Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Enhance your notification experience by utilizing the latest AI organizer from Android 16 on Pixel devices

A significant benefit of owning a Pixel phone is that you are typically the first to access any new software feature under development by Google. The latest feature update in December 2025 introduced innovative methods for managing your notifications. Notification summaries leverage AI to summarize lengthy messages or missed discussions in group chats. Additionally, we have a new feature known as Notification organizer that automatically groups and silences low-priority notifications.

Currently, these features are exclusive to Google Pixel 9 and 10 series phones, and are only available in select regions for now. After updating your Pixel phone, Notification organizer should be activated by default. Here’s how to access and customize it as needed.

How to utilize Android AI notification organizer on a Pixel

1. Launch the **Settings** app by either tapping the shortcut on your homescreen or swiping the notification shade downwards two times to locate the **gear icon** at the bottom right.

2. Select **Notifications** from the menu options.

3. Within the **Manage** section, you should find **Notification organizer**.

4. The third image below illustrates how it will appear once activated.

5. You can modify the types of notifications you would like to group, as well as select the apps that will utilize this feature.

6. Return to **step no. 3** and here, you can uncheck specific groupings, such as notifications from social media apps, news, etc.

7. Tapping the final menu item labeled **Manage apps** will allow you to choose apps you wish to exclude from Notification organizer. You may want to do this for apps that send crucial notifications like banking applications.

**Note:** To utilize Notification organizer, Google recommends ensuring the following conditions are met:

– The primary system language should be set to English.
– Your phone’s region must be one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, or United States.

Control the influx of notifications with this extremely useful feature, available exclusively on Pixel devices

As the number of applications on your phone continues to rise, it’s essential to implement an intelligent method for managing various notifications emanating from each application. Even without Notification organizer, you still have the option to silence specific types of notifications for individual apps, such as news, promotions, etc. However, this requires navigating to each app’s settings page to manage the notifications, which can be a tedious and time-consuming endeavor. The new Notification organizer feature provides a more efficient approach to accomplish the same task.

The update started rolling out on December 2, 2025, in a phased approach, so if you haven’t received it yet, please be patient. We hope to see this feature become available on more devices in 2026.

If you own a Pixel 9 or 10 series device, continue checking for the update if you haven’t already received it.

The Moto G Power 2026 doesn’t significantly shift the dynamics compared to the 2025 version, but there are a few updates to highlight. The new Moto G Power 2026 keeps the same $299 price as its predecessor, featuring some enhancements like a bigger battery, a better resolution for the selfie camera, and fresh color options. Despite these upgrades, the fundamental specifications stay mostly the same, including the identical MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, which was not especially remarkable in the 2025 edition.

The 2026 variant provides improved scratch resistance with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i and retains the robust IP69 rating and MIL-STD-810H certification for durability. It comes pre-installed with Android 16 and sports a 32MP selfie camera, a significant upgrade from the 16MP sensor in the 2025 model. Nonetheless, the main and ultra-wide cameras remain unchanged, and the device forgoes wireless charging, which was available in the 2025 model.

The Moto G Power 2025, now available for $200, delivers exceptional value with similar specifications and the added advantage of 15W wireless charging. It also guarantees two OS upgrades and three years of security updates. The enhancements in the 2026 model, like the larger battery and improved selfie camera, may not warrant the $100 increase over the 2025 version, especially given the latter’s recent price reduction.

In summary, while the Moto G Power 2026 brings some upgrades, the 2025 model stands out as an attractive option due to its lower price and comparable features. The ultimate choice hinges on whether the slight improvements in the 2026 model are worth the extra expense.

The OnePlus 16 might see a significant upgrade to a 200MP camera.

What you need to know

– Speculation indicates that the OnePlus 16 will replace the existing 50MP zoom with an impressive 200MP sensor, potentially a periscope telephoto lens.
– This new camera technology is said to be shared with the yet-to-be-released OPPO Find N6 foldable phone.
– In comparison to the OnePlus 15’s 50MP telephoto lens, a 200MP configuration would provide enhanced cropping, superior zoom capabilities, and improved performance in low-light conditions.

