Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

The Google Pixel 10 Pro is an exceptional smartphone, but you’re overlooking some valuable features if you aren’t utilizing them.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro ranks among the top Android smartphones available, but this isn’t solely due to its hardware. The display, camera quality, and superb construction certainly justify the choice of this phone, yet there’s arguably an even more significant aspect.

Google phones, such as the Pixel 10 Pro, excel in terms of software. With seven years of Android OS updates, consistent Pixel Drops, and exclusive functionalities, the software alone is a compelling reason to consider a Google device.

Nonetheless, there are numerous remarkable features of the Pixel 10 Pro that you should actively explore. You could go years without discovering them, but if you miss out, you’ll truly regret it. From Magic Cue to Qi2, these are the features that set the Pixel 10 Pro apart.

Allow your phone to handle the heavy lifting with Magic Cue

Magic Cue may be the most intelligent Pixel feature yet, as it processes information from various Google applications to provide a comprehensive view of your device and service usage. It can draw on data from apps such as Gmail, Pixel Screenshots, Google Calendar, and Google Messages to predict your next actions. This feature saves time by smartly displaying information when you require it. For instance, if you’re messaging a friend about your upcoming flight, Magic Cue might prompt you to share your flight details in Google Messages.

You maintain control over your data when using Magic Cue, and it operates on-device utilizing Gemini Nano models and the Tensor G5 chip for processing. Additionally, you can select or deselect the data sources for Magic Cue. If you prefer not to have the feature examine your emails, you can disable Gmail as a source.

To start using it, open the Settings app, select the Magic Cue section, and ensure that the toggles are enabled for the suggestion types and data sources you want. Then, wait for Magic Cue to recommend an action as your day unfolds.

Receive personal photography guidance with Camera Coach

If you’re concerned about AI excessively modifying or altering photos, you should still consider Camera Coach. This new feature on the Pixel 10 Pro utilizes AI to assist you in becoming a better photographer, rather than relying on generative AI to perform the task for you. The tool leverages a combination of on-device and cloud-based AI powered by custom Gemini models specifically developed for photography skills.

The functionality is straightforward. AI models analyze a scene, and from there, Camera Coach provides instructions on capturing the optimal photo. It may suggest advice related to factors like composition, lighting, or framing. Those without photography experience may lack the innate skills to fully utilize the triple-camera system of the Pixel 10 Pro.

Fortunately, thanks to Camera Coach, you don’t have to. While using the Pixel Camera app, you’ll notice a Camera Coach icon in the upper right corner above the viewfinder. It looks like a camera with an AI sparkle, and tapping it will activate Camera Coach. From there, the AI scans your image, proposes a theme, and guides you toward achieving the perfect shot.

Edit photos effortlessly with Ask Photos

The Google Photos app comes packed with photo editing capabilities, and it’s challenging to keep track of all the features. To address this, Google introduced the Ask Photos feature in the Pixel 10 Pro. It includes a Help me edit option in the Google Photos editor that understands natural language requests and can modify photos for you. For example, you could instruct it to remove reflections in an image or eliminate shadows.

Using it is straightforward — simply tap the Help me edit button in the Google Photos editor. Then, type a request or click a suggestion, choose an edited image option, and save it as a copy. This feature won’t be accessible until you opt into Ask Photos, but doing so is definitely worth it for this tool.

Document your experiences with the Pixel Journal app

It’s not common for Google to launch a completely new app, but that’s exactly what they did for the Pixel 10 Pro. The new device was among the first to feature the Pixel Journal app, an AI-enhanced journaling application. The app is designed with privacy in mind, providing a secure space for your most private reflections. It can integrate data from Google Photos and Health Connect, and offers cloud storage support and a secure PIN to protect your entries.

You may be curious — how does AI play a role here? Within the Pixel Journal app, there’s a dedicated Insights tab that organizes your entries, and the Create a Journal entry feature will suggest AI-generated writing prompts. Moreover, there’s a Deep dive mode that assists users in exploring topics they wish to write about. Another AI functionality worth mentioning is Mood ID, which selects an appropriate emoji for each journal entry.

