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Completing a Half Marathon with Ray-Ban Meta Glasses: A Personal Journey

Ultrawide images, open-ear music playback, and eye protection are all fantastic for race day. However, issues like weight and battery life hinder my Ray-Bans.

In this weekly column, Android Central Wearables Editor Michael Hicks discusses the realm of wearables, applications, and fitness technology linked to running and health, in his pursuit of becoming faster and fitter.

I opted to wear my Ray-Ban Meta glasses during the San Jose Half Marathon last Sunday. I confess I’ve neglected my smart glasses lately, leaning more on my Shokz OpenFit 2s for open-ear streaming. But I believed enhanced sun protection and the option to capture a few photos during the race would warrant bringing them out.

I was pleased that I wore them, but the experience highlighted why I usually reserve them for casual occasions rather than runs or workouts. I’m eager to see if the 3rd-gen Meta glasses perform any better later this year, with or without the AR technology.

Things commenced positively. Despite being weightier than my usual glasses, my Wayfarer-style Ray-Ban Metas felt comfy and concealed my eye bags for selfies after my 5 am wake-up. At an event where many are snapping photos or pulling out their GoPros, I felt less concerned than normal about unsettling people with subtle glasses photography.

From the starting line onwards, I could reach up and take photos with a button press while keeping my eyes focused ahead, instead of slowing down to retrieve my phone and align the viewfinder. Although I seldom take pictures during races when I’m in the zone, I ended up capturing 22 photos and one finish-line video by the conclusion.

San Jose isn’t exactly picturesque for great photos, but I wanted to assess how these glasses performed before taking them to venues like Big Sur or NYC.

I also streamed my Half Marathon playlist during the race to stay motivated, but with my ears completely uncovered to hear anyone trying to overtake me and politely avoid any collisions. Since most races “strongly discourage” or outright ban headphones, this is a significant advantage.

However, wearing Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses during the race had its share of drawbacks as well.

My three primary concerns with sporting smart glasses during a race

I typically don’t wear my regular glasses while running because I can see well enough that buying a strap to prevent them from slipping down my nose never seemed necessary. With my 50g Ray-Bans, it’s obvious I’ll have to purchase and attach this thick, awkward lanyard before attempting another race with them.

They remained in position for roughly 400m, but once my nose became sweaty, they began to slide. If I pushed them up, I quickly felt the weight bouncing and shaking on my nose bridge before they slipped down again.

I managed to keep them in place by tilting my head slightly upward like some pretentious aristocrat in a BBC period drama, but it did pull me out of my groove to feel so rigid. Even if I wore the lanyard and they stayed put, I suspect they’d still bounce uncomfortably due to the weight.

My second issue is less severe: without a viewfinder, it’s simple to forget in the moment that you need to get close to your Ray-Bans to capture a clear photo. I would spot something interesting and snap a picture, only to later squint and zoom in just to recall what my subject was among the surroundings.

In this particular photo, for instance, I noticed the leading runners finishing their out-and-back on the opposite side and thought it would be neat to capture them. But they’re scarcely discernible and blurry because I took the shot from too far away.

The resolution is impressive for glasses, and the ultrawide effect recreates the sensation of being present in a memory rather than framing a photograph. My video of the final sprint, which I can’t embed here (apologies), appeared surprisingly smooth compared to how it felt in real-time.

The takeaway is that I’m still glad I wore them. I can refresh my memory of the course without spending $50 for photos of myself gasping past photographers. Next time, I’ll know I need to place myself right next to the subject first, or the photo won’t turn out well.

The real deal-breaker, however, is battery life. I took my Ray-Bans out of the case about 15 minutes before the start and didn’t use them until then. At that moment, I streamed music and snapped 22 photos and one video throughout my 1 hour 54-minute race, plus an accidental Meta AI activation. As I cooled down, I checked my battery life: 8%.

Meta estimates its glasses will last four hours with “moderate” use and under the right conditions,

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OnePlus’ Newest Flagships Launch a Dual-SIM Function Absent in Google’s Pixel Smartphones

If you’re seeking a Gemini shortcut for your lock screen, the OnePlus 13 and 13s are just what you need.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Essential information

  • The OnePlus 13s features a lockscreen shortcut that directly opens the full Gemini app, a functionality that even Pixels lack.
  • This shortcut has been subtly available on the OnePlus 13 as well — and it operates even on previous software versions.
  • Unlike voice activation, this shortcut allows you to resume previous conversations rather than just initiate new ones.

