The newest release of Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 introduces notable enhancements to the System Settings interface, making navigation more user-friendly. This update categorizes related system settings under more defined sub-headings, improving user experience with a clearer and more intuitive layout. Previously, the System Settings displayed a lengthy list of options with minimal visual distinction, which could be daunting for users searching for specific settings.

With the latest update, settings are organized into clear sections, such as “Interaction” for keyboard, gestures, and navigation mode, and “Update device” for system updates. This reorganization enables users to swiftly locate and access the settings they require without scrolling through a lengthy list. The enhanced layout also works well with the existing search feature, facilitating easier discovery of specific settings.

This update is part of a larger initiative by Google to improve the stability and functionality of its operating system. In addition to the revamped System Settings, Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 includes a thorough list of bug fixes and stability enhancements for Pixel devices. These fixes tackle issues such as severe system crashes, notification shade problems, charging limit concerns, and sluggish Wi-Fi connectivity.

In summary, the update seeks to deliver a smoother and more user-centric experience for Android users, especially those with Pixel devices. The alterations to the System Settings interface are a valuable enhancement, simplifying the process for users to personalize their devices and effectively manage system settings.

This is the final thing you’d want to discover when opening your TriFold.

What you should be aware of:
– A user from South Korea mentioned on Samsung’s Community Forum that their Galaxy Z TriFold sustained physical damage without any external cause.
– The picture shared by the user indicates that the far-left panel of their main display has a long band of dead pixels from top to bottom.
– During the previous summer, shoppers examining the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in stores observed serious inconsistencies with its hinge.

One user has already indicated the worst-case scenario for their Samsung TriFold just a month after the device was released. This week isn’t off to a great start for one South Korean user on Samsung’s Community Forum, as their report highlighted a display problem with the Galaxy Z TriFold (via 9to5Google). The user is incredulous, as their title reveals their display “is out.” The report pertains to the primary 10-inch internal display, with the user sharing a photo of the display that shows the heartbreaking strip of dead space on the left side.

This band of dead pixels appears to be exactly where the left-most panel would fold over. The user states that the display for their “trifold that I acquired a month ago failed. There was no external impact whatsoever.”

The most alarming aspect is that they’ve indicated no external shock damage (from their side or any other sources). The user starts to doubt the overall durability of Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold, given that this unfortunate damage seemingly appeared spontaneously.

Both the original poster and a commenter highlighted an important detail: the Galaxy Z TriFold isn’t included in Samsung’s insurance coverage. One comment mentions, “Trifolds aren’t insured. No insurance products are available.” The original poster acknowledged this, which is where their dilemma begins, leaving them without options.

A pricey device with a pricey problem

All isn’t entirely lost, as one user reminds the original poster about the 50% discount for their initial repair. However, the cost is likely to be on the unpleasant side, as replacement parts for the Galaxy Z TriFold aren’t inexpensive by any means.

Concerns about durability, particularly for foldables, are always raised. The devices are, literally, constructed differently, and the concept of needing to fold a screen can lead to complications. Last summer, there were worries regarding Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, as display units in stores were already exhibiting hinge issues. Users on Reddit who encountered the phones in stores said they weren’t “fully unfolding.”

Images captured in stores displayed that the devices maintained a slight curve when attempting to unfold them fully. Clearly, they weren’t lying entirely flat.

It was pointed out that the device in question might just be an isolated case. Issues like this weren’t particularly widespread once the device reached consumers, which is a comforting thought. For the Galaxy Z TriFold, it remains uncertain if things will develop further than this single user’s report. Although unfortunate, if more consumers continue to report this, Samsung might face a larger problem.

Details are surfacing on social media, and if accurate, Galaxy phones are set to be speedy.

What you need to know

– A source suggests that Samsung has released an update for its One UI 8.5 beta that enhances its Android kernel version.
– Consequently, the post asserts that One UI 8.5 feels “smoother” and “more responsive,” potentially an experience that users will encounter in the upcoming beta.
– Another source claims that what was first noted might actually be Samsung’s stable release intentions for One UI 8.5.
– Samsung launched One UI 8.5 Beta 3 to testers earlier in January, featuring a significant 1.2GB download that includes an extensive list of fixes.

Samsung is reportedly making a significant system-level adjustment for its forthcoming One UI software that could transform the experience for Galaxy phones.

This week, prominent social media source Ice Universe disclosed some information about a supposed kernel upgrade for Samsung’s One UI 8.5 (via SamMobile). As noted by the publication, the kernel acts as the “bridge” between a device’s software and hardware, and Ice Universe states that Samsung has upgraded its version from 6.6.77 to 6.6.98.

Their post emphasizes that this marks the first instance of the company upgrading its kernel, and it was done unexpectedly.

The leak indicates that this alteration was found in Samsung’s One UI 8.5 ZZAA version for the Galaxy S25 series, currently participating in the Beta Program. In their evaluations, Ice Universe reports that Samsung’s One UI system “is smoother and more responsive.” Furthermore, they mention “touch response, animations, and overall fluidity have been enhanced.”