It’s important to note that no data from the Pixel Journal is utilized for targeted advertising or AI training. The AI-driven features rely on on-device processing to ensure privacy.

While the Pixel Journal app

**This is what’s coming your way, and Honor is hopeful you’re ready for it.**

Honor is preparing to make an impact with its forthcoming Magic V6 foldable smartphone, and the company is making sure that technology fans are adequately ready for what lies ahead. The Magic V6, which will be introduced at MWC 2026 on March 1, is more than just another foldable; it represents a hallmark of innovation and resilience.

**An Eye-Catching Red Variant**

Honor has hinted at a captivating red variant of the Magic V6, showcasing a distinctive back panel texture that visually mimics soft, flowing hair. This design element is not only visually appealing but also distinguishes the device in a marketplace filled with similar products.

**Strength at Its Core**

The Magic V6 is not just focused on looks; it emphasizes durability and endurance. Honor underscores the phone’s slim yet robust outer shell, boasting IP68 and IP69 certifications for dust and water resistance. The device is also equipped with “Advanced Display Protection,” which provides a low reflection rate, high durability, and improved clarity thanks to its reinforced inner screen featuring UTG glass.

In a bold durability test, the Magic V6 served as the primary support mechanism for a zipline in Thailand, demonstrating its capacity to endure considerable stress and weight. This experiment highlights Honor’s dedication to developing a foldable device that does not skimp on durability.

**What Lies Ahead?**

Honor’s Magic V6 is part of a wider range that encompasses the MagicPad 4 and MagicBook Pro 14, all of which are set to be revealed at MWC 2026. Moreover, Honor is delving into new ground with the announcement of its inaugural humanoid robot, marking the brand’s venture into the AI-powered robotics arena.

As the technology community eagerly anticipates these advancements, Honor is ready to transform what users can expect from foldable devices by integrating style, robustness, and state-of-the-art technology.

If you’re okay with last-generation tech, the Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar stands out as a fantastic option.

My top choice for minimalist cases, Thinborne, is introducing some stylish new colors this year, all featuring the finest MagSafe rings ever. The last few years have been somewhat dull for Galaxy S enthusiasts, but 2026 is set to be considerably more exciting, particularly for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Although we’ve encountered numerous rumors regarding minor design tweaks and hardware enhancements, the initial cases for the smartphones just arrived at my door this past weekend, giving me a glimpse of what to anticipate when Samsung unveils everything this week.

Thus far, my preferred cases are (unsurprisingly) from Thinborne, a Texas-based firm in Frisco known for creating ultra-thin aramid fiber cases. These consistently rank as my favorites because they provide a streamlined appearance and add no bulk to the device, preserving the in-hand sensation of a “bare” phone without the slippery metal and glass elements.

Since it’s highly unlikely that we’re receiving Qi2 magnets within the Galaxy S26 lineup, these cases incorporate MagSafe-compatible magnets internally, while still maintaining a thinner profile compared to other cases. This is perfect for someone like me who dislikes large, cumbersome cases yet still desires additional features like MagSafe compatibility.

The exterior of the case boasts a checkered carbon fiber-like design and is incredibly grippy, ensuring you’ll keep a firm hold on the phone even in freezing temperatures. This case feels pleasantly grippy throughout the entire year and looks appealing while doing so.

The case maintains the comfortable rounded corners, enhancing grip on those flat edges, as the material offers a more tactile grip than the metal frame found on most Galaxy devices.

The integrated MagSafe magnet is impressively robust and securely holds onto any magnet-based accessories as if its existence relies on it. Given that I predominantly use magnet-based accessories these days, this is yet another feature that this case fulfills for me.

Better still, this year’s cases are available in a range of eye-catching colors. Typically, these cases come in black aramid fiber, but Thinborne has truly gone above and beyond for the S26 series. I personally suggest the red case, as it boasts an outstanding flair due to the black-and-red color scheme.

If you haven’t tried an aramid fiber case before, here’s what you can anticipate. The material is rigid, designed to conform perfectly around your device like a second skin. Its hard composition protects against scratches and certain drops, but it doesn’t possess the thickness of a bulkier Otterbox case, so individuals who frequently drop their phones might want to consider a more robust option.

