Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Discover Your Oura Annual Review with Engaging Worldwide Statistics

Oura has unveiled its 2025 Year in Review, showcasing profound insights into worldwide health trends derived from anonymized data collected from millions of users. The report identifies the United States as the global stress capital, averaging 121.2 stressed minutes each day, exceeding other countries such as the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, and Canada. Although these nations rank highly in happiness and quality of life, they also face significant stress levels.

New Zealand tops the chart in sleep quality, boasting an average Sleep Score of 80, trailed closely by Australia at 79.4. Multiple European nations, including Austria, Denmark, Sweden, the UK, and Czechia, also achieve high scores in sleep metrics. Generally, women surpass men in most health indicators, averaging 7.24 hours of sleep per night compared to 6.8 hours for men. Nonetheless, women report 30 additional stressed minutes each day than men, with stress assessed through physical markers such as heart rate and temperature fluctuations.

Europe excels in daily activity levels, with Ireland leading at 8,924 steps daily, followed by Spain and Italy. Regular walking is associated with enhanced sleep, decreased anxiety, and better cardiovascular health. Scandinavia is notable for its cardiovascular wellness, with Sweden reporting the lowest average Cardiovascular Age, suggesting healthier hearts relative to their actual ages.

These results highlight the intricate interplay between stress, activity, and overall health, emphasizing regional variations and gender differences in health metrics.

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Meta Changes Emphasis from Horizon OS Collaborators to Concentrate on Quest Advancement

Meta has allegedly halted its intentions to permit third-party firms such as ASUS and Lenovo to produce headsets powered by Horizon OS. This choice signifies a change in Meta’s strategy, concentrating solely on its own first-party hardware, particularly the Quest series, to establish a robust software base before broadening its scope. Reports suggest that Meta’s forthcoming significant mixed-reality headset may not debut until 2027, highlighting the critical need to refine the software.

Initially, Meta intended to establish Horizon OS as a universal platform for virtual and mixed reality devices, allowing other firms to develop hardware utilizing Meta’s applications and developer ecosystem. ASUS and Lenovo were in the process of creating headsets to demonstrate Horizon OS’s adaptability beyond Meta’s own products. However, Meta has verified that the third-party Horizon OS initiative is on hold, with no definite timeline for its restart.

Meta’s choice to prioritize first-party hardware and software seeks to mitigate the fragmentation challenges encountered by other platforms. The company is compelled to enhance its software infrastructure, particularly amidst competition from Apple’s Vision Pro system and Google’s Android XR. For ASUS and Lenovo, this pause places their projects in uncertainty, with no immediate intentions to advance with Horizon OS headsets. Consequently, Horizon OS will continue to be closely associated with Meta’s Quest devices for the foreseeable future.

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Samsung to Bring Back Iconic Camera Function in Next Galaxy S Edition

**Samsung’s Possible Comeback of Dual Aperture: A Camera Breakthrough**

Samsung is allegedly contemplating the reinstatement of a significant camera feature from its former Galaxy series, with the goal of improving the photography experience for forthcoming devices. According to speculations originating from the Chinese social media site Weibo, shared by the leaker Digital Chat Station (DCS), Samsung could bring back the “dual aperture” feature in its Galaxy series. This decision is believed to be a tactical move in response to Apple’s interest in comparable technology for their upcoming iPhones.

The dual aperture feature, last featured in the Galaxy S9 series, enables the camera to alternate between two aperture settings, optimizing image quality in different lighting environments. This functionality resembles that of conventional cameras, granting users enhanced control over their photography. The feature would essentially provide the sensation of wielding a true camera, as it allows for modifications akin to those made with professional camera lenses.

Samsung’s possible reintroduction of this feature could be transformative, especially as the company gears up for the release of the Galaxy S26 series, expected to launch on February 25, 2026. The comeback of dual aperture could differentiate Samsung in the competitive smartphone landscape, particularly if Apple is also investigating similar technology.

