AllYouCanTech

The Primary Attraction of This Phone Isn’t Its Unusually Affordable Cost

A secondary OLED placed on the rear, availability in the U.S., and a price tag below $200 is quite absurd.

If the Nuu name is unfamiliar to you, there’s no need for concern. The company, based in Houston, Texas, typically releases modest phones at extremely low prices, focusing on a market that’s relatively neglected in the United States. However, this time, Nuu is making waves and presenting something genuinely… fresh (get it?)… within this price category.

The Nuu B40 5G is a $299 device sporting dual AMOLED displays. The 120Hz 6.7-inch front display meets expectations and looks great, but the real highlight is the 1.6-inch “Vista Display” located on the rear, which showcases the phone’s true trick.

It bears a passing similarity to the new Xiaomi 17, yet is priced considerably lower, with an official listing on Amazon expected later in November. Currently, you can register for the early access promotion at Nuumobile.com and receive a $100 discount in celebration of the launch until November 3. This means you can snag this device for just $199 if you purchase it now. Here’s what to look forward to.

Nuu perspectives

The design of the Nuu B40 5G resembles many phones released during the Galaxy S8 period. It features curved glass on the front and a curved plastic back that merges with the plastic frame. The company has done a commendable job making the back feel more like glass, while the sides have a matte aluminum texture that looks more upscale than it may actually be.

The highlight is the new 1.6-inch display situated within the camera module on the back, flanking the dual 64MP camera sensors. You can bring the display to life by double-tapping and scrolling through the available cards for various actions.

There is essentially a “homescreen” that presents 10 different designs, each featuring a digital or analog clock. Some designs also incorporate a pedometer, the date and day, or a battery percentage gauge.

Notifications are delivered directly here, providing smartwatch-like glanceable data that you can easily view if you prefer keeping your phone face down on a surface. Swiping through the card stack reveals a compass, music player, and camera. While there don’t seem to be any extra options currently, Nuu may introduce more in a future update.

The camera function enables users to efficiently utilize the main rear camera as a selfie camera, offering superior hardware compared to the front-facing one. By the way, that secondary rear camera is merely a 2MP macro camera, which doesn’t offer a means to switch to it using the smaller Vista Display, which is fine by me. In the meantime, the primary camera is clearly visible even on the tiny display, making it a solid option for capturing group shots with slightly enhanced quality.

Regarding Nuu’s software, it’s as simple as you could hope for, featuring a very AOSP-like version of Android 15 with a few additional features layered on top. All the expected elements of a “pure” Android experience are present, and there are no preinstalled bloatware apps; just the Nuu app that connects you to Nuu’s customer support and warranty information, if needed.

The overall experience is impressively quick, given the phone’s surprising price point. Games like Minecraft run smoothly and actually look quite appealing, thanks to the 394 PPI resolution density of the display.

Geekbench 6 scores of 959 for single-core and 2304 for multi-core place it roughly on par with the Samsung Galaxy A54, which is priced around $250 nowadays.

That 6.7-inch AMOLED display employs DC dimming above 30% brightness and 720Hz PWM dimming below that. Most of the other AMOLED-equipped phones from the company feature a 1920Hz PWM rate, so the 720Hz is somewhat disappointing, but the display is significantly more eye-friendly than any Samsung Galaxy phone available on the market.

At $299, I’m uncertain if the rear display’s additional functionality justifies choosing it over a competing Samsung Galaxy phone, particularly considering the expectation that this phone might receive only one major Android update (to Android 16).

However, at $199, this phone is a bargain, and I would readily recommend obtaining at least one as an excellent backup device or as a fantastic first phone for your children.

Nest Speakers Refreshed with Gemini Hues for a New Appearance

Google is subtly introducing a visual change for its Nest speakers, marking a transformation in how these devices visually and functionally interact with us.

With the latest update in the Preview Program (firmware version 3.77.500695), Nest Mini and Nest Audio devices will no longer shine a plain white light when activated, according to 9to5Google. Instead, they will transition through a range of blue, red, yellow, and green before returning to white.

This effect is particularly striking on Chalk and Charcoal models, as showcased by Max Jambor in a post on X.

The new colors align with Gemini’s branding, indicating that Nest hardware is increasingly integrating with Google’s burgeoning AI initiatives. Some Reddit users have already observed differences in voice interactions, pairing, and the way the speakers engage (via Android Authority), suggesting that Gemini is beginning to influence the functionality of Nest devices.

The color cycling represents just one indication of broader software and AI transformations taking place behind the scenes. Currently, only users in the Preview Program have access to the update, but this marks a progression toward future Gemini-oriented features. By initiating these visual adjustments, Google is facilitating user adaptation ahead of more substantial updates to be implemented.

Ahead of Gemini’s rollout on Google Home

This rollout occurs just prior to Gemini’s public launch on Home devices, planned for October 28 in the U.S. Google seems keen to redefine Nest devices, positioning them not just as passive speakers but as companions built around an AI identity.

