Spotify Wrapped 2025 Unveils Customized Vibe Club Allocations
Are you the trendsetter in your neighborhood?
Essential information
- Spotify Wrapped 2025 reveals fresh features such as listening age and favorite albums for a tailored music journey.
- AI upgrades enable users to delve into memorable streaming days and nostalgic listening patterns.
- The new ‘Spotify Club’ links users with shared musical interests through engaging community interactions.
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Research Investigates Possible Health Hazards of Early Smartphone Usage Among Children
As smartphones became increasingly widespread, one persistent question has been regarding their influence on parenting and the appropriate age to provide a child with their first smartphone. Some parents opt to delay this decision until their children are older teens, while others are comfortable handing over a phone at an earlier stage.
Both approaches present possible advantages, but they also involve certain risks, as a recent [New York Times article highlights](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/01/well/family/early-smartphone-ownership-study.html). The piece references a study indicating that children below a particular age may face a heightened risk of specific adverse health impacts, which could cause hesitation for some parents when contemplating giving their children their first smartphones.
However, we are eager to hear your perspective! Regardless of whether you’re a parent, when do you believe it is appropriate to provide a child with their first smartphone? Share your opinions in the comments below!
### What does the study reveal?
The research, published in the [journal Pediatrics](https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/doi/10.1542/peds.2025-072941/205716/Smartphone-Ownership-Age-of-Smartphone-Acquisition?redirectedFrom=fulltext?autologincheck=redirected), examined data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, which included over 10,000 participants in the U.S. starting at age 10.
Researchers inquired if the children owned a smartphone and assessed how this exposure impacted the children across three critical health dimensions. They discovered that early exposure correlated with negative effects universally.
“Smartphone ownership during early adolescence is linked to poorer health outcomes in adolescents, including depression, obesity, and sleep deficiency, regardless of socioeconomic and parental variables,” stated lead author Ran Barzilay, MD, PhD.
The study indicated that among the more than 10,000 participants, over 60% had a smartphone by age 12 (more than 4,000 with an iPhone compared to over 2,000 with an [Android phone](https://www.androidcentral.com/best-cheap-android-phones)). However, the evidence suggested that the sooner a child acquired a smartphone, the poorer the outcomes were based on the key metrics (depression, obesity, sleep efficiency) evaluated.
Moreover, researchers noted similar repercussions for the over 3,000 participants who did not possess a smartphone by age 12. A year later, half of the participants who got a phone by age 13 exhibited worse outcomes than those who did not.
### What steps can parents take?
Parents may have various reasons for deciding to give their children smartphones at younger ages, as it offers them peace of mind knowing they can reach their child in case of emergencies. This is particularly relevant for latchkey children, or kids who frequently look after themselves unsupervised after school while their parents are still at work.
Nevertheless, there are methods parents can use to ease their worries regarding their children’s smartphone use. Numerous [smartphones for kids](https://www.androidcentral.com/best-phone-kids) come equipped with built-in safety features, and with parental controls accessible in many smartphones through tools like [Family Link](https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/google-gives-family-link-a-new-look-and-plans-new-supervision-tools) and [Find Hub](https://www.androidcentral.com/find-my-device), parents can track their children’s locations to confirm they are where they should be.
In addition, parents can oversee their kids’ smartphone usage by limiting and approving app downloads, filtering Google Search results, establishing screen time limits, and more. Furthermore, applications like [Instagram](https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/meta/instagrams-ai-now-detects-and-protects-teens-even-if-their-profile-says-theyre-adults) feature built-in age restrictions and content limitations that parents concerned about social media access can implement.
That said, some parents might find these precautions inadequate and decide to postpone providing their children with a smartphone. In such cases, alternatives exist, such as a [shared family tablet](https://www.androidcentral.com/best-tablets-kids) or even
Read MoreImages that have surfaced hint that the Motorola Edge 70 Ultra is targeting the high-end market.
Additional information has emerged, yet the launch speculation remains ambiguous.
What you must be aware of:
– Moto Edge 70 Ultra rumors progress, as an alleged image of the device showcasing its rear panel has surfaced.
– The device appears to maintain a square camera housing similar to the standard Edge 70; however, the panel may adopt a textured, soft material.
– Previous speculation indicates the Edge 70 Ultra could feature Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC, delivering flagship performance to budget-friendly smartphones.
