Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Samsung has commenced the rollout of the One UI 8.5 beta for various Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S23, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, among others. This update is being delivered in phases across areas such as India, Korea, the U.K., and the U.S. Users with compatible devices can sign up for the beta program via the Samsung Members app and look for updates in Settings.

One UI 8.5 presents new features, comprising refreshed icons, revamped apps, improved Quick Settings, and additional lock screen customization options. Furthermore, it includes functionalities like Shared Storage, enabling users to access files on their Galaxy smartphones through Samsung TVs. Nonetheless, the beta currently does not provide AirDrop support via Quick Share for the newly introduced devices, a feature that is available for newer models such as the Galaxy S25 and S24 series.

Samsung’s move to extend the beta to encompass the A series, specifically the Galaxy A36, represents a notable advancement since these devices generally receive only stable updates. Although the absence of AirDrop support for these devices is acknowledged, the update nonetheless delivers considerable enhancements and customization opportunities for users.

Headphones have officially taken the place of earbuds for me, and there’s no going back.

I will always remember the first time I hit the transparency button on the side of the Nothing Headphone (a). I could have sworn a real person was breathing into my ear as the clear transition sound played, lifting the veil of noise cancellation and exposing everything around me.

This experience made me realize that over-the-ear headphones are making a comeback. I was no longer dealing with bothersome earbuds lodged in my ear canals for hours. Now, I could relish richer audio with enhanced noise cancellation and transparency settings, all alongside improved battery life and better long-term comfort. And I managed to achieve all this without shelling out $600 for a set of overpriced Apple headphones.

Nothing Headphone (a) aren’t groundbreaking, and they might not even be the top headphones available today (for that, you need to spend significantly more). But they represent a shift in the audio market that grabbed my attention, and I’m never returning to earbuds again.

Quality for Everyone

Nothing Headphone (a) are bold and impressive. I’m not just referring to audio volume, which is significantly louder and richer than any earbuds I’ve worn. These headphones are as distinctive in appearance as they are in feel, showcasing the signature Nothing style that draws attention on public transport or at the workplace.

However, this design isn’t merely for aesthetics; it prevents you from appearing foolish with a pair of overpriced headphones. They include powerful audio drivers for immersive sound, a robust battery that can last up to five days, ample cushioning for comfort, and tactile buttons that are satisfying to use.

Personally, I dislike capacitive buttons on devices like headphones or earbuds. They are often too sensitive to accidental touches when you’re merely attempting to adjust them or put them on, and they frequently feel clumsy and unresponsive when needed.

Nothing Headphone (a)’s buttons are easy to locate and operate, and they are clearly designed for specific functions. Press the transparency button to toggle between noise-canceling and transparency modes, or slide the volume switch left or right as required. The on/off switch is fantastic since it clearly indicates when they are powered on, and with their impressive standby time, you can keep them powered on while moving around, even if you’re not currently listening to anything.

Now, I’m not an audiophile, but even I can discern the difference between high-quality speakers and inferior ones. These are high-quality, eclipsing the sound clarity of any earbuds I’ve worn. They’re also significantly more comfortable over extended periods than earbuds. I’ve always found buds uncomfortable during long flights, and while headphones may cause a bit of sweating, they are far better than the discomfort of earbuds.

The top headband can be adjusted by about an inch on each side, fitting head sizes from adults to children. I believe this sliding mechanism could be expanded, but it accommodates everyone in my household, so I had no problems with it. However, those with larger head sizes may find fitting challenging.

The headphones connect through Bluetooth or a 3.5mm cable, making them compatible with a variety of devices and connection types. These support the highest-quality audio codecs, including LDAC, ensuring that lossless formats sound fantastic.

Don’t be foolish, save your cash

I can’t get over how much I adore Nothing Headphone (a). These are the headphones I didn’t know I was waiting for, and they look great while doing it. I’m consistently shocked when I see individuals strolling around with headphones costing over $500 and simply can’t comprehend it. Instead of looking foolish, save $400 and pick up a pair of Nothing Headphone (a).

The Nothing app guarantees you receive the finest quality sound, regardless of the device you use, and they are simple to connect to any device supporting your Google account, thanks to Google’s Quick Pair technology. That, coupled with a week-long battery life and plentiful padding, means these can be worn comfortably for extended periods. Do yourself a favor and get a pair; you won’t regret it.

Huawei’s newest earbuds, the FreeBuds Pro 5, have made a notable influence in the audio accessory landscape with their enhanced fit and outstanding sound performance. Renowned for its cutting-edge technology, Huawei has once again showcased its skill in the audio realm with these earbuds.

The FreeBuds Pro 5 are crafted to ensure a snug fit, which stems from comprehensive testing involving over 10,000 ear samples. This guarantees that users experience minimal discomfort even during extended use. The earbuds include four sets of tips, enabling users to discover the ideal fit for their ears. Furthermore, the earbuds are lightweight, weighing merely 5.5 grams each, making them virtually undetectable when worn.