The OnePlus 13s has been introduced with a built-in Gemini lock screen shortcut, which is surprisingly absent on Google’s own Pixels. It’s the same useful feature that has existed on the OnePlus 13 for some time.

The OnePlus 13s was launched in India featuring a new lock screen shortcut that leads directly into Google Gemini. While the settings refer to it as “Digital Assistant from Google,” the screenshot from Android Authority reveals it with Gemini’s distinctive icon.

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“Google and Samsung Anticipated to Enhance Razr Ultra’s Major Feature Deficiency”

Triggering Gemini via the power button is frustrating. There exists a superior alternative.

I have numerous aspects I appreciate about the new Razr Ultra 2025, and one of the latest features I was most eager to explore was the AI Key. I envisioned it opening a realm of possibilities, serving as an effortless way to access the multitude of AI capabilities Motorola has integrated into its Moto AI suite. Unfortunately, the execution leaves much to be desired, and quite honestly, the AI Key often feels like an afterthought when it could have easily served as Motorola’s Action Button.

Its shortcomings become increasingly obvious as we inhabit a world where AI is gaining prominence. Motorola’s approach does not quite compare to Google or Samsung, but it represents a solid initial step. Nonetheless, I believe the AI Key is a brilliant concept when executed properly, and both Google and Samsung would be remiss not to consider adding something akin to it in their forthcoming devices.

Moto AI limitations

Motorola is attempting to put its unique twist on AI, featuring its own Moto AI chatbot. You might liken it to a conversational, albeit somewhat less functional, Gemini or even Bixby. It answers queries and responds in a relatively natural manner, yet it lacks the ability to perform much on the phone, undermining the purpose of having an AI assistant/chatbot. While Moto AI is a fair offering, it still falls short compared to Google’s AI or Samsung’s Galaxy AI.

On the Razr Ultra 2025, you can personalize the AI Key to activate the Moto AI overlay through a long press. Regrettably, that’s the sole option for the long press, which seems like a significant oversight. You can’t assign it to another digital assistant, despite Motorola literally equipping the Razr Ultra 2025 with a variety of options. It’s strictly Moto AI or nothing.

Alright, fine, I’ll utilize Moto AI. It’s not a big deal. The issue arises when I press the AI Key to invoke Moto AI, requiring me to subsequently press the mic button to communicate with Moto AI, which is the usual case. This contrasts with how Gemini operates when initiated using the power button or a corner swipe on the screen; it immediately begins listening to you. The necessity to press another button to converse with Moto AI adds an extra seemingly redundant step, which feels cumbersome.

This likely relates to Moto AI automatically assessing what’s on your display upon activation, allowing it to offer suggestions on your next actions. However, I don’t understand why it can’t perform that function while also allowing me to speak to it simultaneously.

When I activate Gemini with a YouTube video open, for instance, it recognizes that I’m viewing a video and presents options like “Ask about video” or “Talk Live about video,” yet I still have the option to initiate conversation when triggered automatically. This aspect significantly enhances Gemini’s accessibility, highlighting why the “AI Key” should encompass more than just Motorola’s AI features.

In that regard, the only other choice when personalizing the AI Key is a Double tap, which solely allows you to activate Catch Me Up and Remember This. Nothing further. This equates to a total of three functions available from the AI Key between a double press and a long press. It appears to be a complete waste of hardware.

Samsung was on the right track

For a time, Samsung devices included an additional Bixby Key, which at the time, felt as if the company was attempting to impose Bixby on us. I recall not being fond of this move, as I felt Bixby always played second banana to Google Assistant. However, as AI gains traction and improves, I wish Samsung hadn’t eliminated this button from its Galaxy devices and hope the company considers reinstating it.

The Bixby button may have been introduced as a straightforward means to access Bixby, yet the company afforded users some degree of built-in customization. One gesture, either a single tap or double tap, could be assigned to open an app of your choice or trigger a Routine, while the other would be designated for Bixby.

