Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Google Workspace Improved with Gemini’s Latest Smart Features
    Google Workspace Improved with Gemini’s Latest Smart Features

    The June feature release has arrived, significantly enhancing Workspace.

    (Image credit: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)

    Key Information

    • The June feature release from Google is enhancing Workspace with Gemini integration.
    • Users will now have the ability to connect Workspace applications like Gmail, Keep, Calendar, and others with Gemini for personalized suggestions based on Workspace information.
    • Google Slides and Vids will also see enhancements through the addition of Veo 3, the newest model for video generation by Gemini.
    • Gemini Live will be incorporated into Workspace applications, allowing users to engage in real-time conversations with the AI chatbot and brainstorm ideas while on the move.

    The June feature release from Google introduces Gemini into the Workspace environment. Its newest AI video generation model is being incorporated into Slides and Vids, while Gmail, Calendar, and additional Workspace applications are benefiting from Gemini’s latest intelligence.

    Veo 3 can now create high-quality video snippets with realistic audio just by providing it with a prompt within Vids and Slides. For example, if you are developing a DIY or instructional video and require footage of a worker wearing a specific piece of equipment to begin a safety training or a video demonstrating safe campfire techniques, users only need to describe it, and Vids will generate it for you.

    “To assist you in producing high-quality content more efficiently, we

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Evaluating the Telephoto Lenses of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge During a Concert
    Evaluating the Telephoto Lenses of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge During a Concert

    **Will Telephoto Lenses Be Indispensable in 2025, or Are They Simply a Luxury?**

    In the swiftly changing landscape of smartphone photography, the discussion surrounding the importance of telephoto lenses is gaining traction. As we near 2025, the question persists: should telephoto lenses be deemed indispensable, or are they just an indulgence?

    Telephoto lenses have transformed smartphone photography by enabling users to photograph far-off subjects with sharpness and detail. Unlike digital zoom, which frequently produces blurry and pixelated images, telephoto lenses provide optical zoom capabilities, maintaining image integrity. This feature has gained significant popularity among smartphone users aiming to take high-quality photos at events, concerts, and in daily life.

    Nevertheless, not every smartphone incorporates telephoto lenses, mainly due to design limitations and cost factors. Manufacturers often navigate a balance between adding sophisticated camera features and upholding a streamlined, compact design. Consequently, telephoto lenses are usually present in premium models, categorizing them as a luxury for many consumers.

    The appetite for telephoto lenses is fueled by the rising trend of sharing visually captivating content on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Users wish to document moments with accuracy, whether it’s a close-up of an artist at a concert or a detailed image of a remote landmark. Telephoto lenses permit users to achieve these outcomes without sacrificing quality.

    Despite their benefits, telephoto lenses come with their own set of drawbacks. They can increase the bulk of smartphones, and their addition frequently leads to higher prices for devices. Furthermore, progress in digital zoom technology and image processing algorithms is lessening the divide between optical and digital zoom, offering users alternative options for capturing distant subjects.

    As we move towards 2025, the choice to integrate telephoto lenses in smartphones will probably hinge on consumer interest and technological progress. For photography fans and creators, telephoto lenses may still be vital for obtaining high-quality images. However, for the typical user, the luxury of having a telephoto lens might not surpass the advantages of a more budget-friendly and compact device.

    In summary, while telephoto lenses present clear benefits in smartphone photography, their necessity in 2025 will largely be influenced by personal preferences and technological advancements. As digital zoom technology continues to evolve, the line between essential and luxury may become increasingly indistinct.

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    • Comments Off on New Leak Discloses Galaxy Z Fold 7 Available in Three Hues
    New Leak Discloses Galaxy Z Fold 7 Available in Three Hues

    It appears that last year’s exclusive Fold hues have received a subtle update and are now becoming accessible to everyone.

    (Image credit: Samsung)

    Key information to consider

    • The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has surfaced in three new colors in a leak: blue, silver, and black.
    • Samsung may be moving away from its traditional approach—previously restricted color options (black and silver) could now be available in stores everywhere, not just on Samsung.com.
    • Both foldable devices will sport a new Green Mint shade, but only through Samsung’s official store.