In recent iterations, OnePlus has released swift, refined flagship devices that excel in performance and charging efficiency, though their cameras have typically lagged. The OnePlus 15 series performed well as a whole, but numerous enthusiasts yearned for a camera that felt genuinely top-notch. The OnePlus 16 may finally satisfy that desire.

According to reliable leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo, OnePlus is considering a 200MP sensor for the OnePlus 16 (via Android Headlines). The speculation points to this hardware being utilized in the forthcoming OPPO Find N6 foldable. Connecting the dots with ongoing market trends suggests we may witness a 200MP periscope telephoto lens.

The OnePlus 15 features a decent but relatively small 50MP zoom sensor. While it functions adequately, it doesn’t capture as much light or provide the cropping adaptability associated with larger sensors. A 200MP sensor would enable significantly greater cropping without sacrificing detail.

Sharing lineage with OPPO

This strategy aligns well when examining the lineage. OnePlus and OPPO (both part of the BBK group) often share technology. The OnePlus 15 and the OPPO Find N5 already use the same primary and telephoto sensors. With rumors suggesting the OPPO Find N6 will possess a triple-camera system featuring a 200MP sensor, it’s plausible that the OnePlus 16 will implement similar technology.

Please note that these details are still in the rumor stage. The OnePlus 16 is expected to debut in late 2026, meaning prototypes are currently under evaluation, and plans may evolve.

Should these rumors pan out, the OnePlus 16 could be the most comprehensive flagship the company has launched in years. It seems this device might finally provide a camera that doesn’t compel users to overlook any shortcomings.

For dedicated fans, this may be the upgrade that has been worth the wait. Additionally, for those who bypassed the OnePlus 15 due to camera limitations, the upcoming model might finally meet all expectations.

New year, fresh mobile offers.

Steer Clear of Third-Party Watch Faces Until Google Resolves This Wear OS 6 Issue

Wear OS 6 was designed to be a fluid enhancement, improving features such as the always-on display. However, it has brought about a notable problem for users of Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch who prefer third-party watch faces. A glitch in Wear OS 6 is causing these watch faces to freeze during transitions, leading to a “ghosting” effect where the active face and Always-On Display overlap. This issue impacts both older and newer models, including the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch Ultra.

The problem particularly affects third-party watch faces, while the stock faces offered by Google and Samsung remain unaffected. Users have flagged this bug on Google and Samsung forums, mentioning that the Always-On Display transitions are malfunctioning for many third-party faces. Typically, a Wear OS watch should transition smoothly from its interactive watch face to a simplified AOD version when the wrist is lowered. However, on Wear OS 6, this transition is defective, resulting in overlapping numbers and hands.

This issue extends beyond a single brand, with reports coming from both Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch users. The underlying cause appears to be changes in how Wear OS 6 processes AOD rendering for third-party watch faces. Google has implemented new APIs to enhance efficiency and consistency, but these modifications have disrupted compatibility with established watch face frameworks.

While the stock faces continue to work properly, users have discovered a temporary solution by switching to official Pixel or Samsung watch faces, though this is just a stopgap. Google and Samsung acknowledge the problem, but a system update is necessary to fix it. Until then, it is recommended to avoid third-party watch faces and wait for the next firmware update.

Samsung’s newest budget offerings, the Galaxy A17 5G and Galaxy Tab A11 Plus, are creating a buzz by featuring specifications usually associated with high-end devices. The Galaxy A17 5G, following in the footsteps of 2025’s best-selling Android smartphone, presents a single variant with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, straying from the multiple configurations of its predecessor. Nonetheless, Samsung assures users of six years of Android updates and security patches, a considerable benefit for those looking for longevity.

The A17 5G flaunts a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, driven by the Exynos 1330 chipset and a 5,000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging. It is equipped with a 50MP primary camera featuring Optical Image Stabilization for improved low-light shots, along with a 5MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro camera.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Tab A11 Plus features an 11-inch LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, quad speakers enhanced by Dolby Atmos, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It is available in 6GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB configurations, powered by a MediaTek MT8775 processor, coupled with a 7,040mAh battery and the option for 5G connectivity.

