Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Your Space Becomes a Work of Art: Redefining Environments with Hue SpatialAware

In the sphere of smart home innovations, Philips Hue has unveiled a revolutionary feature that alters our understanding and engagement with illumination in our living areas. With the launch of Hue SpatialAware, your space genuinely transforms into a work of art, facilitating a more immersive and interactive lighting experience.

Essential Information:

– In contrast to earlier versions where colors were randomly selected, Hue SpatialAware utilizes a sophisticated algorithm to map your space, guaranteeing that lights function cohesively.
– The journey begins with scanning your space via your mobile device, allowing the Hue app to create a spatial model. This model empowers the algorithm to automatically coordinate the lighting scene.
– At its initial release, roughly half of Hue’s Scene Gallery is compatible with SpatialAware, showcasing scenes such as Lake Mist, Mountain Breeze, Savanna Sunset, and Lake Placid.

Previously, Hue scenes were visually appealing but did not account for the room’s layout. Colors were allocated without regard to the actual location of lights, which could disrupt the desired atmosphere. Hue SpatialAware resolves this issue by substituting guesswork with a deliberate methodology, ensuring lighting feels crafted rather than simply programmed.

The Hue app leverages augmented reality to scan your space, generating a model that detects the position of each light source, including floor lamps, wall lights, and ceiling fixtures. An algorithm subsequently organizes scenes so that every light integrates seamlessly into the environment. If new lights are introduced, a quick scan promptly refreshes the room model without hassle.

Nature Scenes Receive Major Enhancements:

The most substantial upgrade is observed within Hue’s nature-themed scenes. Approximately half of the revised Scene Gallery will be compatible with SpatialAware at launch. For example, in a sunset-themed scene, lights on one side of the room radiate warm yellows, whereas those on the opposite side shift to richer hues. While the traditional scene mode remains an option, the difference with SpatialAware is clear.

Philips Hue markets this feature for Bridge Pro users, delivering a premium experience that capitalizes on advanced processing and room awareness. Bridge Pro is also evolving to be more flexible, enabling users to merge several Bridges into a unified setup, constrained only by the hardware’s capability.

Furthermore, Hue’s AI assistant is undergoing enhancements, allowing users to establish automations using natural language and offering improved troubleshooting support. Hue SpatialAware is anticipated to launch in spring 2026 for Bridge Pro users, with additional upgrades scheduled for release by the first quarter of 2026.

With Hue SpatialAware, your space transforms into a work of art, revolutionizing how you experience and engage with lighting, making every moment more vibrant and personalized.

There was no lack of fascinating (and truly bizarre) products at CES 2026. CES is the platform where the globe’s most groundbreaking products are unveiled. It’s also a chance for us to witness unique, one-off demos and products that are captivating yet not particularly practical, but still impressive. I explored the exhibition floor this week, and here are the most intriguing products I encountered.

These smartphones shift colors, and they are actually set to launch. Infinix produces phones with captivating designs, and the Chinese manufacturer displayed some of its advancements in this field. These innovations feature an E Ink panel on the back that alters patterns — you can even design your own — in addition to color-changing models and phones with lenticular aesthetics. The brand states it will even push some of these models into production, so prepare to see a Hot 60 device later this year sporting one of these styles.

You’ll find yourself wanting to use a physical keyboard once more with this gadget. Clicks took center stage with the Power Keys, a slide-out keyboard accessory that incorporates a portable battery. You attach it to your phone magnetically, and then you can pair the keyboard via Bluetooth, providing you a physical typing experience. Since it’s just over Bluetooth and comes with a built-in battery, this accessory is compatible with your tablet and other gadgets as well.

This camera observes while you dine — and evaluates each bite. Still tracking your food manually? That’ll soon be obsolete if Amazfit’s Food Camera reaches production. This device sits on the dinner table and captures you eating, estimating portion sizes, automatically assigning macros, and offering tips based on your eating pace and sequence.

Govee has even more methods to introduce RGB lighting into every nook of your abode. I appreciate what Govee is doing with lighting solutions, and the brand just launched LuminBlend+ technology, which effectively allows its products to emit realistic colors, even at raised brightness levels. If you’re like me and possess numerous Govee products at home, you’ll be pleased to discover that the brand is simplifying the process of adjusting lighting and creating zones or scenes across its offerings.

Reebok is eager to dive into the smart glasses trend. Lucyd produces smart glasses with integrated audio, and does so remarkably well. It partnered with Reebok to create smart glasses that resemble the Oakley Meta Vanguard. They feature UV 400 lenses, and without a camera, they are noticeably lighter. While they don’t possess the same degree of intelligence as those from Meta, they are undeniably stylish — and priced at $299, they’re less than half the cost of my Vanguard.

