Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Pixel 10 to Showcase Qi2 Magnetic ‘Pixelsnap’ Add-ons

Google may be developing a variety of wireless chargers for its upcoming flagship device.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Key information to consider

  • Google appears to be developing multiple Qi 2.2 products for the Pixel 10 lineup, referred to as “Pixelsnap.”
  • As indicated by the name, the upcoming flagship smartphones from Google might attach to these magnetic wireless chargers.
  • Recent rumors suggest that these products might include a magnetic charger, a stand-equipped charger, and a “Ring Stand.”

Reports indicate that Google is in the process of implementing magnetic wireless charging functionality for its forthcoming flagship smartphones—the Pixel 10 series. Per Android Authority, it’s believed that the Google Pixel 10 lineup will feature Qi 2.2 support. The outlet claims to have obtained “reliable marketing materials meant for retailers,” highlighting Google’s initiative on a collection of these Qi2 accessories.

The tech powerhouse is said to be branding this line of accessories as “Pixelsnap,” potentially similar to Apple’s MagSafe charging technology. The report further mentions that there are likely three accessories in development: a Pixelsnap charger, a Pixelsnap charger with support for a stand, and a Pixelsnap Ring Stand.

The exact appearance of these accessories is yet to be disclosed; however, speculation suggests that the “Pixelsnap Charger” may function as a standard wireless charger akin to Apple’s MagSafe, while the “Pixelsnap Charger with Stand” could serve as a tool to maintain the phone in an upright position for utilizations such as

Read More
Haptic Vest Transforms VR Gaming with $200 Price Cut at Best Buy

Your beloved content will undergo a transformation.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Although it isn’t Prime Day, if you were looking to dive into VR gaming this year, there are numerous Meta Quest offers and price-cut accessories available to get you started at a great value right now. For instance, following the retailer’s recent Quest 3S promotion, you can purchase the Woojer Haptic Vest 3 at Best Buy and enjoy a fantastic discount of $200 off your order. 

<div data-image="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FHJgn3EMMB3XdbLogcyxvh-200-100.png" data-link="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fwoojer-haptic-vest-3-for-games-music-movies-vr-and-wellness-black%2F6563882.p" data-link-merchant="Best Buy" data-link-text="View Deal" data-merchant-id="574517" data-merchant-name="Best Buy" data-merchant

Read More
Render Leak Exposes Galaxy Watch 8’s Sleek Squircle Aesthetic

All Watch 8 variants appear poised for an Ultra-style design transformation.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Key points to be aware of

  • A recent leak of Galaxy Watch 8 series renders showcased the anticipated squircle redesign of the base model, resembling the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
  • The base variant appears much sleeker and simpler, featuring only two physical buttons and a less pronounced crown.
  • Recently, an eBay listing revealed the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, offering a clear view of its rotating bezel, crown, and overall design.

Enthusiasm for Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Watch series remains high, as another leak hints at a fresh design for the base model.

Additional renders, acquired by Android Headlines, demonstrate the new (and recognized) trajectory Samsung is pursuing with its Galaxy Watch 8 series. The focal point here is the proposed squircle design for the base Galaxy Watch 8 model. The imagery of the device in white suggests a more playful take on Samsung’s squircle design, first adopted by the Galaxy Watch Ultra in 2024.

The render depicted the watch with a somewhat square silver base and its circular watch face atop. The Galaxy Watch 8’s aesthetics are quite streamlined, featuring a moderate black border/bezel surrounding the circumference of the face.

Why Gamers Misinterpret VR Exclusives: An Examination of Deadpool and Thief

Quit your complaining and grab a headset now.

(Image credit: Meta / Cortopia Studios / PLAION)

In the last fortnight, a series of new VR-exclusive titles have been announced. Featuring Deadpool VR, Thief VR, and even a fresh VR-designed cooperative Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game, Meta Quest players are in for an exhilarating experience.

AC thVRsday

<source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LGmZZrc8DWcxmZm6RRUYbC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LGmZZrc8DWcxmZm6RRUYbC-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LGmZZrc8DWcxmZm6RRUYbC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LGmZZrc8DWcx

Read More
Samsung Unveils One UI 8 Beta 2 for Galaxy S25 Series Across Multiple Regions

The newest second beta update based on Android 16 introduces improvements and resolves issues.