Both gadgets come equipped with sophisticated AI functionalities such as Circle to Search and Google’s Gemini assistant, enabling users to execute tasks like product identification or email drafting without the necessity for a top-tier device. The Galaxy A17 5G is priced at $200 and will be available in black, blue, and gray starting January 7, while the Galaxy Tab A11 Plus begins at $250, offered in gray and silver from January 8.

This $1,999 universal IEM is in a league of its own.

It’s not often that I get to try out a $1,999 IEM, and Thieaudio has undoubtedly succeeded with the Valhalla. I’d argue that it targets enthusiasts, though there are many other models that provide excellent sound without the hefty price tag of the Valhalla. If you’re simply looking for well-made IEMs that sound great and are comfortable, there are plenty of fantastic options available for under $100.

But what if you desire the very best? The finest design, the highest sound quality, and the top drivers on the market today. This is where Thieaudio sets itself apart; the brand has been thriving over the past two years, and IEMs like the Monarch MKIII have gained popularity due to their sound tuning and design.

And now we have the Valhalla. Priced at $1,999 on Linsoul Audio, these IEMs are Thieaudio’s priciest by a significant margin, and they are truly remarkable. Each earbud features 19 balanced armature drivers, which is almost excessive. It’s essential to discuss the drivers, as each earbud contains four Sonion 38D1XJ007 subwoofer drivers for precise bass, ten Sonion E50DT0005 low-midrange and mid-range drivers, four Knowles RDE 33729 treble drivers, and a Knowles WBFK 30095 tweeter that offers a level of treble extension that most IEMs cannot match.

As expected from a product of this caliber, there are numerous innovations. Noteworthy is the Precision Bass System, Thieaudio’s answer to providing a “subwoofer-like” experience in an IEM. It features a distinctive resonance chamber optimized to create vibrant sub-bass; essentially, the Valhalla boasts one of the finest bass extensions of any flagship IEM.

Additionally, it employs custom tubing to ensure “smooth transitions” throughout the entire frequency spectrum, and it’s evident that Thieaudio has meticulously attended to every detail with the Valhalla. This becomes immediately apparent once you start using the IEMs; their design is striking, and it’s clear these are premium IEMs.

The Valhalla’s shell is constructed from titanium, making it durable; I’ve been using these IEMs for nearly four months now, and they remain in pristine condition. I have every confidence in their durability, and while the shells are somewhat larger — presumably to fit all the drivers — they do not apply excessive pressure and are relatively lightweight. Surprisingly, these IEMs are quite comfortable to wear.

What truly sets these IEMs apart is the faceplate design; Thieaudio offers a total of 15 designs, allowing you to customize the shell to your taste. I received the standard model, and I quite like its aesthetic; it features a bright etched pattern that catches the eye without appearing gaudy.

Thieaudio’s logo is accentuated at the base, and the overall design effectively underscores the premium quality of the IEMs. I also appreciate the matte finish on the shells, which resist smudges much better. You receive the typical mix of silicone and foam ear tips, though I would have preferred a broader selection in this area. While other brands include additional pairs in the package, Thieaudio provides the same set that comes with the Monarch MKIII.

Fortunately, the included tips offer good isolation and a snug fit. The sound nozzle is quite large and angled, and due to the design of the IEMs, the Valhalla extends out from your ears. However, once you achieve a proper fit, you won’t even feel that you’re wearing the IEMs, and the lightweight construction makes a significant difference.

Thieaudio has excelled with the included EliteNoir cable; this silver-plated cable features a braided design, is pretty flexible, and comes with a modular system that includes 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm plugs. It connects to the Valhalla using the standard 2-pin connector. To complete the package, you also receive a hard shell case with a suede lining to securely hold the Valhalla, the cable, and all the extras.

Truthfully, the sound quality is outstanding — that’s a given when you consider the extensive engineering behind the Valhalla and the number of drivers involved. The IEMs deliver a deliciously rich and detailed low-end, with impressive sub-bass vibrancy that enhances the listening experience. Overall, the bass is well-controlled while still providing a solid

I faced numerous mental health challenges this year, yet this app aided my development and progress.

Not everyone is fond of journaling. For me, writing has always been an enjoyable and creative escape, which is why I built a career around it. However, I had never intentionally recorded my personal thoughts or viewed it as a method to clarify my mind and comprehend my emotions.

