Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

The festive period has concluded, yet these Google Pixel offers remain vibrant.

The TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro boasts a 6.9-inch screen that provides flexibility by allowing users to switch between a traditional color mode and three distinct paper-like modes. This cutting-edge smartphone is part of TCL’s NXTPAPER lineup, celebrated for its matte, anti-glare displays that simulate a paper reading experience. The NXTPAPER 70 Pro features a distinctive NXTPAPER Key, a physical slider that enables users to shift between full color mode and three tailored modes: Color Paper Mode, Ink Paper Mode, and Max Ink Mode.

Color Paper Mode preserves a gentle color scheme paired with a paper-like feel, while Ink Paper Mode delivers black-and-white imagery, and Max Ink Mode offers a strong monochrome alternative that maximizes battery efficiency by minimizing apps and notifications. This functionality effectively turns the device into an e-reader, perfect for concentrated reading sessions.

Internally, the NXTPAPER 70 Pro is driven by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chip, paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. It features AI capabilities and full Google Gemini integration. The smartphone is fitted with a 5,200mAh battery, guaranteeing all-day performance, particularly when using the NXTPAPER modes.

The design of the device bears similarity to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, equipped with a 50MP rear camera and a 32MP selfie camera. The NXTPAPER 70 Pro is expected to be launched in several markets, including Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America, starting at €339 (~$400) for the 256GB model. Although a launch in the U.S. has been hinted at, it has yet to be confirmed.

**The Company’s V2 Officially Arrives on the Market, Yet There’s Another Release You’ll Need to Hold Off For a Bit Longer**

Solos has officially unveiled its eagerly awaited AirGo V2 smart glasses at CES 2026, signifying a noteworthy achievement for the company. Priced at $299, these state-of-the-art glasses are currently up for grabs, providing consumers with an array of sophisticated features and AI functionalities. However, the thrill continues as Solos has also revealed a new charging case, scheduled to launch in Q2 2026.

**Key Information:**
– The AirGo V2 smart glasses are available for $299.
– A new charging case featuring a 1,100mAh battery will arrive in Q2 2026.
– The AirGo V2 includes a 16MP camera, live video stabilization, and AI assistants like ChatGPT and Gemini.

**The Unveiling at CES 2026:**
During CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Solos introduced its most advanced version, the AirGo V2, which is now available for purchase. The glasses come in a variety of frame colors, with plans for Solos to enhance their retail presence in early 2026. While the smart glasses are on the market now, the related portable charging case won’t be available until Q2 2026. The final cost for the charger will be revealed closer to its release.

**Cutting-Edge Features:**
The AirGo V2 smart glasses feature remarkable AI software, enabling multimodal interactions involving image, video, audio, and text. Utilizing AI technology from platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and DeepSeek, these glasses are capable of recognizing objects, translating text, and providing answers to user inquiries hands-free.

**Inclusivity and Future Initiatives:**
Solos is dedicated to ensuring that its AI features are accessible for blind and low-vision individuals, with plans to introduce these functionalities later this year. The AirGo V2’s 16MP camera is crafted for capturing high-resolution images and Full HD video recordings, thereby enriching the user experience.

**Wrap-Up:**
Solos’ AirGo V2 smart glasses exemplify the company’s innovation and dedication to promoting wearable technology. With their official launch at CES 2026, consumers can now delve into the realm of smart eyewear, while eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new charging case later this year.

Any expectations that Motorola would introduce a new Wear OS-based Moto 360 have diminished, as it shifts focus towards fitness analytics through Polar.

What you need to know

– Polar has disclosed that its health and fitness platform will be integrated into a “new generation of Motorola’s smartwatches,” with a fresh Moto Watch on the horizon.
– Recent Moto watches have partnered with another health brand, Vitalist, while Polar watches are recognized for their fitness assessments and data.
– The forthcoming Moto Watch will feature a 47mm round aluminum casing, IP68 and GG3 durability, along with a microphone & speaker for calls.

A new Moto Watch is on its way, and although it won’t be the revamped Moto 360 Wear OS device that many hoped for, it will incorporate innovative fitness software “powered by Polar,” a well-known and reputable fitness watch manufacturer.

Polar unveiled its new strategic, long-term collaboration with Motorola on Tuesday, assuring that upcoming Moto Watches will utilize Polar’s “extensive suite of science-based algorithms,” along with “fitness tracking and biomarker analysis.”

