Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Who’s the trendy kid in town?

Google’s Pixel 10a may debut at a lower price than anticipated, bucking the trend of increasing component expenses. The 128GB variant is expected to be priced at approximately €500 in Europe, which is €50 cheaper than the Pixel 9a. This competitive pricing is said to be accomplished by utilizing the Tensor G4 chip and casing from the Pixel 9a. In spite of the persistent RAM shortage, the Pixel 10a is projected to be unveiled on February 17, 2026, earlier than usual. The device might offer specs akin to its forerunner, featuring 8GB of RAM and a 5,100mAh battery, but will introduce fresh color options: Obsidian, Berry, Lavender, and Fog. The 256GB version, retailing for roughly €600, will be exclusively available in Obsidian. This approach permits Google to provide an affordable choice while ensuring dependable performance and camera quality.

Meta has encountered a myriad of obstacles over the years, yet the most recent layoffs have marked a turning point for numerous individuals. Between 2019 and 2024, Meta’s app store stood out as a premier platform, integrating user-friendly policies with robust developer partnerships. However, discontent among developers escalated following the launch of App Lab in 2024. The company’s evolving objectives and pursuit of trends have led to substantial upheaval, ultimately resulting in the shutdown of the majority of first-party game development studios on January 13, 2026.

The layoffs have impacted not just Meta’s in-house teams but also external developers. Cloudhead Games and Skydance Games have encountered considerable obstacles, with the latter halting a Harry Potter VR project. Analysts suggest that Meta’s strategies have harmed the VR gaming sector, which previously viewed Meta as a beacon of hope.

Meta seems to be transitioning away from first-party game development towards a marketplace model akin to Valve’s strategy. The organization is also focusing on hardware advancements, intending to boost its smart glasses production. This strategic shift has left numerous developers pondering their prospects with Meta, given the diminishing funding for both AAA and indie projects.

The VR gaming landscape is experiencing a downturn, with fewer widely recognized titles anticipated. Developers are now required to navigate a more unpredictable terrain, meticulously prioritizing their investments and platform selections. Despite these hurdles, the VR community continues to engage with beloved games like Walkabout Mini Golf while looking forward to the subsequent wave of innovation and financial support.

A recent document has revealed a new Google patent that may indicate progress in the battery repair capability of future foldable devices, potentially affecting the forthcoming Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The patent proposes a transition from conventional glued battery configurations to a more repair-friendly design incorporating a metal frame and spring mechanisms for battery security. This advancement seeks to improve the durability and repairability of foldable smartphones, tackling earlier issues highlighted by events like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s battery explosion during a durability assessment. Although the patent suggests encouraging developments, it is still unclear if these enhancements will be incorporated into the next Pixel foldable variant.

A court in Texas is poised to address patent allegations brought by Xreal against Viture regarding smart glasses. Xreal claims that Viture is improperly utilizing its patents in various smart glasses models marketed in the U.S. and Europe. This legal confrontation comes after a similar lawsuit launched by Xreal in Germany in December. Viture has rejected these accusations, labeling them baseless. Both firms are recognized for their XR glasses, with Xreal contending that Viture’s technology closely resembles its own. Xreal is upholding its patents in light of anticipated substantial market expansion in XR glasses, expected to approach $700 billion by 2035. The resolution of this case may result in Viture incurring licensing fees or potentially facing a ban on its products in the U.S. and Germany. Established as Nreal in 2017, Xreal possesses over 800 patents globally, while Viture, founded in 2021, has around 70. The ruling from the court will influence the future of Viture’s smart glasses in these regions.

This week, MediaTek enhances its next-generation lineup by adding two more chips.

The RingConn Gen 2 smart ring is gaining attention in the wearable technology sector with its notable features and current promotional discount. Now offered at a 20% discount on Amazon, this smart ring is priced at $239.20, reduced from its initial price of $299.00. The RingConn Gen 2 is remarkable for its extended battery life, lasting up to 12 days on a single charge, and its sophisticated health tracking functions, such as sleep apnea monitoring.