One of the prominent features of the FreeBuds Pro 5 is their noise isolation ability. Furnished with a dual-engine Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system, these earbuds proficiently block surrounding sounds, facilitating an immersive auditory experience. This function is especially advantageous for users who often travel or find themselves in loud settings.

Regarding sound quality, the FreeBuds Pro 5 meet expectations. They incorporate a mix of a dynamic driver and a planar driver, resulting in a rich and well-balanced audio experience. The bass is deep and lively, while the mids and highs are clear and precise. This makes the earbuds perfect for an array of music genres, ensuring users can relish their favorite songs with remarkable clarity.

The FreeBuds Pro 5 also provide a handy Awareness mode, which activates automatically when users begin to speak, permitting them to participate in conversations without having to take out the earbuds. This feature improves the overall user experience by allowing smooth transitions between enjoying music and engaging with others.

Despite their remarkable features, the FreeBuds Pro 5 have a few aspects that could be enhanced. The battery life is moderate, lasting approximately five hours on a single charge. However, this is a minor disadvantage considering the earbuds’ competitive pricing and exceptional sound quality.

Priced at £179 in the UK and $229 in the US, the FreeBuds Pro 5 deliver excellent value for money, particularly when stacked against other premium earbuds from brands like Bose and Sony. For users in search of an alternative with a superior fit and exceptional sound quality, the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5 are a persuasive option.

Native Union’s Weighter is a premium answer to a straightforward dilemma, and I appreciate it greatly.

The Weighter is as uncomplicated as they come; it serves as a weighted block that keeps your cables in place without slipping off your desk’s edge. That’s all there is to it. It lacks any extra features or AI — it’s simply a chunk of metal and silicone crafted to tackle a very specific issue.

And I appreciate it greatly. The 3-cable Weighter retails for $29 on Amazon and Native Union’s website, available in both black and sandstone. Additionally, a single-cable variant is priced at $19 for those who don’t require the larger model.

You can find any cable management product on Amazon, often at a much lower price than the Weighter. My primary concern with these alternatives is that they are adhesive-based, and I wasn’t keen on the idea of affixing something to the nightstand. In the past, I used Sugru’s moldable glue and Ikea’s charming cable weights, but we relocated last year, and while the nightstand arrived at the new home intact, the glue did not survive. As for the Ikea weights, I’m at a complete loss as to where to search for them.

In any case, the Weighter is essentially a weighted base that secures your cables while exuding elegance. Weighing in at 172g, it is sufficiently heavy to remain stationary, featuring a top made of metal and a silicone base with cutouts for cable management. It may be an over-engineered approach to a problem, but I admire its appearance, and it fulfills its purpose effectively.

My sole complaint is the prominent Native Union branding and the Paris label below it, but that didn’t stop me from utilizing the Weighter. I placed the single-cable version on my desk while the 3-cable version sits on my nightstand and my dedicated charging station in my office. After three months of use, I haven’t had to contend with cables hanging off the edge of my desk or the side table where my UGREEN Nexode 500W charging station resides. It functions equally well with USB-C cables, barrel plugs, and MagSafe connectors.

Most crucially, I didn’t have to rummage for a cable in the middle of the night when my Galaxy S26 Ultra ran out of power, and for that, I’m grateful the Weighter was created. Yes, numerous other options are available, many costing only a fraction of the Weighter’s price. I’m not suggesting you should purchase it, but if you’re seeking a refined solution for cable management, it’s one of the more aesthetically pleasing options available.

Rokid is making notable advancements in the smart glasses market by establishing a robust software ecosystem around its offerings. The company’s AI Glasses Style, which I’ve had the chance to utilize thoroughly, serves as an economical counterpart to Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses. A standout aspect of these glasses is their connection with Gemini, a strategy that distinguishes Rokid from its rivals. This connection enables users to choose from different AI models, fostering an open ecosystem grounded in global standards.

Degang Xu, Rokid’s product lead, highlighted the significance of this adaptability, indicating that it gives users the power to select their chosen AI model. The brand’s dedication to an open ecosystem is clear in its initiatives to adopt global standards, enhancing its products’ versatility and user-friendliness.

Although the AI Glasses Style presents great value, they are currently available in just one variant, unlike the broader selections from Meta. Xu noted that there are plans to broaden the variety of styles and colors. The choice to forgo a charging case was made to keep the pricing around $300, although this decision has sparked debate due to the inconvenience compared to competitors such as Meta Ray-Bans.

Rokid is also investigating cutting-edge features like gesture controls and a possible QR code payment system, which could improve the capabilities of future products. Furthermore, the company is developing native music integration, enabling users to manage services like Spotify directly from their glasses.

Battery life continues to be a hurdle in the smart glasses industry. Rokid is contemplating the addition of a low-power chipset to manage basic functions, akin to smartwatches, to prolong battery performance. Nevertheless, the practicality of this strategy remains uncertain because of the limited space within smart glasses.