Motorola, which previously depended on former partner Vitalist/CE Brands for its health insights, will now provide the same fitness features available in premium Polar watches like the Vantage V3, “without the necessity for extensive internal development.”

“Our collaboration with Polar merges decades of expertise in fitness science with Motorola’s dedication to meaningful technology, enabling consumers to better comprehend their health, maintain connectivity, and live more confidently each day,” states Sergio Buniac, President of Motorola Mobility.

The press release suggests that a new Moto Watch is imminent; it might even be revealed during CES 2026. For the moment, we understand that it will boast a rounded 47mm casing — unlike recent squircle Moto Watches such as the Watch Fit — crafted from aluminum with a stainless steel crown, exhibiting IP68 dust and water resistance, Gorilla Glass 3, and incorporating a microphone & speaker.

Reasons for the Motorola-Polar collaboration instead of a Moto-Google alliance

By steering clear of Wear OS, Motorola excludes itself from certain features: Play Store applications, Gemini commands, and straightforward messaging options. However, there has been a gradual decline of Wear OS partners in past years, as other Android manufacturers like OnePlus and Xiaomi struggle to keep pace with Google and Samsung regarding updates.

Clearly, Motorola has concluded that it has more confidence in Polar than Google as a wearable partner and prefers to market an affordable, durable fitness watch over a more expensive model that would face competition from Galaxy and Pixel Watches.

Polar, a long-time competitor of Garmin that recently introduced a Whoop-like Polar Loop Band, generally offers high-end fitness watches intended for serious athletes. Moto will find itself in a unique position, selling budget fitness watches that provide disproportionately advanced health & fitness insights, helping Moto Watches to distinguish themselves.

In fact, considering that Polar watches have significantly increased in price in the U.S. due to tariffs, the new Moto Watch could offer a more accessible means to obtain these insights, rivaling budget running watches like the Garmin Forerunner 165 and COROS PACE 4.

If Moto Watches will utilize the Polar Flow app, new users may find the interface somewhat daunting or outdated, but Polar pledged last year that it is in the process of modernizing its app to be more “dynamic and data-oriented,” sharing the example screenshots above. This app redesign should benefit both Polar and Moto watches.

Overall, Moto watches “powered by Polar” appear promising, but the critical question will be whether Motorola phone purchasers will opt for a sporty, durable Moto Watch with limited Android capabilities, or if they would rather have a more ephemeral Moto 360 successor.

Meanwhile, Polar secures its first significant licensing partnership since Casio began incorporating Polar insights into its watches in 2023, marking a noteworthy achievement for the brand.

This is among the finest Samsung smartphones ever created, available for the cost of a latte each month.

Snapseed, the overlooked photo editing application from Google that unexpectedly began receiving significant updates for its iOS version last year, is officially back in action. After remaining inactive without major upgrades for years, Google launched a substantial Snapseed 3.0 version in June 2025 featuring a revamped editor and grid layout for photos. Continuous updates are being rolled out, although exclusively for the iOS version, with the latest update adding a “Snapseed Camera” capability with vintage film filters.

It’s safe to assert that Snapseed is truly back on the map. The app is clearly drawing attention from Google, with a steady stream of iOS updates and confirmation that Android updates are forthcoming. In an era where filters and nostalgic, anti-processing camera applications like Zerocam or Halide Process Zero are gaining traction, Snapseed holds the promise of becoming something exceptional.

Once Snapseed’s recent updates are released for the Android app in a few months, I will promptly begin utilizing it on my Android devices — it appears to be an ideal complement to Google Pixels.

Snapseed for iOS has now evolved into a redesigned photo editing application.

Google’s update to Snapseed for iOS last year came as a surprise, and the enhancements were noticeable. The app adopted a minimalist Google visual design — somewhat contrary to Material 3 Expressive — featuring a sleek new iOS icon and an organized photo grid user interface. After choosing a photo, editing can be done via three sections: Looks, Faves, and Tools.

The updated Faves section contains specific tools you’ve marked as favorites for quick access. It replaces the previous Export tab in the old interface, with the Tools section moving right to accommodate Faves in the center. A sharing button is now present in the top-right corner for managing the Save to original (replaces the original image with your edits that can be undone), Save copy (creates a duplicate image with your edits that can be undone), and Export (generates a copy with irreversible changes) options.