As always, Thinborne includes a tempered glass protector in the package to guarantee that your phone’s display remains safe from scratches and falls, effectively compensating for the primary weakness of this case style (the absence of a lip around the screen for added protection). This also means you won’t have to purchase anything additional immediately after acquiring one of these cases, which is great after spending a significant amount on the new devices.

Additionally, it features a raised camera bump designed to safeguard the new camera hardware within the phones, and that excites me to see what Samsung has in store for the S26 series. After all, the company has been hinting at some significant camera enhancements as the launch approaches, and the dimensions of this camera island on the back of the cases suggest we’re in for something special this year.

It may take a few weeks before we all receive our new Galaxy S26 devices, but we can at least obtain some fantastic cases ahead of the release and ensure that the phones are completely protected the moment they arrive!

Wear OS smartwatches can now receive alerts for earthquakes even when disconnected from a smartphone. This enhancement negates the necessity for a linked Android device to obtain emergency notifications. The capability is included in Google Play Services v26.07 and is being implemented server-side. Google’s earthquake alert framework utilizes sensors such as gyroscopes and accelerometers to sense seismic events. It gathers anonymized information from surrounding devices to ascertain if an earthquake is taking place and disseminates alerts to users in the impacted region. Previously, Wear OS timepieces needed to be paired with a smartphone to access these alerts, but they can now function autonomously. Google has not specified how this functionality will operate, yet it might work on cellular Wear OS watches or non-cellular variants linked to Wi-Fi. The Play Services update can be obtained via the Google Play Store, but activating the feature may necessitate a server-side update on your smartwatch.

I suppose this was anticipated?

As Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event nears, chatter is increasing regarding the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s new “Privacy Display” feature. This groundbreaking technology, hinted at by Samsung, stops onlookers from viewing the screen from an angle. A tipster from China suggests that other manufacturers may integrate similar privacy features into their flagship devices, likely debuting in September. Although no specific brands were mentioned, speculation suggests companies like Xiaomi and Honor. Samsung’s teaser showcased the Privacy Display’s capability to maintain screen content confidentiality, with possible user control over privacy settings. The Galaxy Unpacked event is scheduled for February 25, 2026, where additional information is anticipated to be disclosed.

The update for this month is currently being deployed, and it’s clear why there may have been a delay.

Key information:
– Samsung is reportedly beginning the rollout of its February 2026 security update for the flagship Galaxy S25 series.
– The update has been detected in South Korea, possibly hinting that other regions may receive it shortly this week.
– With Galaxy Unpacked happening in just two days, it’s likely this event has contributed to Samsung’s delay in issuing its latest vulnerability fixes.
– The event is scheduled for February 25, 2026, at 1 pm ET/10 am PT.

As we approach the end of February, reports are surfacing about Samsung’s (delayed) security update.

Reports began circulating on X, with notable tipster Tarun Vats sharing news of the update’s apparent availability abroad (via SamMobile). According to Vats, Samsung has initiated the rollout of its February 2026 security update for users in South Korea who own the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra. Their post notes that the update is identified by the versions vS938NKSS8BZB2, vS938NOKR8BZB2, and vS938NKSS8BZB1, respectively.

Vats also included a snapshot of the changelog for the February security update. However, if you’re looking for more extensive details, that’s not present here, as the notes simply state that new security updates “have been implemented.” Notably, this patch is being launched with a download size of 541MB.

SamMobile emphasizes that Samsung had prepped its documentation on the security patch for users well ahead of time. The update supposedly addresses around 37 security vulnerabilities, and for updates of this nature, such corrections are certainly adequate. The source adds that several fixes are intended to address issues with Knox Guard Manager, Samsung Dialer, and more.

This update is expected to start appearing in the U.S., Europe, and other areas later this week, or possibly into March.

Delayed, but with good reason:

Interestingly, one group of Galaxy S25 users received the February patch punctually, those participating in the One UI 8.5 beta. At the beginning of the month, Samsung released its Beta 4 patch to those enrolled, concentrating on resolving issues and stability concerns. The standout feature of this patch was Samsung’s newest addition: Direct Voicemail, which enables users to send calls to voicemail and access live transcriptions via the Phone app.