SwitchBot unveiled robots that you’ll want in your home. SwitchBot usually showcases intriguing products, and it highlighted several robots at its stand. While many robots at the expo lean towards humanoid forms, the brand opted for teddy bear-like designs that were utterly charming. There was even a robot tidying up around the booth. If someone from SwitchBot is reading this, I’d like two of those, please.

Keychron is going all out with keyboards. Think your all-metal keyboard is impressive? Keychron has something to say about that. The brand is experimenting with unique materials and is launching keyboards made from wood, ceramic, marble, and even stone. I admire Keychron keyboards for their reliability and fantastic features, and I can’t wait to try out some of these distinctive keyboards.

AGIBOT is focused on creating astonishingly lifelike humanoid robots. A day will come when robots can genuinely perform awesome tasks, but until then, we have demos where they wave, dance, and generally follow the person controlling them. What if a robot manages to access that control interface? It’s probably best not to ponder that — AGIBOT must have contingency plans, right? Right?

This brand aims to revive landlines. We had a landline in our home when I was younger, but all that does is remind me of my age. Kids nowadays don’t recognize what a landline is, and Pinwheel Home is trying to change that perception. It has unique designs for landlines, meant to be connected the traditional way. Fortunately, you don’t need to acquire a new number, as the service operates on VOIP for making calls.

ASUS has finally identified its target audience. ASUS is determined to entice you into purchasing an unneeded router; at least this time, its designs are no longer arachnid-like. Although Wi-Fi 7 hasn’t yet become mainstream, ASUS is introducing Wi-Fi 8 routers later this year — it remains to be seen if anyone will actually invest in them. Another concern with routers is the devices they target. I’ve been utilizing phones equipped with the necessary Wi-Fi 7 modem, and honestly, I don’t perceive a difference with the standard. But then again, ASUS seems to be targeting D&D-style 20-sided dice with

The Shokz OpenFit 2 series has already established itself as a leader in audio excellence, and the newly unveiled OpenFit Pro earbuds are poised to elevate this reputation even further. Unveiled at CES 2026, the OpenFit Pro brings several innovative features that represent a significant improvement over its forerunners.

A prominent feature of the OpenFit Pro is the introduction of “Open-Ear Noise Reduction,” a first for Shokz. Each earbud boasts a triple-mic setup that monitors ambient noise and equalizes it, creating an indoor Private Mode while still allowing for situational awareness in outdoor settings. This functionality is especially advantageous for users desiring to immerse themselves in music without becoming entirely detached from their environment.

The Pros also present a new Dolby Atmos mode, delivering 3D directional sound for a captivating auditory experience. The earbuds have been engineered with dual speaker elements that facilitate multi-directional audio, boosting the bass and diminishing Total Harmonic Distortion. Furthermore, the OpenFit Pro features wear detection, expanded frequency response, and an additional hour of battery life compared to the OpenFit 2+.

Weighing approximately 3g more per earbud than earlier models, the OpenFit Pro is offered at $249, which is $50 higher than the OpenFit 2+. Despite the slight increase in weight, the earbuds continue to provide comfort during wear, thanks to the nickel-titanium ear hooks that ensure stability during physical activities.

The OpenFit Pro is additionally equipped with Bluetooth 6.1 for enhanced energy efficiency and superior audio streaming quality. The quick charging functionality has been improved, delivering four hours of playback after merely ten minutes of charging. The earbuds also feature a more reliable charging contact, guaranteeing they stay charged and ready for use.

In summary, the Shokz OpenFit Pro earbuds are crafted for athletes and active individuals looking to enjoy superior audio without sacrificing awareness of their environment. With features such as noise reduction, Dolby Atmos capability, and enhanced battery longevity, the OpenFit Pro stands out as an attractive choice for those aiming for a blend of performance and situational consciousness.

Both the Moto G Power 2026 and CMF Phone 2 Pro are affordable smartphones priced below $300, making them suitable for teens, tweens, seniors, casual users, and as backup devices. Here’s a thorough comparison of the two:

**Moto G Power 2026:**
– **Design & Display:** Sports a 6.8-inch 120Hz FHD+ display with excellent brightness, available in Pantone Pure Cashmere and Pantone Evening Blue. It boasts a robust design with Gorilla Glass 7i and IP68/IP69 ratings.
– **Performance:** Driven by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor with 8GB RAM, expandable storage reaching 1TB, and operates on Android 16.
– **Battery & Charging:** Features a 5,200mAh battery providing up to two days of usage and supports 30W TurboPower charging.
– **Camera:** Includes a 50MP primary camera, 8MP ultra-wide, macro vision lens, and a 32MP front camera.
– **Pros:** Large display, extended battery life, budget-friendly, resilient.
– **Cons:** Mediocre camera quality, limited software upgrades.