A collection of purported promotional images for Motorola’s anticipated Edge 70 Ultra has come to light, suggesting it aims for a premium status.
Earlier today (Dec 2), a leak from Android Headlines seemingly revealed what Motorola is developing for its Edge 70 Ultra. The leaked image appears official, considering the detail level in the visuals, though it’s prudent to wait for Motorola’s official confirmation. Nonetheless, the report suggests that the Edge 70 Ultra could keep a camera housing design akin to the Edge 70 series that debuted earlier in November.
The company seems to stick with that square housing, along with providing a triple camera array featuring an LED flash located at the bottom right of the unit.
A significant distinction to highlight in this leak: the Edge 70 Ultra might present a soft, textured back. As the publication mentions, the renderings suggest a material change from the Edge 70, resembling something akin to fabric. The renders indicate that the panel is textured, potentially enhancing the device’s feel in hand without a case. This would represent a notable shift from the Moto Edge Plus (2023), which had a glass back that was quite slippery in hand, likely leading to accidental drops.
The leaks do not reveal much additional information; however, the device will keep its volume rocker and power button on the right side. Its display raises a concern, as this leak does not depict it. The Edge 70 was introduced with a completely flat display, which may provide a more comfortable grip compared to the previous Edge series’ curved screen. While it seems probable that Motorola will maintain the flat display, nothing has been confirmed at this time.
Preparing for an Ultra
According to the publication, the Edge 70 Ultra is rumored to retain a display size similar to the standard Edge 70, which measures 6.6 inches; however, a minor alteration might affect its chipset. Recent whispers, following an alleged benchmark sighting of the phone, suggest the Edge 70 Ultra could include the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. Speculation also exists that the device will come equipped with the Adreno 829 GPU and 16GB of RAM.
Regarding its chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 was just released last month, introducing flagship-level capabilities to affordable smartphones. Qualcomm claims its latest chip delivers robust gaming performance, along with enhanced AI and significant performance improvements compared to its previous budget-friendly chip. The SoC employs the company’s Oryon CPU cores, which underscores its reported performance enhancements this year.
Speculation remains vague about when the market will glimpse the Edge 70 Ultra, although theories suggest it could be unveiled in early to mid-2026.
Read MoreOnePlus 15 US Pre-Order Date Revealed with Thrilling Freebies
Get a complimentary OnePlus Watch 3 when you place a pre-order for the 512GB model of the OnePlus 15.
Essential Information
- U.S. pre-orders for the OnePlus 15 commence on December 4, 2025, following setbacks from the government shutdown and FCC clearance.
- Customers have the option to select a complimentary item such as the OnePlus Watch 3, OnePlus Buds Pro 3, AirVOOC charger, or a magnetic case when pre-ordering.
- OnePlus will provide a $100 trade-in credit for any phone in addition to a $100 cashback incentive on qualifying OnePlus 15 purchases.
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Comparison of Vivo V60’s Exceptional Design to the Aesthetic Constraints of the X300 Pro
The V60 is the most visually appealing Vivo smartphone of 2025.
I’ve mentioned it numerous times this year, but I am greatly impressed by Vivo’s innovations in 2025. The X200 Pro, X200 Ultra, X Fold 5, and X300 Pro have all been remarkable, and Vivo’s camera optimization is unmatched on Android at present — I prefer it over the Find X9 Pro and Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and it stands in a different category entirely when compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Then there’s the mid-tier devices. The <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/vivo/vivo-v50-proves-that-iterative-updates-can-still-be-fun" data-mrf-recirculation="inline-link"
Read MoreGarmin’s ‘Annual Review’ Report Contrasts Your Steps, Body Battery, and Additional Metrics with Those of Other Athletes
The 2025 Garmin Connect data report presents a valuable overview of the health and fitness behaviors among Garmin watch users across various age demographics and nationalities. Issued by Garmin, the report indicates an 8% rise in logged activities compared to 2024, with notable increases in racket sports and Pilates. Users recorded an average of 55 minutes per activity, yet merely 28% met the recommended 10,000 steps each day.
The report examines the rise in popularity of different sports, noting a 67% surge in racket sports such as pickleball, primarily driven by individuals aged 18-29. Pilates, HIIT, and strength training also experienced significant growth, while indoor running expanded by 16%, with a preference for treadmills among women.
Activity length varied, with most runs being under an hour and walks usually between 0-30 minutes. The average duration of activities was influenced by longer endeavors like hiking and cycling. Daily step counts highlighted Hong Kong users at the forefront with 10,663 steps, followed by South Korea, Spain, China, and Ireland.
