“Galaxy Watch 8 Tiles: Key Highlight of One UI 8 Smartwatch”

These adaptable, scrollable Tiles fundamentally alter how I interact with my Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.

Wear OS Tiles have always centered on one application at a time. It’s handy to scroll through pertinent information, like your Samsung Health goals, current weather, or calendar reminders, without having to open each app separately. However, it can also become tiresome to sift through many tiles to locate the single piece of information you require.

With One UI 8 Watch on the Galaxy Watch 8 series, Samsung has created themed Tile groupings that utilize the watch display space more effectively; they feel so intuitive that it’s hard to believe this hasn’t been attempted sooner.

Samsung’s fresh approach to Wear OS Tiles

I spin my Classic bezel once, and I notice a “Health” Tile displaying my daily goals, Energy score, Sleep, Breathing exercises, and ECGs. I subsequently included my antioxidant index and blood oxygen levels, while you could integrate cycle tracking, medications, or any other metrics you consider significant!

The subsequent “Fitness” Tile features my primary activities for a quick workout launch, the Running Coach, body composition information, and Together friend challenges. Then there’s the “Basic” Tile with my weather, calendar, battery status, and music playback controls.

In some respects, these Tiles seem reminiscent of the Apple Watch smart stack, but with Android’s distinctive customization and the capacity to categorize them into smaller, themed groups instead of having all widgets lumped together.

For each Samsung app, two Tile options are available: a narrower oblong designed to accommodate two per display space, or a taller squircle that occupies most of the space while leaving enough room to display a glimpse of additional data beneath. This allows you to provide an essential app with a “full” Tile space while grouping other apps underneath it, if desired.

Regrettably, Google and third-party apps only offer traditional, full-Tile layouts; these do not present as an option when configuring multi-app Tiles. The Gemini tile, for instance, already showcases the Wear OS 6 design with rounded edges and limited space for two saved commands.

I assume (or at least hope) Samsung will allow other Wear OS app developers to create their mini-Tile views. They have quickly become a favorite, enabling me to incorporate more apps into my routine without dedicating an entire Tile to something I won’t utilize daily.

The Galaxy Watch 8 and Pixel Watch 4 ventured down two distinct Tile paths

When I explored Wear OS 6 at Google I/O, I was impressed by Google’s revamped Tiles as they made full use of the display space. You can bypass accessing individual applications since the Tile initiates your search for the most pertinent information or shortcuts.

Now that I’ve experienced Samsung’s interpretation of Wear OS 6, I find this core difference intriguing. Samsung’s Tiles system resembles customizing your Galaxy S25 home screen, allowing you to swipe left to your organized apps and widgets. Google’s UI appears more self-contained, intended for watches with the Material 3 Expressive aesthetic as its inspiration.

This may merely be recency bias speaking, but my preference has shifted towards Samsung’s Tiles. For one, I enjoy seeing more information at once, even if it’s smaller. Additionally, I find it simpler to scroll down through a single themed Health tile and determine which option to select, rather than memorizing my Tile sequence and settling for one at a time.

I’m not dismissing the Pixel Watch 4 UI until I’ve thoroughly assessed it. However, I believe that Google’s Wear OS 6 Tiles enhance the traditional approach, while the One UI 8 Watch Tiles revolutionize the experience, making me more inclined to utilize apps I previously overlooked on my Galaxy Watch Ultra due to running out of Tile slots and feeling overwhelmed by my app drawer.

Fortunately, this feature of One UI 8 Watch will be brought to other Galaxy Watches later this year, although the Watch 8/7’s Exynos W1000 chip particularly enhances scrolling. I won’t fault you for feeling impatient until then, as these new Tiles are simply that impressive!

Android Users Annoyed by Continuous Temporal Dithering Problems

Over recent years, an unseen occurrence has been affecting the multitude of pixels comprising our screens. Initially intended to address a specific issue, temporal dithering has spawned its own significant problem that is gradually impacting both new and older devices, making them unusable for a segment of the population, and Android users are voicing their frustrations.

On July 9, a formal bug report was submitted to Google’s Android issue tracker, detailing how system-wide temporal dithering was adversely impacting users. The issues resonate strongly with an article I penned over two years ago regarding how the flickering caused by PWM dimming was inducing headaches and nausea.

