Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Visible Deal Presents Pixel 9a at $199 with Major Conditions

Remember to take the promotional code!

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

The Pixel 9a made its debut this spring as a more affordable option compared to Google’s flagship lineup, but the reduced price also means that offers on the device can be somewhat rare. Luckily, Visible is stepping in to alter that, presenting a $300 DISCOUNT on the midrange gem when you enroll in the Visible Plus Pro annual plan and apply the promo code DEALTIME

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Google Pixel 9a 128GB: <a href="https://

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Stable One UI 8 for Galaxy Watch Ultra Launched

The previous year’s Galaxy Watch Ultra is now receiving the stable One UI 8 Watch update. The 2024 Galaxy Watch Ultra has become the first Wear OS smartwatch to obtain the Wear OS 6-based One UI 8 Watch update. Samsung rolled out the stable update just weeks after initiating the beta, entirely skipping a second round. New features such as Running Coach, Bedtime Guidance, Vascular Load, and Antioxidant Index are available to encourage healthier habits.

Samsung has commenced the One UI 8 Watch distribution to older smartwatch models, beginning with the first-generation Galaxy Watch Ultra. The South Korean technology leader announced the launch of One UI 8 Watch for the Galaxy Watch Ultra today, with U.S. users on Reddit verifying that it is now live. The update introduces new health functionalities and an improved UI first displayed on the Galaxy Watch 8 series.

Samsung clearly acted quickly. Today’s release comes just weeks after starting beta testing in the U.S. and South Korea, bypassing what many anticipated would be a second testing phase. For now, it appears that only the 2024 flagship watch is receiving the upgrade.

Essentially, the Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) is the first contemporary Wear OS smartwatch to receive the Wear OS 6 update, even surpassing the newly launched Galaxy Watch 8 and 2025 Watch Ultra. While Samsung may have showcased its latest Android smartwatches with One UI 8 Watch right out of the box, they are not yet available in stores.

Enhanced health features

The update delivers a variety of new tools to the Galaxy Watch Ultra, including Running Coach, Bedtime Guidance, Vascular Load, and Antioxidant Index. All these features are designed to assist you in cultivating healthier habits through more personalized health insights.

Additionally, Galaxy Watch Ultra users will experience the refreshed One UI 8 Watch aesthetic. It has been redesigned to better accommodate the smaller screen, ensuring that essential information is highlighted.

This update is significant, nearing 2GB, so anticipate that the download and installation will take some time.

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“July Update for Pixel Watch Fixes Emergency Issue, Restricted Availability”

For those sporting a Pixel Watch in Japan or Singapore, be on the lookout for a new update.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Users of the Pixel Watch in Japan and Singapore are now receiving the July 2025 update after missing out on the previous one.
  • Emergency calls are functioning on cellular models, even without a mobile plan; just stay linked via Bluetooth.
  • Even though it launched in July, the update contains the June 2025 security patch.

Owners of the Pixel Watch in Japan and Singapore who were left out of the last update are now finally receiving the July 2025 version.

Google’s June Feature Drop introduced enhancements such as transit payments and preferred home controls for the Pixel Watch. However, users in Japan and Singapore had to wait. After assuring an update “in the coming weeks,” Google is now providing the July 2025 patch, which is currently rolling out to Pixel Watch devices in those two nations (via Droid Life).

The BW1A.250605.004.J2 update is being deployed specifically to the cellular versions of the Pixel Watch 2 and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link"

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Samsung Improves Good Lock Modules for One UI 8

Home Up, MultiStar, NavStar, and QuickStar have been updated with the One UI 8 enhancements.

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Samsung is deploying updates to its Good Lock toolkit to align with the One UI 8 release.
  • Home Up’s improvements grant you the ability to modify app launching, building on the animation control features introduced in One UI 7.
  • MultiStar, NavStar, and QuickStar are similarly fully upgraded and compatible with One UI 8.

With the arrival of One UI 8 and Samsung’s newest foldables at the forefront, the brand has begun to adjust several of its Good Lock modules to ensure compatibility with the update.

