AllYouCanTech

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

Investigating Google’s Choice to Opt for Tensor Chips Instead of Snapdragon in Pixel Premier Smartphones

Welcome to Ask Jerry, where we delve into all the inquiries you may have about the intelligent aspects of your life. I’m Jerry, and I’ve dedicated a significant portion of my life to technology. With a foundation in engineering and R&D, I’ve been covering Android and Google for the last 15 years.

Ask Jerry is a column dedicated to tackling your pressing Android/tech questions with insights from long-time Android Central editor Jerry Hildenbrand.

I also excel at gathering data on a wide range of topics — a major part of our responsibilities here at Android Central — and I take pleasure in assisting others (another essential part of our role!). If you have inquiries regarding your tech, I would love to engage in discussions about them.

Feel free to email me at [email protected], and I’ll do my best to resolve your issues. You can choose to remain anonymous if you prefer, and we assure you that we won’t share anything outside of what we discuss here.

You may find interesting:
– What Google’s transition to TSMC means for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s Tensor G5 performance
– Google Tensor G5: Benchmarks and essential insights
– Ask Jerry: How to fine-tune your Google news search and the reasons behind it
– Google’s new Pixel 10 on the way. Is the Pixel 9 still a worthwhile purchase?

I look forward to your messages!

Why Google uses Tensor

Ken asks:
I came across a discussion on Reddit regarding the performance of the latest Google Pixel, and now I’m more puzzled than before. Many seem to view the Google Tensor as a mid-range processor that falls short where it matters. I’m in the market for a new phone, so I’d like to know your perspective.
Is the Tensor just a mid-range Samsung imitation, or does it have merit as a processor?
Thanks

Oh boy, now that’s opening a real debate!

I understand your confusion and have witnessed both sides of the debate regarding the Pixel lineup, including a recent article suggesting it’s the consumers’ misunderstanding that leaves them questioning Google’s choice of the Tensor SoC.

What’s my opinion? I believe this whole matter stems from a legitimate question that has devolved into pointless bickering online. People enjoy criticizing what they don’t possess while defending what they do, and that serves no purpose. It isn’t our duty to grasp why companies make the choices they do; our responsibility is to select what we consider provides the best value.

Everyone must remember that Google didn’t design a chip without rationale. The company isn’t seeking to win social media spats regarding chip rivalries. Its focus is on advancing its business model — that is, attracting online viewers — and leveraging its own product line to facilitate that.

Naturally, it would also like to have a successful phone division and profit from it. This entails deriving more from a product than what was invested in producing, distributing, and promoting it. While discussions on Reddit may attract some attention, they will never dictate Google’s decision-making.

A few years back, Google required the Tensor to initiate the AI trend within phones. It needed a mechanism capable of supporting innovations no one else was pursuing, and the Tensor provided that solution.

Standard performance (beyond AI processing) or graphic benchmarks were never primary considerations for Google, prompting it to opt for cost-effective solutions. It worked, leading to an increase in Pixel device sales and user satisfaction.

That was then; this is now. MediaTek and Qualcomm now offer smartphone processors that meet all of Google’s current needs, and Apple’s chips surpass what the iPhone could previously manage. These processors will only continue to improve. Google won’t need a unique and specific NPU design in its phone chips for 2025 as it did in 2021.

However, if maintaining “good enough” standards for smartphone functionalities or gaming, while excelling in AI and keeping production costs low, is achievable, why not continue down that path?

Google could utilize the latest Snapdragon processor to achieve similar AI performance while facilitating more smartphone operations — or even better, providing a more engaging gaming experience for extended durations. However, that would come at a higher cost given the expensive nature of those chips.

Keep in mind, a Pixel 10 Pro XL starts at $1,199. Though that’s an exorbitant charge for a phone (in my view), it reflects the new pricing for premium flagship devices. This is the ballpark figure one might expect to pay for an iPhone 17 Pro Max or a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Opt for the model that aligns well with your needs. Don’t concern yourself with what others are selecting or their reasons, as that won’t influence your experience. It’s up to Google to balance price, AI potential, and performance in diverse areas, while your job is simpler: choose what you enjoy.

