Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

The newest Android Canary build has unveiled a range of exciting features that indicate notable enhancements in the usability and interface of the operating system. One of the most striking modifications is the possible reinstatement of distinct Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles. This change would enable users to control their internet connections with greater ease, returning to a straightforward one-step method that existed until Android 11, prior to the toggles being consolidated into a single Internet toggle.

Moreover, the Canary build hints at the addition of app bubbles, a feature that would allow users to launch apps in floating windows. This capability, akin to picture-in-picture mode, offers more flexible access to apps and could improve multitasking functionalities. Users can trigger app bubbles by long-pressing an app icon and opting for the bubble choice, which can then be repositioned on the screen or removed as necessary.

Another noteworthy improvement is the native App Lock function, permitting users to protect their apps with a PIN, pattern, password, or fingerprint. This capability would remove the reliance on third-party solutions, delivering a more cohesive and secure method to safeguard sensitive applications.

The build also features various UI adjustments, such as enhanced blur effects across the system, a revamped long press menu for app icons, and revised layouts for screen recording and permission dialogs. These modifications aim to boost the aesthetic appeal and efficiency of the Android interface.

It is crucial to remember that these features are presently in the testing stage and can be accessed via the Canary build, which necessitates manual installation using the Android Flash Tool. Users keen on trying out these updates should recognize that installing Canary builds might lead to data loss on their devices.

**Pei Predicts the Decline of Apps, with AI Agents Set to Dominate Your Phone**

In a striking forecast, Carl Pei, the CEO of Nothing, proposes that the phase of smartphone applications is approaching its conclusion. He foresees a future where AI agents supplant apps, revolutionizing our device interactions. During SXSW 2026, Pei contended that the existing app-oriented framework is disorganized and dispersed, indicating that a transformation is necessary.

Pei’s outlook includes AI agents managing activities such as ride bookings, shopping, and messaging. Rather than sifting through various applications, users would merely articulate their needs, while AI would take care of the remaining tasks. This transition from an app-focused to an intent-focused computing paradigm could enhance user interactions and truly elevate smartphones’ capabilities.

Although this change won’t occur instantly, Pei is dedicated to thoroughly embedding AI into Nothing’s products. Such a transformation could result in groundbreaking interfaces and more intelligent automation. Nonetheless, it also prompts worries regarding data privacy and control, as users would have to place their trust in AI for their choices and personal data.

The possible advantages of this transition encompass greater ease of use and minimized clutter, yet it also brings forth difficulties concerning transparency and user authority. As AI agents prove to be more dependable, they might present an appealing substitute for conventional applications, transforming the smartphone environment.

Early server configurations indicate that the One UI 8.5 beta is nearing its launch.

What you should know:
– Samsung is broadening the One UI 8.5 beta to include the Galaxy S24 series, foldables, and FE models for the first time.
– Initial beta builds observed imply that Samsung might soon expand the One UI 8.5 initiative to additional devices.
– One UI 8.5, built on Android 16, introduces customizable quick settings and innovative AI-driven features.

Samsung introduced One UI 8.5 alongside the Galaxy S26 series. The company has been evaluating the beta version on the Galaxy S25 series and several foldable devices, and it now seems Samsung could extend the program to the Galaxy S24 lineup and, for the first time, certain FE models.

As noted by Tarun Vats on X, preliminary One UI 8.5 beta builds have emerged for the Galaxy S24 series, S24 FE, S25 FE, and even foldables released in 2024, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. These early versions indicate that Samsung may soon broaden the beta program to these devices.

Samsung has previously followed a similar rollout pattern, suggesting that the One UI 8.5 beta program will open to more devices shortly. Notably, this time features the inclusion of Fan Edition models in the beta.

In the past, Samsung hasn’t incorporated Fan Edition phones in the One UI public beta program, instead directly releasing stable updates. This time, however, it seems that Samsung is integrating these mid-range devices into the beta program.

Once the program launches, beta builds are anticipated to be available in regions such as the U.S., India, South Korea, and selected European markets. Users should be able to participate via the Samsung Members app, although no confirmed timeline for the rollout has been provided.

One UI 8.5 introduces several new functionalities to Galaxy smartphones. As it is based on the newest version of Android 16, it features customizable quick settings allowing users to resize and rearrange tiles, along with new AI tools such as an enhanced photo assist feature supporting multiple edits without the need to save each version.

Additionally, there is a Storage Share feature that enables users to access files from other Galaxy devices directly through the ‘My Files’ app, as well as a (considerably) more customizable lock screen.

Android Central’s Perspective:
It’s encouraging to see Samsung giving greater attention to its mid-range devices in conjunction with its flagship models. Such steps enhance the alignment of the Fan Edition lineup with its name.