Earlier this year, One UI 7 provided some enhancements to Good Lock, with a particular focus on Home Up. This feature enabled users to customize their home screen experience, including adjusting animation flows and wallpaper transitions. Now, with One UI 8, Samsung is reinforcing this by allowing you to customize app opening animations as well.

In One UI 7, app launch animations remained unmodifiable. This changes with One UI 8.

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Google Sues Hackers Connected to Significant Android Fraud Operation

Google initiates legal action against suspected creators of BadBox 2.0, which took over millions of Android streaming gadgets.

(Image credit: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google is pursuing hackers in China for taking control of more than 10 million devices and creating the covert BadBox 2.0 botnet.
  • BadBox 2.0 was discovered on inexpensive Android streaming devices, tablets, and projectors—either pre-installed with malicious software or infected during installation through dubious applications.
  • Google’s Play Protect now automatically blocks all connections to BadBox 2.0, effectively mitigating the botnet’s preferred methods.

Google is targeting unidentified individuals in China, alleging they took control of over 10 million devices globally to establish the BadBox 2.0 botnet, which was subsequently used for illicit cyber activities.

Following revelations from Human Security and Trend Micro regarding the BadBox 2.0 botnet, Google has verified it is proceeding with legal action against the offenders (as reported by BleepingComputer). Filed this week in a federal court in New York, Google’s lawsuit contends that BadBox 2.0 infected uncertified devices—such as low-cost streaming boxes, tablets, and projectors—by either injecting malware prior to shipment or sneaking it in through dubious apps on open-source Android systems.

The compromised devices

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Exceeds Flip in Sales in Korea

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is beginning to capture attention, with pre-orders surging.

What you need to know

– For the first time, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is surpassing the Z Flip 7 in pre-orders, claiming 60% of the market share.
– The Flip series previously ruled, achieving 70% in pre-orders just two years prior.
– Although it’s nearly twice the cost of the Flip, the Fold 7’s design overhaul is encouraging people to reconsider their foldable choice.

Following Samsung’s recent foldable announcement, initial figures from South Korea indicate that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is gaining more pre-orders than the Galaxy Z Flip 7.

Historically, the Galaxy Z Flip has been Samsung’s top performer in both pre-orders and sales, but this year, consumer interest appears to be shifting. FNN News reports that in Korea, the Z Fold 7 is now leading over the Flip 7 in pre-orders, a first for this series, as the Fold has never outperformed the Flip previously (via SamMobile).

This year, the Z Fold 7 accounts for 60% of pre-orders, while the Flip comprises 40%. This reflects a significant change from past trends.

The end of the Flip’s dominance

Last year, the Flip 6 led with 60%, while the Fold 6 held 40%. The prior year, the Flip 5 dominated with 70%, compared to the Fold 5’s 30%. Thus, it’s evident that these figures indicate a substantial shift in foldable consumer preferences.

Currently, these statistics are exclusive to Korea, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the Fold 7 starts to overshadow the Flip globally as well. Samsung has equipped this year’s Fold with enough enhancements to prompt consumers to rethink their typical Flip choices.

The Z Flip trend has been logical up until now. The Z Fold series has consistently been priced at nearly double that of the clamshell foldable. Moreover, Samsung’s book-style foldables have previously lagged behind some leading options from China regarding design innovation.

Nonetheless, the current momentum of the Z Fold 7 isn’t particularly unexpected. It represents a significant improvement over the Fold 6, being distinctly thinner, lighter, and currently the lightest book-style foldable available. It’s also one of the narrowest foldables overall, and this significant design revision is likely a key factor in increasing its popularity.

For those new to foldables or existing Fold users contemplating an upgrade, the Z Fold 7 is recognized as Samsung’s most robust foldable to date in the U.S. However, if you have recently invested in a large-screen foldable, the $2,000 price tag may be challenging to rationalize.

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Comparison of OnePlus Buds 4 and Buds Pro 3 Uncovers Surprising Parallels

The OnePlus Buds 4 are the newest entry in OnePlus’s range of wireless earbuds, delivering remarkable audio quality at an attractive price. Nevertheless, they are lacking in certain aspects that may lead prospective buyers to explore alternatives. With a price tag of $130, the Buds 4 sit close to the OnePlus Buds Pro 3, which retail for approximately $150. This slight price difference prompts questions regarding the value of the Buds 4.