However, the transition is progressive. Not all users will immediately experience the update, and the complete switch from Google Assistant to Gemini remains in development. What is clear is that Google considers Nest a primary showcase, testing visual indicators now and intending to introduce functional AI improvements later.

At present, the vibrant new lights present an enjoyable surprise that revitalizes Nest speakers. It’s a modest update, but it signals larger changes ahead for Google’s smart home offerings. As Gemini becomes more integrated into our daily lives, we can expect to see additional updates like this that transform how we interact with our smart devices.

Samsung Halts Launch of Galaxy S26 Edge: Insights into the Choice

I can’t comprehend why Samsung even bothered.

In May, Samsung deviated from its usual pattern of launching three flagship phones with the revelation of the Galaxy S25 Edge. This device measures a mere 5.8mm in thickness, which is quite remarkable from a technology perspective, yet it pales in comparison to the iPhone Air’s 5.64mm chassis.

To get straight to the point, ultra-slim phones are not for me, and it’s not just because I have a nearly two-year-old in the house. There are far too many sacrifices made solely for the sake of achieving an ultra-thin design, and no matter how hard Samsung or Apple might attempt, a company cannot simply redefine the laws of physics.

Recent reports indicate that I might not be the only one who feels this way about extremely thin smartphones. Just a month following its release, it was reported that “Galaxy S25 Edge sales are falling short of expectations.” Prior to that, another report stated that “consumer interest in the Galaxy S25 Edge is lower than Samsung had originally anticipated.”

Now, it appears that Samsung’s ambitions for the Galaxy S26 Edge may have been impacted, with reports suggesting that the device might not debut next year as planned. Let’s explore why that may be.

Numerous compromises

The most conspicuous compromise is that the S25 Edge sells for $999 while only featuring a dual-camera arrangement. It utilizes the same 200MP primary wide-angle camera found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 7, but it also has a reduced 12MP ultrawide camera and omits the telephoto sensor entirely.

But what if the absence of a telephoto lens doesn’t bother you? The choice to prioritize an ultra-slim design has another obvious drawback: a smaller battery. The S25 Edge is equipped with a 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz screen, identical to that of the Galaxy S25 Plus.

That’s a significant number of pixels to power, particularly with the power-hungry Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset in play. While the Galaxy S25 Plus comes with a 4,900mAh battery, the S25 Edge is limited to a meager 3,900mAh battery. According to Samsung, the Plus model provides about 30 hours of playback time, while the Edge can only manage up to 24 hours.

No thanks. I’m not a fan of battery anxiety.

What about the iPhone Air?

Just because I compared the S25 Edge to the S25 Plus doesn’t mean I’m giving Apple a free pass regarding the iPhone Air. It’s an engineering marvel in its own right, arguably surpassing the S25 Edge, as Apple managed to fit the complete logic board and cameras into the “plateau” at the back while achieving a thinner profile.

However, the iPhone Air also comes with its own set of compromises once you get beyond the initial “oohs” and “aahs.” Notably, Apple utilized a modified version of its A19 Pro chip that operates with “one fewer GPU core” compared to the iPhone 17 Pro lineup. Furthermore, Apple deliberately introduced performance constraints in the form of thermal throttling due to the tightness of the chassis. Consequently, the iPhone Air actually underperforms compared to the S25 Edge in GPU-centric benchmarks.

Regarding the camera, the iPhone Air is arguably inferior to the Edge, possessing only a single 48MP lens. Apple attempts to gloss over this by labeling it a “Fusion” lens and relying on its 2x “optical-quality” imagery, but as noted by Brady Snyder in his iPhone Air review, “Two things can be true: it’s not a gimmick, but it’s also not a substitute for a telephoto camera.”

Nonetheless, despite its technological marvels, reports suggest that demand for the iPhone Air is lackluster.

In the case of the Galaxy S25 Edge, Samsung can simply consider it a botched experiment for whatever reasoning they choose. With the iPhone Air, I suspect Apple launched this device as a test to assess feedback, durability, and manufacturing as it gears up to introduce its first foldable device. Essentially, it was a way for Apple to recuperate some of the R&D funds it has invested, so don’t be shocked if this turns out to be a “one and done” offering from Apple as well.

A waste of time, money, and resources

That’s not something Samsung has to fret over, as the company already unveiled its “testing grounds” gadget with the Z Fold Special Edition late last year. Though it was launched exclusively in South Korea, it provided Samsung with feedback prior to rolling out a highly similar (if not identical) design to what we currently see with the outstanding Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Ultimately, this

OnePlus 15 Scheduled to Release Later This Month

First stop: China.

The Lack of Galaxy S26 Edge Indicates Possible Cancellation of S26 Pro

Google Maps Unveils Function to Show Estimated Commute Duration to Home

There’s no requirement to initiate navigation to view your ETA currently.

