AllYouCanTech

Amazon Provides $50 Price Cut on Echo Show Smart Home Tablet Before Black Friday

The Echo Show 8 is a multifunctional smart home gadget that boasts an 8-inch display, allowing for convenient access to Alexa smart home commands. Located between the Echo Show 5 and Show 10 in size, the Echo Show 8 presents a balanced choice for users in search of a mid-sized smart screen. It features a standard 8-inch LCD display, which meets the demands of most users.

A standout feature of the Echo Show 8 is its compatibility with Alexa, enabling users to manage numerous smart home devices through voice control. It supports a range of products from Zigbee, Matter, Thread, and Amazon, serving as a comprehensive center for smart home operations. Furthermore, the device grants access to popular music and TV streaming services, including Amazon Music, Apple Music, Netflix, and Prime Video.

The Echo Show 8 is also equipped with an integrated camera, microphone, and speakers, facilitating video calling features. For those concerned about privacy, the device provides a camera privacy shutter and a microphone mute switch, offering an additional level of security.

At present, the previous-generation Echo Show 8 is offered at a reduced price of $100, down from its regular $150 retail price. This pricing makes it a compelling choice for individuals seeking a proficient smart home hub without overspending. The latest generation of the Echo Show series comes with slight enhancements but is set at a price of $180 and rarely sees discounts.

Ideal for users desiring a simple, Alexa-compatible device for controlling smart home appliances, the Echo Show 8 suits those who appreciate privacy features and integrated speakers for music playback. However, individuals looking for a different screen dimension, Dolby audio capabilities, or the most current device may want to explore alternative options.

In summary, the Echo Show 8 continues to be a favored selection due to its solid audio performance, size, and high-quality camera for video calls, making it a well-rounded addition to any smart home arrangement.

Guide to Modifying the Theme on Your Google Pixel Watch

Material You theming has arrived, enabling you to select colors for your entire smartwatch.

Wear OS 6 is now available, bringing a splash of color to the operating system for Google Pixel Watch users. Similar to Android 16, it draws inspiration from Material You and Material 3 Expressive. While the vivid and vibrant color schemes might not appeal to everyone, Google has considered this and allows users to customize the color theme of their smartwatch.

You have a total of 10 options for personalizing the color theme of your Pixel Watch, and this guide will detail each one and how to configure them.

Pixel Watch themes and color options

Wear OS 6 represents a significant update for the Google Pixel Watch, introducing Material 3 Expressive, a lively and colorful design language, to your smartwatch. The presence of Material You theming on the Pixel Watch marks its debut, giving users precise control over the complete Wear OS aesthetic. Customization goes beyond the watch face; it encompasses buttons, sliders, toggles, and every aspect of the system.

Wear OS 6 offers two primary theming choices: Match watch face and No theme. The first option will automatically modify Material You theming to correlate with your chosen watch face when activated (note that this applies only to official watch faces). Each time you switch watch faces, an Applying theme screen will be displayed as your Pixel Watch adjusts accordingly. As anticipated, No theme simply maintains the standard colors of Wear OS 6.

Alternatively, you can choose a consistent color theme from the following selections:
– Moonstone
– Ivy
– Porcelain
– Iris
– Lemongrass
– Jade
– Indigo
– Peony

The color options listed above correspond with the physical color variations found on Pixel phones and watches.

How to change your Google Pixel Watch theme

Configuring Material You theming on your Google Pixel Watch takes just a few taps. Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings app on your Pixel Watch.
2. Select Display, then tap Color theme.
3. Choose an option from the menu. The selections include Match watch face, No theme, and the eight individual colors mentioned previously.
4. After you select an option, an Applying theme animation will be displayed.

Following this, your Google Pixel Watch’s user interface will reflect your chosen color theme. Additionally, if you switch to another official watch face, it will automatically apply the new theme.

Why you should change your Google Pixel Watch theme

Google is fully embracing colorful design with Material You and Material 3 Expressive. With Wear OS 6, this extends to your smartwatch on the Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Watch 3, and Pixel Watch 4. It provides enhanced control over the watch faces and interfaces you interact with each day.

Whether you wish to align your Pixel Watch’s style with your outfit or set a color theme that matches the physical color of your watch and phone, Wear OS 6 color theming meets those needs. There are numerous reasons to personalize your Pixel Watch, and now you have the option to do so.

The latest Pixel Watch

The Google Pixel Watch 4 is meticulously designed for Wear OS 6 from the outset, featuring a completely new domed display that makes Material 3 Expressive color themes truly stand out.

Considerations for Anticipating the Samsung Galaxy S26

**It’s a Bit of a “Chicken and Egg” Scenario**

As technology keeps progressing swiftly, consumers frequently encounter a dilemma that echoes the traditional “chicken and egg” issue. This is notably seen in the smartphone sector, where new model launches and technological advancements generate a cycle of expectation and choice-making for consumers.