However, in contrast to PWM dimming, temporal dithering can be implemented on a device well after its purchase, sometimes years down the line. Apple’s iPhones rank among the primary culprits of this practice, compelling users to seek methods to “downgrade” to an earlier iOS version (frequently iOS 17) to avoid debilitating problems.

Numerous Android phones are also to blame, and while Android users enjoy a significantly broader selection than what Apple offers, the roster of phones that are certified flicker-free and those that do not utilize temporal dithering has diminished to almost nothing. It is crucial for Google to invest in new accessibility features to assist a substantial group of users from needing to abandon smartphones entirely.

What is temporal dithering?

Displays typically consist of millions of pixels, each individually rendering colors that form the visuals we observe on our devices. To generate these colors, pixels modify the hue of their red, green, or blue subpixels. It’s akin to Bob Ross dipping his brush into crimson red and azure blue to concoct a beautiful shade of purple for a sunset scene.

Temporal dithering, also referred to as FRC or Frame Rate Control, operates differently. Rather than simply presenting a fixed set of colors to create a single hue, temporal dithering alternates subpixels between colors rapidly to produce a color that essentially does not exist. The human eye perceives this “new” color due to the mechanics of vision. If something is flashed quickly enough before your eyes, it begins to register as a solid or moving image rather than a series of flickering frames.

This clever engineering tactic conserves research and development expenses for companies, enabling them to utilize less expensive panels while still claiming their devices exhibit “billions of colors,” even if they technically do not. Unfortunately, similar to PWM dimming, displaying a flashing light or color can lead to headaches, nausea, or in extreme cases, seizures for some individuals.

Avoiding it is nearly impossible

Individuals sensitive to temporal dithering face substantial challenges in locating suitable devices for three primary reasons. Firstly, some monitor manufacturers readily disclose FRC in their specifications, whereas smartphone manufacturers do not.

Consequently, the only methods to ascertain whether a phone or tablet employs dithering are through personal experience of symptoms or finding a review that thoroughly examines the display. I strive to incorporate this information in any review I publish, but as just one person, the sheer number of devices makes comprehensive testing impractical.

Apart from identifying the presence of flickering itself, there is no documented rate at which these pixels flicker. With PWM dimming, most manufacturers now promote information regarding its existence and the dimming rate. Phones from brands like Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel operate at a slow 240-480Hz, while brands such as OnePlus and Honor raise that figure to between 2160Hz and 4320Hz. A higher rate is preferable for human sensitivity.

The flicker rate of pixels when temporal dithering is utilized remains unknown, aside from the engineering teams that develop the algorithms. As a result, there’s no means to determine which phones have a “safe” flicker rate and which could be problematic for users. All that is evident is that when phones employ temporal dithering, certain users endure genuine discomfort and cannot utilize those devices.

Finally, there are no specific colors, applications, or activities on the phone that could trigger temporal dithering to activate. Some companies may implement temporal dithering around text edges to achieve smoother or more “readable” text, while others might utilize it to enhance animations for a more visually appealing look. It’s a haphazard mix, complicating the search for the right phone, especially for those sensitive to these effects!

If you’d like to conduct your own testing, I suggest this $20 smartphone microscope available on Amazon. Look for a phone capable of at least 240FPS slow-motion video capture — I recommend the OnePlus 12 or OnePlus 13, as both can capture at 480FPS slow motion — and examine various screen sections with the microscope.

I frequently test around text edges and on various icons on the home screen.

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Pixel Watch 4 Anticipated to Employ Identical Chip as Earlier Versions

Google’s forthcoming smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 4, is said to continue utilizing the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip, the same processor equipped in the Pixel Watch 2 and 3. Although it’s an older chip featuring Cortex-A53 cores, it still delivers impressive battery life by Wear OS benchmarks. The Pixel Watch 4 is anticipated to be available in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, with options for both LTE and Wi-Fi-only versions. The 45mm variant, codenamed “kenari,” and the 41mm variant, “meridian,” are inspired by planets from Star Wars. Reports indicate a minor increase in battery capacity, with a 7% enhancement for the 41mm and a 9% rise for the 45mm, which includes a 459mAh cell. Furthermore, quicker charging features are expected, which may shorten charging durations in comparison to earlier models.

