Obtain a complete Pixel setup without charge in 2026.
CES 2026 Introduces Wearable AI Innovations Featuring Continuous Monitoring and In-Depth User Insights
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
OnePlus CEO Pete Lau Confronts Arrest Order in Taiwan: Explanations Provided
**The CEO Faces Allegations of Hiring Engineers from Taiwan Illegally**
Taiwanese authorities have launched an arrest warrant for OnePlus co-founder and CEO Pete Lau amid claims of unlawful business activities and hiring procedures within the nation. Reports indicate that OnePlus allegedly recruited more than 70 engineers from Taiwan without acquiring the necessary governmental approval, breaching Taiwan’s Cross-Strait business regulations. The firm is accused of utilizing a Hong Kong shell company to carry out unauthorized R&D activities in Taiwan.
The Shilin District Prosecutors’ Office in Taiwan alleges that OnePlus has engaged in unlawful hiring practices since 2014. Moreover, two engineers from Taiwan have been charged in connection with this case. According to Taiwan’s Cross-Strait Act, Chinese firms cannot engage in business or recruit personnel in Taiwan without clear government consent. OnePlus, which has its base in Shenzhen, China, reportedly did not obtain such consent, resulting in the arrest warrant issued for Lau.
It is claimed that OnePlus established a shell company in Hong Kong and opened a branch in Taiwan in 2015 without the required government clearance. This branch reportedly conducted research and development, along with verification and testing activities for OnePlus smartphones, actions prosecutors assert violated prevailing cross-strait agreements.
In light of the allegations, OnePlus has declared that its business activities proceed as usual and are not impacted. From Taiwan’s viewpoint, this case is seen as a matter of national security, as the nation emphasizes the protection of its technological ecosystem and aims to hinder the movement of talent and intellectual property to China.
Although similar instances have occurred previously, Lau’s role is particularly notable given his position as CEO of OnePlus and Chief Product Officer at Oppo. The Ministry of Justice in Taiwan has yet to release a public statement regarding this issue.
Nothing’s CEO Discusses Anticipated Smartphone Price Hike in 2026
You guessed it: increasing memory costs are the primary factor that will lead to higher smartphone prices in 2026.
What you need to know
– Carl Pei indicates that smartphone prices are expected to climb in 2026 due to soaring memory expenses and brands’ difficulties in managing the repercussions.
– Prices for DRAM and NAND have surged dramatically, fueled by competition from both smartphones and AI data centers.
– Memory has emerged as one of the priciest components in smartphones, escalating the overall production costs for brands.
Carl Pei, the founder and CEO of Nothing, has elucidated the reasons behind the anticipated rise in smartphone prices in 2026, cautioning that brands targeting budget and mid-range markets might face challenges as a consequence.
If you have been keeping up with industry updates, you will have noticed that both DRAM, such as LPDDR5, and NAND flash memory prices have skyrocketed in the past month. These parts are essential for smartphones, with DRAM serving as RAM and NAND functioning as storage.
CyberPowerPC reports that global memory prices have increased by up to 500%, while SSD prices have risen by nearly 100%, showing no immediate signs of stabilization. If these hikes were short-lived, brands could have absorbed the expenses and waited for market prices to normalize.
However, that does not appear to be the situation, indicating that the elevated costs will likely be transferred to consumers.
Pei took to X to announce that smartphone prices, including those of Nothing’s devices, will rise in 2026. He observed that the industry had long assumed that smartphone components would eventually decrease in price, but that assumption is no longer valid.
Why smartphone prices will rise in 2026
A significant portion of this increase is due to competition for the same memory resources utilized in AI data centers. As smartphones and AI infrastructure now vie directly for DRAM and NAND supply, prices have escalated sharply in response.
Pei explained that memory costs have already surged by up to threefold and are rapidly becoming one of the priciest elements in a smartphone. This has considerably inflated the manufacturing costs, with some projections suggesting memory modules that were priced under $20 a year ago could surpass $100 by year’s end for high-end devices.
Consequently, your next smartphone is likely to be more expensive than it would have been otherwise. Pei also confirmed that the prices within Nothing’s smartphone lineup will “inevitably” rise, partly due to some devices set to launch in Q1 2026 upgrading to faster UFS 3.1 storage.
While this may not be entirely unexpected from Pei, Nothing is among the first significant Android manufacturers to publicly affirm that smartphone prices will increase in 2026.
