AllYouCanTech

Google Unveils New Galaxy XR Capabilities and Hints at Future Smart Glasses

From AI Glasses Without Screens to an Engaging Workspace, Arriving Next Year

Google is concluding this year with notable advancements in its virtual reality realm, highlighted at The Android Show: XR Edition. The event emphasized the strides achieved with Android XR smartglasses and announced new features for Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset.

The Galaxy XR headset presents “PC Connect,” which permits users to extend their workspace beyond their desktop into the headset. This capability facilitates a multi-screen interface for improved productivity or an immersive gaming adventure. Furthermore, “Travel mode” converts compact areas into engaging workspaces or personal cinemas, while “Likeness” generates a realistic digital replica of the user’s face, reflecting expressions and movements in real-time.

Project Aura by XReal was also introduced, boasting a 70-degree field of vision and optical see-through technology. These glasses superimpose digital content within the user’s line of sight, delivering a vast display for work or leisure without obstructing the surroundings. The glasses are wired and connected to a phone-sized device featuring a trackpad for computations, set to be launched next year.

Google is developing two types of glasses: screen-free AI glasses equipped with integrated speakers, microphones, and cameras, and display AI glasses with a small screen for confidential information. The screen-free AI glasses are anticipated to debut next year.

Developer Preview 3 is being rolled out to empower developers to create new experiences for AI glasses and wired XR glasses.

Samsung’s Five Most Popular Smartphones in Q3 2025 Were All Non-Flagship Models

Apple and Samsung have once more demonstrated their prominence in the smartphone arena, each securing five of the top ten positions on Counterpoint Research’s list of best-selling smartphones for Q3 2025. Apple has reinforced its standing in the premium sector, with all of its leading models priced over $600. The iPhone 16 series, especially the base version, spearheaded the effort, holding onto its top position for the third straight quarter with a 4% volume share. The iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16e closely trailed, underscoring Apple’s stronghold in the premium market.

Conversely, Samsung has thrived in the budget and midrange categories, with its Galaxy A series occupying the fifth through ninth positions. The Galaxy A16 5G proved to be the top-seller among Samsung’s offerings, succeeded by the Galaxy A06, Galaxy A36, Galaxy A56, and Galaxy A16 4G. Importantly, Samsung had no premium devices on the chart, indicating a departure from the prior year when the Galaxy S24 was a notable presence.

The lack of Samsung’s premium devices, like the Galaxy S25, from the best-sellers list signifies a potential early seasonal downturn as buyers look forward to the forthcoming Galaxy S26 series. Counterpoint Research credits Samsung’s performance in the midrange sector to the incorporation of AI features, boosting the value and competitiveness of these devices.

Furthermore, the report highlights the escalating consumer inclination for 5G technology, with all top five positions filled by 5G-enabled smartphones. This pattern emphasizes the rising significance of 5G capabilities in consumer buying decisions across multiple regions.

Announcement of Automatic Cash Settlement Payout Date for Google Play Store Users

New settlement documents have disclosed significant information regarding the Google Play Store lawsuit, specifying when and how much impacted users will obtain. The settlement, which deals with antitrust claims against Google, comprises a $700 million fund intended for distribution among eligible users. Individuals who made purchases on the Google Play Store from August 16, 2016, to September 30, 2023, while living in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands, will automatically receive no less than $2 in their PayPal or Venmo accounts. The precise amount may differ based on personal spending during the designated timeframe.

The settlement arises from a lawsuit initiated by attorneys general from all 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, alleging that Google has monopolized app distribution and in-app billing. While Google contends there was no misconduct, the company has consented to resolve the case.

Eligible users need not undertake any steps to obtain their payments, as these will be processed automatically. Notifications will be dispatched via email or text to the contact details linked with users’ Google Play accounts once payments are prepared.

Important dates concerning the settlement include February 19, 2026, as the cutoff for exclusions and objections, and April 30, 2026, for the fairness hearing. The fairness hearing will ascertain whether the settlement receives approval, with payments anticipated to begin shortly afterwards.

Honor Magic 8 Lite: Exceptional Endurance with 7500mAh Battery, Impact Resistance, and IP69K Certification

**Android Central Verdict: Honor Magic 8 Lite**

**Rating: 4 out of 5 stars**

Honor delivers with a mid-range success that features the largest battery and quickest charging capabilities in its category, alongside a durability that is designed to endure for an extended period, boasting top-tier drop and ingress protection. Overall performance is typically outstanding, and the software is replete with remarkable features. Starting off with Android 15 is disappointing, but it does offer a commitment to six years of OS updates in Europe. I’m not particularly fond of the flat edges or the subpar haptics, and the camera can be annoyingly slow, but compromises are expected at this price level, and these are not awful concessions.