Samsung has started the rollout of the second beta for One UI 8, the company’s most recent Android 16-based update for the Galaxy S25 series. This update is now accessible for the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra in certain regions, such as Germany, Korea, Poland, and the U.K. It brings new functionalities, multiple bug fixes, and the updated June security patch.

The second One UI 8 beta is a significant update, approximately 1236MB in size, featuring version numbers S938U1UEU4ZYF3/ S938U1OYM4ZYF3/ S938U1UEU4BYF3. It includes a user feedback tool “to enhance interpreter performance,” corrections for text alignment issues in Now Brief, enhancements across widgets, and solutions for fingerprint unlock problems. Moreover, issues related to the Galaxy AI, Clock app, and camera app have been resolved.

While the second beta is available in specific regions, the first beta is now extending to India and Poland, delivering the June security patch to these areas. The first beta is a 3.6GB update and has been activated in these locations.

The One UI 8 beta is anticipated to roll out to older Galaxy models, such as the Galaxy S24 and S23 series, with updates expected by mid-July.

Read More
Presenting the Slim Garmin Venu X1: Main Features and Highlights

With a design reminiscent of a slim Apple Watch Ultra 2 and similar to a Forerunner 970, the Garmin Venu X1 presents a distinctive choice.

What you need to know

– The Garmin Venu X1 is a $799 high-end smartwatch featuring premium tools akin to the Fenix 8 and Forerunner 970.
– It boasts an 8mm-thick titanium build, integrated mic & speaker, LED flashlight, and offline map capabilities.
– The 2-inch square AMOLED display is safeguarded by sapphire glass and offers enhanced brightness.

As many Garmin timepieces move to AMOLED displays, it was uncertain how the Venu series that initiated this trend would differentiate itself. We now have our answer: the Garmin Venu X1, a high-end squircle fitness watch equipped with a 2-inch AMOLED and an incredibly sleek design—only 8mm thick, 6.4mm thinner than the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Garmin has evidently crafted the Venu X1 with Apple’s flagship in mind, featuring a slightly larger display, matching launch price of $799, and an eight-day battery life. It achieves a resolution of 448 x 486, while Apple’s is at 502 x 410, with a marginally more pronounced border at the top and bottom.

Despite these similarities, the Garmin Venu X1 and Apple Watch Ultra are distinctly different devices, as Garmin lacks the same apps, processing power, phone compatibility, or a full titanium body.

Nonetheless, Garmin appears to target Apple users who appreciate the titanium aesthetics but prioritize premium fitness features and comfort over peak performance.

The Venu X1 receives almost every feature that was withheld from the Venu 3.

The Garmin Venu X1 provides a more advanced fitness experience compared to the Garmin Venu 3, which serves as more of an all-purpose device and lacks essential training features like Training Readiness.

For runners, the Garmin Venu X1 includes Training Status / Load / Effect, Lactate Threshold, Performance Condition, Daily Suggested Workouts, a Race Glance widget, real-time stamina, heat acclimation, support for multisport activities, Strava Live Segments, Hill / Endurance scores, and a variety of new sports modes.

For hikers, the Venu X1 is equipped with pre-downloaded topo maps that should look stunning on the 2-inch display and make users of the Garmin Instinct 3 extremely envious. Additionally, it offers access to 43,000 golf courses and several useful features like the Virtual Caddie.

On the smart functionality side, the Garmin Venu X1 reintroduces the same mic & speaker, but they now extend beyond simple passthrough voice commands to allow for Voice Memos and on-device voice commands. While it may not compare to Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant, it’s commendable for a fitness watch.

For a complete feature comparison with the Venu 3, reference the Garmin Compare link and select “Show Only Differences.”

The nearest equivalent in terms of features and pricing is the Garmin Forerunner 970, which is $50 cheaper and includes similar premium features such as a built-in LED flashlight, mic & speaker for Bluetooth calls and offline voice commands, sapphire glass protection, and the top-tier Elevate v5 sensor for ECGs and skin temperature monitoring.

Aside from a few premium running tools like Running Tolerance, the main advantage of the Forerunner 970 is a longer battery life of 15 days per charge with 21 hours of dual-band GPS tracking. The Venu X1 lasts only eight days or 14 with all-systems GNSS, lacking a multi-band option.

However, many runners might lean towards the Venu X1, primarily for its lightweight design at 16g less with the nylon band (40g vs. 56g) and a thinner profile by 4.9mm. Garmin focused on slimness and comfort while still providing a week’s worth of battery life, and its second-tier GPS accuracy remains competitive with some of its rivals.