With Qualcomm’s recent introduction of its latest chip, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the groundwork is laid for the next wave of flagship smartphones. This chip is anticipated to drive numerous leading Android phones in 2026, including the highly awaited Samsung Galaxy S26. However, this presents a dilemma for consumers currently deliberating an upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy S25.

As the 2025 holiday season nears, a significant number of consumers are weighing whether to buy the Galaxy S25 or to hold off for the Galaxy S26’s release. This choice is complicated by rumors and leaks regarding the S26’s features and launch date. While some indicate that the S26 will offer substantial upgrades, such as a new processor and possible enhancements in the camera, others suggest that the improvements might be more gradual.

Adding to the intricacy is the potential for a postponed launch of the Galaxy S26. Reports indicate that Samsung may delay its Galaxy Unpacked event until March 2026, prolonging the anticipation for those eager to witness the new series. This postponement could be related to the introduction of a new variant, the Galaxy S26 Edge, or the reveal of a tri-fold Galaxy G Fold.

Ultimately, the choice to upgrade now or to wait depends on personal priorities and the perceived worth of the forthcoming features. For those requiring an upgrade immediately, the Galaxy S25 stands out as a solid option with its strong functionalities and ongoing software support. However, for those prepared to wait, the Galaxy S26 is set to deliver the forefront of smartphone technology.

In this continuously changing tech environment, the “chicken and egg” scenario endures, prompting consumers to evaluate their choices and make informed decisions based on their requirements and the timing of technological developments.

Google TV and DirecTV Team Up to Improve Hotel Entertainment with Customized Experiences

DirecTV is said to be working alongside Google TV to transform the television experience in hotels through a new “Advanced Entertainment Platform” (AEP). This collaboration seeks to deliver a tailored and uninterrupted entertainment experience for hotel patrons. The AEP will enable hotels to customize their television interfaces with unique logos, backgrounds, and greeting messages. Additionally, it will provide live television, widely-used streaming services, and on-demand content, all driven by Google’s TV software. The platform is anticipated to debut in 2026, featuring options like temporary Google account integration for guests and automatic data clearing to maintain privacy. This project follows the recent rollout of Gemini with Google TV, which brought AI advancements for tailored entertainment experiences.

Google Unveils Future Fitbit Devices for Next Year Amidst Ongoing Enigma; Anticipations for Fitbit in 2026

In 2026, Google will leverage Fitbit hardware to encourage more users to subscribe to Premium for its upcoming Fitbit Personal Health Coach.

OnePlus 15 Debuts in China Featuring a 7,300mAh Battery and Enhanced Specifications

The U.S. model may arrive faster than you anticipate.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold Evaluation: A Progressive Enhancement

**Android Central Verdict: Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold**

**Rating: 3 out of 5 stars**

Google opted for a straightforward approach with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, implementing only slight aesthetic modifications to a design that was already quite high-end. Consequently, we received the first IP68 foldable smartphone, but aside from this and the introduction of Pixelsnap, there isn’t much that differentiates Google’s newest foldable device from its competitors. This is especially evident when considering the alternatives in the market.

**Pros:**
– First foldable boasting an IP68 rating
– Pixelsnap meets all my expectations
– Software quality is as refined as possible
– Gemini is pervasive, yet not overwhelming
– More affordable than other top-tier foldables

**Cons:**
– Missing certain camera features available on Pixel 10 Pro/XL
– Tensor performance still does not match Qualcomm

Best Buy Provides Discounts of Up to $140 on Budget-Friendly Samsung Phone for a Short Period

The Samsung Galaxy A36 is crafted for savvy buyers, providing an affordable option without compromising key features. Released alongside the A26 and A56, the Galaxy A36 presents a budget-friendly price with minor reductions in specifications. It showcases a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, options for 128GB or 256GB of storage, and comes in Awesome Lime, Awesome Black, and Awesome Lavender hues.

Currently, Best Buy is offering a discount of up to $140 on the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G when activated through their service, bringing the price down to $260. This makes it a compelling choice for individuals who prefer to purchase outright instead of utilizing a payment plan.

The Galaxy A36 is equipped with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Octa-Core processor and 6GB of RAM, along with a 5,000mAh battery and fast charging that supports up to 45W. Its camera system features a 12MP front-facing camera and a 50MP main lens, supplemented by an 8MP ultrawide option.

Although it may not rival high-end models, the Galaxy A36 is a robust selection for those in search of a dependable phone under $300. It is advisable for users who appreciate extended OS and security updates and decent camera capabilities, but not suitable for those requiring premium performance or a headphone jack.