FAQ

What chipset powers

YouTube Music Allocates Historic $8 Billion to Music Sector Within a Year

YouTube Music has reached a notable achievement in its expansion within the music streaming sector by disbursing an unprecedented $8 billion to the music industry over a span of 12 months. This milestone underscores the platform’s swift growth and its heightened influence on the music scene. Since its introduction in 2015, concurrently with YouTube Premium, YouTube Music has expanded to more than 125 million paying subscribers as of March 2025. This increase has allowed the platform to significantly enhance its financial stakes in the music industry, with payouts escalating from $4 billion in 2021 to $6 billion in 2022, and now attaining $8 billion.

The platform’s achievements stem from its “dual-engine revenue model,” which merges earnings from paid subscribers and ad-supported users who engage with music videos on YouTube. This structure has positioned YouTube Music to contend more vigorously with the market frontrunner Spotify, which contributed $10 billion to the music industry in 2024. Although it has a smaller subscriber base, YouTube Music’s payouts per stream are said to surpass those of Spotify, rendering its contributions to the industry significant.

Lyor Cohen, YouTube’s global music head, highlighted that the $8 billion payout reflects the platform’s dedication to creating a sustainable environment for artists, songwriters, and publishers globally. As YouTube Music progresses, it stands ready to assume an increasingly vital role in the international music streaming arena.

Nothing Unveils First Affordable Smartphone This Month

Nothing’s Phone 3a Lite is slated to launch on October 29, 2025, showcasing the brand’s iconic transparent design along with a single LED configuration. This budget-friendly smartphone will be the newest entry in Nothing’s range, following the recent unveiling of the flagship Phone 3. The Phone 3a Lite will be offered in Black and White, retailing for €249.99, and will feature 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage. The launch event is set for 13:00 GMT (9:00 AM ET), with the device anticipated to be available for purchase starting November 4, 2025. Although there is limited information prior to the release, the Phone 3a Lite is expected to introduce Nothing’s unique design to a more affordable market segment.

Google Home App Upgrade Broadens ‘Ask Home’ Feature Accessibility, Features Significant Bug Repairs and Performance Enhancements on iOS and Android

Following a significant redesign of Google Home, this minor update is informed by user feedback.

What you need to know:
– Google is deploying an update for the Google Home app on Android after its significant redesign earlier this month.
– The update increases the reach of Ask Home, a feature that facilitates conversational inquiries and daily summaries.
– It includes bug fixes and enhancements inspired by user feedback on the ambitious version 4.0 revamp.

Google is introducing version 4.1 of the Google Home app on iOS and Android, extending the “Ask Home” feature to more users along with additional enhancements.

This is a follow-up to the major version 4.0 launch of the Google Home app, which was released earlier this month. That revamp introduced a fresh user interface designed with Material 3 Expressive design and Google AI capabilities. A few weeks later, the latest update to the Google Home app comprises bug fixes and feature updates inspired by user feedback.

“We’re attentive and actively making enhancements based on your feedback,” Google stated in the release notes for version 4.1.

Remarkably, the recent version of the Google Home app broadens the access to Ask Home for more users, provided they have a Google Home Premium subscription. Ask Home empowers users to receive answers to quick inquiries about their home via a natural language chatbot. It can furnish daily summaries, tackle intricate multi-step questions, and function as a search bar for in-app toggles.

The Google Home redesign divided the app into three distinct sections: Home, Activity, and Automations. Nevertheless, some users have reported scrolling issues in the Home tab on iOS after the redesign. In the version 4.1 update, Google states that the Home tab experience is now “more fluid and responsive.”

The company also rectified a bug that impacted the color status for items in the Lights category within the Android app. The previous version did not change color when a light was turned off, but it now appears grey as expected.

Finally, the Google Home app now has a fix for inaccuracies in Ask Home summaries. The release notes clarify that summaries were occasionally labeled “today’s Home Brief” when they actually pertained to the previous day.

What do I need to use Ask Home in the new Google Home app?

