or turn them off completely through the settings. The company is also endeavoring to enable the uninstallation of App Services in upcoming updates for more phones.

These modifications arise after users voiced their discontent regarding the existence of bloatware in Nothing’s OS 4.0 software. Previously, the company had permitted users only to disable such applications, but the new update offers a total removal option, responding to user calls for a more streamlined software experience.