There are over 25 tools available in the Snapseed editor distributed across four categories: Adjust & Correct, Retouch & Transform, Style, and Creative.

What stands out about Snapseed as a photo editing software is its combination of professional-level tools with user-friendly and shareable filters. On one hand, it offers RAW editing support and color adjustment curves. On the other hand, it features film filters that evoke the nostalgia of social media’s early days. It’s user-friendly for everyone and feels less complex compared to the Google Photos editor.

It’s also an enjoyable camera with film filters.

The latest update, version 3.11, introduces the “Snapseed Camera” — a classic point-and-shoot capture tool that includes film filters inspired by genuine film stocks from brands like Kodak, Fujifilm, and Polaroid. The rollout of this update began last month with the interactive, skeuomorphic viewfinder (via 9to5Google).

Accessing the Snapseed Camera can be somewhat tricky if you don’t know how to unveil it. There isn’t a dedicated button in the Snapseed app that opens the Snapseed Camera. This ensures that the main app prioritizes photo editing. However, users who wish to explore the Snapseed Camera can add a toggle in the Control Center or set Snapseed as their default camera application in the Camera Control settings.

Upon trying the Snapseed Camera for the first time, you’ll discover that the chosen film style and intensity appear in the viewfinder in real time. However, the film grain is added after the photo is captured. You have the option to switch films, enable color themes, and control your flash to customize the appearance of your film-like images. The camera functionality works with both the front-facing and rear cameras.

Here’s the complete list of film styles available in the Snapseed Camera:

– KP1: Drawn from Kodak Portra 400
– KP2: Derived from Kodak Portra 160
– KG1: Based on Kodak Gold 200
– KE1: Inspired by Kodak E200
– FS1: Modeled after Fuji Superia 200
– FS2: Inspired by Fuji Superia 800
– FP1: Based on Fuji Pro 400h
– AG1: Derived from Agfa Optima 200
– AS1: Inspired by Agfa Scala 200
– PD1: Based on Polaroid 600
– TC1: Inspired by Technicolor

Beyond the photo editing capabilities, the Snapseed Camera is where Google can truly leave its imprint with the updated Snapseed application.

We are currently in an era where people are yearning for nostalgia, and products like record players and film cameras are making a resurgence. New models like the Fuji X Half are being introduced solely to promote intentional photography practices and styles reminiscent of film. The Snapseed Camera accomplishes the same goal, featuring an excellent interface along with the hardware you already possess.

Indeed, Google is invested in Snapseed for Android.

It’s apparent for Android users to notice Snap

**Spotted on Film: Is This the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra We’ve All Been Anticipating?**

In the realm of smartphone aficionados, few happenings stir as much enthusiasm as the announcement of a new Samsung Galaxy gadget. Recently, a leaked footage has emerged, allegedly showcasing the highly awaited Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. This video, which has rapidly gained popularity online, discloses several fascinating aspects about the device, though its validity continues to be a subject of discussion.

**What We Have Learned So Far**

The leaked footage, shared by the prominent leaker IceUniverse, provides a sneak peek of what is asserted to be the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, replete with its retail box. The video emphasizes a stylish design, resembling its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but with distinctive changes in the camera configuration. The device seems to sport a triple-lens setup on an elevated camera island, marking a shift from the prior model’s layout.

Regarding specifications, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to be driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, accompanied by a substantial 5,500 mAh battery. The device is also anticipated to operate on Samsung’s latest One UI 8.5. However, the video has ignited doubt among some viewers, who question its authenticity and speculate it could be a dummy unit.

**Rumors and Doubts**

While the video has sparked enthusiasm, it has also prompted speculation about its authenticity. Some online observers have highlighted inconsistencies and expressed skepticism about whether the device depicted is indeed the Galaxy S26 Ultra. IceUniverse, the origin of the video, has acknowledged the ambiguity surrounding its source, stating they remain uncertain about the video’s true origins.

**Expected Features**

Despite the ambiguity, the leaked footage has stimulated excitement for the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s possible features. Speculations indicate that the device may feature a new array of camera lenses, including a 200MP primary sensor, alongside support for quicker 60W charging. Furthermore, the addition of an S-Pen is anticipated, continuing Samsung’s legacy of providing stylus support in its Ultra models.