This year proved to be exceptionally tough for me, filled with mental distress and frequent panic-related breakdowns. Thank goodness for therapy! Nonetheless, there are profound, dark, and painful thoughts that remain unspoken, even to a neutral therapist who is paid to assist you through your mental landscape without judgment. Google’s Journal app, also known as Pixel Journal, significantly helped me process these feelings, release them, and gain a deeper understanding of them.

Why did I wait until I turned 28 to start journaling as a form of emotional expression? Well, it’s not my first experience with a “diary” of sorts. At the tender age of seven, I owned a cherished fruit-scented diary equipped with a lock and key. I vividly remember eagerly jotting down my feelings and documenting my emotions for weeks. That is, until my siblings discovered it and read it aloud to each other, leaving me utterly embarrassed. In hindsight, I placed too much trust in a flimsy locked diary from a dollar store. But then again, I was only seven.

Strangely, that anxiety about someone stumbling upon my journal and mocking my deepest thoughts lingered on. At least, it did until I acquired my Pixel 10 Pro this year.

A smartphone is such a personal item. We already store many of our most private thoughts and aspects of ourselves within it, whether it’s messages between closest friends or discreetly locked folders of pictures we want to keep hidden. It can even include something as trivial as your internet browsing history, cheesy music, or dubious e-books. A smartphone essentially acts as a diary or journal. It’s a reliable companion in life that won’t gossip or betray you. And it’s secured with a password!

Thus, while setting up my Pixel 10 Pro and discovering the Journal app, I felt ready to release some significant burdens. Issues that plagued my nights, old wounds that drove me to madness at times, everything that my anxiety tends to replay without end, and the overwhelming internal chatter.

I didn’t anticipate it would benefit me as much as it did, but I’m grateful for the bravery it took to begin. Pixel Journal isn’t some enchantingly magical app that erases my problems. I understand it’s not vastly different from any mental health app I could’ve downloaded that allows date logging, photo uploading, or list-making. However, its preloaded status on my phone and seamless integration with the phone’s user interface proved very beneficial. The AI features were particularly advantageous for me.

What sets the Google Pixel Journal app apart is its AI-driven prompts and summaries. They validate your feelings, encourage reflection, and aid in learning from your experiences. I’ve received invaluable insights from the late-night musings of my anxious mind. The Journal adapts based on your previous entries and even offers prompts related to earlier topics, facilitating personal growth.

You can revisit your past by reviewing the built-in calendar to sense how you felt during specific weeks or months. Journal entries can be tagged with emotions and topics. Customization options extend to font type and color. The app links with your Google Photos and allows you to incorporate pictures, videos, locations, and even Health Connect data!

In addition to all these fantastic features, I appreciate that the app is password-protected, ensuring your privacy is safeguarded. All entries are backed up to your Google account, but all AI processing remains local to your device. For insight into why on-device processing is crucial, I highly recommend a remarkable article written by my senior colleague, Jerry Hildenbrand. Essentially, none of the information you log is utilized for training AI models or advertisements.

As 2026 approaches, a new year is on the horizon. As a habitual overthinker, high achiever, and planner, my anxiety tends to peak during this period. Perhaps due to my heightened awareness of my thoughts, this year I find myself feeling less afraid.

I will step into the new year equipped with a valuable mental wellness tool that has greatly assisted me over the past two to three months of 2025. And as odd or trivial as it may seem, I’m genuinely pleased I invested in the Pixel.

Verizon has launched a new deal that provides a $20 monthly reduction on YouTube TV for qualifying customers, lowering the price from $82.99 to $62.99 for the initial six months. This promotion is available to Verizon Mobile or Home Internet users who enroll via the My Verizon app. The payment for YouTube TV will be included in the Verizon bill, rather than conducted through Google. This offer results in a total savings of $120 over six months, essentially covering nearly two months of service at the regular rate. However, post the six-month duration, the subscription fee will return to the regular price. To be eligible, customers must be newcomers to YouTube TV and should not have an existing account with unlimited cloud DVR or NFL Sunday Ticket, unless they set up a new Google account. This offer presents an appealing choice for individuals contemplating cutting the cord or changing live TV services, as YouTube TV is recognized for its intuitive interface and unlimited cloud DVR.

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