Regarding the hardware, both the Buds 4 and Buds Pro 3 are equipped with comparable audio drivers, including an 11mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter, and are compatible with AAC, SBC, and LDAC codecs. However, the Buds Pro 3 provide a wider frequency response, spanning from 10Hz to 40KHz, while the Buds 4 cover a range of 15Hz to 40KHz. This variation results in a more enriched and nuanced sound experience with the Buds Pro 3.

The design of the Buds 4 resembles OnePlus’s more economical Nord series, featuring a matte finish and a bulkier, rectangular stem devoid of squeeze controls. In contrast, the Buds Pro 3 boast a more upscale construction, complete with a faux leather case and the capability for wireless charging, which the Buds 4 do not offer.

Sound quality is an area where the Buds 4 excel, providing robust bass and volume comparable to the Buds Pro 3. However, the Buds Pro 3 outperform in terms of soundstage separation, clarity, and range, delivering a more refined listening experience. The bass of the Buds 4 can occasionally be overpowering, but both options feature effective active noise cancellation.

When it comes to comfort and controls, the Buds Pro 3 clearly lead the way. Their compact form and cylindrical stem ensure a superior fit and more user-friendly controls, incorporating squeeze and swipe motions for managing playback and volume. The Buds 4 depend on capacitive buttons, which may be less dependable and comfortable.

In summary, while the OnePlus Buds 4 present outstanding audio quality for their cost, the Buds Pro 3 offer a more complete package with enhanced sound, design, and controls. Unless the Buds 4 are offered at a considerable discount, the Buds Pro 3 are the better option for those in search of high-quality wireless earbuds.

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“Galaxy Z Fold 7: A Technological Wonder with Restricted Market Influence”

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is an incredible device, yet it’s time for some updates

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

If you’ve gone through any of my previous writings on Samsung’s foldable devices, you’ll understand that I have a complicated relationship with the battery performance. Prior to the speculation surrounding the Galaxy Z Fold 7 gaining momentum, I was optimistic that Samsung would improve upon its last three models.

Unfortunately, those aspirations were quickly crushed when we learned about the Galaxy Fold Special Edition. It also came equipped with the same inadequate 4,400mAh battery that Samsung seems to have an abundance of, or simply won’t move on from. Thus, this is what we see in the Fold 7.

Thankfully, similar to its predecessors, the battery life has proven to be quite reliable. However, I don’t expect this to last for long.

Redmagic Astra: The Pinnacle OLED Gaming Tablet

With a 9.06-inch OLED display and top-tier internals, the $499 Astra is an impressive gaming tablet.

Redmagic is evidently focused on expanding its offerings this year; the 10S Pro has demonstrated itself to be an excellent gaming phone, and now the brand is stepping into the realm of Android tablets. The Astra sits in the mid-range category with a sleek design that aligns with the aesthetics of the brand’s smartphones, powered by the latest Qualcomm processor and an 8,200mAh battery.

What stands out the most for me is that the Astra features an OLED display. While many Android tablets still utilize LCDs, which lack the deep contrast and vibrancy of OLED, Redmagic’s choice gives the Astra a competitive edge over its counterparts.

Additionally, there’s the pricing; the Astra is offered at just $499 on Redmagic’s website, which is remarkable considering the impressive specifications. On Amazon, the same tablet is priced at $699, indicating that Redmagic is promoting its launch with a significant discount on its own site. The entry-level model includes 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, with a 16GB/512GB variant priced at $649, and a 24GB/1TB option available for $849.

A design that stands out

It’s clear the Astra is designed for gaming; it features a striking design reminiscent of Redmagic’s gaming phones, making it quite unique. There’s RGB lighting on the back (naturally) around the Redmagic logo and the built-in fan located next to the camera, which is customizable.