At present, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra employs a digitally modified aperture, lacking the hardware-based versatility of the dual aperture system. Should Samsung effectively incorporate this feature into future models, it could greatly improve the camera’s functionality, especially in low-light and bright-light conditions.

As the smartphone industry progresses, Samsung’s potential revival of the dual aperture feature underscores the company’s dedication to innovation and its aim to deliver users an exceptional photography experience. Whether this feature will indeed appear in the Galaxy S27 series or later remains uncertain, but the possibility is undoubtedly thrilling for photography enthusiasts and Samsung supporters alike.

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Best Fitness Gear to Jumpstart Your 2026 Exercise Objectives

If you’re uncertain about how to realize your fitness aspirations for the upcoming year, consider these practical suggestions.

While I’m not a fitness enthusiast myself, my colleague Michael Hicks is an expert in that realm. My strength lies in delving into accessories and gadgets, spending considerable time examining specifications, and analyzing why certain items suit specific types of users. As a result, Michael and I are teaming up for this week’s Gadget Weekly to suggest the top fitness accessories that can help you achieve your workout objectives in 2026.

New Year’s resolutions don’t simply appear out of nowhere. Establishing goals demands a certain amount of dedication, and fitness objectives, in particular, require ongoing effort. Thanks to wearables and other intelligent gear, it’s significantly easier to stay motivated, track your progress, and self-coach.

But how do you determine where to begin? Here’s what Michael suggests regarding that…

Purchasing fitness accessories to achieve your goals is a mixed blessing. You’re investing your money, motivating yourself to put in the effort, and justifying the expenditure. However, if you fail to remain committed, your equipment could end up stored away, leaving you back at square one.

I initially created a New Year’s resolution starter kit featuring practical tech, accessories, and apparel, but I’m eager to assist Namerah by outlining additional accessories that I would personally recommend, which can help you become fitter, faster, and stronger in 2026! Let’s explore the finest fitness accessories to kickstart your workout ambitions in the new year.

HR chest straps and armbands to enhance your smartwatch accuracy

Instead of purchasing a new smartwatch, consider pairing an HR armband or chest strap with your existing device; you’ll receive improved real-time data and workout summaries regarding your fitness level. Just ensure compatibility with your smartwatch before making a purchase.

Smart glasses that take the place of your earbuds, record your workout, and safeguard your vision

Smart glasses elevate outdoor exercise with open-ear audio, keeping you aware of your environment while allowing you to capture photos or videos on the go to share your efforts on social media.

Supportive running shoes to begin your training regimen

It’s quite easy to sustain an injury or develop plantar fasciitis if you’re just starting out or returning to exercise, especially with high-impact activities like running. Shoes that provide ample cushioning can help shield you as you progress and shed pounds.

Ensure your 2026 fitness objectives are effectively monitored with these smart scales

Whether your aim is to lose fat, build muscle, or both, having a dependable smart scale that tracks both your weight and body composition is essential so you can see if your hard work is yielding results.

Fitness-optimized watch bands for your wearable device

Upgrade your current smartwatch with a suitable watch band for optimal comfort during your activities. The best workout-friendly smartwatch straps feature breathable holes, are often hypoallergenic, waterproof, and ideally, easily adjustable. If you’re not keen on silicone or fluoroelastomer, I find that stretchy woven nylon bands are extremely ergonomic, providing an excellent alternative.

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Update to Google Meet Tackles Significant Audio Problems

Google Meet has launched a notable update that allows users to share the complete system audio during presentations, a functionality that has been highly anticipated by many. Previously, audio sharing was confined to a single tab, which created difficulties for presenters who needed to share audio from various applications or their entire system. This update now allows users to share audio from their whole device when presenting a window or in full-screen mode, improving the overall presentation experience.

The new functionality is accessible on macOS 14.02+ and Windows 11, requiring Chrome version 142 or later. However, it is turned off by default, meaning users must activate the “Also share system audio” option manually each time they present. This extra step is essential to guarantee that the audio is delivered during the meeting.