Additionally, the report analyzes demographic variations, showing Dutch users as the least stressed, Portuguese users receiving the most restorative sleep, and Chinese users expending the highest daily energy. Garmin motivates users to compare their figures and pursue challenging badges, such as the Everest expedition badge, which only 0.7% of users attain.
In conclusion, the report delivers an extensive perspective on how Garmin watch owners utilize their devices, offering a reference point for users to evaluate their performance and set forthcoming objectives.
Read More“Phone 3a Community Edition Delves into the Uncommon and Remarkable”
The company’s second Community Edition features several insights gained and a significantly lengthened creation timeline.
Nothing has declared that its Phone 3a Community Edition, the organization’s second ever, will debut on December 9 at 1 PM GMT (8 AM EST). The device was developed in collaboration with the top four winners from its last submission phase, which saw an expanded nine-month development timeline focusing on more facets of its phone than previously addressed. Nothing had launched 1,000 units of its inaugural project, the Phone 2a Plus Community Edition, in 2024.
Nothing’s co-creation initiative is warming up the chilly winter, as the company announces when its second Community Edition phone will arrive. Mirroring its first edition, Nothing invited four winners to London to engage in the development of what would evolve into the Phone 3a Community Edition earlier in 2025. Although the latest edition isn’t set to launch until December 9 at 1 PM GMT (8 AM EST), the company’s press release indicates that the phone reflects the culmination of numerous components. Alongside Nothing, these four individuals contributed to its hardware and accessory design, as well as its lock screen clock and wallpaper. Additionally, each participant was involved in the marketing campaign for the phone, which is now starting to come to fruition.
Nothing is showcasing its lessons from the initial collaborative Community Edition by stating it has refined its development schedule by “extending the co-creation window.” This year, collaborators are believed to have worked together over nine months. Even the design elements of the phone were enhanced to ensure greater involvement with the Community Edition from start to finish. The winning creators also received a £1,000 cash award for their contributions during and after the submission phase. Nothing claims that this year’s Community Edition represents its “ambitious and bold” approach to product design.
Nothing has reflected on the insights gained from its first Community Edition, specifically the Phone 2a Plus launched in 2024. Similar to what is forthcoming, Nothing designed that device with “input from the fans.” The device also included similar internals to those provided to consumers during the original launch of the Phone 2a Plus that same year. The lengthy creation process resulted in a 2a Plus that emitted a glow in the dark. It is noteworthy that, during its first Community Edition, Nothing only produced 1,000 units. It was a limited run that undoubtedly captivated those involved and others who appreciated that luminous aesthetic. It remains uncertain whether Nothing will adopt a similar approach with its Phone 3a Community Edition.
In other developments, Nothing has been launching its OS 4.0 update for its latest phones. The company’s flagship Phone 3 was the first to receive the update, arriving in late November. This update included some exclusive features, such as Glyph Toys, Glyph Mirror Selfie, Flip to Glyph controls, and more. Most recently, and quite timely, the Phone 3a has begun receiving its significant Android 16 upgrade.
The Phone 3a is positioned on the budget-friendly side, yet Nothing is not treating it as such. The company is promptly deploying its promised Nothing OS 4 update following the official rollout to its flagship model. System animations, battery optimization, and numerous enhancements are part of this update, considerably improving the Phone 3a across all dimensions.
Read MoreGoogle’s December Update Improves Pixel Security and Fixes 33 Issues
Covering battery, UI, and Bluetooth concerns
Essential information
- The security update for December targeting Pixel devices incorporates resolutions for 33 problems and critical security flaws.
- Improvements to the UI tackle freezing issues, display irregularities, and boost stability for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
- The update is being rolled out for Pixel 6 and newer models, in addition to the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold within the week.
Each month, Google considers the beginning of the month a prime opportunity to release various updates for Android and Pixel users. In conjunction with some of the notable features that accompany this month’s update, Google is also launching several bug fixes and security enhancements for Pixels today (Dec. 2).
The support page for Pixel indicates that December’s security update includes resolutions for 33 common issues encountered by Pixel users over the previous month, as well as addressing specific security vulnerabilities.
Notably, some of the key bug fixes resolve problems with battery and charging, correcting the unusual battery issue.
