Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

“Galaxy Ring Debate, Google Nest Product Introduction, Oura’s Ceramic Line, and More News”

A Summary of the Most Prominent Tech-Related News That Emerged This Week

This week in technology, a variety of major stories have drawn the interest of fans and professionals in the field. Here’s a brief summary of the most significant developments:

1. **Samsung Galaxy Ring Battery Controversy**: The Samsung Galaxy Ring encountered a significant issue due to reports of battery swelling. Tech influencer Daniel Rotar posted images of his Galaxy Ring with a distorted battery, raising safety alarms regarding wearables. Samsung is conducting an investigation into the matter.

2. **Google’s Gemini-Enhanced Nest Offerings**: Google rolled out its latest series of Nest devices powered by Gemini. The new assortment features the Nest Cam Indoor, Nest Cam Outdoor, and Nest Doorbell, all boasting improved video quality and better performance in low-light conditions. Additionally, a new Google Home Speaker designed for natural dialogue was introduced.

3. **Oura Ring 4’s Ceramic Line**: Oura introduced a fresh line of Oura Ring 4 with a stylish ceramic aesthetic. This collection preserves the sophisticated health tracking features of the original ring while offering the first-ever charging case compatible with the latest model.

4. **Galaxy S26 Ultra Reveals**: Leaks concerning the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra have emerged, indicating a design akin to its predecessor but with noteworthy modifications. The device is anticipated to have a flat-edge frame and a revamped camera configuration.

5. **Pixel Watch Blood Pressure Monitoring**: Google is allegedly experimenting with a new hypertension monitoring feature for the Pixel Watch. This functionality is intended to detect elevated blood pressure readings and is presently in the testing stage.

These stories underscore the ever-evolving landscape of the tech industry, where companies consistently strive to innovate and tackle emerging challenges. Stay tuned for further updates as these narratives progress.

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Leaked Footage Unveils Moto Edge 70 as Latest Entry in Slim Smartphone Series

The most recent leak involves a purported promotional video that illustrates Motorola’s vision for the upcoming Edge model. It is anticipated that Motorola will unveil an Edge 70 later this year, and the latest leak pertains to a supposed promotional video. This video showcased the device, reaffirming earlier speculation about a flat screen, a slightly modified camera arrangement, and elevated camera lenses. The source suggests that the phone might measure under 6mm in thickness, an aspect the leaked footage tries to emphasize by displaying the phone on its side. Earlier claims have suggested that the device may feature MediaTek’s Dimensity 7000 SoC and approximately 12GB of RAM.

Speculation surrounding Motorola’s next Edge series smartphone persists, as the latest findings focus on an alleged promotional video. Renowned X tipster Evan Blass is said to have shared an alleged video that appears to be Motorola’s marketing content, highlighting the forthcoming Edge 70. The footage displays the new design that was rumored back in September, featuring a completely flat display and a slightly revised square camera cluster that extends further onto the back panel rather than being positioned in the corner.

The clip continues to present a few color options (two shades of green and black), but the main emphasis is on its apparent thinness. The video showcases the phone sideways to illustrate its slim profile. The source corroborates this, asserting that the device will be less than 6mm thick. It seems Motorola is aiming to align its smartphone lineup with the recent trends that have gained traction among phone manufacturers, similar to Samsung. The footage highlights its front-facing camera, further supporting the flat display rumors, alongside a brief glimpse of its on-device AI. There was a banner visible in the video that stated, “Explore with Perplexity.”

Currently, it is uncertain when Motorola will specifically launch this new phone, but the publication reiterates previous rumors suggesting that it could happen in October. As is typical, these devices are introduced in China prior to reaching international markets.

Leaks about the Edge 70 have been minimal, but earlier reports this year revealed a design that resembled the 2024 model. However, several months have passed since then, and the narrative has shifted, indicating that Motorola is pursuing a refreshed Edge design. A recently leaked image showcased the device’s minor modifications, such as its flat display and repositioned square camera arrangement. Additionally, it appears that Moto might incorporate colored accents to the raised lenses, complementing the phone’s overall color scheme.

Rumors regarding specifications have been sparse, indicating that the phone may come with MediaTek’s Dimensity 7000 SoC and 12GB of RAM. It remains unclear what Motorola might provide for its camera configuration. Last year’s model featured a 50MP primary lens alongside a 10MP telephoto lens, so there is a possibility we could see a similar setup for the Edge 70.