In other developments, Samsung is reportedly examining price hikes for the forthcoming Galaxy S26 series, although there is no official confirmation at this time. The Galaxy S26 series is anticipated to debut on February 25, 2026.
Google’s Nano Banana Pro Reaches Important Milestone at a Pivotal Time
Gemini’s visual creation tool is evidently surging in popularity during a period when its rivals are facing challenges.
Best Buy Presents $250 Off on Highly-Rated 2025 Android Smartphone
The Pixel 10 Pro XL experiences a significant price reduction during Best Buy’s Winter Sale
If you overlooked the major holiday promotions from last month, you’re in luck: Best Buy is extending the celebration by reducing the price of the unlocked Google Pixel 10 Pro XL by a full $250, making it one of the top Android phones available today.
This Pixel phone offer is included in the retailer’s all-encompassing Winter Sale, seemingly a strategy by Best Buy to clear out any remaining inventory from the holidays. The discount brings the price of this AI-enhanced flagship device down to $949, plus you can enjoy an additional $100 off if you activate the phone with Verizon or AT&T.
In our roundup of the premier Android phones of 2025, we identified the Pixel 10 Pro XL as the “ideal option for parents,” due to the flagship’s adaptable camera capabilities, enjoyable AI features, and beautiful 6.8-inch OLED screen.
Best Buy kicks off Black Friday savings on the Pixel 10 Pro XL
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 256GB: $1,199 $949 unlocked | $849 with activation at Best Buy
The Pixel 10 Pro XL ranks among the most potent Google smartphones ever created, and now you can enjoy a straightforward $250 savings on the device when purchased unlocked during Best Buy’s Winter Sale. Activate the device with Verizon or AT&T for additional discounts, and there’s also trade-in credit available if you want to part with an old or damaged phone.
For those who prefer a more compact device, it’s worth noting that Best Buy is also reducing the regular Google Pixel 10 Pro by $200.
✅Recommended if: you seek a large phone featuring excellent cameras and state-of-the-art onboard AI processing; you appreciate the ease of unlocked phones and desire a device with extensive software longevity.
❌Skip this deal if: your wireless carrier offers a better promotion; you can opt for a (slightly) superior phone, like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra; you experience PWM sensitivities.
The Pixel 10 series upholds Google’s tradition of delivering flagship phones that are stylish, robust, and packed with the trendiest software capabilities. Typically priced around $1,199 unlocked, the Pixel 10 Pro XL features a spacious 6.8-inch OLED 120Hz display that provides the phone its identity, and beneath the surface, it is powered by an efficient Tensor G5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a substantial 5,200mAh battery with Qi2 charging compatibility.
As is customary with Pixel devices, the camera array is where the Google Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL truly excel. The 50MP primary lens is delightful to use right out of the package, but the phone fully unveils its capabilities when utilizing its collection of AI-enhanced software functionalities. These features comprise enjoyable and practical tools like Pro Res Zoom, Camera Coach, and Auto Best Take.
The other premier Google Pixel 10 Pro XL offer online
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 256GB: $1,199.99 FREE with Experience Beyond plan at T-Mobile
A $949 smartphone can still be a hard sell for many, so if you’re comfortable updating your wireless plan, it’s also noteworthy that T-Mobile will provide you a FREE Google Pixel 10 Pro XL when you add a line with the Experience Beyond plan. No trade-in necessary!
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Series Encounters Multiple Problems in January Security Update
**Significant Security Issues and More Are Being Resolved for All Other Galaxy S25 Devices**
Samsung has begun the deployment of its stable January 2026 security update for Galaxy S25 devices that are not part of the One UI 8.5 beta program. This update tackles a range of security flaws, focusing on correcting problems in the file system and other essential areas. Earlier in the month, a comparable update was issued for users of One UI 8.5 Beta 3.
The most recent security patch for the Galaxy S25 series, which includes the S25, S25 Plus, S25 Ultra, and S25 FE, was noted on January 13 by SamMobile. The update, as detailed on Samsung’s Security Updates page, features 21 fixes, with 19 marked as “High” priority and two as “Critical.”
Among the resolutions, Samsung addresses CVE-2026-20969, a weakness that allows inappropriate file access with system permissions. Additional patches fix problems related to out-of-bounds memory access and Carrier Relock circumventions.
Overall, the patch encompasses around 55 fixes for Samsung’s flagship devices. Google’s Android Security Bulletin provides further improvements, including a crucial fix for devices equipped with Dolby components.