Beta 5 was released a couple of weeks later, indicating that Samsung was in the final phase ahead of the Galaxy S26.

As pointed out by the publication, Samsung’s late February patch for stable users is likely tied to the imminent Unpacked event. We trust you have set your reminders for the event occurring on February 25, 2026, at 1 pm ET/10 am PT in San Francisco, California. You can stay updated with all the information with us at Android Central and throughout the event via our live blog.

Android Central’s View:

This security patch is welcomed, considering it was absent for all of February. Nonetheless, my focus, much like others, is on Galaxy Unpacked this week. I anticipate numerous reveals, including the Galaxy S26 series, potential Galaxy Buds 4 series, and more. There’s a significant likelihood that Samsung will unveil a substantial amount of Galaxy AI during this event, as the company has been increasingly emphasizing that aspect of its offerings for the past couple of years.

The TeamGroup X2 Max appears to be a conventional flash drive, yet it boasts a 1TB SSD, making it exceptional.

SoundPEATS has incorporated solid-state drivers in the Air5 Pro+, and these earbuds are currently available at a 20% discount.

Last fall, Meta revealed an exciting collaboration with Garmin, enabling Oakley Meta and Ray-Ban Meta users to connect their glasses with smartwatches. This innovation allows intricate Garmin fitness metrics gathered from your smartwatch to be seamlessly displayed over any videos captured from your glasses during workouts.

As someone who enjoys participating in Spartan races, I was thrilled by the prospect of visually showcasing my fitness information alongside the obstacles I faced in each race. However, my Garmin watch was outdated and lacked the Meta AI linking functionality. Given the high cost of Garmin watches, I hadn’t been eager to purchase a new one, but a recent collaboration between Meta and Strava proved to be the solution I was seeking.

Now, any Ray-Ban Meta or Oakley Meta user can receive a fantastic stats overlay on their videos by connecting the Strava app with the Meta AI app. The metrics provided through this integration are sufficient for me to defer the need for a newer Garmin watch for some time, which is delightful news.

How to connect Strava and Meta AI glasses

Initially, I assumed the Meta AI and Strava partnership would automatically tag any videos recorded concurrently with a workout sent to Strava. I visited the gym for my routine workout session and tracked the entire experience, even capturing several of the 400-meter sprints I was assigned, but I struggled to find a way to include the Strava stats in my videos.

It appears that you must start the workout tracking through the Strava app, which is perfectly fine if you’re using a Wear OS watch like the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm I have. You can also utilize the Strava mobile app, but you will miss out on heart rate metrics.

Regrettably, there is no method to connect Strava exercises to videos recorded with Meta AI glasses if the workout wasn’t captured using the Strava app. This means you won’t be able to add stats to past videos, but at least you’re aware of this moving forward.

To begin, open the Meta AI app, tap the devices tab at the bottom, then select the settings gear next to your glasses. From the list, choose App Connections, then pick Strava from the options available. Log in with your Strava account and grant the necessary permissions required to track your metrics.

Now, when you’re prepared to work out, initiate the activity from the Strava app on your smartphone or smartwatch. While Strava tracks your workout, record videos with your Meta AI glasses. Photos don’t appear to have the option for overlaying stats, only videos do.

After completing your workout, launch the Meta AI app on your phone, tap the devices tab at the bottom, and select gallery. Open one of the videos you recorded during your workout, then tap the stats button in the top left corner. Activate the stats slider, then choose up to five available stats to overlay on your video.

By default, the stats panel displays real-time data as you progress through the video, but you can switch it to a summary by selecting Stat Type in this section and changing it to summary. Each of these stat types presents different metrics, making it enjoyable to use both types for various videos. Utilizing a smartwatch to record your Strava workout will yield the most stats since it can capture heart rate and additional data points.

Once you’re satisfied with your stats, tap the Save button in the top right to store a new video in your phone’s gallery. Now you can share the video with overlaid stats through either the Meta AI app or your preferred gallery application on your phone, such as Google Photos.