    Anticipation is rising for Samsung’s Summer Unpacked event next month, featuring the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 likely as the main attractions. While leaks have already revealed a lot, a new set of nearly-official renders has provided us with an updated look at the forthcoming foldables, showcasing the Fold 7 in three striking color options. A few of these resemble the previously exclusive finishes available only on Samsung.com.

    Evan Blass has disclosed some enticing details on Substack, unveiling several color variations for the soon-to-be-released Galaxy Z Fold 7. We expect three primary shades to reach the wider market, although Samsung may retain a few exclusive hues. The colors are not drastically different from those of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, but the manner in which they are being introduced certainly feels like a bit of a shake-up.

    There’s an elegant blue that radiates opulence, a dazzling silver for

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Samsung Laptop Now $500 Discounted, Yet One Aspect Spurs Worries
    Samsung Laptop Now $500 Discounted, Yet One Aspect Spurs Worries

    Forget about Prime Day; this Samsung offer is available right now.

    The summer sale season is upon us, making it a perfect opportunity to discover Samsung Galaxy bargains, whether you’re searching for a smartphone, a watch, or a laptop. For example, the Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 is now $500 off when you trade in an old or damaged device on Samsung.com, or you can receive a straightforward $250 discount if you prefer to order without any additional steps.

    This is an uncommon deal on one of the finest Samsung laptops ever created, but with Prime Day 2025 just weeks away, one question lingers: is it smarter to purchase the device now or hold off to see if it gets a price drop during Amazon’s major sale? Let’s delve into this discussion.

    Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 1TB: Starting at $1,199.99 with trade-in | $1,449.99 without at Samsung

    The Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 is an outstanding laptop with a stylish design and all the robust specifications you could desire, but it’s also quite pricey. Thankfully, Samsung is providing up to $500 in instant trade-in credit via its site, or you can bypass the trade-in process and receive a direct $250 discount on your purchase.

    ✅Recommended if: you want to enjoy one of the finest Samsung laptops ever made, featuring a sleek, convertible design, a stunning touchscreen display, and impressive battery life; you essentially want a powerful laptop and portable Android tablet combined.

    ❌Skip this deal if: you prefer not to spend over $1,000 on a laptop; you want to see what laptop deals Amazon Prime Day (July 8-11) will present.

    To begin, it’s essential to highlight just how amazing the Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 truly is. Eager to enjoy the flexibility of a convertible laptop myself, I transitioned to the 360 from my MacBook Pro last year and never regretted it.

    The device features an ultra-lightweight and slim design — comparable in thickness to some Android phones — with a breathtaking 16-inch AMOLED touchscreen display and an impressive array of ports, while under the hood you’ll find the powerful Intel Core 7 Ultra processor and 16GB of RAM. This top-tier model also comes with a hefty 76WHr battery, Quad Dolby Atmos speakers, and 1TB of storage, all while weighing in at under four pounds.

    Nevertheless, even with the maximum credit, the Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 will still cost you over $1,000, so it’s understandable to wonder what Prime Day deals we might see next month. My price tracking tools indicate that the laptop has never dipped below $1,444 at Amazon, and although it might drop further during Prime Day, I suspect the price of the Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 won’t fall much below $1,199.99 during the sale.

    You’ll also forfeit some additional perks that Samsung includes with its deals. For instance, purchasing the laptop from Samsung right now gives you a 47% discount on the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro when bundling your order, plus six months of SiriusXM streaming for free (a $59.94 value).

    To sum up, I’d say if you have the funds and want a premium Samsung laptop today, you can feel confident knowing you’ve made a wise purchase with this deal. However, if the purchase isn’t urgent, or if you think you could opt for something less expensive (like one of the best Chromebooks, for example), it might be best to wait for Prime Day. After all, you never know what kinds of discounts Amazon may offer.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1 Launched for Pixel Devices with Error Corrections
    Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1 Launched for Pixel Devices with Error Corrections

    Minor concerns alongside the June security update have been packaged together.

    (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

    Essential information

    • Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1 provides essential bug fixes for qualifying Pixel devices.
    • It resolves minor glitches, including the invisibility of the “approve” button, lock screen sounds activating despite being disabled, among others.
    • Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 is available as of today for Pixel 6 and newer models, provided as an over-the-air (OTA) enhancement to Beta 2.

