Samsung Launches Solid One UI 8.5 Update for Previous Galaxy Models

One UI 8.5 is Officially Here, but Samsung is Having Some Galaxy Users Wait for It

After four months of beta trials and witnessing the Galaxy S26 series steal the spotlight, Samsung is finally allowing the remainder of its flagship devices to partake in the One UI 8.5 celebration, though the rollout will occur gradually.

Beginning today, May 6, 2026, Samsung is launching the stable update for qualifying Galaxy devices. If you own a Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, S25 Ultra, or the recently released S25 Edge, you’ll be among the first to receive it. Following that, the Galaxy S24 series, Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and the Galaxy Tab S11 and Tab S10 series will be next.

The update will initially reach South Korea, before expanding to other areas such as North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia.

Galaxy AI Takes Center Stage

In addition to the typical enhancements to the interface and performance, Samsung is placing emphasis on Galaxy AI. New communication and creative tools have been incorporated. Nevertheless, not all phones will be equipped with every AI feature. The complete suite is reserved solely for Galaxy S, Tab S, and Z series devices.

Users of Galaxy A, F, and M series models from the past three generations will still receive new features, but these will fall under the “Awesome Intelligence” banner. Keep in mind that the features you get will vary based on your specific model and geographical location.

Once more, the rollout will take place in phases, so if you don’t see the update right now, it should become available within the next week or two. Samsung has assured that more devices and regions will be added shortly.

Android Central’s Perspective

In my opinion, One UI 8.5 is significant not because of the AI capabilities, but because Samsung required a more seamless and dependable rollout following months of uncertainty. The update introduces tangible enhancements that ought to make Galaxy phones simpler and less aggravating to use on a daily basis. However, Samsung complicated this launch more than it needed to. The extended beta testing, ambiguous timelines, and persistent speculation caused users to lose faith in the procedure. At this point, most Galaxy owners are likely just relieved to stop checking Samsung Members as frequently, rather than being thrilled about another AI feature that summarizes notifications they never wished to have summarized.

Honor 600 Series Debuts in the UK with Major Discounts and Pop Culture Makeover

Honor’s newest 600 series smartphones have made a remarkable impression in the UK market by providing high-quality hardware at attractive price points. Priced from £370, the lineup features the Honor 600 Lite, the standard Honor 600, and the premium Honor 600 Pro. An introductory discount of £200 further boosts their attractiveness.

The Honor 600 series features exceptional capabilities including AI Image to Video 2.0, enabling users to generate cinematic videos from images through natural language. However, access to this feature necessitates a subscription following an initial trial period, which could dissuade certain users.

The Honor 600 Pro is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and includes a 200MP night vision camera, 120x zoom, and a 6,400mAh battery. The MOLLY Limited Edition, developed in partnership with POP MART, provides a collectible experience with distinctive designs and packaging.

In spite of the attractive pricing and hardware, the subscription model for the AI video function and Honor’s slower pace in software updates when compared to competitors such as Google and Samsung are significant downsides. The series also features strong durability attributes and varying performance tiers, with the Pro version delivering flagship-level performance.

Acquire the ‘Almost Perfected’ Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) for $800 cheaper than the 2026 version today.

Forget about the Razr Ultra (2026), the previous year’s model is currently marked down by 46% with a new offer.

The newest iteration of the Motorola Razr Ultra is scheduled for release on May 21st, but the burning question remains: is the 2026 model worth its high price?

As much as I enjoy having the most advanced Android devices, it’s important to highlight that Amazon is currently offering a direct 46% discount on last year’s Motorola Razr Ultra (2025), dropping the cost of the flip phone to $699.99.

The Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) is now $800 less than the 2026 version with the new offer

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Meta Quest Players Rejuvenate Their Enthusiasm at the 2026 Creature Feature Showcase

I’ve sifted through all the updates so you can concentrate on what’s most thrilling!

This year has been a rollercoaster for VR enthusiasts, and although there have been numerous highs and lows, VR-centric publishers like Creature are leading the charge with their thrilling new launches. The live chat overflowed with enthusiastic shout-outs in all caps during the event, and it appears that Creature truly struck a chord with Meta Quest fans!

This year’s Creature Feature showcased a multitude of announcements, featuring fresh games and reveals, significant updates for beloved titles, and a couple of surprise features for good measure. Creature is also running a publisher sale on all its current games!

