Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

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.

With the collaboration of Nano Banana and Veo, Google TV is poised to transform user engagement by improving the viewing experience through cutting-edge AI functionalities. These elements, included in the Gemini update, empower users to engage with their TVs in more natural ways. Users can now look for specific images, modify them, and even convert them into animations or slideshows with the help of Nano Banana and Veo. Furthermore, the AI is capable of modifying settings based on straightforward voice commands, enhancing the personal touch of the TV experience. These enhancements are initially accessible on select TCL models and necessitate Android TV OS 14 along with a Google account for entry. Some advanced features might need a Google AI Pro subscription.

These problems appear to be directly linked to a Play update, yet they don’t seem to persist.

Key points to consider:
– A report indicates that Google’s Pixel 10 and 9 series devices are experiencing difficulties after a Play systems update.
– Certain devices are dealing with unresponsive Pixel Launchers; moreover, numerous Pixel phones are also booting up rather slowly post-update.
– December was challenging for the Pixel 10 series, as users reported significant app crashes and issues with the AOD.

There is a report suggesting that some users with Google’s latest Pixel phones may encounter problems after a behind-the-scenes update.

The potentially slow or “buggy” Pixel 10 and 9 phones were highlighted by 9to5Google, which noted several issues following a Play system update. The publication remarked on difficulties with a Pixel 10 unit after a minor 15MB patch. This device appeared to experience the most significant problems, as the post underscored an extremely sluggish Pixel launcher. It mentioned that the Pixel launcher “did not fully load.”

The device’s display was stuck, showing its wallpaper for an extended period without presenting a major requirement: its UI. Furthermore, 9to5 observed that their status bar was also absent after the update.

Tests involving a Pixel 10 Pro, which also exhibited issues, were conducted. The report noted that the Pro model had trouble after rebooting. Specifically, the device’s display “remained black” for what felt like an extended duration. It’s uncertain how widespread these issues are and if they are directly related to the latest Google Play systems update (which might be the case, given the timing).

The publication emphasizes that once the rebooting sequences are finished, the Pixel devices don’t seem to exhibit difficulties. A common issue reportedly stems from the rebooting sequence and its sluggishness.

A rough start to the new year:
The Pixel 10 has faced some challenges lately, as December brought complications with the severe cold. Users began receiving the monthly patch early last month, but quickly reported AOD (always-on display) concerns across all channels. Reportedly, the update led to a significant flickering issue with the AOD that users found difficult to remedy.

The flickering occurred during wireless charging, with clock refreshes, and even while unlocking the device. This problem was relatively confined to the Pixel 10 series, likely annoying consumers with Google’s newest lineup.

Shortly thereafter, a second issue emerged, with reports describing frustrating app crashes following the December patch. Apps would freeze, remain on their splash screen, or show the “not responding” error. Basic troubleshooting measures proved ineffective, prompting even greater calls for Google’s intervention. Fortunately, some relief for the Pixel 10 issues arrived by mid-December, as Google released a vital (emergency) update.

The patch aimed to address battery drain and touch-related problems.

Mint Mobile, recognized for its attractive pricing and witty ads featuring Ryan Reynolds, has unveiled what it touts as its “top offer of the year.” The T-Mobile-owned MVNO provider is promoting its Unlimited plan at a discounted price of $15 monthly, irrespective of the chosen duration—3, 6, or 12 months. This implies that clients can obtain a full year of service for just $180 in advance. This offer is time-sensitive and is a part of Mint Mobile’s bulk-purchase model, which generally provides more savings with longer commitments.

The Unlimited plan encompasses unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mobile’s 5G network, a mobile hotspot feature, and service availability in Mexico, Canada, and the UK. Although the plan does not include some of the luxurious benefits provided by major carriers, it serves as a budget-friendly option for individuals aiming to cut down on their mobile expenses.

Mint Mobile additionally provides a 7-day free trial via its app, enabling prospective users to experience the service with 250 minutes, 250 texts, and 250MB of data. Furthermore, Mint Mobile often features promotions on Android devices, like a $500 discount on the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL when purchased alongside a year of the Unlimited plan.