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ADT Aims to Incorporate Gemini for Residential Customers After Assessment

The recent launch of Google’s Gemini for Home has piqued the interest of the security firm ADT, which is currently assessing the possibilities of integrating this new AI technology into its current security framework. ADT, recognized for its partnership with Google on a DIY home security kit, is adopting a careful strategy to verify that Gemini’s functionalities complement its systems before presenting it to consumers.

Google’s Gemini for Home features upgraded video capabilities for cameras and doorbells, as well as a new Home Speaker designed to foster more natural engagements with AI. This development is part of Google’s extensive initiative aimed at creating an AI-driven smart home atmosphere, which includes 2K HDR video cameras and a cutting-edge speaker design.

ADT’s pursuit of integrating Gemini is moderated by the necessity for a comprehensive evaluation and testing to confirm compatibility and dependability. The company plans to roll out Gemini’s features in stages, focusing on crucial use cases. Although the schedule for this integration remains unclear, ADT suggests a potential launch in 2026, dependent on successful testing and adjustments.

The collaboration between ADT and Google has already produced a well-rounded home security solution, merging ADT’s smart home hub and sensors with Google’s sophisticated cameras and doorbells. This partnership highlights the significance of smooth integration and strong performance in home security systems.

As ADT proceeds with its assessment, consumers can look forward to a future where Gemini’s AI functionalities improve home security, providing enhanced monitoring and user-friendly experiences. Nevertheless, the precise timeline for these developments is yet to be established, as ADT emphasizes a thorough approach to guarantee the effective integration of Google’s latest AI advancements.

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The Greatest Benefit of AI Progress on Mobile Devices

AI is omnipresent, and surprisingly, that’s actually beneficial for a change.

As we rush into a new era in mobile applications, one that ultimately strives to be an “agent” handling everything for us, it’s astonishing to reflect on the progress we’ve made in such a brief period. An increasing number of people are relying on ChatGPT, for better or worse, while Google is making efforts to integrate Gemini into every possible area. Moreover, we’re continuously seeing more “AI-enhanced” features with each upcoming flagship smartphone launch.

That being said, I understand that when it comes to actually utilizing AI on my diverse array of smartphones, Chromebooks, gaming handhelds, and the like, ultimately, everyone’s AI experience is similar. I ought to rephrase that to say, “everyone’s AI experience has the potential to be similar.” Regardless of how it’s articulated, the fundamental concept remains unchanged, as users with an iPhone 17 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, or Samsung Galaxy A26 can all leverage AI for the same tasks.

No, I’m not referring to the functionalities that Apple, Google, and Samsung attempt to market in various advertisements. That’s nice and all, but the shared feature between a device priced close to $2,000 and one that’s less than $200 is that both can download the same AI applications.

Presently, the leading contenders are Gemini, ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, Perplexity, Grok, and DeepSeek. All these applications, along with many others, are accessible on either platform, guaranteeing you’ll consistently have access to your discussions and creations. Yes, there might be instances when the iOS version of ChatGPT receives something first, but the same can certainly hold true for Gemini on Android.

As of this writing, ChatGPT occupies the top position in the Play Store, with the next AI chatbot application not appearing until Microsoft Copilot at tenth place. Interestingly, the reverse is true on the Apple App Store, where Google Gemini currently ranks as the top free app, followed by ChatGPT in second and DeepSeek in fifth. This clearly illustrates that Google’s marketing efforts are bearing fruit, though there’s a solid argument to suggest that the iPhone serves as a better Google device than Android.

Apple is trying to catch up

Naturally, there’s another perspective on this, which reignites the classic “iOS vs. Android” discussion. Simply put, Siri is inadequate and pales in comparison to Gemini, ChatGPT, or even DeepSeek. Apple is so far behind that it formed a partnership with OpenAI and Google while launching “Apple Intelligence” last year.

Recently, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg disclosed that Apple “is preparing to introduce its own artificial intelligence-driven web search tool next year, intensifying competition with OpenAI and Perplexity AI Inc.” Based on the report, this appears to be an Apple-branded rendition of Gemini, as Gurman mentions “The companies reached a formal agreement…to evaluate and test a Google-developed AI model to assist the voice assistant.”

However, Apple isn’t halting there, as this AI-driven search will also be integrated into Siri. But rather than merely determining the game score or identifying a brand name, it’s said that Siri will finally be capable of “leveraging personal data and on-screen content to better address queries.” By reallocating resources from other divisions and sharpening its focus, Apple could unveil this significant upgrade as early as March 2026 with iOS 26.4.

