Threads Introduces Group Chats and Broadens Messaging Features to the EU
Threads has just completed its puzzle.
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Honor Introduces AI-Powered ‘Robot Phone’ with Flip-Up Camera
**It’s akin to Wall-E, only as a compact camera within your smartphone.**
In an era where technology relentlessly enhances innovation, Honor has rolled out a teaser for its newest initiative, the “Robot Phone.” This captivating gadget, echoing the cherished animated figure Wall-E, aims to transform our interactions with smartphones. With an innovative design and an emphasis on artificial intelligence, the Robot Phone is poised to engage both tech aficionados and regular users.
**Essential Information**
– Honor’s “Robot Phone” teaser reveals an AI-powered gadget featuring a flip-up camera mounted on a gimbal.
– The design takes cues from Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro, showcasing a prominent camera bar due to the gimbal.
– Honor seeks to develop a device with a “Super brain of AI” adept at understanding its environment.
**An Innovative Design**
Amidst the buzz around the Magic 8 Pro launch, Honor has redirected focus to a new form factor represented by the Robot Phone. The teaser video starts with the Magic 8 Pro and transitions to the Robot Phone, which is equipped with a triple camera setup. The highlight is the flip-up camera on a gimbal, enabling the device to “sense” its environment.
**AI in Focus**
The AI features of the Robot Phone are emphasized in the teaser, paralleling Disney’s Wall-E. The flip-up camera, which houses the AI, monitors the world, effortlessly capturing moments. This capability guarantees that users won’t overlook significant events, whether it’s a child’s first steps or an impromptu city scene.
**Human & Technology**
The teaser also illustrates the AI aiding a woman in selecting an outfit, demonstrating its ability to improve daily tasks. While specifics are limited, Honor guarantees a “groundbreaking” device with the Robot Phone, which will be further revealed at MWC Barcelona 2026.
**A Peek into What’s Ahead**
Honor’s dedication to AI advancement is clear in its Alpha Plan, which aims to reshape the human-machine interface. The Robot Phone, with its intriguing camera and AI features, marks a notable achievement in this endeavor. As technology progresses, the Robot Phone presents a vision of a future where smartphones evolve from mere tools to intelligent allies.
Read MoreGoogle’s Veo Boosts Imagination and Authenticity in Version 3.1 Update
Google has unveiled the launch of Veo 3.1, a significant upgrade to its video generation model, now accessible in the Gemini app and Flow. This release intends to boost users’ creativity by offering richer audio, enhanced narrative oversight, and improved realism in textures. Veo 3.1 also features stronger adherence to prompts and better audiovisual quality when transforming images into video.
In Flow, Veo 3.1 improves existing functionalities with audio features, enabling users to create videos using reference images to control characters, objects, and styles. Tools like “Frames to Video” and “Extend” benefit from these upgrades, providing greater control over shot arrangement and video duration.
The update also introduces new editing features, such as “Insert” for adding elements and the capacity to eliminate scene components, similar to Magic Eraser. Veo 3.1 is accessible in the Gemini app, Gemini API for developers, and Vertex AI for enterprise clients.
Google launched Flow earlier this year as a resource for storytellers to bring concepts to life without significant expenses, powered by Veo 3, Imagen 4, and Gemini. With Veo 3.1, users can further elevate their video projects with enhanced audio and editing functionalities.
Read MorePixel Watch 4’s Repairability Establishes a New Benchmark for Apple, Garmin, and Samsung
You likely cannot (or ought not) fix it on your own, but the Pixel Watch 4 demonstrates that alternative smartwatch manufacturers can excel.
My weekly article delves into the condition of Wear OS, covering recent advancements and the newest applications and functionalities.
iFixit indicates that the Google Pixel Watch 4 is the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/wearables/google-pixel-watch/googles-pixel-watch-4-just-rewrote-the-rules-for-smartwatch-repair" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.android
Read MoreComparison of Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S25: Evolution of the Base Model to Pro
Samsung has introduced a new title for its forthcoming flagship, but what are the actual changes?
Samsung is revamping its next range of smartphones with innovative models and distinct names. The company is expected to disclose three Galaxy S26 variants early next year, specifically the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. In comparison to the existing lineup — which includes the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, Galaxy S25 Edge, and Galaxy S25 Ultra — the speculations and leaks create a vastly different narrative.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro, now featuring the new “Pro” designation, will compete with the Galaxy S25. You might be curious if the Galaxy S26 Pro will offer a novel and enhanced experience or merely a different label, and we’re here to clarify. Let’s analyze how the Galaxy S26 Pro measures up against the Galaxy S25 based on the latest rumors and leaks, which may evolve before the official announcement.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro vs. Galaxy S25: Pricing and availability
At present, the pricing and availability of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro remain uncertain. We don’t know if the Galaxy S26 Pro will experience a price increase this generation. It could hinge on whether Samsung includes 128GB or 256GB as the standard option. At most, we could anticipate an additional $100 on top of the Galaxy S25’s $799 starting price.