You can view the entire presentation in the video below, followed by my top selections. Here’s the comprehensive list of announcements for the Meta Quest platform before we start:

1. **Hot Dogs, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades 2:** The hot dog-themed shooter at last launches its sequel after 10 years, boasting brand new modes and a Meta Quest release.
2. **Compass:** An expansive flight adventure. Soar above the clouds, discover treasures, and enhance your ship to journey further and further.
3. **Wordbound:** Combine letters to create words, then merge those words to build objects, all to solve puzzles. It’s an impressively inventive application of interactive technology!
4. **Janet’s Planet:** A planet terraforming quest that challenges players to rescue dying worlds through unique terraforming mechanics.
5. **Sock Puppet Superstar:** Slip on your Meta Quest and slide your hand into an enchanting sock that performs at concerts in this new rhythm game that has gone viral on social media. It channels Trombone Champ in the most Pixar-like manner.
6. **Crepe Master:** A VR beat-em-up that’ll add the “sweet” to “sweet punch!”
7. **Spymaster:** An action-narrative spy game where you assume the roles of three distinct agents, each equipped with unique skills and gadgets.
8. **Updates** for Laser Dance, Deadly Delivery, Crossings, Sweet Surrender, Beat the Beats, and Forefront.

Catch the entire Creature Feature showcase to explore the remaining announcements, and enjoy these exciting new titles!

Google’s Rival to Whoop Could Debut Tomorrow

The upcoming Fitbit Air might make its entrance before Google I/O, featuring a sleek design. Google’s screenless Fitbit Air could be launched as early as May 7, following recent hints and leaks. This wearable is anticipated to monitor health metrics throughout the day and display insights within the Fitbit app rather than directly on a screen. It’s speculated that the Fitbit Air will be priced at approximately $99 and offer various band options akin to the Pixel Watch.

Based on earlier leaks, it appears that Google’s screenless competitor to Whoop could potentially debut tomorrow, May 7, 2026. Recently, Steph Curry shared an Instagram post where he was seen with a new Fitbit device that hadn’t been previously revealed, hinting at an entirely new type of wearable. Since that moment, numerous leaks have indicated that Google has been developing a Whoop-like fitness tracker devoid of a screen. This device is said to gather data throughout the day and provide insights on your smartphone, instead of displaying them on a screen.

This segment of wearables has been seeing continuous growth, with companies like Whoop, Amazfit, and others already established in the market. Now, it seems Google is prepared to enter the fray with its own version of a screenless tracker.

Fitbit’s official Instagram recently shared a teaser with the message “Buckle up. 5.7.26,” showcasing a light blue band with a metal buckle over several slides. The design closely resembles the Pixel Watch woven band, aligning with earlier leaks suggesting a device named the Fitbit Air. All indications point to a potential launch set for tomorrow.

In another teaser, Fitbit shared a video addressing prevalent health-related inquiries, concluding with a “thinking” prompt, hinting that the company may reveal information about its Gemini-driven personal health coach, which has been in beta testing since last year.

Prior leaks hinted at a launch around May 16, but it seems Google might be accelerating its timeline. With the upcoming Android Show and Google I/O 2026, this timing actually aligns well, allowing the Fitbit Air to gain its own attention before the major announcements take place.

Reports indicate it could retail for around $99, featuring multiple band options similar to the Pixel Watch lineup. There are also speculations that Google might rebrand Fitbit’s software experience under a new Google Health name, although nothing has been verified yet. Nevertheless, it appears that we may not have to wait much longer, as the Fitbit Air could be officially revealed very soon.

Android Central’s Viewpoint: I have always appreciated the concept of screenless trackers, but they have often seemed incomplete. If Google can merge reliable tracking with Gemini’s insights, this may be the first fitness band that genuinely provides me with useful information rather than just displaying figures.

“Persuasive Arguments for Removing Google Chrome”

And the most unfortunate aspect is that Google never inquired if you were interested.

Galaxy Ring 2 Anticipated for Early 2027 Launch, Not 2026

It seems Samsung needed to reassess the situation.

Following a prolonged stretch of silence, speculation regarding Samsung’s upcoming smart ring could dampen any expectations you had for 2026.