Moreover, users discovered methods to sideline Bixby entirely through third-party applications like Tasker, enabling them to activate Google Assistant instead. This is something I’ve explored for the Razr Ultra 2025, but thus far, I’ve had little success.

Nevertheless, Samsung had the right idea by providing users with choices concerning the button while maintaining its primary function. However, Samsung isn’t the only manufacturer experimenting with an AI button, as more OEMs are beginning to incorporate it into their latest smartphones.

The Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro launched with a new Essential Key that works alongside the company’s new Essential Space. One

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“Why the Foreseen Shortcoming of the Galaxy S25 Edge Was Essential”

**Great That It’s Slim. Right?**

In the constantly changing realm of smartphones, manufacturers relentlessly push the limits of design and technology to enthrall consumers. One such initiative is the pursuit of building ultra-slim phones, a trend that has elicited varied responses from users and critics alike. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge exemplifies this trend, igniting discussions about the trade-offs between aesthetics and usability.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, with its chic and slender profile, initially seems to be a triumph of contemporary engineering. However, with a closer look, the sacrifices made to attain its slimness become evident. The device’s camera performance, battery longevity, and overall sturdiness have been compromised, resulting in a product that finds it challenging to satisfy the practical needs of everyday users.

The choice to emphasize slimness over functionality prompts inquiries about the genuine preferences of consumers. While a sleek form may be visually striking, it frequently comes at the expense of vital features that enhance the user experience. The Galaxy S25 Edge’s inadequate camera and restricted battery life underscore the difficulties faced by manufacturers in balancing design with efficiency.

Despite its limitations, the Galaxy S25 Edge stands as proof of Samsung’s eagerness to explore and innovate. The company’s track record of taking risks has birthed groundbreaking products, such as the Galaxy Note and foldable smartphones, which have transformed the smartphone arena. Samsung’s daring approach, even when it results in setbacks, is a pivotal element of its success narrative.

The chase for slimness in smartphones is not without value. It pushes manufacturers to investigate new technologies and materials that could potentially lead to more effective and powerful devices. However, as the Galaxy S25 Edge illustrates, the quest to find the ideal balance between form and function is riddled with challenges.

In summary, while the attraction of a slim phone is undeniable, it is vital for manufacturers to contemplate the broader consequences of their design decisions. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge serves as a reminder that innovation should not sacrifice usability. As technology progresses, it is hoped that future models will successfully blend sleek design with substantial functionality, providing a truly exceptional user experience.

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Google’s artificial intelligence launches engaging stock charts

Google’s latest Search feature converts financial data into interactive, tappable charts

Google has rolled out a new capability in its AI Mode for Search that changes financial data into dynamic, tappable charts. This enhancement seeks to make complex financial information more accessible by offering users personalized charts and straightforward breakdowns, rather than mere links. The feature utilizes Gemini AI to collect and visually display real-time and historical data.

When users ask about investments, such as stock trends or mutual funds, Google’s AI Mode produces interactive charts that present a straightforward view of the information. This helps users easily compare stock performances, such as prominent CPG stocks in 2024. The charts are crafted to be user-friendly, allowing users to hover over them for detailed data points and pose follow-up questions within the AI Mode.

This advancement is part of Google’s larger approach to weave AI into Search, making it more conversational and engaging. The AI Mode is separate from standard AI Overviews, existing in its own tab for users to interact with as required.

Nonetheless, users are encouraged to confirm the financial information provided by AI, as it may not always be accurate. This feature is presently in the testing stage at Google Labs, initially accessible to Labs users in the U.S., with intentions for wider integration into Google Search.

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“Small Problem in Photoshop Android Application Leads to Major User Annoyance”

It’s not you, it’s me.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)
Outside the Alphabet

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Outside the Alphabet is a weekly series that examines the technology landscape both within and beyond the parameters of Mountain View.

In the realm of comprehensive photo manipulation and visual design, there are few contenders that can rival what Adobe has in store. It stands as one of the most recognized names globally, valued higher than Qualcomm, Sony, Spotify, and even Nintendo. However, in 2025, it still struggles to create an application that genuinely excels.

Earlier this week, the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://

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Google Substitutes “Find My Device” with Innovative “Find Hub” Function

Find My Device has completely disappeared from Android settings.