Rumors branch out in two directions from this point. On one hand, Ice Universe suggests that testers might access this major update in One UI 8.5 Beta 4. Conversely, another source, TheOneCID, asserts this could be Samsung’s official One UI 8.5 version for release. Their post mentions discovery of a corresponding CZAA build on the U.S. and Canadian servers for Samsung’s devices.

Speculations indicated One UI 8.5 would be significant.

We will need to observe how developments unfold from here, as we have only recently gotten One UI 8.5 Beta 3 in January. Shortly after the turn of the year, Samsung introduced Beta 3 for its next significant One UI update, which came with a 1.2GB download. The company was engaged in correcting numerous items for users, including lock screen issues, gallery delays, and more.

One major complaint users had regarding the new software was its unusual battery drain. Samsung’s patch notes indicate it has implemented a fix for that “excessive” battery drain issue caused by specific apps. Beta 2 for One UI 8.5 was released on December 22, just a few weeks prior to Beta 3.

It may be reasonable to conclude we are in for another update before the Galaxy S26 series is poised to debut.

Users not on the beta received their January 2026 security update this week as well. This update addressed significant security vulnerabilities, delivering approximately 55 fixes to the Galaxy S25 series.

There’s no time like the present to make the switch

Android 17 may reverse one of Google’s most aggravating UI choices.

What you should know

– Android 17 might finally refresh Quick Settings after years of the same chaotic pull-down interface.
– Standard Pixel devices could receive this as an option, allowing users to pick between the traditional combined view and the new split format.
– Tablets and foldables probably won’t have a choice — split view might be obligatory on larger displays such as the Pixel Fold.
– Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles might be divided again, reversing Android 12’s debated unified Internet toggle.

The Quick Settings panel in Android has remained unchanged for years, and it seems Google may finally address that flaw.

Recent leaks regarding Android 17 indicate that Google is preparing for a significant update in how notifications and system toggles function. According to Mystic Leaks on Telegram, Android may soon feature a tidier, more structured split instead of a single wide pull-down for everything.

Presently, Android’s notification shade and Quick Settings occupy the same congested area on stock devices like Pixel phones. Pull down once for notifications, and pull down again for toggles. It functions, but it’s cluttered, particularly on larger phones where everything seems piled together.

The latest leak mentions that Google is evaluating a genuine split layout in Android 17. This means that swiping from the left edge would display only notifications, while swiping from the right would showcase Quick Settings.

If this rings a bell, it’s because brands like Samsung and Xiaomi already implement a similar method. The distinctiveness is that Google would make this official within Android itself, instead of relegating it to custom skins.

For regular Pixel users, this alteration appears to be optional. You’ll likely be able to navigate to Settings > Notifications and toggle between the traditional “Combined” view and the newly proposed “Separate” layout, as reported earlier by Android Authority.

However, for those with a tablet or a foldable, options may be limited. The leak specifies that split-view mode will be mandatory on larger-screen devices. On a Pixel Fold, you could switch to split view on the inner display, while only the outer screen might permit reverting to the traditional merged look. This approach is sensible for larger screens, but compelling power users to adapt their workflow carries some risk.

Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles may finally become less bothersome

The second enhancement is more nuanced and, according to some, long overdue.

Android 12 introduced the combined Internet toggle, which required a mini menu to alternate between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Google claimed this helped avoid accidental disconnects, but users believed it complicated matters. That discussion continues.

The new leak proposes that Android 17 could reintroduce separate toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data. Mystic Leaks suggests that Google is testing layouts that load more quickly and offer one-tap access.

This approach reduces accidental taps for casual users while delivering faster control for power users. It’s a rare win-win for Android’s interface.

Of course, none of these modifications are yet guaranteed. They remain concealed in early Android 17 builds, meaning Google could revise, postpone, or even scrap them entirely prior to launch.

Gemini familiarizes itself with your personal information to assist you in your daily activities.

Extensive Verizon Service Disruption Disrupts Calls and Data Nationwide

Verizon has encountered a major nationwide service disruption, impacting hundreds of thousands of customers who found themselves with SOS-only connectivity instead of normal signal strength. The incident commenced late morning on January 14 and rapidly intensified, with over 170,000 outage reports recorded on DownDetector by early afternoon.

Key U.S. cities, such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, and Washington, D.C., faced the greatest impact, with calls, texts, and mobile data all failing. During the peak of the outage, users in regions including New York, Nevada, Florida, Las Vegas, and Texas were unable to make calls, send texts, or access mobile data on Verizon’s network. Even Verizon’s network status webpage reportedly struggled to load.

On social media platforms like X and Reddit, exasperated customers recounted experiences of dropped calls, unreachable contacts, and devices stuck in SOS mode for extended periods. Verizon released a statement on its official X account, confirming the issue and stating that engineers are actively working to pinpoint and resolve the problem swiftly. The company expressed regret for the disruption but has not revealed the cause of the outage or when services will be completely restored.