In summary, Rokid’s emphasis on software distinction is a promising approach in a landscape where hardware functionalities are increasingly alike. By improving the software experience, Rokid seeks to provide a competitive advantage over its peers, offering consumers appealing alternatives to existing products from brands like Meta.

The April update provides a crucial stability enhancement for Pixel phones.

Pitaka and the Aaron Button app are transforming the user experience for Samsung’s new Galaxy S26 line by bringing essential functionality through customizable physical buttons. As Samsung’s flagship products continue to advance, the lack of certain physical buttons has been a significant drawback for some users. Nonetheless, Pitaka’s groundbreaking cases are addressing this issue, delivering a solution that boosts both functionality and ease of use.

The Galaxy S26 series, while feature-rich, misses the physical buttons that many users have enjoyed in other smartphone brands. Be it the Alert Slider from OnePlus or the dedicated camera shutter button on an iPhone, these features provide a level of convenience that Samsung’s latest models do not inherently possess. Enter Pitaka, a brand well-known for its premium smartphone cases, which has introduced a selection of cases that add three customizable physical buttons to the left side of the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra.

These cases are more than just visually appealing; they are engineered for both function and safeguarding. Pitaka provides two variants: the ultra-slim Aramid Fiber Edge case and the sturdier Cairn case, which offers military-grade protection. Both variants showcase distinct button designs and degrees of protection, appealing to different user preferences.

The true innovation is found in the Aaron Buttons, which function as NFC tags. These buttons can be programmed to execute nearly any system function using Pitaka’s Aaron Button app alongside Samsung’s integrated Routines feature. This synergy allows users to allocate specific actions to each button, markedly improving the smartphone’s functionality.

The Edge case is perfect for those who favor a leaner design, providing grip and scratch defense without extra bulk. It consists of three semi-capacitive buttons that necessitate a physical click, yielding a tactile feedback. Conversely, the Cairn case is tailored for individuals who prioritize protection, featuring tactile buttons that are simpler to operate and a MagSafe magnet for Qi2 wireless charging.

The Aaron Button app, accessible on the Galaxy Apps store, streamlines the customization of these buttons. Users can select from predefined commands or craft their own routines, simplifying the process. The app’s compatibility with Samsung’s Routines feature ensures a fluid experience, allowing users to establish actions effortlessly.

In summary, Pitaka’s cases, paired with the Aaron Button app, provide an effective solution for Galaxy S26 users looking for enhanced functionality. By incorporating customizable buttons, these cases not only elevate the smartphone’s usability but also offer the protection expected from a premium case. For Galaxy S26 consumers, this is an enticing option that brings additional value and convenience to their device.

If you’re a Premium subscriber, keep your eyes peeled.

Moreover, the process is becoming swifter.

The BoboVR S3 Pro headstrap has become a noteworthy accessory in the world of Meta Quest headsets, providing unmatched style, ease, and comfort that rivals find hard to keep up with. Crafted to enhance the user experience, the BoboVR S3 Pro not only redistributes the headset’s weight but also incorporates cutting-edge features that improve its functionality.

A key highlight of the BoboVR S3 Pro is its dedication to comfort. The headstrap features generous, detachable, and washable pads, allowing users to share their headsets without any hygiene worries. This level of detail is reflected in the adjustable parts, designed to offer a more comfortable fit, thanks to BoboVR’s distinctive design ethos. In contrast to other headstraps that attach to the top buckle of the headset, the BoboVR S3 Pro slides onto the side arms of the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, enabling a superior angle and independent rotation of the headset.

Additionally, the BoboVR S3 Pro distinguishes itself with its integrated fan, a feature rarely seen in other headstraps. This fan is intended to maintain a cool forehead for the user, with adjustable speeds accessible through a wheel located on the left side of the strap. The fan’s efficiency is further enhanced by the headstrap’s capability to indicate the battery pack’s percentage, keeping users informed about their battery status. The headstrap houses a 10,000mAh battery that affords around five additional hours of gameplay, although the fan’s usage may influence battery life.

Charging the battery pack is straightforward, achievable through a USB-C cable or any of BoboVR’s battery docks. The BoboVR PD100 dock, for example, provides a clear display showing the battery percentage and includes an additional cable for recharging multiple batteries at once. With a charging duration of approximately two hours per battery pack, users can ensure they always have a fully charged battery on hand.

Regarding comfort, the BoboVR S3 Pro excels with its design that lowers the forehead pad on the strap, distributing weight more evenly and alleviating pressure on the user’s face. This considerate design greatly enhances user comfort, particularly when compared to other headstraps such as the AMVR BS1, which some find less comfortable due to its positioning and angle.

At a price of $89, the BoboVR S3 Pro is offered as a premium accessory, and its features justify the expenditure for those in pursuit of the finest VR comfort and performance. With additional padding, adjustable components, larger batteries, and a cooling fan, the BoboVR S3 Pro is a prime selection for VR enthusiasts aiming to elevate their Meta Quest experience.