Samsung may enhance the maximum storage and RAM options on the Galaxy S26 Pro, potentially increasing the highest capacity to 512GB or 1TB. The device’s memory might be upgraded to 16GB in certain configurations, or it might remain the same. We anticipate the complete Samsung Galaxy S26 series to be unveiled around January 2026, with overall availability following shortly thereafter.
In comparison, the current Samsung Galaxy S25 starts at $799 for 128GB of storage and 12GB of RAM. The device caps at 256GB of maximum storage in the U.S. It comes in various color options, including Icyblue, Navy, Mint, and Silver Shadow. As the Galaxy S26 launch period nears, the Galaxy S25 is expected to see significant price reductions, particularly during holiday sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro vs. Galaxy S25: Design and display
The design of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro will be somewhat familiar to Galaxy enthusiasts, yet it’ll diverge from what we’ve come to expect from base models such as the Galaxy S25. The phone will feature a flat display and Gorilla Glass on the front, predominantly flat edges, and a glass rear. This time around, the camera lenses will be housed on an oval platform projecting from the back, taking cues from the Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Samsung is anticipated to incorporate a 6.3-inch display in the Galaxy S26 Pro, making it larger than the Galaxy S25 in terms of overall dimensions. The expected measurements, derived from leaked CAD designs, are 149.3 x 71.4 x 6.96mm. This would render the Galaxy S26 Pro considerably taller, marginally wider, and somewhat slimmer than the Galaxy S25 it will succeed.
The enlarged dimensions and more prominent camera bump may aid Samsung in distributing the internal components and achieving a thinner profile. However, the Galaxy S26 Pro is speculated to have a thickness of 10.23mm, including the camera bump.
The precise weight of the upcoming model is unknown — the Galaxy S25 weighed 162 grams, but the Galaxy S26 Pro could be heavier due to additional components.
Aside from the significant distinction in screen size — 6.2 inches on the Galaxy S25 compared to 6.3 inches on the Galaxy S26 Pro — the two devices are likely to feature similar or identical display specifications. We anticipate Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X displays with 120Hz refresh rates and HDR10+ compatibility, at the very least. Differences may exist in brightness and cover glass, but we should expect a minimum of 2,600 nits and Corning Gorilla Glass.
Regarding build quality, both devices will feature an Armor Aluminum frame and have IP68 certification for dust and water resistance.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro vs. Galaxy S25: Hardware and specs
Samsung is set to implement significant enhancements to the internals of the Galaxy S26 Pro, commencing with the processor. It will be driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, potentially a “for Galaxy” variant, and may employ the Samsung Exynos 2600 chip in certain regions. These processors will likely be paired with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM.
In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S25 utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. It is equipped with 12GB of RAM and continues to be a top performer for gaming, AI processing, and everyday usage. While
Read MoreRoku Set to Get Significant Software Upgrade Improving Features This Autumn
This autumn, AI will dominate your Roku.
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Comparison of Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra: The Single Feature That Justifies the Upgrade
If you’re continuing with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the Galaxy S26 Ultra should present numerous incentives for an upgrade.
Samsung consistently impresses with its Ultra series of Galaxy smartphones, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra is poised to be another powerhouse. With an enhanced privacy-driven display, state-of-the-art Qualcomm processor, upgraded cameras (?), and potentially even native Qi2 charging — there’s plenty to look forward to.
Pros:
– Privacy Display feature appears to be promising
– New design is expected to enhance ergonomics
– Long-term support anticipated
– Possibility of native Qi2 charging with integrated magnets
– Will feature Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC
Cons:
– Price increases may occur
– Weight could still pose a concern
It’s astonishing to realize that by January 2026, it will have been nearly two years since Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 Ultra. At its release, it was arguably one of the leading Android smartphones with minimal competition. However, this will soon alter in a matter of months with the launch of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. If you haven’t upgraded to the Galaxy S25 Ultra yet, is it time to exchange your S24 Ultra for the S26 Ultra?
In theory, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to provide a significantly more notable enhancement in design and features when compared to the S24 Ultra. Although everything is currently speculative, based on the available rumors and leaks, the Galaxy S26 Ultra appears to be an impressive flagship. Let’s explore all the details we have about the Galaxy S26 Ultra and how it surpasses the S24 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Design and display
Samsung seems to be gearing up for a substantial design revamp for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, assuming the leaked CAD renders of the new series are accurate. The Ultra is anticipated to align more closely with the standard S26 lineup, featuring even more pronounced rounded corners. This change should enhance ergonomics significantly compared to previous models. The device is also expected to be much thinner, with a thickness of just 7.8mm.
This represents a significant improvement over the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 8.6mm thickness. While there’s no word on weight, it’s expected to drop into the lower 200-gram range. Overall, you can anticipate a markedly better in-hand feel with the Galaxy S26 Ultra compared to the S24 Ultra.