**Pros:**
– Distinctive camera island design
– 3-day battery longevity and rapid charging
– Leading ingress protection and durability
– Strong overall performance
– Great value for money

**Cons:**
– Launching with Android 15
– Haptics have a low-quality feel
– Camera responsiveness requires enhancement
– Sides are excessively flat and awkwardly designed
– Only Europe receives the most favorable software update guarantee

Google Pixel Watch Update Enhances Always-On Display Functionality for More Clock Options

Timers, stopwatches, and media controls are now visible on the always-on display of your Pixel Watch.

Google Wallet Launches Option to Streamline Access to Passes for Android Users

Google Wallet now displays your passes on your lock screen right when you need them.

Android’s Latest ‘Transiting Mode’ Automatically Modifies Settings for Public Transit Users

Android may introduce a personalized Mode for utilizing busses and trains.

Comparison of Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold and Huawei Mate XTs: Analyzing the Attributes of Two Trifolding Devices

Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z TriFold has arrived, and we are comparing it with Huawei’s second-generation Mate XTs.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold:
– **Design**: Trifold configuration featuring dual hinges.
– **Display**: 10-inch primary screen, 6.5-inch outer display.
– **Processor**: Snapdragon 8 Elite.
– **Battery**: 5600mAh, 45W charging capabilities.
– **Durability**: Rated IP48, titanium hinges, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2.
– **Pros**: Expansive 10-inch display, IP48 certified, robust chipset, safeguarded inner display, triple rear cameras equipped with a 200MP sensor.
– **Cons**: Not designed like a book, bulkier and heavier, limited to 45W charging.

Huawei Mate XTs:
– **Design**: Outward-folding trifold design.
– **Display**: 10.2-inch OLED, accommodates single, dual, and triple-screen configurations.
– **Processor**: Kirin 9020 powered by HarmonyOS.
– **Battery**: 5600mAh, 66W wired and 50W wireless charging options.
– **Pros**: Larger display, lighter weight, leather finish available, stylus compatible, book-style foldable, quicker charging.
– **Cons**: Lacks Google apps, no 5G support, no dust resistance rating, exposed foldable screen.

Pricing and Availability:
– **Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold**: Released in Korea priced at KRW 3,594,000 (~$2,440), with future plans for other markets.
– **Huawei Mate XTs**: Sold in China, starting at 17,999 CNY (~$2,550) for the entry-level model.

Design and Build:
– **Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold**: U-shaped foldable with a distinct cover display, made of high-quality materials, IP48 resistance.
– **Huawei Mate XTs**: Z-shaped foldable, slimmer design, larger footprint, with an exposed screen.

Hardware and Specs:
– **Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold**: Snapdragon 8 Elite, available in 512GB/1TB storage, 16GB RAM, with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging.
– **Huawei Mate XTs**: Kirin 9020, offered in 256GB/512GB/1TB storage options, 16GB RAM, featuring 66W wired and 50W wireless charging.

Cameras:
– **Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold**: 200MP main camera, 10MP telephoto lens, 12MP ultra-wide lens.
– **Huawei Mate XTs**: 50MP main camera, 40MP ultra-wide camera, 12MP periscope telephoto lens.

Conclusion:
Each phone presents distinct features and designs. The Galaxy Z TriFold stands out with its durability and chipset performance, while the Mate XTs provides a larger display and quicker charging. Availability and compatibility in different regions could affect the decision between the two.

The EU Levies €120 Million Penalty on X for ‘Misleading’ Blue Checks

Europe has made a notable move in enforcing its Digital Services Act (DSA) by levying a €120 million penalty on Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (previously Twitter). This fine represents the first significant financial consequence under the DSA, underscoring the EU’s resolve to regulate digital services and promote transparency and user safety.

The primary concern centers on the blue checkmark, which initially represented verified public figures like journalists, celebrities, and politicians. However, following Musk’s takeover of the platform, the requirements for acquiring this mark have altered. Now, any user who subscribes and submits a profile photo, display name, and phone number is eligible to receive the blue checkmark. The European Commission has labeled this practice misleading, as it leads users to assume accounts are verified without proper identity verification, thereby enabling scams and impersonations.

Moreover, the EU has criticized X’s advertising database for its lack of transparency. The database, designed to reveal information about ad purchasers and the nature of advertisements, did not fulfill the DSA’s transparency standards. Crucial details, such as the identities of ad buyers and the specifics of the ads, were either absent or not readily available.

In addition, researchers attempting to investigate disinformation or abuses of the platform encountered difficulties in accessing essential public data. X’s policies reportedly hindered data scraping and introduced delays, obstructing research initiatives and violating the DSA.

X has been allotted 60 working days to rectify the blue checkmark situation and 90 days to conform to ad transparency and data access guidelines. Should the platform meet these obligations, it may establish a precedent for more transparent and accurate verification methods on social media. Noncompliance could lead to ongoing fines and possible requirements for genuine identity verification instead of simple subscription-based badges. This enforcement action highlights the EU’s commitment to holding digital platforms accountable and safeguarding users from deceptive practices.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Unveils Official One UI 8.5 Beta

Furthermore, it is grounded in the most recent Android 16 QPR2 update.