Motorola Unveils Future Lifestyle Partnership for 2025 Razr Model

Have a penchant for glam and elegance? This Razr 2025 special edition could be just what you’re looking for.

The partnership between Motorola and Swarovski returns following the flashy Moto Buds Loop, now teasing a sparkling Razr 2025. It appears that solely the standard Razr 2025 is set to receive the Swarovski embellishment. The official unveiling of this glitter-infused collaboration is slated for August 5.

Motorola is reaffirming its collaboration with jewelry designer Swarovski after adorning the Moto Buds Loop. Today, the company teased a luxurious Razr 2025.

YTECHB previously disclosed a leaked image displaying a crystal-adorned Motorola Razr, suggesting a design reminiscent of the special edition Buds Loop. Motorola’s latest teaser appears to confirm this, and according to the same leak, the phone will feature an “Ice Blue” finish.

The brief video depicts crystals being meticulously placed into the Buds Loop, suggesting that this similar aesthetic will be applied to the Razr 2025. Although Motorola hasn’t revealed all the specifics yet, it is evident that this device is tailored for those who appreciate their technology with a bit of extra glamour.

The footage skews more towards fashion than technology, swapping technical specifications for aesthetics with atmospheric lighting, slow-motion glamorous shots, and abundant Swarovski shimmer. If the actual phone exudes the same vibe, this Razr will be a remarkable accessory.

Only the base model is receiving the glam treatment

Although the “Razr 2025” isn’t directly mentioned, the foldable design hinted by the brand’s link to the Razr series strongly indicates that this will be a limited-edition variant of its newest foldable phone.

It appears that Motorola is reserving the Swarovski embellishment exclusively for the base Razr 2025. So, if you were looking forward to a bedazzled Razr Plus or Ultra, it’s likely not in the cards.

This special edition probably won’t introduce significant specification changes compared to the standard Razr 2025. With the base model already featuring notable enhancements, the Swarovski edition focuses primarily on aesthetics: a polished look on an already sophisticated device.

We’re eagerly anticipating August 5 for the complete disclosure of this exciting collaboration.

Google Elevates Cybersecurity Initiatives Using Cutting-Edge AI Technology

Google’s AI Innovations: Transforming Digital Security

From identifying elusive security vulnerabilities to enhancing threat detection, Google’s AI innovations are set to redefine digital security standards.

Key Information

• Big Sleep, Google’s AI security tool, has detected an obscure SQLite vulnerability (CVE-2025-6965) which was already being exploited by cybercriminals.
• Google’s open-source forensic tool is now powered by Sec-Gemini, enabling quicker log analysis and improved threat detection.
• Google is also collaborating with CoSAI by sharing SAIF data to enhance research on AI security, supply chain vulnerabilities, and cyber defense strategies.

In a series of new announcements leading up to Black Hat USA and DEF CON 33, Google has showcased how its in-house AI tools are currently discovering significant bugs, assisting security teams in reducing response times, and partnering with humans in real-time hacker contests.

Google’s AI agent Big Sleep, originally unveiled last year, has recently identified a security flaw (CVE-2025-6965) in SQLite, which had been circulating undetected in the wild, known only to attackers. This finding, empowered by the insights of the Google Threat Intelligence Group, demonstrates how AI is now capable of catching vulnerabilities before they escalate.

Big Sleep is designed to operate like a human security analyst, sifting through code and recognizing suspicious activity just as a traditional researcher would. Google has also programmed it to detect clever variations of known vulnerabilities, which are highly sought after by hackers attempting to exploit modern software.

Furthermore, Google’s open-source digital forensics tool, Timesketch, is receiving a significant AI enhancement. Supported by a new model named Sec-Gemini, the upgraded system can now conduct heavy lifting during forensic investigations, such as scanning logs and identifying potential threats. This results in reduced workload for analysts and far quicker incident responses. A live demonstration is scheduled for Black Hat USA.

FACADE: Google’s Covert Insider Threat Detector

Another internal solution is emerging from the shadows. Google will provide an exclusive preview of FACADE, its insider threat detection system which has been silently tracking billions of daily events since 2018. It operates without the need for previous attack data to identify anomalies, utilizing a machine learning technique called contrastive learning.

At DEF CON 33, Google will also co-host a Capture the Flag (CTF) event alongside Airbus. Teams will receive assistance from AI tools to resolve a variety of security challenges. This innovative approach integrates AI directly with security professionals and enthusiasts.