Even so, while we await this major AI transformation, you can still download apps like Gemini, ChatGPT, Copilot, or Perplexity and execute numerous AI-related functions we anticipate seeing from Apple and Siri.

Everyone else is expanding the divide

In the meantime, Google has just unveiled new Gemini models, alongside a thorough overhaul and redesign of the Google Home app. Additionally, Gemini will be made available on our current smart speakers and Nest Hubs, a feature we’ve been anxiously looking forward to.

Simultaneously, OpenAI recently announced “Instant Checkout in ChatGPT,” enabling users to make purchases through AI. It also launched “ChatGPT Pulse,” which will “provide personalized updates based on your conversations, feedback, and linked applications such as your calendar.”

Why is any of this significant? Because all those innovative features from Google and OpenAI will soon be accessible on any device (if they aren’t already). So, while needing to install an app isn’t as fluid as having it embedded at the operating system level, does it truly matter considering the plethora of options available, especially when you can simply choose the app that suits you best in a given situation?

To answer my own question, no, it doesn’t genuinely matter. At least for now.

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Amazon Introduces 36% Price Reduction on Fire Max 11 Productivity Bundle Prior to Prime Day

The Fire Max 11 is ideal for both professional and leisure activities, particularly with these additional accessories.

Fire Max 11
(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

It’s that season when Amazon rolls out some of its most significant tablet discounts, and though Prime Day is still on the horizon, this latest offer presents a great value. In the days leading up to the sale, the retailer is providing 36% off this Amazon Fire Max 11 “productivity” bundle, which includes an original keyboard and stylus.

The Fire Max 11 truly stands out as the top Fire tablet for work and recreation, largely due to its robust CPU, expansive 11-inch screen, and the inclusion of these original accessories that are typically sold individually.

This specific offer pertains to the Fire Max 11 equipped with 64GB of storage. While that may be limited, the tablet also features a microSD slot for users wishing to enhance their storage capacity. Amazon claims it delivers up to 14 hours of battery performance per charge, in addition to featuring both front and rear cameras.

Amazon Fire Max 11 productivity bundle: $369.97 $236.49 for Early Prime Day promotions

Amazon has reduced the cost of its Fire Max 11 tablet bundle by over $130, providing consumers with a tablet, keyboard, and stylus for just $236. The Fire Max 11 boasts a generous tablet display, a superior processor compared to other Fire models, and up to 14 hours of battery life on a single charge.

✅Recommended if: you seek a high-performance tablet with extended battery life suitable for work, intense gaming, or other high-demand tasks; you want a tablet that comes bundled with a keyboard and/or stylus; you favor a larger display of around 11 inches.

❌Skip this deal if: you prefer having access to the Google Play Store without manual installation; you require a tablet featuring a 3.5mm headphone jack; you need a tablet with a higher-resolution selfie camera than 8MP, and you can afford to upgrade.

The Amazon Fire Max 11 is unquestionably the top choice in the Fire tablet series, and it remains reasonably priced. With its 11-inch TUV display and approximately 14-hour battery life, this tablet is crafted to accommodate a diverse array of work needs while remaining lightweight for portability. This bundle offers exceptional value with a keyboard and stylus, yielding $133 in savings.

It also has both front and back cameras, each with 8MP, along with dual-speaker audio, a fingerprint reader, and USB-C audio functionalities. Unfortunately, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, but this can be addressed through USB-C or Bluetooth options.

This promotion is for the Fire Max 11 bundle comprising only 64GB of storage, but it also incorporates a microSD slot for expandable storage capacity of up to 1TB. Performance is driven by the high-performance MediaTek MTK8188J processor, along with split screen and other multitasking capabilities supported by the included 4GB of RAM.

The takeaway is that if you were already interested in acquiring a tablet, keyboard, and stylus package deal, this could be an excellent opportunity to take advantage of.

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Evaluating YouTube Music’s AI Presenters: Reexploring Your Beloved Tracks

YouTube Music has launched a new feature named “Beyond the Beat,” which features AI hosts that deliver commentary and insights on songs, reminiscent of a radio show. This function is currently being tested through YouTube Labs, enabling users to try it out prior to a broader rollout. To join in, users need to be subscribed to YouTube Music or YouTube Premium and register via the YouTube Labs page. The AI hosts provide backstories and trivia regarding the tracks, though users have the option to silence the commentary if they wish. Testers are encouraged to provide feedback to enhance the feature. Nevertheless, participation is restricted to a limited group of US-based users.