Most importantly, the Garmin Venu X1 provides athletes with a larger area for more glanceable information and multiple complications on the watch face.

The design of the Garmin Venu X1 will excite some and deter others.

Many enthusiasts of Garmin watches may lean towards a circular design, especially the Fenix 8, which features excellent battery life and a completely titanium case—while the Venu X1 combines lighter polymer with a titanium caseback.

Essentially, there’s no way for the Venu X1 to disguise itself as a “regular” watch.

However, fans of the sleek Apple Watch X will be delighted by this design. Additionally, as the Venu X1 weighs about 50g less than the 47mm Fenix 8, it will feel notably lighter during workouts.

We anticipate Garmin still aims to unveil a Garmin Venu 4 later this year, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of the Venu 3. At $450, the third-generation model represents a significantly more affordable alternative, having topped our best fitness watch rankings since.

Read More
Bose Unveils QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Showcasing Improved AI-Driven Active Noise Cancellation

Additionally, genuine wireless charging has arrived at last.

(Image credit: Bose)

Essential information

  • Bose is enhancing its well-liked QuietComfort Ultra earbuds with upgraded ANC, genuine wireless charging, and superior call quality.
  • The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds will retail for $299.
  • The brand is also introducing the Bose SoundLink Plus Portable speaker and refreshing the Bose SoundLink Micro.

Bose is revamping its consumer audio collection with a second-generation version of the celebrated QuietComfort Ultra earbuds and two fresh portable speakers. The original Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds were quite successful, and the company is building on that initial triumph by incorporating wireless charging, enhanced ANC, and more at a price point of $299. A brand-new portable speaker, the SoundLink Plus Portable, will launch alongside a second-generation SoundLink Micro speaker as well.

Clearly, AI is central to the enhancements in the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. New AI algorithms are being utilized to detect and eliminate noise surges when active noise-canceling is activated. This continues to develop Bose’s existing ActiveSense ANC mode, and aligns with improved call quality and voice recognition, as stated by the company.

The earbuds feature a refined design and a vibrant color option, Deep Plum, which joins Black and White Smoke. An ingenious addition Bose is bringing with the second-gen QuietComfort Ultra earbuds is the earwax guard, integrated into the earbuds to avert earwax accumulation.

Contrasting Methods: WatchOS 26 vs. Wear OS 6 in Tackling Shared Issues

Apple and Galaxy Watches are inundated with AI customization; the real inquiry lies in its effectiveness.

WatchOS 26 and Wear OS 6 are set to debut later this year, and it’s intriguing to observe how Apple, Google, and Samsung are adopting varying strategies to maintain their watches’ significance amidst this year’s AI surge.

Viewing WWDC often stirs a competitive mindset among Android enthusiasts, highlighting the new iOS 26 features that appear to have been influenced by Android or how Apple Intelligence does not quite measure up to Gemini.

On the wearables front, however, the imitation of features is widespread and indiscriminate. Galaxy and Pixel Watch users are keenly anticipating when these manufacturers will “adopt” better fitness watch capabilities or Apple functionalities like the Smart Stack.

I can mention that the Galaxy Watch 7 already features an equivalent to Apple’s “new” wrist-flick gesture to dismiss notifications, or that Google Keep anticipated Apple Notes on smartwatches.

Nonetheless, Apple was quicker than Samsung and Google with fitness functionalities including running dynamics, personalized workouts, and training load, in addition to vital safety features.

Determining who was “first” in smartwatch functionalities isn’t crucial (at least for me). The pertinent consideration is who executes a feature effectively, despite obstacles such as battery longevity, underperforming CPUs, and small displays.

It’s evident from Apple’s watchOS 26 showcase, along with Google and Samsung’s Wear OS 6 intentions, that rejuvenated UI, personalization, and AI are the focal points for smartwatches in 2025. Yet, only the Apple Watch 11, Galaxy Watch 8, and Pixel Watch 4 can prove which brand can genuinely deliver.

Can Apple Intelligence or Gemini foresee your requirements?

WatchOS 26 will utilize “prediction algorithms” driven by your contextual, sensor, and habitual data to generate Smart Stack prompts, or “actionable suggestions” that emerge as small icons on the primary watch face.

For instance, it will display a Pilates prompt if your GPS indicates you’re at the studio where you usually exercise. Alternatively, the Watch can select “the optimal playlist for a user’s workout based on the workout type and their individual preferences.”

