Gemini Starts Taking Over Google Assistant on Android Auto
The upgrade is being extensively rolled out to beta users of Android Auto.
Essential information
- Gemini is being introduced as a substitute for Google Assistant for some Android Auto users.
- Android Auto is among the final Google platforms to receive the Gemini upgrade, following Android, Wear OS, and Google Home.
- Users of Android Auto are encountering Gemini across various beta versions, with the update resulting from a server-side modification.
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“New Theme Packs App Suggests Google’s Forthcoming Pixel Update”
For those who love customization, your moment is just around the corner.
Key Information
- Google is launching a significant update for Pixel devices, which will finally introduce one-tap system theming capabilities.
- The newly launched Theme Packs app on the Play Store will empower users to update wallpapers, icons, and sounds with a single tap.
- The initial Pixel theme draws inspiration from the Wicked: For Good! movie, featuring styles such as For Good, Glinda, and Elphaba.
- Theme Packs will be compatible with Pixel 6 and newer models and are anticipated to be functional following the November Feature Drop.
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Google Improves Gemini API Integration for Multi-Agent Workflows
The Gemini API is enhancing its structured outputs and offering increased support for JSON Schema.
Essential Information
- The newest update to Google’s Gemini API enhances its capabilities for structured outputs.
- JSON Schema within the Gemini API enables developers, organizations, and educational institutions to maintain data consistency across AI workflows.
- This functionality is beneficial for agentic workflows and LLM processing.
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Comparison of OnePlus 15 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Deciding on Gaming vs. Productivity Preferences
The OnePlus 15 is set to launch worldwide on November 13, presenting formidable competition to Samsung’s flagship.
In the upcoming months, we will see a wave of flagship Android devices powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC. Leading the charge is OnePlus with the global introduction of the OnePlus 15, scheduled for November 13. Along with integrating the new Qualcomm chip, this flagship model showcases a fresh design for the series, a significantly larger battery, and the newest software enriched with AI enhancements. This large-display device is positioned to rival the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, another premium flagship.
In the race for the top Android smartphone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra possesses an advantage due to its S Pen, a longer duration of OS updates, and a brighter screen. However, it comes with a higher price tag, where the OnePlus 15 steps in with equally attractive features but at a more affordable rate. The official global specifications for the 15 should closely mirror those of the recently unveiled China variant, so let’s analyze how the OnePlus 15 measures up against the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
OnePlus 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Design and display
The most noticeable change in the OnePlus 15 is the camera bump, which has transitioned from a circular shape to a square one. While the previous model had a distinctive design, the 15 now resembles the OnePlus 13s or Oppo’s new Find X9 Pro. Though neither of these phones is officially available in the North American market, the OnePlus 15’s design stands out.
Despite housing a substantial battery, OnePlus has managed to maintain a thickness and weight comparable to that of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. As before, it features an IP69 rating, ensuring excellent waterproofing.
The OnePlus 15 offers a sizable 6.78-inch display. It comes with an LTPO AMOLED panel boasting an impressive 165Hz refresh rate and a pixel-rich screen. The resolution is slightly lower than the Samsung S25 Ultra, but this should not significantly impact regular usage. The peak brightness is also lower, capping at 1,800 nits. From what we’ve observed, the device seems to have extremely slim bezels surrounding the display, enhancing the viewing experience.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is physically more substantial than the OnePlus 15 in both thickness and weight. Its more angular edges make it less comfortable to hold, especially for users with smaller hands. The IP rating stands at IP68, which is less comprehensive than the OnePlus 15’s rating. However, it does come with the S Pen, useful for taking notes or signing documents.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra highlights a larger 6.9-inch display compared to the OnePlus 15, with increased brightness up to 2,600 nits and a denser resolution. A distinct feature missing from many flagship devices is an anti-reflective coating on the display, which significantly diminishes glare and reflections.
In terms of ergonomics and display quality, the OnePlus 15 is expected to surpass the S25 Ultra. The softer curves on the 15 should enhance user comfort, and the exceptional refresh rate will be beneficial for gaming.
OnePlus 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Hardware and specs
The OnePlus 15 is likely to excel in gaming performance. This isn’t solely due to its faster Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip but also because of the software optimizations included in OxygenOS 16. The introduction of new Hyper Rendering technology aims to enhance per-frame rendering efficiency by 80%. This, along with other optimizations on the chip, positions the 15 as a top contender among gaming smartphones.
The China variant comes with RAM options of 12GB and 16GB, as well as storage possibilities that extend up to 1TB. This might vary in the global version, so we will need to wait and see what the international market receives.
The OnePlus 15 features a colossal 7,300mAh battery, outclassing the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 5,000mAh capacity. The charging specs for the China variant include 120W wired and 50W wireless charging. The charging rates may see slight variations in the global version, so we will have clarity on this soon.
The OnePlus 15 will be introduced in three color options: Infinite Black, Ultra Violet, and Sand Storm. Pricing details have yet to be disclosed until the official launch on November 13, but it is anticipated to start around $900, similar to its predecessor.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra remains under a year old, which means it
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Comparison of Motorola’s 2026 Budget Smartphones: Moto G vs. Moto G Play Distinctions
Both Moto G 2026 devices maintain an affordable price point, yet only one delivers a bit more value for your money.
Motorola has introduced two new economical smartphones: the Moto G 2026 and the Moto G Play 2026. Each model aims to deliver value, yet they serve slightly different segments within the budget category.