This week, a report from EtNews (Korean) suggests that Samsung might have to bypass 2026, as it diligently works on the Galaxy Ring 2 (via 9to5Google). While nothing is guaranteed, these speculations imply that Samsung’s January/February Galaxy Unpacked 2027 may be our next point of focus. The source from the publication claims it is “likely” that Samsung could reveal the Galaxy Ring 2 “early next year.”

The claims continue, with the alleged source indicating that Samsung is striving to enhance the accuracy of temperature sensors and sleep data. Additionally, the forthcoming iteration of the smart ring could significantly “broaden cardiovascular health insights.” The concept of non-invasive blood sugar monitoring has resurfaced, reminding us of past rumors we’ve encountered over the years.

Comfort in the Galaxy Ring 2 is also a topic of internal deliberation at Samsung. Speculation suggests the company might aim to “optimize internal component arrangement” to create a lighter, more functional smart ring.

Let’s discuss Galaxy Ring 2

We’ve been on a rollercoaster journey with the Galaxy Ring 2 for a while now. Last year, we anticipated its appearance during Samsung’s summer Unpacked, but reports swiftly dashed those expectations. It was stated that the device was entrenched in its “early developmental” phase, and that Samsung would not be releasing it in 2025. Some characteristics noted in today’s rumor were mentioned back then, too, including a slimmer design and battery longevity.

Android Central’s Perspective

These rumors have also indicated that Samsung was compelled to “reassess” the Galaxy Ring 2’s release due to market conditions. It makes me ponder if everything else they’re pursuing prompted a reevaluation as well. There are persistent concerns surrounding smart rings, particularly when considering durability and the possibility of needing to replace components. We’re still lacking substantial information, so hopefully, more will emerge in the future.

Concerning its battery, rumors suggest Samsung is pursuing “dream battery” technology for the Galaxy Ring 2. These would be “all-solid-state” batteries, which would provide an energy density improvement from 200 to 360Wh/L. In essence, we could be looking at a larger cell in the Galaxy Ring 2. It was also surprising to see the topic of Samsung’s non-invasive blood glucose monitoring mentioned in this rumor. This is a technology the company has been developing for several years.

Originally, there was speculation that it might debut with the Galaxy Watch 7, but that did not materialize. It definitely did not occur for the Watch 8 either.

Motorola Razr 2026 Line Unveiled with Preorders Starting Soon: Discover the Offered Models

This week, Motorola introduced its latest Razr 2026 series. The collection includes three Razr flip models: the standard Razr 2026, the mid-tier Razr Plus 2026, and the high-end Razr Ultra 2026. Motorola also revealed the pricing and launch date for the Razr Fold, which has been teased since CES 2026. All four devices will be available for preorder starting May 14, with sales in stores beginning on May 21.

With four fresh Razr 2026 smartphones set to hit the market soon, which variant are you most inclined to buy, if any? Participate in our poll and leave a comment telling us your choice and reasoning.

The Razr 2026 flip models do not represent major enhancements compared to their forerunners, a fact evident when examining their chipsets. The Razr Ultra 2026 is equipped with the same chip as the previous year’s Razr Ultra, while the Razr Plus 2026 shares its chipset with the Razr 2024. The standard Razr 2026 is the only model to receive a new chip, albeit a slight upgrade from the Dimensity 7400X to the Dimensity 7450X.

Conversely, there were some notable improvements in camera and battery specifications. Each Razr 2026 flip phone is equipped with dual 50MP cameras, with the base model upgrading from a 13MP ultrawide camera and the Plus replacing the telephoto camera with an ultrawide one. The Razr and Razr Ultra saw their battery capacities enhanced by 300mAh, while the Razr Plus benefited from a substantial 500mAh increase, all made possible by new silicon-carbon batteries.

That being said, the prices of the three flip models have risen, likely due to the ongoing RAM shortage. The base and Plus models saw a $100 increase in price, while the Razr Ultra experienced a $200 hike over its predecessor. This may cause some hesitation in purchasing the more premium $1,499 Razr Ultra 2026, although the Razr 2026 still appears to be a more reasonable option.

The Razr Fold has been anticipated for months, but it’s finally arriving alongside the Razr 2026 flip models. This foldable device boasts three 50MP rear cameras, which DXOMARK has rated as the “#1 foldable camera system,” a remarkable achievement. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (not the Elite) and features a substantial 6,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging.

