AllYouCanTech

Amazon Echo Buds Offered at 68% Discount for Prime Members Ahead of Prime Day

Gemini’s Influence on Galaxy Watch 8: Significant Advancement or Fleeting Fashion for Wear OS?

Everyone is captivated by the squircle redesign of the Galaxy Watch 8, but it’s Gemini that will ultimately decide if Samsung can make a comeback.

Like many Android enthusiasts, I’m eagerly anticipating Galaxy Unpacked next Wednesday, where the Galaxy Watch 8 is expected to make its debut. Official software announcements and unofficial leaks provide a clear understanding of what’s coming. However, I can only unravel the greatest enigma with the watch itself: Will Gemini rejuvenate Galaxy Watches, or let them struggle?

IDC reported last month that Samsung’s global share of wearables dropped from 8.8% to 7.5% compared to last year, while Apple (15.5%) doubled its sales, and Huawei (22%) along with Xiaomi (19%) are leading the market, with Garmin (4.7%) slowly rising.

It’s not entirely bleak for Samsung; Canalys indicates that Galaxy Fit 3 sales have allowed the brand to perform relatively well in “emerging markets.” But in the realm of premium smartwatches, Chinese brands and Apple are edging Samsung out, despite the fact that Samsung boasts the highest phone sales of any brand in 2025.

What strategy will Samsung employ to turn the tide? The leaked design of the Galaxy Watch 8 may either irritate fans of the previous model or revive the interest of long-time supporters after years of similar designs. Regardless, if the anticipated increase in Watch 8 pricing occurs, Samsung will need to deliver more than just a redesign. A standout feature is essential.

For Android smartphones, Gemini has served as the pivotal application propelling Pixel and Galaxy sales. So perhaps the AI will produce a similar outcome for smartwatches, reigniting interest in Wear OS. Yet, this depends on its functionality.

Gemini and Galaxy AI must impress users, not merely restate the obvious.

Samsung aims to transform the Galaxy Watch 8 into an everyday AI companion that assesses and steers you toward healthier choices. The dilemma is, will the AI powering it function effectively or provide insights significant enough for people to pay attention?

Samsung’s new feature roster includes Bedtime Guidance to suggest an “optimal bedtime” and compel you with reminders for healthier habits; how factors like sleep, exercise, and stress influence your Vascular Load, or heart health; whether your antioxidant index indicates nutritious eating; and a Running Coach that will rate your “running level from 1 to 10” and devise a training regimen for races from 5K to marathon.

Additionally, Samsung alluded to the first 2025 Unpacked that Samsung Health would allow users to “gain real-time insights” by querying an AI about their health and lifestyle habits. We might even see “personalized nutrition advice” featuring “customized meal plans and recipes.”

In theory, this represents a comprehensive health strategy that could enhance Samsung Health, supported by algorithmic data, precise sensors, and LLM-generated suggestions.

In reality, users might disable bedtime reminders for the same reasons they ignore activity prompts: to dodge embarrassment. Samsung’s Running Coach will have to meet the precision of a fitness watch’s lactate threshold assessment for dedicated runners to value their scores; historically, Samsung’s VO2 Max score has often felt inaccurate.

And after the confusion last year with everyone receiving the same AGEs Index, I’m curious if the antioxidant index tool will accurately detect carotenoids.

I’m not trying to sound skeptical here. However, accuracy and personalization are as crucial as appearance. Can Samsung accurately assess a person’s heart health, or create a viable marathon training regimen based on just 12 minutes of running data? And will its AI coach offer specific recommendations or merely deliver generic insights from Google Search?

That’s why Gemini — operating in the background to drive these Galaxy AI functionalities — is vital to the Watch 8’s success. Samsung must assure users that these tools are not AI gimmicks based on questionable data, like the Garmin Connect Plus chatbot. If Samsung opts to introduce a subscription for Samsung Health AI, the expectations will be even greater.

Gemini has the potential to revolutionize Wear OS or fall short.

Health and fitness features are important to many users, yet people purchase Wear OS smartwatches for their intelligence, Android connectivity, and (until now) Assistant commands.

From the One UI 8 Watch beta, we know the Watch 8 will include new Tiles and a Now Bar, providing pertinent information accessible with a double-finger tap. Samsung must demonstrate that the Now Bar understands the apps and information you consider most “relevant.” We can also expect additional enhancements.

Nevertheless, I am primarily looking forward to Gemini, which Samsung has verified will be available on Galaxy Watches. The blog post promised “hands-free assistance using natural voice commands to maintain productivity on the go.” Examples included “Remember I’m using locker 43 today” or “Summarize my last email” showcasing what Gemini can achieve, sourcing data from Google and Samsung applications.

This sounds incredibly advanced and could dazzle users.

Spotify’s Discover Weekly Commemorates 10th Anniversary with Two Significant Enhancements

Wishing you a joyful birthday!

OnePlus Encountering Backlash Over Typical Smartphone Procedure

However, CHINA!

Premier Retrofit Intelligent Door Lock Now Offered in the U.S.

Nuki, a well-known brand in Europe, has introduced its Smart Lock to the U.S. market, priced affordably at $159. Recognized for its retrofit smart lock solutions, Nuki provides a product that can be easily installed over existing single-cylinder deadbolts and integrates flawlessly with various smart home protocols, such as Matter, Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, and Home Assistant. This guarantees compatibility with an extensive range of smart home systems.

The U.S. version of the Smart Lock differs from the European Smart Lock Pro, which is priced at €269 ($317). Although both variants are equipped with Nuki’s latest brushless motor and support Matter over Thread integration, the Pro version offers adjustable speed modes, a more elegant design, and free app access.