The Moto G 2026 is priced at $200 and features a 6.7-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, and a 50MP main camera. It also boasts a 32MP selfie camera, 128GB of internal storage, and supports 30W fast charging. This model comes in two color options: Slipstream and Cattleya Orchid.
Conversely, the Moto G Play 2026 is more budget-friendly at $170. It has the same display size and refresh rate as the Moto G 2026 but is equipped with a single 32MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. It offers 64GB of storage capacity and supports 18W charging. The Moto G Play 2026 is available in Pantone Tapestry.
Both devices are equipped with a 5200mAh battery, IP52 dust and water resistance, and operate on Android 16 with two guaranteed OS upgrades. They also share the same processor and RAM, making their performance quite similar.
In the end, the Moto G 2026 provides more in terms of camera features, storage capacity, and charging speed, making it a superior option for those willing to invest a bit more. However, the Moto G Play 2026 offers remarkable value for those with a stricter budget.
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NotebookLM Improves Android Learning Experience with Innovative Flashcards and Quizzes Functions
AI-created study and practice resources are on their way for Android users.
What you should know
– The latest update for the NotebookLM app introduces customizable flashcards and quizzes generated by AI.
– Flashcards and quizzes were added to NotebookLM’s web client in September 2025, and now these enhancements are available on mobile.
– The NotebookLM app for iOS and Android also benefits from better chatbot functionality owing to “the newest Gemini models.”
Google has announced a significant update for the NotebookLM app for iOS and Android, enhancing its functionality as a study and educational tool, in a blog post dated Nov. 6. Key features include AI-generated flashcards and quizzes that can be tailored to user preferences. Users can modify topics, difficulty levels, sources, and the number of questions for a personalized experience.
The update further boosts NotebookLM’s existing chatbot capabilities, thanks to the latest Gemini models. Users can anticipate a 50% improvement in quality, a context window that is four times larger, and a conversation memory that is six times longer.
NotebookLM serves as Google’s leading AI learning and educational platform, having launched a dedicated app for iOS and Android in May 2025. Nevertheless, the app’s features have traditionally lagged behind those of the web client. Google initially introduced flashcards and quizzes on the NotebookLM web client, and these features are now being incorporated into the app with a vibrant and updated user interface.
Flashcards aid in “memorizing key terms, important dates, and fundamental concepts from your sources,” while Quizzes serve to “test your understanding and push your limits.” Beyond customizing the topic, difficulty, or size of the flashcards or quiz, these can also be directed towards specific areas with a text prompt. Once a flashcard set or quiz is created in the Studio tab of the NotebookLM app, a full-screen interface appears, reminiscent of other study applications like Quizlet.
Everything you can accomplish with study tools in NotebookLM
Here’s everything you can do with flashcards and quizzes in the NotebookLM app for iOS and Android, based on the blog post:
– Memorize key terms, important dates, and core concepts from your sources using flashcards.
– Challenge yourself and assess your understanding with quizzes.
– Customize the topic, set the difficulty level, and select the number of cards or questions.
– Temporarily include or exclude sources while chatting or generating outputs in the Studio tab, ensuring the response is based solely on the sources you prioritize at the moment.
Flashcards and quizzes utilize NotebookLM’s fundamental research capacity. Users choose a topic and provide NotebookLM with source materials, such as documents, YouTube videos, or web links. NotebookLM’s artificial intelligence models then analyze the content and employ the results to produce educational materials.
Previously, the learning resources offered by NotebookLM were restricted to specific formats, like chatbots and podcast-style Audio Overviews. With the recent update, NotebookLM app users now have expanded options to enhance their study skills with flashcards and quizzes—all customizable with AI.
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Google Finance’s Advanced Search AI Allows Users to Thoroughly Track Market Trends
The intelligence of Gemini endows users with substantial research capabilities for tracking the dynamic market.
Essential Information
- Google Finance is undergoing a significant upgrade that introduces Gemini’s AI application Deep Search to users in the U.S.
- With Deep Search, users can pose intricate questions about the fluctuating stock market and receive forecasts based on existing data.
- The initial launch of Deep Search occurred through AI Mode, enabling users to explore topics in depth, prompting the AI to perform more rigorous research on their behalf.
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YouTube’s Age Verification System Incorrectly Categorizes Adults as Minors
The system designed for assistance is faltering (once more).
Essential information
- YouTube’s recent age verification initiative is incorrectly identifying some adult users as minors.
- Numerous Reddit users have reported being misidentified, prompting YouTube to request them to reconfirm their age.
- The AI-driven verification mechanism appears to be inconsistent even though it aims to safeguard minors and comply with regulations.
<li.Users affected can verify their age manually using an ID, credit card, or a selfie.
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Report Uncovers Factors Behind Restricted Availability of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Trifold
Speculations are emerging that Samsung’s forthcoming Galaxy Z Trifold may not make its way to the U.S., as the company is said to be planning a restricted production of just 20,000 to 30,000 units. This careful strategy stands in stark contrast to the robust demand for the Galaxy Z Fold 7, for which Samsung boosted output by 60,000 units earlier this year. The design of the Trifold, similar to that of the Fold 7, was recently unveiled in a video, revealing a 6.5-inch folded display that unfolds to 10 inches. Nevertheless, the device’s bulky bezels and potentially steep price of $2,500 could dissuade U.S. buyers. Samsung may choose to launch the Trifold first in Asian markets to assess consumer interest, with a potential debut in late 2025 or 2026.
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Comparison of OnePlus 15 and OnePlus 12: Assessing the Requirement for a Change
The OnePlus 15 has been announced, and it stands in stark contrast to the OnePlus 12.