A major benefit of the RingConn Gen 2 is its intuitive app, which offers a smooth experience for monitoring various health metrics, including sleep patterns, heart rate, and stress levels. The ring prioritizes comfort and aesthetics, resembling a classic wedding band, and comes in royal gold and future silver finishes.

In contrast to some rivals, the RingConn Gen 2 eliminates the need for a monthly subscription, making it a budget-friendly option for users seeking thorough health tracking without recurring costs. The ring is also equipped with a charging case, features water and dust resistance, and is available in sizes between 6 and 14.

This smart ring is advisable for those who appreciate sleep apnea monitoring, a subscription-free option, and a stylish, comfortable form. However, users who prioritize accurate step counting or prefer a device that does not require a charging case may look into other alternatives.

In summary, the RingConn Gen 2 stands out as a leading option in the smart ring market, merging functionality, style, and cost-effectiveness. With its current promotion, it presents an appealing choice for anyone aiming to improve their health tracking abilities with a wearable gadget.

Samsung has affirmed that the essential functionalities of its Galaxy AI will continue to be available at no charge, responding to worries among Galaxy users regarding possible paywalls. The company revised its support pages to clarify that the fundamental Galaxy AI tools, including Photo Assist, Writing Assist, and Interpreter, will be free of cost. This choice follows initial uncertainty when Galaxy AI debuted with the Galaxy S24 series, where it was mentioned that basic features would be free “until 2025,” sparking rumors about future fees.

Samsung’s revised terms indicate that although the fundamental AI suite will remain complimentary, possibly enhanced or novel AI features may require payment in the future. Third-party AI solutions, such as Google’s Circle to Search, are not included in Samsung’s commitment and may be subject to distinct terms and conditions.

The primary Galaxy AI tools, which fall under Samsung’s “Advanced Intelligence” category, feature Call Assist, Writing Assist, Photo Assist, Interpreter, Note & Transcript Assist, Browsing Assist, Now Brief, and Audio Eraser. These functionalities have been vital to Samsung’s software strategy since the One UI 6.1 update in 2024, improving both flagship and older Samsung devices.

While Samsung guarantees that the basic AI tools will remain at no cost, it has not excluded the possibility of rolling out paid AI add-ons in the future. Users should keep in mind that third-party AI services may operate under their own pricing frameworks.

These sleek, lightweight, and powerful Samsung laptops are impressive.

ChatGPT Translate Debuts with Support for Over 50 Languages and Allows Users to Customize Tone and Context via One-Tap Prompts

OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Translate, a fresh web-based translation solution presented as a direct rival to Google Translate. ChatGPT Translate accommodates more than 50 languages, providing real-time translations alongside automatic language identification. The tool distinguishes itself by featuring AI prompts that modify the tone, fluency, and complexity of the translated content.

A new contender has emerged against Google Translate, thanks to OpenAI, in the shape of ChatGPT Translate. Long regarded as the standard tool for swift translations, Google Translate now faces a competitor dedicated to elevating translation standards. OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, has unveiled a specific website named ChatGPT Translate, placing it in head-to-head competition with Google’s translation service.

Upon its launch, the service enables support for over 50 languages and is designed similarly to familiar online translation platforms. Users are presented with two text boxes: one for the source text and another for the translated result, in addition to drop-down menus for choosing the source and target languages. Like Google Translate, ChatGPT Translate includes automatic language identification.

OpenAI quietly rolls out a new competitor to Google Translate

Users can start entering text straightaway, with translations populating live as they type. What differentiates ChatGPT Translate are the quick prompts located beneath the text boxes. These prompts allow users to enhance translations to appear more fluent, business formal, child-friendly, or suited for an academic audience. Selecting any of these prompts initiates the request directly in ChatGPT, with the original text and the modification instructions already incorporated.

The website also indicates capabilities for translating images and files, although these features are currently unavailable. In contrast to Google Translate, ChatGPT Translate does not yet offer voice input (on desktop) or options for complete website translation. While ChatGPT could previously function as a translation tool, this new site provides users with a unified, dedicated place for quick translations.

At this moment, there is no indication of a separate ChatGPT Translate application or a specific section within the ChatGPT app, and OpenAI has not yet released an official statement regarding the tool.