Threads Launches Timer-Driven Disappearing ‘Ghost Posts’ for Momentary Opinions

Meta has introduced a fresh functionality for its Threads application, featuring “ghost posts,” which are temporary posts that disappear after 24 hours. Launched on October 27, this feature enables users to share without the burden of permanence, promoting spontaneous and authentic expressions. When crafting a new post, users will notice a smiley face toggle that turns on the ghost post feature, distinguished by a dashed outline and a countdown timer. Responses to these posts are directed to the creator’s DMs, and only the creator can view who has liked the post. This functionality is part of Meta’s continuous efforts to enhance the Threads experience, following earlier updates such as text attachments with a 10,000-character capacity and group chat functionality. The ghost posts feature is anticipated to roll out to users throughout the week.

Preview of Fitbit Personal Health Coach: Debuting Tomorrow with Gemini Intelligence and Essential Features Explained

The AI Coach is capable of creating a tailored plan featuring weeks of customizable workouts, in addition to offering enhanced insights for health, sleep, and fitness.

Key details:
– The preview of the Fitbit Personal Health Coach will be available starting Tuesday, October 28, initially for “adult Fitbit Premium users on Android in the U.S.”
– You will chat with the AI Coach in the Fitbit app regarding your objectives, and it will formulate a multi-week plan that you can adjust using AI commands.
– Additionally, you can inquire with the Fitbit Coach about your health and sleep, pertaining to your data patterns and comparisons with others.
– The full rollout of the Health Coach begins in 2026 for Pixel Watch and Fitbit devices.

Fitbit is undergoing a significant update, the first since the 2023 Material You redesign, focusing on a conversational AI that creates tailored training plans and introducing new Insight tabs utilizing graphs and LLM text to illustrate your health, sleep, and fitness patterns. Android Fitbit Premium users will have the initial access.

Launching in Public Preview tomorrow, the Fitbit Personal Health Coach will present the same health and fitness data as previously — such as Cardio Load, Steps, Daily Readiness, Sleep Score, and more — but in easily understandable widget formats, highlighting weekly or monthly trends.

Most notably, the Public Preview kicks off with a 5–10 minute conversation where you assist the integrated AI coach in “understanding your motivations and goals.” It can then generate a personalized, week-to-week plan that significantly surpasses the existing daily AI running suggestions; it can focus on a variety of sports and develop workouts from “over 1,000” potential exercises.

How the plans for the Fitbit Personal Health Coach function:
Fitbit aimed to create an “agentic health coach” capable of crafting a multi-week workout plan for any fitness objective, while also enabling users to modify their plan in response to unforeseen injuries, travel, busy workdays, or any other circumstances. It’s “built on Gemini,” but employs “different models” based on context instead of relying on just one version like 2.5 Pro or Flash.

The Fitbit Coach can design a marathon training plan aimed at a specific date — similar to other fitness applications — with up to six weeks of workouts at a stretch, including cross-training workouts across a broad range of sports. Fitbit states it is “working on” integrating a “further outlook” to support long-term plans.

What’s even more intriguing is that your Fitbit plan does not have to be overly focused or precise. It can be to “prepare for ski season” or “improve as a trail runner.” The AI will leverage this data to create workouts that engage relevant muscle groups.

A Fitbit representative demonstrated his personal Gemini-generated plan, which included a suggested “Skip Prep Power Circuit” for that day. It featured specific exercises like Leg Blasters and Jump Squats, and the user could modify the number of repetitions, request the AI to select new exercises targeting the same muscle groups, or view videos demonstrating proper form. You confirm each exercise as complete in the app upon finishing.

During the onboarding process, Fitbit will inquire about the exercise equipment you have access to, such as a Peloton or dumbbells. It will utilize that context when assigning you particular activities. However, if you are traveling, you can “Adjust workout” and instruct the AI Coach to “Create a 30-minute upper body workout I can do in my hotel room,” providing a new activity in just moments.

The same applies if you are unwell, injured, or unable to reach the gym that day. Fitbit’s adaptability means you cannot simply claim you lack time or the ability for your intended workout; it can always suggest something new that aligns with your goals.

All the other capabilities or limitations of the Fitbit Personal Health Coach:
You can access your Gemini app right now, pose the question “Why am I so tired?” and receive a general explanation with several possibilities. However, if you ask that question within the new Fitbit app, it will present a targeted response, referencing your circadian rhythm, consistency, duration in specific stages, and how others in your demographic typically experience fatigue.

This is what differentiates the new Fitbit Personal Health Coach as more beneficial than other LLMs: The relevance to your individual situation. You can request a summary of what it knows about you and receive a comprehensive text overview of information, or inquire about your trends for a particular data point like HRV.

Even if you’re unsure about what to ask, the Fitbit app will feature customized “insight” widgets displaying helpful information related to your health, sleep, and fitness trends, as demonstrated in the examples below. We’ll need to evaluate its practical effectiveness, but in theory, Fitbit will guarantee you comprehend the reasons behind the improvements or declines in your health metrics.

One aspect the new Fitbit app does not enhance is nutrition. While food and water logging are components of the existing app, the Preview lacks a Nutrition tab or trends as of now. Fitbit has stated they will be “bringing