(Image credit: Google)

Essential information

  • Google’s rebranding of Find Hub is now included in Android Settings under Security & privacy > Device finders.
  • The updated label for the old toggle, “Allow device to be located,” indicates a broader focus: it involves more than just a single device now.
  • This transition to Find Hub is being implemented with Google Play services version 25.20.37, replacing all instances of “Find My Device.”

Google has recently transformed Find My Device, rebranding it as Find Hub to signify a major upgrade: tracking of both individuals and devices is now possible. This new focus is being integrated throughout the system, including directly in Android Settings, thanks to the most recent Google Play services update.

You will now find Find Hub replacing Find My Device when you navigate to Security & privacy in your Android settings and select Device finders. From there, you can either access the Find Hub app directly or launch the web version with a tap.

Google enhances Find My Device by introducing a ‘People’ tab for location-sharing options

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Samsung Introduces Latest Foldable, Nothing Launches Initial Headphones, Pixel 10 Pro Information Surfaces, and Additional Tech News

A summary of the most notable Tech-related updates that emerged this week.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)
News Weekly

(Image credit: Future)

News Weekly serves as our feature where we showcase and recap some of the week’s leading stories, helping you stay informed on the latest in tech.

This is Android Central’s News Weekly, your premier destination for a succinct overview of the week’s key tech narratives. Here, we explore the major headlines that reflect recent advancements and innovations shaping the digital realm.

This week, we dive into Samsung’s unexpected Ultra announcement, Nothing’s confirmation of Phone 3 and Headphone 1 launch, a comprehensive look at the Pixel 10 Pro, leaks regarding Galaxy Watch 8 Classic colors, and Samsung’s potential interest in Perplexity to

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Extensive YouTube Service Disruption Noted

Over 5000 users have indicated that they are unable to view video previews.

What you need to know

– Several users have reported on DownDetector that they cannot see video previews.
– Others mention that while everything seems to operate, it is slower than normal.
– The outage began at 1:00 p.m. ET and continues, with over 5,000 users reporting problems with the streaming app.

YouTube’s website appears to be experiencing a broad outage affecting only the site of the streaming app currently. The disruption started around 1 p.m. ET, with users indicating they faced “video streaming” difficulties.

Numerous users reported the outage on DownDetector, asserting that YouTube’s site appears to be down, with no video previews loading. Meanwhile, some say that even though everything on the streaming site is functioning, it is slower than usual (as noted by 9to5Google).

As per DownDetector, there was a surge in outage reports around 2:30 p.m. ET, with roughly 5,000 individuals verifying they encountered issues accessing YouTube and were faced with a blank screen instead of the videos.

To detail the situation, 83% faced challenges with the website, 15% of users experienced video streaming issues, and 3% of users reported being unable to access the YouTube app. The site was experiencing outages in New York City, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Other significant metropolitan centers across Canada and various parts of the globe were facing similar problems.

Neither Google nor YouTube has recognized the outage, while many users have taken to social media to express the issues they are encountering with the streaming platform. 9to5Google mentions that users reported seeing an increase in ad-blocker warnings throughout the website. Some users turned to Reddit to propose a temporary solution for the issue, stating that disabling ad blockers on the site enabled them to regain access to YouTube.

That said, it is critical to recognize that YouTube Ads are one of the primary sources of revenue for Google. CEO Sundar Pichai pointed out that YouTube ads generated $8.93 billion in the first quarter of 2025 alone. When users activate ad blockers, they inhibit these ads from being shown, directly affecting YouTube’s capability to earn revenue from advertisements.

Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that YouTube is gradually returning to normal operations and the volume of outage reports has also markedly declined on DownDetector.

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Best USB-C Cables for Travel in 2025

Type-C is the title; charging is the objective.

USB-C cables appear in a multitude of varieties. There are various connectors, power ratings, and lengths to consider. With nearly every gadget now utilizing Type-C for charging, it’s crucial to have a robust USB-C cable available for travel. Below are my top picks.

These cables can power any device at maximum capacity, facilitate rapid data transfer, and adapt to various connector types as needed. Additionally, there’s a Type-C to audio jack adapter for those who want to use wired headphones while on the move, with passthrough charging support as well.

Every crucial type of USB-C cable for travel

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