    Google shared today (June 25) that it is officially commencing the rollout of Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1, succeeding the launch of QPR1 Beta 2. This new test iteration is designated as “BP31.250523.010”.

    This update, which weighs in at roughly 4.2MB, brings forth minor enhancements and rectifies some glitches reported by Pixel users in the earlier beta release. Initially, it resolves the problem with the approve button in Device Admin settings, which was previously noted as invisible or transparent.

    Additionally, it tackles frustrating issues like the lockscreen sound persisting despite being toggled off, the back button inexplicably stopping functioning for some, and a bug that causes the device’s main screen or launcher to crash when swiping up from the bottom to reach the home screen or app drawer.

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    • Comments Off on Two Major Instances Alter My Experience with the Galaxy S25 Ultra
    Two Major Instances Alter My Experience with the Galaxy S25 Ultra

    I simply can’t decide between ultra-functional and ultra-minimalist.

    (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

    I have never particularly enjoyed using cases on my devices, but I am even less thrilled about the prevalent trend toward completely flat phones. The elegant curves that made phones pleasant to hold have vanished, replaced by flat, hard edges that are fundamentally dull and uninspiring.

    As a result, I’ve begun to explore, testing some of the top Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra cases, and I’ve identified two standout options that enhance the phone’s design in a distinctive and impactful way.

    One is supremely minimalist, featuring no frame or rear coverage. It consists of just two components made from “Aerospace-grade aluminum” that safeguard your phone from the edges that first make contact when dropped. The other sports a more conventional case design that might seem unremarkable at first, but three NFC buttons on the side enable you to customize physical controls to perform nearly any function you desire on the device.

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Samsung to Create Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Solely for Galaxy S26
    Samsung to Create Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Solely for Galaxy S26

    These speculations indicate that Qualcomm might enlist Samsung to create a genuine “For Galaxy” Elite 2 SoC.

    What you should be aware of:
    – A report from a South Korean outlet suggests Qualcomm is exploring the option of having Samsung manufacture a 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 alternative.
    – This chip is designed specifically “For Galaxy,” targeting the Galaxy S26 series.
    – Conversely, Qualcomm reportedly continues to work with TSMC to produce a 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 for other devices.
    – Earlier rumors indicate that the Galaxy S26 Ultra may become even slimmer, along with various camera-related speculations.

    A South Korean report states that Qualcomm is considering Samsung Foundry for a genuinely robust alternative version of its upcoming flagship chip.

    These insights reported by Business Post were included in a summary by X tipster Jukanlosreve (via 9to5Google). The South Korean article references a “comprehensive report” noting that Qualcomm has commenced early production trials for the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2; however, there exists a variant based on Samsung’s 2nm technology.

    According to its findings, this SD 8 Elite Gen 2 version created by Samsung Foundry is presumably set to serve as the “For Galaxy” SoC in the Galaxy S26 series. Sources claim that testing is “ongoing” and mass production is expected to finalize in “the latter half of this year.”

    The publication itself expresses speculation regarding this, especially as Samsung’s foundry head, Han Jin-man, is still in the process of obtaining approval to proceed with this 2nm SD 8 Elite Gen 2 process. Nonetheless, there appears to be optimism as Samsung’s 2nm production yield is approximately 30% in its initial phases. It is anticipated to surpass the ~60% yield threshold later this year.

    While Samsung could indeed create an authentic “For Galaxy” chip for the S26 series, Qualcomm is said to be maintaining its partnership with TSMC for another 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. There are likely numerous upgrades in this Elite successor, but the fundamental process appears to remain unchanged.

    A 2nm process, you say?

    Samsung outlined its strategy to produce enhanced chips for smartphones back in 2023, and it seems those aspirations are beginning to materialize. To summarize swiftly, Samsung expressed a desire to start manufacturing 2nm chips by 2025 before advancing to the 1.4nm process by 2027. In light of these rumors about a 2nm-specific Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip “For Galaxy,” that could indeed become a reality.

    Additionally, Qualcomm’s interest in Samsung for a 2nm-developed chip takes us back to earlier rumors of the two companies collaborating beginning in 2024. At that time, the Korean manufacturer claimed that its developing 2nm process enhances performance by 12% and power efficiency by 25%. Qualcomm reportedly also reached out to TSMC to achieve the same (a 2nm process). However, these rumors imply that TSMC is sticking with its 3nm for another Elite iteration.