In numerous aspects, the Razr Fold surpasses the Galaxy Z Fold 7, even underpricing it by $100. If you have an interest in foldables, this could very well be one to consider.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Acquiring the 2026 Motorola Razr Flip Phone: 6 Reasons to Buy and 4 Reasons to Refrain

There’s ample time left to make a choice prior to the start of Razr 2026 preorders. The Razr 2026 lineup has arrived, and though the phones resemble their predecessors closely, there are still some significant enhancements that might pique your interest. So, as we await the preorder commencement on May 14, we’re reviewing a few considerations for those contemplating a purchase of a Razr 2026 flip phone (the Razr Fold will be discussed in a separate article).

Note that this information is derived from the phones’ specifications and my limited hands-on experience with the devices. For a comprehensive evaluation and conclusive recommendations, you’ll need to wait for our reviews.

Motorola Razr 2026 series: Reasons to consider one

Here are the primary factors that may encourage you to think about acquiring the Razr 2026 flip phones.

Updated colors and materials

Motorola is recognized for moving away from glass back panels and opting for different materials for its phones. We frequently commend the brand for its vibrant colors and its use of materials like vegan leather and wood, and the Razr 2026 series continues this trend with new color selections and intriguing material options.

The Razr Ultra 2026 is offered in just two colors this year, Orient Blue and Cocoa, building on what were evidently the more favored material choices from the Razr Ultra 2025, Alcantara and wood. The soft Alcantara feels wonderful to touch, with a color that shifts between blue and purple based on the lighting, while Cocoa presents a deeper wood tone in comparison to the Mountain Trail selection from 2025.

The base Razr provides four color options, giving buyers a considerable selection to choose from. All variations look and feel great, but I lean towards Bright White and Violet Ice, as the former shines beautifully due to its acetate design (although the phone does have a substantial weight), while the latter features a calming wavy texture that makes me want to glide my hand across it continuously.

What’s even more exciting is that Motorola is likely to introduce even more colors in the future, potentially including another collaboration with Paris Hilton!

Camera enhancements throughout

There weren’t many modifications in the new Razr 2026 series, but one area Motorola focused on was the cameras across all devices.

The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 camera was already quite impressive, but Motorola is promising improved photos due to a new LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) camera sensor. While Motorola isn’t the first brand to implement this kind of camera (check out the Xiaomi 17 Ultra), it pledges enhanced dynamic range, quicker image capture, and improved efficiency.

The sensors are also Pantone-validated for superior color and skin-tone fidelity.

The Razr and Razr Plus have received upgrades as well, now featuring dual 50MP rear cameras that are Pantone Validated. This should lead to superior ultrawide shots on the Razr 2026, but the Razr Plus has also replaced last year’s telephoto camera with an Ultrawide. Thankfully, you can still achieve optical-quality images at 2x zoom if necessary, but this should provide more flexibility.

Motorola has also included additional camera functionalities, such as Tilt to Zoom in Camcorder mode and Frame Match, allowing you to capture a scene and create an overlay so someone else can photograph you with your preferred framing.

Motorola also unveiled two Google Photos features alongside the Razr 2026 series, one creating a digital wardrobe for you to mix and match outfits and visualize a digital preview of your look. The other integrates Google Photos Memories into Motorola’s Daily Drop, enabling you to view your photos next to other personalized content.

Innovative battery technology

Silicon-carbon batteries are the latest trend, enabling manufacturers to fit larger-capacity batteries into smaller devices, and they are revolutionizing the smartphone market. Sadly, U.S. companies like Samsung and Google have been slow to embrace it, but Motorola is integrating it into the new Razr flip phones.

Consequently, Motorola was able to enhance the battery capacity for each model. The base Razr rises from 4,500mAh to 4,800mAh, the Razr Plus increases from 4,000mAh to 4,500mAh, and the Razr Ultra expands from 4,700mAh to a robust 5,000mAh! All while keeping the device sizes unchanged!

This means more time capturing moments and less time fretting over battery life.

Increased software updates… sort of

Motorola has not been renowned for its prompt or extensive software update support, but that is gradually improving. The Razr series has consistently promised three years of OS updates and four years of security updates. Now, the Razr 2026 series is elevating this commitment, even if only by a