Other significant watchOS 26 functionalities hinge on AI, such as “more accurate” on-device Smart Replies and “relevant action” suggestions dependent on the content of the message, like activating Apple Cash if a friend requests funds.

We have also gleaned from a One UI APK disassembly that Samsung (reportedly) intends to implement the Now Bar feature. Users would perform a double-tap gesture to access contextually relevant apps from the home screen, like media controls.

In both instances, Samsung and Apple assert that they are so attuned to your routines that they can anticipate your desires, saving you the effort of swipes or voice commands to retrieve it. But can Gemini or Apple Intelligence be relied upon for this, or will these recommendations lack depth? Time will reveal!

From a UI standpoint, I appreciate Apple’s Smart Stack as it can overlay several suggestions, while a Now Bar seemingly accommodates only one prediction. Google’s newly refined Wear OS 6 UI could potentially emulate Smart Stack, but thus far, Google has only implemented it for notification Cards.

Workout Buddy: an AI trainer or just another gimmick?

Apple’s Workout Buddy will leverage Apple Intelligence to highlight pertinent information during and after exercises, such as “You’re 18 minutes away from closing your Exercise ring,” “You accelerated and completed that last one in 8 minutes,” or that you “just reached the 200-mile mark” for the year.

This instantly reminded me of Garmin Connect Plus, which includes an AI chatbot that summarizes your recent statistics in the app, or Strava’s Athlete Intelligence analytics that evaluates every workout. Other chatbots with varying degrees of accuracy and usefulness also exist.

Honestly, Apple’s concept of AI coaching seems rather basic, concentrating on rings and elementary trivia visible on your watch. However, it may explore deeper subjects like training load and heart rate zones, and at least Apple’s audio offering can deliver this information during workouts for encouragement.

In contrast, Fitbit Premium introduced AI running coaching and personalized workouts last year, tailored to your fitness level and Cardio Load. Apple leads in at-home video workouts with Fitness Plus, but not in AI workouts. It features a revamped Fitness UI to highlight Custom Workouts, but not everyone has the availability to design those themselves.

Apple claims that its Workout Buddy will accommodate running, walking, cycling, HIIT, and strength training — a more extensive range than Fitbit’s emphasis on running. But will it provide any more valuable insights than assessing your duration, pace, and heart rate? That will be the true measure of its effectiveness.

As for Samsung, it’s reportedly developing some form of a basic Running Coach this year, but specific details remain unclear. Its primary focus is a Samsung Health AI Coach that will allow you to “ask questions, gain real-time insights, and receive personalized coaching,” as well as

Read More
Obligatory Update Could Address Battery Problems in Pixel 6a

Compulsory software update for Google Pixel 6a seeks to alleviate “battery overheating.”

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google will shortly issue a necessary update for the Pixel 6a to tackle battery overheating issues, impacting some users’ devices.
  • This will decrease battery capacity as well as charging efficiency, assuming the device has undergone 400 charge cycles.
  • The affected Pixel 6a users will be reached in July by Google for additional details.

The Google Pixel 6a is set to obtain a distinctive software update, which, intriguingly, will be mandatory, as reported by 9to5Google.

The tech giant has conveyed a message to 9to5Google stating that Pixel 6a proprietors can expect an update soon, which is designed to “minimize the risk of future battery overheating.” Moreover, it will be obligatory, leaving no choice for users but to install it.

<source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/r8qBJtWbXaH8yFjMSEteGc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/r8qBJtWbXaH8yFjMSEteGc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/r8qBJtWbXaH8yFjMSEteGc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/r8qBJtWbXaH8yFjMSEteGc-970-80.jpg.webp

Read More
Samsung Introduces Upgraded ‘Ultra’ AI Camera for Galaxy Z Fold 7

The system is capable of identifying what you are capturing, implementing optimizations tailored to your subject matter.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Samsung is set to enhance the camera of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra with a new AI technology.
  • The upcoming software will “comprehend what you are observing” and “react,” according to recent announcements.
  • Once more, Samsung hints that the Galaxy Z Fold upgrade will feature an “Ultra” camera.

Samsung persistently hints at the arrival of its upcoming foldable device, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and today it disclosed some details regarding the anticipated camera enhancements. The company emphasized the importance of integrating hardware, software, and AI to deliver exceptional mobile photography experiences in 2025, as stated in a blog post. Specifically, Samsung offered a preview of an intelligent

Read More