**CMF Phone 2 Pro:**
– **Design & Display:** Comes with a 6.77-inch FHD+ flexible AMOLED screen with a distinctive design offered in black, orange, light green, and white.
– **Performance:** Operates on a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro processor with 8GB RAM, storage options reaching 256GB (expandable to 2TB), and runs Android 15 (with upgrade potential).
– **Battery & Charging:** Houses a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging and 5W reverse wired charging capabilities.
– **Camera:** Features a 50MP main camera, 50MP telephoto, 8MP ultra-wide, and 16MP front camera.
– **Pros:** Distinctive design, Essential Space feature, extended security support.
– **Cons:** Mono speaker, limited availability in the US.

**Conclusion:**
The Moto G Power 2026 is a great option for users who prioritize sturdiness and battery longevity, whereas the CMF Phone 2 Pro presents a unique design and superior camera specifications. While the CMF Phone 2 Pro is deemed the top budget phone under $300, its limited availability in the US could be a disadvantage for some consumers.

From the TriFold to intelligent eyewear and distinctive accessories, these are the champions from CES 2026.

Another chapter of CES has concluded, and this year, it seemed every brand was determined to create smart glasses or smart rings. I witnessed a wide array of AI, AR, and XR eyewear, and while some definitely show a lot of promise (as you’ll see further on in this article), the majority of the products fell short.

Fortunately, I encountered numerous outstanding items, including smartphones, audio devices, accessories, and various AI-powered technologies. So let’s examine what made an impression at CES 2026.

Best Android phone (flagship): Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold

There was always going to be one clear winner this year. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z TriFold at the event prior to its launch in the U.S., and the one-of-a-kind foldable deserves commendation on its own merit. It is being offered in limited stock, and the retail price is astonishingly high, but as a demonstration of what mobile technology can achieve, there truly isn’t a better phone.

This marks my second experience with the TriFold — I tested it in a Dubai shopping mall last month — and it felt significantly improved this time. The device is on par with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in terms of refinement, and it doesn’t give off the impression of being a mere technology demonstration. The extra screen space is fantastic for enjoying entertainment, and even though the display has more glare compared to the Z Fold 7, it’s simply wonderful to transform a standard-sized phone into a 10-inch tablet.

Best Android phone (budget): TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro

TCL’s NXTPAPER technology is truly remarkable, and the brand presented the 70 Pro in Las Vegas. It features the same display that is designed to be more eye-friendly, and I appreciate how pleasant it is to use. The phone itself is a solid budget option, but the unique display distinguishes it from the rest.

Best concept: TDM Neo

TDM is an emerging manufacturer with a highly intriguing concept: a headset that converts into a speaker. It’s called the Neo, and at first glance, it appears to be just another headset — it has a similar weight too. However, you can twist both ear cups inward, transforming it into a Bluetooth speaker.

I haven’t encountered anything quite like it, and the Neo functions effectively as both a headset and a speaker. It isn’t fully in production yet, but it is the type of idea I would love to see materialize in a consumer product.

Best wearable: XGIMI Memo One

There’s no denying that XGIMI produces the finest projectors. At CES, the brand revealed MemoMind, a new line of fashionable smart glasses. There are several models available, but my favorite is Memo One, which includes a built-in display and a significant degree of personalization, and did I mention it’s stylish?

Best accessory: Anker Nano Charger 45W

The Nano appears as a typical charger, but it boasts a unique 180-degree foldable design, ensuring that the charger is always upright regardless of its orientation during use. It’s a minor adjustment, but one that greatly enhances the usability of the product. I predict that many other charging brands will soon introduce comparable designs.

Best AI innovation: NVIDIA Remix Logic

NVIDIA’s Remix technology rejuvenates classic games visually, and the brand demonstrated a preview of its latest feature, Remix Logic. The new mode interacts more deeply with game scenarios, granting game modders even greater flexibility and control in customizing in-game environments. Remix Logic represents the most impressive application of AI I’ve observed at CES this year, and as someone who enjoys retro games, I’m genuinely thrilled that NVIDIA is expanding this technology.

Best VR/XR device: Even Realities G2

Even Realities isn’t merely following the latest fads in smart glasses — it’s forging its own path, which is what I appreciate most about the G2. The glasses don’t resemble traditional tech products, yet they still feature waveguided lenses that display notifications and relevant information from your phone. It’s an excellent product, and I was frequently approached about the eyewear while navigating the show floor.

Google has recently implemented a major update to its Pixel 9 series by incorporating AirDrop-Quick Share cross-sharing features within the latest Android Canary release. This functionality, which was formerly limited to the Pixel 10 series, facilitates effortless file sharing between Pixel devices and devices compatible with Apple’s AirDrop. The enhancement was detected in the firmware of Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, although it is currently inactive. Google may activate this capability in future Android updates, possibly with Android 16 QPR3 or Android 17. This initiative is a pivotal advancement in improving interoperability between Android and iOS devices, providing users with greater flexibility in file sharing across various platforms.