For customers in the U.S., a $5.90 monthly Nuki Premium subscription is necessary for remote access and extra features. However, those who set up the Smart Lock before September 30 can benefit from lifetime access to Nuki Premium at no additional charge.

The Smart Lock is crafted for user-friendliness, featuring extensive customization options and a built-in battery that lasts six months between charges. It includes a custom magnetic connector with a standard USB-C port for easy charging.

Nuki’s app is praised for its intuitive interface and strong privacy settings, distinguishing it in the smart home arena. The Smart Lock is an attractive option for anyone looking for a retrofit solution, particularly with the current promotion of free Nuki Premium access for early users.

Google Home Eases the Process of Sharing Smart Home Devices with Others

You now have the ability to choose who has control over what.

Essential Information

• Member access for Google Home is now broadly accessible, enabling users to easily allocate and oversee who can take control in their smart home.
• With the release of version 3.33, users can label household members as either “Admins” with comprehensive control or “Members” with restricted access.
• The Member designation allows for inviting a diverse group of individuals—children, guests, and housemates—for more customized and manageable supervision.

The Member access functionality of Google Home is now entirely implemented, simplifying the decision of what each individual in your home can reach or manage.

A feature that was previously in public preview is now available for all users of Google Home v3.33, enabling you to assign “Admin” or “Member” roles to your household members or acquaintances, according to Google’s community update.

The updated Member designation permits you to invite nearly anyone—children, housemates, or even visitors—so you can control access to your smart home equipment without confusion. As always, Admins in Google Home maintain complete control over all aspects, including devices, services, and determining who can access them.

Members Hold Sufficient Power

Conversely, Members initially possess only fundamental capabilities, but you can enhance their access whenever necessary, like enabling them to adjust device settings, execute automations, or explore Nest Aware functions and camera history.

Nonetheless, access to Settings and Activity is disabled by default, so you’ll need to enable those manually if you wish for them to have the full range of tools.

With Activity access activated, Members can also view recent occurrences, such as package deliveries, directly from the doorbell camera.

Avoiding All-or-Nothing Sharing

Prior to this enhancement, sharing your Google Home was akin to a gamble where you either granted someone complete control or left them to rely on your voice assistant. And if you granted unrestricted access, you risked unintended settings alterations or, even worse, someone accidentally disabling your devices.

Google is also simplifying the process of adding children under 13 to the Home app. Establish their account with Family Link, send an invitation, and they become a Member.

Setting up your child within the smart home ecosystem used to feel like piecing together a puzzle. The combination of Family Link, Google Home, and Assistant created a convoluted juggling act that left many individuals puzzled.

Comprehending NFC: Its Functionality and Recent Enhancement

**NFC Soon to Achieve a Two-Centimeter Range**

Near Field Communication (NFC) technology is poised for a major enhancement with the announcement of NFC Release 15 by the NFC Forum. This updated standard increases the NFC range from the present 0.5 centimeters to a complete 2 centimeters, quadrupling the operational distance for NFC. This improvement is anticipated to boost the dependability, speed, and sustainability of NFC-powered transactions and interactions.

The expanded range implies that the “sweet spot” for NFC interactions, where the alignment between transmitting and receiving devices is at its best, will be larger. This development will render NFC interactions, such as mobile payments, more efficient and user-friendly, as devices will communicate more effortlessly without the need for exact alignment.

NFC technology operates by generating an induced magnetic field to supply power to passive devices like NFC tags, which lack their own power source. When an NFC-enabled device, like a smartphone, comes close to an NFC tag, it produces an alternating magnetic field that induces a small electrical current in the tag. This current powers the tag sufficiently to relay its stored data back to the device.

The broader range of NFC Release 15 will improve the user experience by making NFC interactions more fluid and reliable. This is especially advantageous for applications like mobile payments, where users frequently find it challenging to align their devices precisely with payment terminals. With the new range, NFC interactions will be less tedious, enabling quicker and more seamless transactions.

Besides payments, NFC technology serves a variety of purposes, such as pairing Bluetooth devices and accessing secure areas like hotel rooms. The extended range is likely to enhance these applications too, rendering NFC a more adaptable and user-friendly technology.

In summary, the launch of NFC Release 15 signifies a crucial advancement in NFC technology, promising to streamline everyday interactions with NFC-enabled devices, making them faster and more convenient.

Samsung’s Ballie Encounters Additional Setbacks While Aiming for Integration into Domestic Settings

The Korean OEM appears to be evaluating what Ballie could potentially offer.

Google Photos’ Updated Interface Launched, Might Not Be Accessible for Every Android Device

Not all mobile users will receive these updates simultaneously.

Honor’s Magic V5 Arises as a Sleek Contender to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 This Summer

Honor has introduced its newest foldable smartphone, the Magic V5, featuring a stylish design, a powerful battery, and extensive AI functionalities. Released in China, the Magic V5 is a lightweight handset with an 8.8mm thickness when closed and 4.1mm when opened. It offers a 7.9-inch display when unfolded and a 6.4-inch cover display, both providing a 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness.

The device is equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC and comes with a sizable 6,100mAh battery that supports fast charging. The Magic V5’s camera setup consists of a 50MP wide-angle, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle, and a 64MP periscope lens with advanced zoom features. It also supports 4K video recording and has a 20MP front-facing camera.

Honor’s YOYO AI assistant is embedded in the Magic V5, delivering functions like document analysis and improved multitasking. The phone operates on MagicOS 9.0.1, which is based on Android 15, and is offered in various RAM and storage options. It is available in several colors and is currently up for pre-order in China.