**Final Thoughts**

As the tech community eagerly anticipates the formal announcement from Samsung, the leaked footage has offered an enticing preview of what could be the next flagship offering from the Korean technology leader. Regardless of the video’s authenticity, it has undoubtedly succeeded in captivating Galaxy enthusiasts globally. With the rumored launch date nearing, all attention is focused on Samsung to determine if the Galaxy S26 Ultra will meet the expectations fueled by this captivating leak.

CES 2026 unveiled substantial enhancements to the Meta Ray-Ban Display, presenting new functionalities and tackling issues related to global availability. Meta revealed the incorporation of teleprompter assistance and EMG handwriting features for the Ray-Ban Display smart glasses. These functionalities underscore the glasses’ capabilities, with teleprompter assistance enabling users to see scripts through the monocular lens, improving public speaking situations. EMG handwriting, made possible by the Meta Neural Band, permits users to compose text by tracing words with their finger on any surface.

In spite of these developments, Meta has delayed the global rollout of the Ray-Ban Display due to constrained stock and elevated demand, concentrating on meeting U.S. orders. The firm is also investigating additional uses, such as the integration of the Meta Neural Band with Garmin’s vehicle systems, highlighting the potential for managing car infotainment systems.

Meta’s dedication to AR glasses technology is clear in its ongoing feature enhancements and partnerships, establishing the company as a frontrunner in the industry. Although the Ray-Ban Display glasses are not aimed at widespread appeal, they set the stage for forthcoming advancements in AR technology.

YouTube Music has rolled out a fresh feature that enables users to share song lyrics accompanied by custom AI-generated backgrounds. Previously, users were restricted to solid-color backgrounds for lyric card sharing. This new option, accessible to both free and Premium users on iOS and Android, allows for the creation of more visually striking lyric cards through generative AI. Users can either save these lyric cards to their devices or share them with other applications.

While viewing lyrics in the YouTube Music app, a new “Share” button featuring a Gemini sparkle icon signifies the AI-enhanced functionalities. Users are cautioned that AI-generated images are derived from text prompts and may not always align with YouTube’s guidelines, necessitating agreement to these terms prior to usage. The AI background button is positioned alongside the existing solid colors, and users have the ability to regenerate new backgrounds if they wish.

These AI-generated backgrounds introduce diversity to lyric cards, although they may not consistently correspond with the song’s theme or lyrics. Lyric cards display the song’s album cover, track title, artist name, and a YouTube Music logo, along with the choice of a solid-color or AI-generated background. This feature is available in the YouTube Music app on both iOS and Android.

ASUS has historically been a prominent player in the smartphone industry, recognized for expanding the limits of what a smartphone can achieve without resorting to gimmicks. Nonetheless, the firm recently revealed its intention to refrain from launching new smartphones in 2026, indicating a notable shift in its approach. This decision comes after the introduction of the ASUS ROG Phone model in late 2024 and the ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra in early 2025. While ASUS has not completely withdrawn from the smartphone sector, it has made it clear that there are no immediate plans for new models.

The information surfaced from a DigiTimes report, which indicated that ASUS would stop releasing new Android devices after December 31, 2025. Nevertheless, ASUS has reassured customers that its smartphone operations will persist, with continued maintenance, software updates, and warranty services for existing products. However, the company has affirmed that it currently has no intentions to launch new smartphone models in 2026.

This pause could imply that ASUS will go over two years without updating its flagship ROG Phone and Zenfone series. The company’s decision to take a break from releasing new smartphones prompts inquiries about its long-term strategy and dedication to the mobile market. While ASUS asserts that it is not finished with smartphones, the absence of new models might suggest a slow winding down of its smartphone activities.

ASUS has gained recognition for its inventive approach, providing unique features such as multiple USB-C ports on its ROG Phone models and compact premium devices in its Zenfone series. However, the company’s emphasis on high-end flagship sales without delivering a premium experience to justify the price has posed a challenge. With limited software support and availability, ASUS smartphones have found it difficult to compete outside of specialized markets.

The potential disappearance of ASUS smartphones, whether temporary or permanent, is disheartening for the brand’s enthusiasts. ASUS has been among the few companies eager to experiment with fresh concepts, and its absence could create a void in the market for innovative smartphone designs. As the company maneuvers through this transition, it remains uncertain whether ASUS will return to the smartphone industry with renewed enthusiasm or gradually scale back its mobile operations.