Google is rolling out Ask Home to a larger group of users with the launch of version 4.1 of the Home app, but you will require a Google Home Premium subscription. There’s a standard plan for $10 per month or $100 annually, and an advanced tier for $20 per month or $200 per year. This serves as the successor to Nest Aware, the prior subscription service for Google Home and Nest devices.

Nevertheless, you might already have access to Google Home Premium at no cost. Google AI Pro users receive the standard version as part of their package, while Google AI Ultra users get the advanced version included. A year of Google AI Pro is complimentary with the purchase of an eligible Pixel phone.

Check the Google Play Store to ensure your Google Home app is current.

What is the “Ask Home” feature?

Ask Home is a natural language chatbot feature enabling users to pose conversational inquiries about their smart home. It can offer daily summaries, manage complex multi-step queries, provide answers to quick questions about your home, and serve as a search bar for locating in-app toggles.

What to Anticipate from the OnePlus 15 Camera Following 100 Shots

I can’t envision encapsulating the spirit of Fall more vividly than these images do. Last week, an unremarkable cardboard box arrived at my doorstep containing a signature red box inside. It signified the early arrival of the OnePlus 15, a few months ahead of my initial expectations, but OnePlus is moving forward with an elegant new flagship phone design and an array of new camera innovations.

This is the first flagship OnePlus device in several years to let go of the Hasselblad branding in favor of the company’s new in-house DetailMax Engine. If I had to voice any one grievance regarding the OnePlus 13’s camera since my review earlier this year, it’s that the Hasselblad processing can occasionally be overly aggressive with contrast, often muting vibrant colors more than I prefer.

Up to now, the new DetailMax Engine appears to address both of these concerns, providing a more lifelike image that reflects what my eyes observed, rather than what the camera software presumed might look better. The weather has been quite dismal in my region this weekend, but I managed to trek to the mountains at the end of last week during a clear, serene morning and capture Fall in a manner that felt genuine.

I ensured to maintain the watermark on each photo so you can gauge the zoom level and other vital photo statistics, which is particularly crucial if you wish to assess what the phone can genuinely achieve.

OnePlus’s CEO, Pete Lau, previously stated that the new DetailMax Engine can “capture and interpret vastly more data, delivering images with unmatched depth and realism,” guaranteeing that photos never undergo “over-beautification or distortion.” Based on my experiences with the phone so far, this seems to absolutely reflect my impressions.

At present, I’m only able to present a few snapshots from my experiences with the device but intend to feature a complete review of its camera capabilities in the weeks ahead. OnePlus is speculated to unveil the phone at a reduced price and earlier than anticipated. Rumors suggest a global launch might occur as soon as November 13, two full months prior to the anniversary of the OnePlus 13’s global launch.

Meta Ray-Ban Display Exhibitions Surface in Unexpected Places

Meta’s Ray-Ban Display smart eyewear has been attracting attention since its debut, but acquiring them necessitates an in-store demonstration. At first, demos were offered at selected venues such as Best Buy, LensCrafters, Ray-Ban Stores, and Verizon outlets. Nonetheless, the availability was limited, with numerous locations fully booked weeks ahead. Now, Verizon has commenced offering demos at specific stores throughout the U.S., presenting another chance for prospective customers to try the eyewear in person.

Verizon initiated Meta Ray-Ban Display demos on November 5, and those interested can arrange a demo via Meta’s website. This expansion is vital since the glasses cannot be bought without finishing a demo, which also guarantees the correct fit for the sEMG wristband. The eyewear is priced at $799 and can be found in Black at Verizon stores, irrespective of Verizon customer status.

Presently, Verizon is conducting demos at six locations: Canton, OH; Cypress Mill, TX; Laguna Niguel, CA; Murfreesboro, TN; Nanuet, NY; and Queen Creek, AZ. This initiative by Verizon is anticipated to ease some of the initial scheduling difficulties and enhance accessibility to the Meta Ray-Ban Display for interested purchasers.

Pixel 10’s Voice Translate Debuts in an Unexpected Market

Users of the Pixel 10 in the Netherlands receive immediate call translation, while Germany remains in limbo.