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Samsung Wallet Enhances Cryptocurrency Capabilities with Coinbase One Access for Galaxy Users

The firm is elevating its focus on convenient payment solutions through the introduction of premium membership access.

Samsung is amplifying its dedication to convenient payment options by broadening its collaboration with Coinbase, delivering a premium membership experience to Galaxy users. Users of Samsung Wallet can now enjoy a complimentary three-month subscription to Coinbase One, which includes perks such as enhanced staking rewards and exclusive partner deals. This venture seeks to streamline cryptocurrency payment and management for Galaxy users, underscoring Samsung’s commitment to effortless financial transactions. The alliance emphasizes Samsung’s objective of incorporating cutting-edge payment solutions into its ecosystem, facilitating easier interaction with digital currencies for users.

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Samsung’s One UI 8.5 Set to Boost Productivity with AI-Driven Notification Summaries

We’ve come across this feature multiple times previously.

Key points to note:

– Additional One UI 8.5 speculations suggest that Samsung is beginning to work on AI summaries for lengthy notifications.
– The AI would condense “longer conversations” for users, providing a toggleable option located in a new “Notification Summaries” settings page.
– The rumors regarding One UI 8.5 emerged in September after a report indicated that Samsung had uploaded its preliminary build to its internal server alongside the Galaxy S25.

Ongoing rumors about One UI 8.5 indicate that Samsung is indeed looking into an AI feature tailored specifically for extensive notifications. This new AI functionality was identified by SamMobile after they observed that Samsung uploaded a new iteration of One UI 8.5 to its testing environment. It appears that these summaries will only be “suggested” or activated when there is a lengthy notification, similar to something you can glean quickly from the brief preview in your notification panel (think extensive texts). Upon receiving an elaborate notification, the publication noted a Samsung notification that reads, “your longer conversations can now be summarized to provide you quick recaps.”

The notification hints at guiding users to their Settings to enable it. Once activated, it appears Samsung has established a dedicated “Notification Summaries” page.

The drawback of this trial is that it is merely that: a trial. Besides a vague illustration depicting what this AI summarization feature might eventually look like, the publication could not get it to function. Nevertheless, Samsung emphasizes that AI summaries can be utilized for “long messages.” Furthermore, it includes the usual disclaimer that the feature employs AI on your device, and it “may sometimes make errors.” Not only is there a toggle for the feature, but it also seems Samsung is considering adding a “Manage apps” menu for applications you prefer the AI not to summarize.

The excitement surrounding One UI 8.5:

Interestingly, this report reveals that discussions about Samsung potentially considering AI-based notification summaries date back to before One UI 7. During that time, the company contemplated implementing the feature inspired by Apple’s iPhone software. This idea never materialized, and now we’re hearing rumors about it for Samsung’s upcoming major update: One UI 8.5 more than a year later. While Samsung was considering this back in 2024, Google has been contemplating it this year for Android 16.

In March, it was claimed that Android 16 could introduce these summaries for conversations, again reflecting what Apple offers. This feature for Android 16 was identified during its 3rd Beta, so it remains uncertain if it will be implemented.

Recent rumors about One UI 8.5 have surfaced, as a report indicates Samsung has already uploaded its early test builds on its test server utilizing the Galaxy S25 series. No one is entirely sure about these features, other than that this update should be quite expansive for Galaxy users. Speculation points to the possibility that One UI 8.5 may not debut until next year, potentially coinciding with the launch of the Galaxy S26.

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Samsung Galaxy Watches Expected to Identify Early Indicators of Heart Failure Soon

Samsung is poised to transform health monitoring with its Galaxy Watches by launching an AI algorithm that can identify Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (LVSD), a primary contributor to heart failure. This innovative feature, already implemented in more than 100 hospitals in Korea, will soon be accessible on Galaxy Watches, enabling early detection and intervention. LVSD impairs the heart’s pumping efficiency, resulting in fluid buildup and diminished oxygen supply. Through the integration of this algorithm with the watch’s PPG sensors, Samsung intends to screen asymptomatic individuals, which could help lower hospitalization and mortality rates. While branded as a “wellness” tool, this functionality underscores Samsung’s dedication to significant medical uses. Moreover, Samsung is investigating a Brain-Computer Interface wearable that tracks brainwaves, further broadening its health technology offerings.

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