Furthermore, Google is committing to promoting safer AI development. It is contributing data from its Secure AI Framework (SAIF) to the Coalition for Secure AI (CoSAI), supporting initiatives concerning agentic AI, the security of software supply chains, and cyber defense. This effort follows the initiative’s launch at last year’s Aspen Security Forum.

Lastly, next month will conclude the AI Cyber Challenge (AIxCC), a competition led by DARPA with Google’s support. The winners will unveil new AI solutions designed to discover and rectify vulnerabilities in major open-source software, representing a significant advancement in proactive digital security.

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Assessing the Advantages of Transitioning to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

It’s Samsung’s finest foldable to date, yet it’s also the priciest foldable Samsung has ever released.

After years of stagnant advancements, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has provided foldable phone enthusiasts with everything they desired and beyond. This year, Samsung introduced the top mobile processor, a 200MP primary camera sensor, and a revamped slim and lightweight design for its high-end Fold. However, Galaxy Z Fold users might have also received something they weren’t looking for: the $2,000 starting price of the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

For those monitoring from home, this makes the Galaxy Z Fold 7 the most expensive Samsung foldable ever launched in the U.S. It’s even costlier than the original Galaxy Z Fold released in 2019 for $1,980. Naturally, inflation, tariff variability, and various other factors could account for the price increase, yet this indicates that the decision to purchase the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is more intricate than ever.

Individuals considering an upgrade must assess their current device and determine if acquiring the latest Samsung foldable justifies the steep price. For anyone with a recent foldable from Samsung, Google, or OnePlus, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is likely out of their reach—unless they take advantage of incredible pre-order trade-in offers. Justifying an upgrade is simpler with an older model, as the enhancements accumulate over multiple generations.

Let’s examine the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s pricing and specifications to assist you in deciding whether to upgrade or stay with your current device.

Should you transition to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 from a Galaxy Z Fold 6?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 was already an impressive foldable, and the Galaxy Z Fold 7 enhances those earlier improvements. Is there sufficient new features in the latest model to entice current users to switch? That likely hinges on personal opinion. There are several notable enhancements, yet it may be difficult to rationalize spending $2,000 on a foldable just one year after paying $1,900 for the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

The primary distinctions between these two models lie in their display dimensions and designs. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has larger inner and outer screens, measuring 8 inches on the main display and 6.5 inches on the cover display. This is an increase from the 7.6-inch main screen and a 6.3-inch cover screen of the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Most importantly, the newer model features a wider cover screen, which should provide a more comfortable typing and usage experience.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is significantly thinner and lighter than its predecessor, which may be the most compelling reason to upgrade. It measures only 8.9mm in thickness when closed, allowing for the addition of a case while still remaining under the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s 12.1mm thickness. Moreover, the new version weighs merely 215 grams, making it lighter than every major flagship from Apple, Google, and Samsung.

Hardware enhancements present a mixed picture. The new model benefits from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and a 200MP camera, but the comparable features of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 are not to be overlooked. Daily use performance differences are likely to be negligible. Additionally, RAM, battery capacity, and charging speed remain unchanged between the models.

While the thinner and lighter Galaxy Z Fold 7 is appealing, most Galaxy Z Fold 6 owners should likely hold on to their device for another year. I recently reinserted a SIM into the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, and it remains an outstanding foldable that still performs admirably in 2025. Transitioning from the Galaxy S25 Edge to a bulkier device was notable, and I certainly felt the difference between the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

Regardless, we’re discussing a price of $2,000. Unless you have substantial disposable income, there simply isn’t sufficient value to justify the upgrade from the previous model. And this isn’t a critique of Samsung—I doubt anything would convince me to spend $2,000 every year on new foldable devices.

Should you upgrade to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 from an older Galaxy?

The dynamics shift somewhat when considering older Samsung Galaxy models. Even the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, which is merely two years old, is beginning to show its age. It’s equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip that wasn’t designed for the AI generation, and its 6.2-inch cover screen falls short of 2025 standards. Moreover, the phone’s weight of 252 grams and a thickness of 13.4mm when folded feels significantly bulkier compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

There are advantages to remaining with the Galaxy Z Fold 5, as it maintains the same battery capacity, charging

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