Xiaomi has once more introduced a robust Android tablet that offers extraordinary value.

Certain Pixel Watch users have indicated that they are receiving inflated step counts and calorie figures without participating in any physical activity. This problem arose following the March 2026 update, which was aimed at improving the device’s performance but inadvertently disrupted Fitbit tracking. At first, users noticed absent health metrics such as SpO2 and skin temperature readings. However, the issue has progressed to include exaggerated activity measurements, with some users reporting that their step counts have doubled or tripled while they are inactive.

The irregularity may not be exclusively linked to the update, as users with previous software versions have also reported comparable issues, implying possible server-related complications. This glitch raises a major concern for those who depend on their Pixel Watch for precise fitness monitoring. Despite a plethora of complaints, Google has not yet publicly addressed the situation. Android Central has contacted Google for a statement and will share updates as they emerge.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is packed with features, yet it is priced higher than the iPhone 17e.

Step aside, Xiaomi and OnePlus, as Huion has joined the conversation.

In the fiercely competitive arena of Android tablets, where heavyweights like Xiaomi and OnePlus have long held sway, a fresh contender has emerged to disrupt the norm. Huion, a brand historically recognized for its premium drawing tablets, has boldly ventured into the Android tablet arena with its newest product, the Huion Kamvas Slate 11.

The Huion Kamvas Slate 11 is far from your ordinary Android tablet. Retailing for a budget-friendly $300, it caters to a specialized audience of artists and creative professionals. Unlike other tablets that offer a stylus as an afterthought, the Kamvas Slate 11 is meticulously crafted with drawing and digital artistry as a priority. Its 11-inch IPS LCD display features a 90Hz refresh rate and a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1200, delivering a seamless and vibrant platform for artists.

What distinguishes the Kamvas Slate 11 is its emphasis on eye comfort and color fidelity. The display is capable of showcasing 16.7 million colors and encompasses 99% of the sRGB color range, making it perfect for digital artwork and illustrations. Its paper-like surface provides a distinctive drawing experience that competes with widely-used E Ink tablets, yet offers the additional benefit of complete Android functionality, including video playback.

The tablet is outfitted with Huion’s H-Pencil, a capacitive stylus that accommodates 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt detection. This professional-grade stylus, along with the tablet’s remarkable display, positions the Kamvas Slate 11 as a formidable instrument for artists.

Concerning performance, the Kamvas Slate 11 is driven by the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset alongside 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and application use. With 128GB of internal storage and a microSD slot for additional capacity, it provides plenty of room for creative endeavors.

Although the Kamvas Slate 11 shines in many aspects, it does possess a few drawbacks. The absence of palm rejection necessitates that users wear an artist glove, and the 10W charging speed is not ideal for its sizable 8,000mAh battery. Furthermore, the tablet’s camera quality is basic, and there are no IP ratings or promises of software updates.

Notwithstanding these issues, the Huion Kamvas Slate 11 stands out as a captivating choice for aspiring artists and students seeking an economical entrance into the realm of digital art. With its emphasis on eye comfort, color precision, and drawing features, Huion has effectively established a niche within the Android tablet sector, posing a challenge to established brands such as Xiaomi and OnePlus. As Huion continues to innovate and broaden its product lineup, it will be intriguing to observe how the brand develops and competes in this ever-evolving industry.

It makes you think: did sufficient people overlook using it differently?

The debut of the MacBook Neo has significantly disrupted the budget laptop market, prompting some sellers to cut prices on various popular Chromebooks.

The Lenovo Chromebook, arguably the top Chromebook available today, has just received a $100 price cut during Best Buy’s TechFest sale, bringing the cost down to $649.

This adaptable laptop has undergone rigorous testing by our team, featuring an exceptionally lightweight design and impressive battery life right out of the box. Historically, discounts on the Lenovo Chromebook Plus have been quite infrequent, making a $100 reduction during Best Buy’s TechFest a pleasantly surprising event.

The Lenovo Plus 14 was the pioneer Chromebook to employ the efficient Kompanio Ultra 910 processor, ensuring swift performance whether you’re gaming, binge-watching your favorite series, or engaging in a video conference. The laptop is also equipped with a stunning 14-inch OLED touchscreen display, 16GB of RAM, and numerous onboard AI capabilities.

The battery life can easily extend up to 17 hours on a single charge, and it offers premium features like a fingerprint scanner and a backlit keyboard. All of this is packed into a laptop that weighs just under three pounds? Count me in.

Now, for the burning question: how does the Lenovo Chromebook Plus stack up against the new MacBook Neo? Well, it’s a nuanced comparison. If, like me, you spend the majority of your day using Google applications, sticking with a Chromebook is a clear choice.