Notably, mobile virtual network operators relying on Verizon’s infrastructure, such as Visible, appeared to escape the worst of the outage and continued to operate normally even while Verizon’s primary network was down.

Your Google Pixel 9 or Pixel 10 can condense lengthy conversations and more — here’s how to begin viewing AI-generated summaries.

Obtain a complete Pixel setup without charge in 2026.

With emerging AI assistants such as Lenovo’s Qira, technology companies are outlining the ultimate surveillance objective that began with smart eyewear.

Wearable AI is not a novel idea. The Humane pin and Rabbit R1 attempted to establish portable AI assistants as a mainstream option. Their infamous failures damaged that notion, yet it remained alive, as demonstrated by CES 2026. Over a dozen technology brands, particularly Lenovo, have advocated a particular AI vision: compact wearable devices that capture and transcribe your surroundings for later recall.

Consumers have embraced AI wearables like Ray-Ban Meta glasses or smartwatches, which offer familiar designs and functionalities beyond AI. However, tech companies still believe they can convince users of an essential, specialized wearable AI that accompanies them everywhere.

It is not far-fetched to use AI transcription as the core appeal of this idea. Recording applications like Otter are quite popular for taking meeting notes, and a portable, all-day transcription device would be beneficial during events like conventions. However, the ultimate goal is to capture and analyze every aspect of your life, and that is not an exaggeration.

Outside the optimistic and trusting atmosphere of CES, with its meticulously crafted presentations, it is reasonable to question if this continuously recording AI future represents yet another bubble poised to burst — or if these devices function as envisioned, whether that would be a positive development.

A brief overview of CES 2026’s abundance of wearable AI devices

The Pebble Index 01 sidestepped Oura’s legal issues by not incorporating health sensors and instead concentrating on transcription: press a button, say a few words, and the recording is sent to your smartphone for a voice-to-text reminder. Simple and enjoyable, it is significantly less ambitious and automated than other wearable AI technologies showcased at CES.

Mobvoi, previously a maker of Wear OS smartwatches, has shifted to the TicWatch Note, an all-day smartwatch featuring “instant, one-press recording for meetings, ideas, and voice moments,” plus “on-watch live translation.” That sounds sensible, but Mobvoi also makes vague promises regarding “AI-driven holistic analysis,” compiling a database from your spoken words synchronized with your location and health data.

In stark contrast to the Pebble Ring’s ambitions is Qira. Lenovo’s AI assistant is described as an “ambient system-level intelligence” that “accompanies you across PCs, tablets, smartphones, wearables, and more.” It can transcribe meetings or draft emails for you, but Lenovo envisions Qira observing your actions and providing “proactive, contextual suggestions” for your next steps.

Numerous technology companies aspire to create an “agentic AI” capable of independent action and anticipating user desires in consumer contexts. No one has succeeded yet, but Lenovo must demonstrate that Qira’s deductions are genuinely accurate or useful, believing it can achieve this by tracking every activity you undertake, whether digitally or in-person.

Lenovo’s vision for wearable AI begins with the Motorola Project Maxwell, a proof-of-concept designed to continuously record nearby sound and video. However, Lenovo Executive Vice President Luca Rossi told PC Mag that they are exploring additional wearables, from smart glasses to “ambient AI sensing devices” positioned throughout your home.

They aim to design a “personal AI twin” that is always aware of your activities, “regardless of the platform you are utilizing,” all to ensure Lenovo possesses “complete knowledge about you.”

Other technology brands at CES may lack Lenovo’s extensive platform reach, yet they share the same ambition. SwitchBot’s robots were highlighted among our favorite gadgets from CES 2026, but the company also introduced its “second brain”: the 18-gram AI MindClip that captures all of your conversations, sending them to the cloud for transcription and summarization, allowing you to “think more clearly” about your day’s events.

In a similar vein, the Plaud NotePin S — which can be worn as a pin, necklace, or bracelet — has the ability to transcribe and “extract” comprehensive summaries and flowcharts from your discussions with just a button press.

Memories.ai’s Project LUCI, a multifunctional pin featuring a 109º camera with a privacy switch, was aimed at developers rather than consumers “after observing various high-profile AI wearables fail,” according to the CEO. Nevertheless, he continues to make ambitious claims, asserting that the pin can already “remember individuals you meet, transform everyday experiences into meaningful video highlights, or provide full real-world context to AI agents.”

There were several other all-encompassing wearable AI devices at CES, such as the Looki L1 that “sees, hears, and comprehends your life,” but I must end here.

Other wearable AI devices focus on specific functions. For instance, Amazfit’s V1tal Food Camera is solely dedicated to wearable nutrition information: capture an image of your meal, and AI will evaluate its caloric and macronutrient content. I can’t envision consumers investing in glasses solely for this purpose, but this practical concept would enhance any smart