Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Pixel Buds 2a and Pixel Buds Pro 2 Come with Swappable Cases

An inquiry indicates that the cases for Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Buds 2a can be interchanged. A video illustration demonstrated that users can interchange the earbuds between the cases of both models while still maintaining charging capabilities. Although this compatibility is not officially acknowledged by Google, the video verifies that each earbud fits and charges in the alternative case. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 recently underwent a major update, introducing features such as Adaptive Audio, Loud Noise Protection, and Head Gestures, improving the overall user experience. This unforeseen compatibility emphasizes a possible transition towards more universal accessory designs, akin to the common use of USB-C chargers across various smartphone brands.

Read More
Annual Purchasing Occasion: Black Friday

What is Black Friday and when is it this year?

Black Friday always occurs on the final Friday of November and follows immediately after Thanksgiving. It marks the beginning of a weekend filled with promotions from various retailers.

However, merchants often don’t wait for the official date to begin their promotions. For many, discounts start appearing as early as October and can continue beyond Black Friday. It’s essential to keep an eye on these offers as they represent some of the most sought-after bargains of the year.

How we are going to assist you this year

The Android Central team is dedicated to monitoring incoming deals and will ensure that we highlight the finest offers that deserve your attention. We have several hubs and promotions that activate daily leading up to Black Friday, so don’t hold off until the weekend to begin your shopping.

While some promotions are already live, we can’t assure that those prices will decrease further during the actual Black Friday weekend. However, if this does occur, we will do our best to keep you updated.

Continue to check this page, and visit our home page for all the top deals currently available.

Remember, we’ll also be sending out daily newsletters so you don’t miss any updates, so be sure to sign up.

When is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is always the Monday that comes right after Black Friday. This year, it takes place on Monday, December 2, 2025.

Cyber Monday primarily targets online digital retailers rather than brick-and-mortar stores. Many of these discounts expire when Monday concludes, although sometimes these deals will linger throughout the week.

The promotions are usually comparable in price to those offered during the Black Friday sales, but certain items may even experience additional discounts. We will keep you informed about all the Cyber Monday offers as they arrive.

Read More
Pixel 10 Pro Fold Bursts During JRE Durability Examination

**Becoming the First Phone in a Decade to Actually Detonate on Camera, According to Zack Nelson**

In a shocking development, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold has emerged as the first smartphone in ten years to detonate on camera during a durability assessment carried out by Zack Nelson, the host of the well-known YouTube channel JerryRigEverything. Renowned for his thorough testing techniques, Nelson subjected the Pixel 10 Pro Fold to various durability tests, culminating in a disastrous failure.

**What You Should Know:**
– The Pixel 10 Pro Fold underwent Nelson’s notorious durability examination, leading to an explosive malfunction during the bend assessment.
– In spite of assertions of IP68 dust and water resistance, the hinge’s performance raised alarms after encountering abrasive conditions.
– The distinctive bend test resulted in the device breaking and releasing smoke, signifying a catastrophic durability result.

**The Test Overview:**
Initially, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold performed as anticipated, with its cover display (Gorilla Glass Victus 2) revealing scratches at level 6 on the Mohs Hardness Scale and deeper marks at level 7. However, the inner display showed susceptibility to scratches from a fingernail, indicating the necessity of a screen protector. The phone’s outer edges also lost their color coating when scraped.

In the dust-resistance trial, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s inner display exhibited dust-proof features, yet the hinge struggled with sand particles. The real excitement unfolded during the bend trial. Despite Google’s assertions of a sturdy hinge mechanism, the phone fractured along the antenna lines rather than at the hinge. Nelson admonished Google for not moving these lines, which played a role in the malfunction.

As Nelson endeavored to bend the device further, it started to emit smoke and ultimately exploded, marking the first instance of a smartphone exploding in his ten-year testing history. Despite the explosion, Nelson persisted in evaluating the device’s other panel.

**Conclusion:**
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s explosive malfunction during the durability assessment serves as a stark warning about the potential hazards linked to foldable technology. While the device offers remarkable features, its durability under extreme conditions remains in doubt. Users are advised to treat their devices with caution and seek professional help if their phones exhibit any signs of damage.

Read More
Samsung Reveals Launch Date for Project Moohan XR Headset

Viewers can tune in and experience the launch and additional AI wonders.

Samsung announced today (Oct 14) that it will organize a Galaxy event named “Worlds Wide Open” on October 21 at 10 pm ET. This event will feature the complete unveiling of its XR headset, Project Moohan, along with the multimodal AI features it will offer. With this confirmation now in hand, our current interest lies in whether or not the U.S. will experience a simultaneous launch.

Samsung is inviting viewers back to yet another Galaxy-focused event this autumn, as the company gears up to disclose what’s next for AI and Android’s XR platform.

In a media release to Android Central, Samsung indicated that users should brace themselves for the Galaxy event titled “Worlds Wide Open.” This event is scheduled for later this month on October 21 at 10 pm ET (7 pm PT). Worlds Wide Open will be broadcast on Samsung’s main website, as well as its YouTube channel. Central to the discussion is what the company is set to unveil: Project Moohan, which is Samsung’s first XR headset.

AI is believed to have directed Samsung’s focus with this headset, as it collaborated with partners like Google and Qualcomm.