Despite this progress, users with adaptive audio configurations might still encounter restrictions, as they could only share sound from Chrome tabs. This suggests that the feature is still being polished and may see additional enhancements in the future.

The rollout of this feature is currently in progress for Rapid Release domains, with a wider availability anticipated in early 2026. For individuals who regularly conduct presentations that extend beyond mere slides, this update is a significant improvement to Google Meet’s functionality.

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Amazon Unveils Significant Discount on Android Tablets: Key 5 Must-See Offers

Tablets are the must-have gift this holiday season, and their prices keep dropping. Christmas is just around the corner, offering a plethora of outstanding Android tablet deals to enhance your festivities. The most surprising aspect is that it’s not only budget tablets or basic home companions getting slashed prices this time: instead, some of the most versatile and powerful tablets ever created are experiencing significant price reductions at Amazon, and I’ve highlighted five of my top picks below.

1. **OnePlus Pad 3 256GB:** $699.99 $579.99 at Amazon
– Our top choice in the tablet market right now, the OnePlus Pad 3 features an incredibly slim and lightweight design combined with exceptional performance and an array of useful AI capabilities. Snag this highly-rated device during Amazon’s holiday event and enjoy a solid $120 off your order.

2. **Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 128GB:** $799.99 $639.99 at Amazon
– For Samsung enthusiasts, the Galaxy Tab S11 is hard to surpass. It delivers a sophisticated mix of premium specifications with stylish design elements right out of the box, featuring an 11-inch 120Hz display, 12GB of RAM, and a super-fast MediaTek processor. It even includes an S Pen stylus.

3. **Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite 128GB:** $349.99 $299.99 at Amazon
– If you’re after the Galaxy Tab experience without the hefty price tag, the S10 Lite is an excellent option. Currently on sale for $50 less at Amazon, this mid-range tablet showcases a stunning 10.9-inch 90Hz display powered by a nimble Exynos chipset, along with an included S Pen stylus. The device also supports up to 2TB of expandable storage via a microSD card (not included).

4. **Amazon Fire HD 8 32GB:** $99.99 $69.99 at Amazon
– While the Amazon Fire HD 8 may not be as hardware-centric as the other models listed, there’s a reason we crowned it the top choice in our guide to the best Fire tablets of 2025. The Fire HD 8 is essentially the ideal couch companion, featuring a lightweight, sturdy design, up to 13 hours of battery life, and up to 1TB of expandability. Get this compact tablet today and enjoy a 30% discount!

5. **Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro 128GB:** $659 $574.60 at Amazon
– Rugged tablets often fly under the radar, which is unfortunate, as these sturdy devices are ideal for anyone needing a tablet on the go. Whether you’re on construction sites or at photo shoots, the Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro provides a vivid 10-inch touchscreen display with military-grade durability and IP68 water resistance, plus it features up to 26 hours of battery life and a Dual Hotswap capability for manual battery changes.

Whether you’re looking for the ultra-capable OnePlus Pad 3 (our top Android tablet of 2025) or the tough, all-purpose Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 5 Pro, Amazon’s holiday sale has the right option for you. The challenge lies in selecting the perfect discounted device before the Christmas deadline. If you’re aiming to give a gift by December 25th, you’d better hurry.

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OnePlus 15R Review: Camera Reductions and Price Hike Render It Less Attractive Compared to the 13R

The OnePlus 15R has garnered mixed feedback, earning a 3 out of 5 stars rating from Android Central. It features a vibrant AMOLED display, excellent battery longevity, commendable performance, and noteworthy water resistance; however, it also has multiple shortcomings. The omission of a dedicated telephoto lens and lackluster camera capabilities are major disadvantages, particularly in light of the $100 price hike compared to its predecessor, the 13R. The design is labeled as uninspired, and the lack of a 16GB RAM variant is yet another shortcoming. In summary, the OnePlus 15R appears to lack the value and overall superiority that earlier R series models provided, making the 13R a more attractive choice for those in search of a budget-friendly smartphone.

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