The Ultra series has consistently featured one of the best displays in any Android smartphone, and that’s set to improve further. Reports indicate that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will retain the slightly larger 6.9-inch display of its precursor, but it will incorporate a new Privacy Display feature. Clues regarding this feature were discovered in a One UI 8.5 teardown, indicating it will be exclusive to the S26 Ultra. This also suggests we’ll see new display technology in the Ultra, possibly the “Flex Magic Pixel” tech Samsung’s display team has developed.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will emerge as more distinctive compared to the S26 Ultra, owing to its sharply angled edges. This boxy aesthetic has enabled the Ultra to distinguish itself from other Android flagships over the years. Naturally, this comes at the expense of ergonomics. It’s not the easiest phone to hold due to its substantial size and weight. However, build quality remains exceptional, ensuring that the device lasts long after software updates cease.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts one of the finest displays available in a flagship, a status it still holds today. Nonetheless, it isn’t flawless; certain units in the initial batches reported an issue known as mura, where not every pixel generated the same brightness level, resulting in a grainy appearance. It does feature an anti-glare coating, which significantly enhances visibility when viewing the display under bright sunlight or artificial light sources.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Performance and specs
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will likely utilize a customized version of Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC. This chip promises a 20% increase in both CPU and GPU performance while consuming 20% less power. Improvements have also been made to the neural processor for managing additional on-device AI operations. Other specifications are expected to include 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage, with a 1TB variant and potentially 16GB RAM available in select regions, similar to the S25 Ultra. We may also see a fresh hero colorway for the Ultra, inspired by the iPhone 17 Pro.
As for the launch date of the Galaxy S26 Ultra? Given Samsung’s trend of unveiling new S series models at the beginning of the year in January, we can anticipate the same timeline for the S26 Ultra as well. The phone should be released…
Read MoreSpotify’s AI DJ Now Accepts Requests on Android with Updated Prompt Functions
Spotify has unveiled thrilling enhancements to its AI DJ functionality, boosting the experience for Premium members. The recent update permits users to submit “text requests” for tracks, complementing the current voice request feature. This development enables users to enter their song requests, thus broadening the interaction. Furthermore, Spotify has rolled out “personalized prompt suggestions” tailored to users’ listening habits and preference profiles, delivering customized music experiences.
A key feature of this update is the addition of support for the Spanish language. Spanish-speaking users can now engage with the AI DJ via both voice and text in their own language. This update addresses a long-standing demand from the user community and is being launched for Premium users across more than 60 markets, including the U.S.
Spotify’s AI DJ was first introduced a few years back, allowing for voice-based song requests. Users could request the DJ to play particular tracks, artists, or even music aligned with their mood or genre. With the introduction of the text request function, Spotify seeks to enhance the accessibility and personalization of the DJ.
Beyond these updates, Spotify has recently introduced its “Lossless Listening” feature for Premium subscribers, improving audio fidelity for a richer listening experience. This feature can be utilized for private playlists, liked songs, DJ sessions, and more.
In summary, Spotify remains committed to innovating and refining its platform, providing users with increasingly personalized and high-quality music experiences.
Read MoreComparison of Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge and iPhone Air: Emphasizing Ultra-Slim Design
Samsung is poised to take on Apple’s iPhone Air with its forthcoming Galaxy S26 Edge, which is anticipated to feature a more expansive camera island and a sleeker body. The Galaxy S26 Edge is projected to be even more streamlined than the iPhone Air, with a thickness of merely 5.5mm at its most slender area. This latest iteration will showcase a larger battery, a revamped processor, and an ultrawide camera, establishing it as a strong contender in the smartphone arena.
The Galaxy S26 Edge is said to come with 16GB of memory and enhanced storage options, employing a dual-chip approach with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Exynos 2600 variants, in addition to a bigger 4,200mAh battery capacity. It is also rumored to feature Qi2 wireless charging with internal magnets for MagSafe-like capabilities. Nevertheless, the device is expected to have an enlarged camera bump, increasing its thickness by 5.3mm, and will provide 25W charging speeds, which could be less rapid than those of the iPhone Air.
In contrast, the iPhone Air showcases a more refined design with a reduced camera platform, operating on the A19 Pro with 12GB RAM. It packs in elements such as MagSafe, an Action button, and Camera Control, along with a refreshed 18MP selfie camera. Even with its stylish look, the iPhone Air has a lower-resolution primary camera, lacks stereo speakers, and depends exclusively on eSIM globally.
The Galaxy S26 Edge is anticipated to retail for $1,099, while the iPhone Air is priced at $999. Both devices present distinct features and design aspects, making the decision between them reliant on individual user preferences regarding design, functionality, and operating system.
Read MoreReceive Up to $400 Discount on Last Year’s Motorola Edge at Best Buy’s Outlet Sale
The Motorola Edge 2024 might not be flawless, but it is quite appealing at just $150.
If you are searching for an incredibly affordable phone deal, you might have arrived at the right spot, as Best Buy is providing up to $400 off last year’s Motorola Edge as part of an outlet and clearance event running until this weekend. Although the 2024 Edge won’t deliver top-tier performance, it will suffice for the majority of casual users. Moreover, at $150 when activated by Best Buy (or $250 for self-activation), it appears more competitive even for a 2024 model.
The 2024 Motorola Edge still features the premium-feeling, anti-slip vegan leather back, a very pleasing pOLED display that is gentle on the eyes, and the intuitive Hello UI that customers appreciate. It comes with 256GB
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