Nano Banana to Incorporate Google Messages into Innovative Creative Imaging Solutions

Google’s AI image creator, Nano Banana, is generating excitement as it broadens its presence across multiple applications. Recent leaks indicate that Google Messages could be the next platform to adopt this groundbreaking technology. A source has revealed that the AI image creator was found within the app’s code, suggesting a possible feature that enables users to create images by long-pressing a picture in a chat. While the feature is not currently live, the existence of a Nano Banana icon in the app’s navigation bar points to Google’s active testing of this capability.

Nano Banana has already been rolled out to other Google services such as NotebookLM, Google Lens, and Google Photos. In NotebookLM, users can produce images in various styles such as Watercolor, Anime, and Retro Print to enhance their study resources. Google Lens users can now modify photos instantly using the “Create” button powered by Nano Banana. Likewise, Google Photos is poised to provide quick editing features with this AI tool soon.

The popularity of Nano Banana is clear, as it allegedly attracted 10 million new users to the Gemini app shortly after its debut. With over 200 million images generated, the AI’s skill in turning individuals into figurines has become a notable feature. As Google continues to incorporate Nano Banana into additional applications, its impact in the realm of AI image generation is anticipated to expand even more.

Get Your Pixel Fixed for Half Price This Weekend

To celebrate International Repair Day, Google is launching a unique promotion for Pixel phone users in the United States. For a short period, Google is offering a 50% discount on out-of-warranty repairs for Pixel devices at its U.S. locations. This promotion is valid for the first 10 customers at each Google Store, enabling them to receive discounted screen or battery repairs on October 18. Furthermore, Google is organizing a repair education event in New York, emphasizing sustainability and repairable design.

This promotion is part of Google’s efforts to enhance the accessibility of repairs and endorse sustainability. The company has spotlighted its continuous initiatives to create products that are simpler to repair, such as the entirely repairable Pixel Watch 4 and the Pixel Buds 2a case featuring a replaceable battery. This initiative is consistent with Google’s wider commitment to sustainability and fostering a more repairable future.

Customers eager to take advantage of this promotion should head to a Google Store on October 18, as the discount is restricted to the first 10 customers at each site. This presents an excellent chance for Pixel owners to obtain quality repairs at a lower price, particularly since such repairs can frequently be costly.

Xiaomi’s Supposed ’17 Ultra’ Anticipated to Include Satellite Calling and Messaging Features

It seems Xiaomi isn’t finished with its 17 series, as an Ultra version might take the spotlight next year.

Speculation suggests Xiaomi is developing a 17 Ultra model, supported by a recent database listing indicating it is gaining new connectivity features. The device might include satellite connectivity support; however, rumors indicate that only the Chinese variant has secured certification. Additional speculations propose that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra could debut in 2026 with four cameras, one of which might be 200MP.

There are further rumors surrounding Xiaomi and another premium device, likely to bear the “Ultra” label and enable connectivity without cellular signal.

Over the weekend, a rumor emerged about a supposed “Xiaomi 17 Ultra” that has allegedly passed a significant certification stage, according to Gizmochina. This listing is from China, and the outlet states that the device has obtained certification for satellite connectivity features. The article mentions that it has identified three different model numbers for the purported Xiaomi 17 Ultra: 2512BPNDAG, 2512BPNDAI, and 25128PNA1C.

The first two pertain to versions for Global and India. In contrast, the last number relates to the Chinese variant, which is the one to have achieved satellite support certification.

As stated by the publication, the phone is cleared to use Tiantong-1 and Beidou technology, allowing satellite text messaging and calls for users. If Tiantong rings a bell, it’s because Huawei’s foldable, the Mate XT, utilizes that technology for satellite connectivity too.

Rumors indicate that Xiaomi plans to hold off on a “17 Ultra” launch until 2026, but when it does, UWB (ultra-wideband) support may accompany it.

Xiaomi is aiming for the quad-camera setup.

The speculation continues, as another one reported by GSMArena from Chinese leaker, Digital Chat Station on Weibo, addresses its cameras. This 17 Ultra may set itself apart from the other three by featuring an alleged quadruple camera system instead of three. The tipster suggests that the 17 Ultra might have three 50MP cameras alongside one 200MP lens. The social media post mentions that the phone could include a “new optical technology periscope” and “groundbreaking imaging capabilities” (translated via machine).

Details on these camera specifications weren’t provided, particularly concerning the primary lens and others.

The end of September already saw the introduction of Xiaomi’s 17 series, which unveiled three new models: the standard 17, the 17 Pro, and the 17 Pro Max. While the standard model gives off some Apple iPhone vibes, the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max showcase the “Dynamic Back Display.” This display entirely integrates its cameras within a screen, offering a foldable cover display experience but on a flat phone.

From this display, users can personalize their watch face, receive notifications, and much more at a glance. The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max’s display measures approximately 6.9 inches, and, according to Gizmochina’s rumors, the Ultra model might come in at around 6.8 inches.

Charging Rate of the Samsung Galaxy S26

No significant charging enhancements anticipated.