This variant of the Lenovo laptop also comes with more RAM and a larger OLED display than the $599 Neo, not to mention a backlit keyboard and a touchscreen, features that the MacBook doesn’t have. Both laptops fall short in the port category, offering only two USB-C slots.

Naturally, MacBooks are unquestionably excellent devices supported by Apple’s strong reputation, and it’s likely that the Neo will continue to impact the Chromebook market in the coming years. However, when evaluated on a specifications basis, you might be surprised at how well-equipped this Lenovo Chromebook is in comparison. You really can’t go wrong with either choice.

This week, Meta unveiled the newest development in its Metaverse approach, and although it’s not entirely unforeseen, it is nonetheless somewhat surprising. Horizon Worlds, Meta’s Metaverse platform akin to Roblox for Meta Quest headsets, is officially being discontinued on Meta’s VR system, with services ceasing on June 15, 2026. This was outlined in a message sent to Meta Quest account holders:

“Beginning June 15, 2026, you will no longer have the ability to create, publish, or update VR worlds. Additionally, access to Meta Horizon Worlds on Meta Quest headsets will no longer be available. After this date, you can still enjoy worlds on the Meta Horizon mobile application.”

Meta dedicated much of 2024 and 2025 to deeply embedding Horizon Worlds into the Meta Quest experience, even going so far as to rename the Meta Quest’s operating system to Horizon OS and featuring Horizon Worlds as the initial interface in the headset and on the companion mobile app. Meta has recently declared that the Horizon feed would be retired, and now it is completely shutting down everything related to the Horizon Central social hub and the Horizon Worlds app.

In essence, the Meta Quest experience is reverting to the golden era of 2022 when it was primarily a gaming platform. This is a decision many (myself included) have been advocating for years, and it demonstrates that Meta is indeed clearing out the clutter and returning to fundamental principles with the Quest.

What ‘gaming-focused’ truly signifies

Back in December, I discussed how Meta was “eliminating the excess” and returning to basics. Based on my understanding, that indicated a shift away from an integrated Metaverse towards producing major games to draw in large numbers of players. Regrettably, I misjudged the latter part of that assessment. Meta is not becoming the next Nintendo or Sony, which is disappointing given the quality of the games produced by its first-party studios over the past decade.

Instead, Meta will concentrate exclusively on funding external games and studios; however, even then, it will not operate as the “lucrative opportunity” it has been in recent years. Meta announced that Oculus Publishing delivered over 140 games in 2025 and has numerous more slated for release this year, suggesting that while blank checks may cease, the company still seems committed to funding game development.

Regrettably, the modifications being made to Horizon Worlds also imply that several promising projects will be abandoned. In November, Meta introduced social Hyperscape worlds utilizing the upgraded Horizon engine, enabling users to engage in hyper-realistic social settings. This service will be shut down alongside Horizon Worlds, but at least the scanning and construction of Hyperscape environments within the original application will remain.

While it’s unfortunate to lose some of these elements, the truth is that they must be eliminated to preserve the remainder of the ecosystem. Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth has frequently stated that Meta “is a large company and has the capacity to work on multiple initiatives concurrently,” but users have limited time and attention, and it is evident that Meta’s focus on a Metaverse-centered platform has not been what is attracting gamers to the platform.

The gamers have made their voices heard

To illustrate that the Quest is a gaming-centered platform, Chris Pruett, Director of Games at Meta, spoke at GDC about the state of the Quest ecosystem. “Quest usage has been rising year over year, and in 2025, we reached our highest ever unique user numbers in our history.” That’s not indicative of a failing platform — quite the opposite.

In 2025, “more than 100 titles generated over $1M in gross revenue,” and Pruett clarified that “premium app sales remain the primary revenue source for our ecosystem, but IAP saw significant growth in 2025, exceeding 10%.” This is excellent news for gaming, and notably, Pruett does not mention Horizon Worlds revenue even once. Meta is no longer attempting to justify financing a feature that lacks user interest.

Therefore, rather than seeing subpar free content shoved in your face as soon as you power on the headset, Meta appears to be returning to the promotion of actual games that consumers are willing to spend significant amounts of real money on.

To support this, Meta will keep expanding its Meta Horizon+ gaming subscription, which grants players access to over 100 games for merely $8 monthly. To enhance matters, Pruett mentioned that Meta provided over $20 million to developers who took part in the program in 2025, demonstrating that there is indeed profit to be earned for developers via the service.

Meta continues to assert that its promotion of Horizon Worlds had a minimal negative effect on game sales, but the data contradicts what developers have communicated to me and other outlets. Pruett indicated that despite the low impact, featuring Horizon Worlds prominently “was universally