The patch, labeled as vBYLR, is first being rolled out in South Korea, with plans to extend to the U.S., Europe, and other areas soon.
This is the second January update for the Galaxy S25 series, following a previous release for One UI 8.5 Beta participants. The earlier update, a considerable 1.2GB download, dealt with several bugs, such as lock screen issues, gallery lag, and widget problems.
The One UI 8.5 beta program started later than expected, likely owing to Samsung’s concentration on the upcoming S26 series. The new software update, anticipated to launch alongside the Galaxy S26, promises considerable improvements over the smaller 8.1 update, with a wider rollout scheduled for other models, including the S25.
AYANEO Halts Pocket Play Campaign to Improve Service Quality
AYANEO, a well-known player in the gaming handheld market, has recently revealed a halt on its Kickstarter campaign for the Pocket Play smartphone. This move is a component of their “Service Improvement Plan,” which is designed to tackle community issues regarding unfulfilled orders from earlier campaigns. Although devices are accessible via third-party outlets, numerous backers have encountered delays in obtaining their products. The updated plan comprises initiatives such as enhanced shipping, better after-sales service, and the creation of an international warehouse. AYANEO’s dependence on crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo has faced criticism for utilizing them as retail platforms, establishing low funding targets, and rapidly achieving them. This has resulted in dissatisfaction among backers who endure lengthy waits for their orders while others are able to buy the devices at retailers such as Best Buy. The community’s outspoken discontent has compelled AYANEO to respond, and the current emphasis is on whether the company will fulfill its commitments.
Google’s Android XR Glasses Application Unveils AI Capabilities, Camera, and Display Features
A Reddit user might have disclosed all the details
Google Unveils January Update Featuring Significant GPU Corrections for Pixel 10 Series
Pixel 10 users have faced significant challenges over the last few months, but Google is releasing updates to provide assistance.
What you need to be aware of
– The January update from Google is now available, featuring GPU corrections for issues that Pixel 10 users have encountered.
– The announcement indicates that “general performance” enhancements for the GPU are included, along with fixes for touchscreen sensitivity, battery drain, and additional improvements.
– Owners of the Pixel 10 reported lag and freezing issues during gaming in October, prompting the company to pledge ongoing GPU updates.
Google is commencing the week on a positive note, as its monthly security update is being distributed to Pixel devices with a substantial fix that has been highly anticipated.
Earlier this morning, Google shared the changelog for its January 2026 security update within its Pixel community. The patch is being rolled out to devices from the Pixel 7a up to the Pixel 10 series. All models are set to receive the update labeled as vBP4A.260105.004.E1. The primary feature of this update is that Google is finally addressing a number of GPU-related concerns that have affected various Pixel phones.
The announcement specifies, “General enhancements for GPU performance in specific scenarios” are being introduced today (Jan 12).
Naturally, these concerns mainly affect the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and the 10 Pro Fold. Additional fixes this month also include another AOD (always-on display) correction for “flickering under certain conditions.” This was an issue that the Pixel 10 series had often encountered in December, following the last update. Moreover, editing images in Adobe Lightroom on the Pixel 10 would occasionally generate “noisy line flashes.” This issue has now been resolved.
Interestingly, Google mentions that it is addressing an issue with the Pixel 10 series’ touchscreen, as some users reported it would intermittently stop functioning. This should no longer be a problem following this update, but as always, exercise caution.
The remainder of the January 2026 update includes:
– Correction for noisy ringback tones during Webex calls in certain situations
– Resolution for battery draining issues in specific circumstances
– Fix for a problem where deleting a Live Universe wallpaper could sometimes cause the Wallpaper and style app to become unresponsive until the device is rebooted
Addressing the issues
The Pixel 10 has been wrestling with GPU performance since its release, as Google has been implementing minor updates since September and October. It’s not surprising that the series features the Tensor G5 chip, yet Google’s proprietary chip still lags in performance, often disappointing users of high-end games. In October, users were experiencing lag and freezes during gaming, which resulted in dissatisfaction.
Google has reportedly committed to ongoing improvements and updates for the GPU in the Pixel 10 series, which are now being observed in January.
It’s also worth noting that several fixes included in January’s patch were referenced in December, such as touch problems and battery drain. Display responsiveness and problematic touchscreen issues were reported by Pixel 10 users, which led to a crucial mid-December update. However, it appears that users are still facing some residual issues. January’s update will gradually roll out, and hopefully, this will mark the resolution of these concerns.