The tablet’s back is crafted from aluminum, enhanced by a glass insert that effectively breaks up the aesthetics while adding a touch of style. The Astra feels excellent in hand; the dimensions are spot on, and it’s quite comfortable to hold. Weighing in at 370g, it doesn’t feel heavy, allowing for hours of usage without any discomfort.

Notably, the tablet has a flat back with no camera bump — similar to the 10S Pro — which makes it much easier to use. There’s no wobble when placing the Astra on a table, and its 6.9mm side width with rounded edges makes it very easy to hold.

The build quality is outstanding; the mid-frame is also made from aluminum, and I encountered no issues during the month I tested the tablet. It has IP54 ingress protection, and the stereo speakers provide impressive sound quality.

The bezels are slimmer than those on most Android tablets I’ve used recently, and they are uniform on all sides, which is an accomplishment in its own right. I appreciate Redmagic’s choice of a 9.06-inch OLED panel instead of the typical 11 or 12-inch displays, as the smaller size enhances the Astra’s portability while still offering ample screen space.

A gaming powerhouse

The display is exceptional; it boasts a resolution of 2400 x 1504 and supports up to 165Hz refresh rate in specific games. This OLED panel provides superb color richness and contrast, clearly setting it apart. It features LTPO technology and 5,280Hz PWM dimming, and it achieves sufficient brightness to remain usable even in direct sunlight. While it may not be a tandem OLED panel like the iPad Pro M4, it surpasses any other Android tablet I’ve previously used.

Gaming on the Astra is an absolute pleasure, with the tablet handling graphically intensive titles effortlessly. It employs an active cooling system (a small fan located at the back) along with an inventive thermal management framework, resulting in no throttling even under demanding conditions. Occasionally, it tends to run warm, but it’s significantly more tolerable than a gaming phone due to the larger surface area, and this issue was primarily observed during 3DMark stress tests.

Essentially, this is the most economical method to access the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the U.S., and the gaming tablet truly meets its potential. I opted for the 16GB/512GB variant, which I believe is the ideal choice; all versions are equipped with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage.

Much like Redmagic’s gaming phones, the Astra offers high refresh rate gaming in select titles, providing an enjoyable experience. The built-in sound is loud and clear, and there’s a customizable Magic Key on the side. The tablet also incorporates a fingerprint sensor and face unlock, both of which are quick and efficient. The vibration motor is impressive, providing satisfactory feedback.

Thanks to the 8,200mAh battery, the Astra easily endures

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Leaked Information Surfaces on Moto 360 (2025): Doubts Surround Wear OS Integration

The Moto Watch 360, a timeless smartwatch from ten years ago, is poised for a comeback later this year, potentially reigniting interest among Android fans. As per leaked images from Android Headlines, the Moto Watch (2025) is expected to showcase a circular design featuring a steel casing, metal strap, and a rotating crown, along with an additional back button. It is anticipated to be available in five different colors, with a possible launch around IFA 2025 in early September.

Traditionally, Moto Watches have operated on the Moto Watch OS with rectangular displays. Nonetheless, the forthcoming Moto 360 (2025) is speculated to integrate both RTOS and potentially Wear OS, mirroring the dual-OS strategy seen in the OnePlus Watch 3. This approach could enable the watch to manage background processes using RTOS while employing Wear OS for more intensive applications.

The renders hint at a sturdy design, suggesting the potential addition of a Snapdragon processor and considerable memory to accommodate Wear OS. The original Moto 360 and its 2015 successor used Android Wear, but later versions, created by eBuyNow under the CE Brands banner, have prioritized extended battery life and fundamental functionalities.

The prospect of Motorola returning to Wear OS has generated excitement, particularly since recent Moto Watches have moved towards more basic features. The Moto 360 (2025) could attract those who appreciate classic smartwatch designs, potentially introducing new functionalities such as the Gemini assistant. However, its success will largely hinge on its support for Wear OS, enabling it to rival other prominent smartwatches like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Pixel Watch 4.

If the Moto Watch (2025) manages to effectively utilize the dual-OS strategy, it may provide extended battery life, distinguishing itself in the competitive smartwatch landscape.

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