    Rumors surrounding the Galaxy S26 have been limited overall, although there are some noteworthy hints, such as enhanced cameras and a thinner Ultra model. It should be highlighted that Samsung might prominently feature its next Exynos chip across its Galaxy S26 series. The latest Exynos 2500 has recently launched, and there are speculations that the Flip 7 and Fold 7 may utilize it in some regions, while others, including the U.S., might continue with Qualcomm.

    With rumors about Samsung working on a 2nm process Elite 2, we may need to reconsider past speculations.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Google to Improve Notification Synchronization Across Android Devices
    Google to Improve Notification Synchronization Across Android Devices

    This is all part of Google’s broader strategy to introduce a Handoff-like capability across Android devices.

    (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

    Essential insights

    • Google is developing a competitor to Handoff—but it’s not merely a clone of Apple’s; it could surpass it.
    • Recent code investigations indicate it will manage applications, tasks, media, and even notifications across multiple devices.
    • If successfully launched, you’ll be able to initiate something on your phone and continue it on your tablet or Chromebook.

    It’s widely acknowledged that Google is crafting its iteration of Apple’s Handoff for Android—but here’s the interesting part: recent evidence hints at the potential for it to exceed Apple’s version, offering even more valuable features than anticipated.

    An exploration of the newest Google Play Services beta (v25.25.31) by Android Authority has revealed some promising insights. Within the code, there were explicit references to a “Handoff” feature, specifying its intended functionalities, such as resuming tasks, applications, and media exactly where you stopped, regardless of your device.

    It also encompasses the synchronization of notifications across your devices. Indicators suggest an impressive and streamlined cross-device integration is on the horizon.

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    • Comments Off on Designing Personalized AI Stickers on a Google Pixel Smartphone: An Instructional Manual
    Designing Personalized AI Stickers on a Google Pixel Smartphone: An Instructional Manual

    The most recent June Pixel Feature Drop makes it easier to design distinctive AI stickers.

    (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

    Last year, Google introduced the Pixel Studio app specifically for the Pixel 9 series, granting smartphone users straightforward access to personalized AI-generated visuals. This convenient feature was faster than utilizing an image generation model in an AI chatbot, such as Gemini. With the June 2025 Pixel Feature Drop, Google has further streamlined the process of creating and distributing AI-generated cartoon images.

    This Android 16-powered update incorporated custom AI stickers into Gboard, making these distinct images just a few taps away from any social networking or messaging application. Users can generate their own stickers directly from the emoji keyboard on their Pixel 9, and this guide will explain how to do it.

    Which Google Pixel devices can produce custom AI stickers?

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Amazfit Unveils Balance 2 and Helio Strap for Improved and Precise Tracking
    Amazfit Unveils Balance 2 and Helio Strap for Improved and Precise Tracking

    Acquire them individually or merge them for a superior health journey.

    (Image credit: Amazfit)

    Essential details

    • Amazfit has released two innovative devices: the Balance 2 smartwatch and the Helio Strap.
    • The Balance 2, priced at $299, offers a 1.5-inch display, a battery life of 21 days, and supports over 170 workouts and sports modes for active users.
    • The Helio Strap, retailing for $99, marks Amazfit’s debut in screen-free devices, aimed at comfortably monitoring your health metrics.
    • Amazfit claims that utilizing both the Balance 2 and Helio Strap together elevates the experience, with a bundle price of $379.

    Amazfit, a subsidiary of Zepp Health, is unveiling two new wearables that excel even more when paired together.

    According to a press release, Amazfit introduced its Balance 2 smartwatch alongside the Helio Strap, its first tracker without a screen. The Balance 2, available globally for $299, is designed for “high achievers.” Fitness enthusiasts who enjoy daily running or regular strength training will benefit from the 1.5-inch scratch-resistant Sapphire glass display. With a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, Amazfit asserts that the Balance 2 will remain visible even in bright outdoor conditions.

    In terms of training capabilities, the Balance 2 is said to support running, cycling, golf, diving, among other activities in its extensive list of over 170 workouts and sports-focused modes.