Project Moohan aims to deliver to consumers a headset that is finely tuned with its AI software for immersive intelligence. Samsung hints that Project Moohan will “merge everyday utility with immersive new experiences, unlocking an entirely new realm of possibilities and establishing a new standard for XR.”

Included in this is Samsung’s AI software, which the announcement suggests has undergone a multimodal enhancement.

In anticipation of the World Wide Open event, users who reserve “the latest Galaxy device are eligible to receive $100 credit.” This credit can be applied towards additional eligible product purchases.

Immersive Intelligence for daily use

After numerous speculations regarding when we might see Samsung’s Project Moohan, and even a previously missed projected date, we finally have confirmation.

In September, we were taken aback by the headset’s brief appearance at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit. The device was prominently showcased inside a glass enclosure with Samsung’s branding displayed. Attendees could view the headset from various angles, as more intriguing details, including its specifications and features, remained undisclosed. However, this did increase the excitement surrounding the company’s inaugural XR headset utilizing its dedicated Android platform.

Some speculations indicate the device may include Sony 4K micro-OLED displays, which could result in a 1.3-inch display internally. Samsung has already announced a date, so we won’t have to continue this guessing game for much longer.

One question that still lingers is whether the U.S. will see Project Moohan launching simultaneously with South Korea. Earlier reports suggested this could be a strategic decision from Samsung as it “evaluates” the headset’s sales performance.

Read More
YouTube Unveils Upgraded Video Player Featuring New Expressive Capabilities

YouTube is poised to launch a major overhaul of its video-viewing experience, with the goal of delivering a more engaging and user-friendly interface on all devices. Viewers will see an updated video player that features enhanced transparency, minimizing distractions during content consumption. The upgrade brings forth a “threaded” comment system for streamlined discussion navigation and a revamped video saving option for improved organization. The play/pause button is now positioned centrally in the bottom control area, with channel icons, subscription settings, and additional controls flanking either side. These components are largely transparent, providing a contemporary aesthetic while keeping the content visible behind UI elements. Furthermore, YouTube is refining the “Seeking” functionality for less disruptive video browsing and rolling out “seamless transitions” specifically for Android users. The platform is also introducing personalized animations for likes on chosen content, including music and sports videos. These enhancements are anticipated to be accessible to all users this week, coinciding with the debut of “YouTube Labs,” which allows users to experiment with AI features currently in development.

Read More
Android 16 QPR2 Beta Streamlines the Process of Adding App Shortcuts to the Home Screen

Google has recently launched Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 for Pixel devices, bringing fresh features and enhancements in stability. This update introduces a “+” button for application shortcuts, enabling users to conveniently pin them to the home screen. Moreover, a Live Caption shortcut has been incorporated into the volume controls, and icons in the search bar have been increased in size for improved visibility. The update also resolves various bugs, including problems with Google Play System Updates, adaptive charging, and Bluetooth audio routing. The stable variant of Android 16 QPR2 is anticipated to be accessible to all users by December 2025.

Read More
Samsung Launches Qi2 Chargers in the US Although Not Compatible with Galaxy Phones

Samsung has launched two new Qi2-certified wireless charging devices in the U.S., priced at $35 and $85. The Single Wireless Charger provides a 25W output, features a sleek design, and includes a built-in 1.5m cable. The Car Wireless Charger offers a 15W output, magnetic mounting capabilities, and allows for 360-degree rotation. While Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones do not inherently support Qi2 charging, they can function with these chargers when used with compatible magnetic cases. The Single Wireless Charger is a portable 7mm thick unit, whereas the Car Wireless Charger is engineered to reduce heat accumulation during charging. Samsung’s official magnetic cases for Galaxy S25, Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Galaxy Z Flip 7 enable these devices to take advantage of Qi2 accessories.

Read More
Presenting the Honor Magic 8 Pro: A Photography Gadget Fueled by AI

**Honor’s Vision: Integrating Human Experience with Handheld Allies**

Honor is redefining the frontiers of smartphone innovation with its newest launch, the Magic 8 series, while hinting at upcoming advancements that seek to blend human experiences with our mobile devices. The Magic 8 series, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, highlights progress in speed, intelligence, and AI functionality. The Magic 8 Pro, notably, impresses with its professional-quality film coloring, 120fps gaming, and upgraded YOYO AI software.

While the Magic 8 Pro’s design echoes that of the Magic 7 Pro, it unveils the AiMAGE Camera System featuring a 200MP Ultra Night Telephoto camera, promising outstanding low-light photography. Additionally, the gadget comes with a 50MP primary lens and a 50MP ultra-wide lens, enhanced by AI anti-shake technology for remarkable zoomed images.

YOYO AI from Honor has advanced to provide “automatic execution” features, enabling users to effortlessly complete tasks like reviewing recent screenshots or summarizing work duties. The new AI Button on the Magic 8 Pro offers immediate access to YOYO’s functionalities, including video calls and photography.

Looking beyond the Magic 8 series, Honor is alluding to an innovative “Honor Robot Phone,” which is set to combine AI software with robotic capabilities, representing a pivotal achievement in their AI Alpha Plan strategy. This development aims to transform the future of human-machine interaction, showcasing a seamless coexistence.

As Honor forges ahead with its innovations, the company is committed to devising devices that not only boost everyday life but also pave the way for a future where technology effortlessly merges with human experiences.

Read More