Google has unveiled a major update for Gmail, featuring AI Overviews, smarter responses, and a novel AI Inbox aimed at prioritizing essential emails. This update, driven by Google’s Gemini, seeks to improve email composing, searching, and summarizing functions. Notable features include tailored Suggested Replies and Help Me Write, which are now accessible to all Gmail users at no additional charge. The AI Overviews functionality enables users to pose questions in natural language and obtain succinct summaries from their emails, simplifying the task of locating vital information. Furthermore, the new AI Inbox will emphasize to-dos and important communications, departing from a basic chronological arrangement. Currently, this feature is restricted to trusted testers, with plans for wider rollout in the coming months.

Samsung is working to improve home security by merging SmartThings with Arlo’s advanced security platform. This partnership aims to position SmartThings as the primary hub for home security and automation, with Arlo delivering the strong security capabilities. The collaboration enables users to control security services right from the SmartThings app, removing the necessity for multiple apps to oversee security cameras or motion detectors. Initially set to launch in the U.S., this integration will utilize Arlo’s Smart Security SaaS platform to introduce new security services, making the process easier for Samsung users. This initiative builds upon earlier partnerships, like the implementation of Arlo’s AI-driven object detection in SmartThings, and is anticipated to streamline security management for Galaxy users while broadening Arlo’s outreach.

Spotify has revealed a major enhancement to its Messages feature, aimed at improving music-sharing functionalities. The update brings forth two new additions: “Request to Jam” and “Listening Activity.”

“Request to Jam” permits users to join a friend’s listening session directly via DMs, akin to the existing Jam sessions on the platform. This feature allows users to invite friends or family to a live listening experience, where both individuals can contribute tracks to the session. The session host can be the user who sends the Jam request, and the feature is available through a Jam icon in the DM thread.

The “Listening Activity” feature, once activated, enables users to share their current listening choices with others, who can then incorporate those tracks into their own playlists. This feature can be customized within the Privacy and Social settings, providing users the ability to manage who can view their listening activity.

These enhancements are being rolled out to Android and iOS devices in areas where Spotify Messages are accessible, with a wider rollout anticipated in February. Spotify Messages, launched in 2025, serves as a one-on-one chat service that allows users to share music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Users need to accept a Message request prior to engaging in conversation, adding a layer of privacy and security.

In summary, these updates are designed to reinforce user interactions and elevate the music-sharing experience on Spotify.

The OnePlus 15T is making a return to discussions, now with additional specifications leading up to a rumored release.

What you need to know

– Latest OnePlus 15T speculation suggests the device could come equipped with a “maximum” 7,500mAh battery and a 50MP telephoto camera.
– A Chinese insider has indicated that the phone may aim for an April release in China, which aligns well, as the 13T launched around the same time.
– Previous rumors suggested the 15T might feature the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite flagship SoC and a 6.3-inch 1.5K display.

OnePlus generally produces a streamlined version of its flagship model within the “T” series, and rumors regarding this device have surfaced with launch information.

This week, well-known Weibo insider Digital Chat Station (DCS) shared insights on the Chinese social media platform about the supposed OnePlus 15T (via PlayfulDroid). The insider posits that OnePlus might aim to equip this model with a battery exceeding 7,000mAh. This is where speculation increases, with the post indicating that users could witness a capacity close to 7,500mAh.

DCS mentions that this higher figure is the “maximum,” suggesting that OnePlus may include a battery with a capacity ranging between 7,000mAh and 7,500mAh.

The device’s camera setup is said to incorporate a 50MP telephoto lens. While DCS did not elaborate on the main sensor, the publication revisited earlier speculations, which suggested the 15T could come with a dual-array. The insider then reacted to inquiries, touching on the phone’s launch timeframe. When one user asked, “When will it be released,” DCS replied, “Around April.”

Details about phone features weren’t disclosed in this leak, but we do have some specifications to consider, following an earlier update.

The 15T is on the horizon

Rumors regarding the OnePlus 15T have been relatively few and far between, with the last major leak surfacing last June. At that time, Digital Chat Station claimed that the OnePlus 15T was on its way with one aspect set to outperform the flagship: its battery. Those initial whispers suggested that the capacity would exceed that of the OnePlus 15; however, only now do we begin to understand what it might entail.

Additional rumors indicate that the device could feature a flagship Snapdragon SoC, alongside a smaller 6.3-inch 1.5K display and a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.

One aspect to keep in mind: if the OnePlus 15T is to surpass the 15 in battery performance, it may need to land somewhere between 7,400mAh and the speculated 7,500mAh maximum. When the OnePlus 15 made its debut in October, it featured a substantial 7,300mAh battery and 120W wired charging. It remains to be seen whether OnePlus will hit this rumored April launch window. This timeline makes sense, given that the 13T was released in the same month last year.