Read MoreIndia’s Sonodyne Launches Amazing Soundbar Featuring Dolby Atmos, Exceptional Audio Quality, Independent Subwoofer, and Budget-Friendly Pricing
I tested Sonodyne’s Sama 5000, and it stands out as one of the top mid-range Dolby Atmos soundbars in India.
Sonodyne is a renowned Indian audio producer with a rich legacy; it has been crafting custom studio speakers and professional monitoring equipment for more than 50 years, demonstrating its expertise in this field. I reviewed the Malhar Bluetooth speaker last year, and I was instantly impressed by its sound performance. It was such a revelation that I replaced my long-time Marshall Stanmore with the Malhar, making it the primary Bluetooth speaker in my home office.
Therefore, when Sonodyne announced its entry into the soundbar market, I was definitely intrigued. The Sama 5000 launched in August 2025, and it is
Read More“Garmin InReach Mini 3 Plus: An Affordable Satellite Device Option Instead of Fenix 8 Pro”
If the exorbitant cost of the Fenix 8 Pro for LTE and satellite deterred you, this satellite handheld offers backpackers a versatile solution.
What you need to know
– The Garmin InReach Mini 3 is a handheld SOS satellite communicator weighing 4.4 ounces, capable of lasting up to two weeks on a single charge.
– It allows you to send or receive voice clips lasting 30 seconds, text through a 1.9-inch MIP touch display, transmit photos using your phone, or share your LiveTrack location.
– It introduces new features like Voice Commands, multi-band GPS, and a passcode.
– It does not provide cellular connectivity and requires an InReach satellite subscription starting at $7.99/month.
As thrilling as it was when the Fenix 8 Pro integrated LTE and satellite in a compact wearable gadget, its $1,200+ price made it hard to recommend, and its small design restricts aspects like battery longevity. Now, Garmin is unveiling the InReach Mini 3 Plus, an SOS satellite handheld communicator that could serve as a more feasible choice for serious backpackers who venture into areas lacking cellular service.
Unlike previous InReach models such as the Messenger Plus or Mini 2, the InReach Mini 3 Plus features a touch display that covers most of its surface, in addition to the conventional navigation buttons. This enhancement simplifies menu navigation and message sending, a significant improvement over the previous method of tapping through letters individually.
The Mini 3 Plus includes a microphone and speaker, enabling you to send brief voice messages or record voice memos through the device, and listen to responses from loved ones, all via satellite. It can also transmit photos, though you’ll need your phone to take and upload them to the Messenger app.
In contrast, the Fenix 8 Pro is limited to sending text messages, check-ins, and SOS alerts—no photos or voice memos. Additionally, while the InReach Messenger Plus can also send voice memos, it requires phone usage, whereas the Mini 3 Plus remains functional even if your phone battery is depleted.
Garmin employs the mic and speaker for voice commands, allowing you to activate certain functionalities like check-ins or LiveTrack without relying on the touchscreen. We are intrigued to see how effectively this feature operates, considering voice commands can sometimes be inconsistent on Garmin watches.
Like most InReach devices and GPSMAP handhelds, the InReach Mini 3 Plus is equipped with an SOS button that transmits an emergency alert along with your GPS coordinates to a 24/7 Garmin Response team. The new addition is the access to the touchscreen, facilitating easier replies to responders, as well as multi-band GPS frequency for enhanced location accuracy.
It also marks the first InReach device known to have an MIL-STD-810 rating for thermal, shock, and water resistance, featuring an IP67 rating compared to the IPX7 rating of the Messenger Plus and Mini 2. This enhancement should aid in surviving falls, although the display is protected only by “chemically strengthened glass.”
Beyond emergencies, you can utilize the Mini 3 Plus to send LiveTrack location updates to trusted contacts. Garmin claims it can operate for 350 hours (approximately 14 days) with ten-minute check-in intervals, or 95 hours in “performance” mode with more frequent updates.
In terms of additional functionalities beyond satellite messaging, you can synchronize it with the Garmin Explore app, where you can design GPX routes for turn-by-turn navigation. You can also access weather updates or satellite imagery through the app.
The Garmin InReach Mini 3 Plus is priced at $499.99, or $449 for a model without photo and voice messaging. If that seems a bit steep, the InReach Mini 2 is available for $150 off with an ongoing Cyber Monday deal, bringing it down to $249; the InReach Messenger Plus is also $150 off if you prefer photo and video messaging using your phone.
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