This offer is ideal for those prepared to change phone plans, reside in regions with reliable T-Mobile coverage, and are okay with paying for service upfront. However, it might not be the best choice for individuals who prefer monthly payment options or are looking for carriers with a wide range of benefits.

The Pixel Watch 4 outlasts the Watch 3 and Watch 2. Here’s how to ensure it stays that way (and maximize its usage).

The Pixel Watch 4 boasts impressive battery longevity for a Wear OS device, especially the 45mm version. If you’re aiming to extend its lifespan — for both immediate benefits and overall battery maintenance — there are several straightforward settings you should know!

One significant reason I rated the Pixel Watch 4 positively is its enhanced battery performance, along with quicker charging. The 45mm variant comfortably endures two days under optimal circumstances and excelled in my battery evaluation, managing GPS exercises or LTE streaming without difficulty.

Because of this, I often utilize Watch 4 settings that consume battery more rapidly for an improved user experience. However, for those who prefer the opposite approach and wish to optimize their Pixel Watch 4 battery life — particularly as its capacity diminishes over time — here are the simple tips and adjustments to help the Watch 4 last longer per charge.

Activate Battery Saver mode

Let’s begin with the straightforward setting that you’re likely already aware of. Swipe down from the main watch face to locate a battery icon with a percentage. Tap it, select Don’t show this again, then click the check mark. Now, tapping the battery icon will activate Battery Saver mode instantly.

This gives you an immediate way to set the Watch 4 into a more efficient mode, with restricted background operations, delayed notifications, and turned-off always-on display (AOD). If activated at 100%, Battery Saver allows the Watch 4 41mm and 45mm to last up to 40 or 72 hours, respectively.

This mode activates automatically at 15%; the threshold can’t be adjusted, so remember to monitor it yourself if you want to enable Battery Saver earlier in the day.

Deactivate AOD and modify your display timeout settings

Google estimates that the Pixel Watch 4 41mm and 45mm operate for 30 and 40 hours with AOD on, respectively; it doesn’t specify how long they last with AOD off, but you’ll likely gain a few additional hours, which accumulate to fewer charging cycles over time.

I enjoy using AOD to quickly glance at my wrist for information without needing tilt-to-wake, and it adds a stylish touch to the watch. However, if you’re okay with sacrificing those benefits, go to the watch settings, select Display, and then toggle Always-on screen off.

In the same menu, you can adjust the screen timeout from the default 15 seconds to 10 seconds, subtly reducing power consumption over time.

There’s also the Go to watch face delay setting: By choosing a longer duration like “after 1 minute,” the Watch 4 keeps your current app or menu open for a minute even if the screen dims, which consumes more battery. Instead, opt for something shorter like “After 15 seconds,” or even “Immediately,” which enhances its endurance but (annoyingly) forces you to navigate back to an app if you get distracted.

Lastly, adaptive brightness is enabled by default, as it should be, but another battery-saving option is to tap the Brightness setting, turn it off, and then tap the – button to set the lowest brightness as the default. You won’t utilize the Watch 4’s 3,000 nits, but it will last beyond a day.

Turn off sounds/vibrations and tilt-to-wake

I want to reiterate that I wouldn’t necessarily do this, but for maximum Watch 4 capacity, disable tilt-to-wake so that you only activate the display by tapping it or rotating it. Navigate to Settings > Gestures and turn Tilt-to-Wake off.

As a side note: You may want to disable Gemini Raise to Talk in the same menu, as that’s another tracked gesture that activates the display and microphone. Alternatively, reduce the voice and motion sensitivity to lower the chances of accidental activation.

Next, decide whether you prefer your notifications with sound or vibrations. I’m uncertain which is more efficient, but it’s advisable to disable one of them and lessen the intensity of the other.

First, go to Settings > Sound and select Mute ring & notifications, or lower the volume for ringtones, notifications, alarms, media, and calls. Then, head to Settings > Vibration and either switch off Vibration & haptics or decrease the intensity for Ring, Notification, and Alarm vibrations. You can also disable “interactive haptics,” which refers to the subtle vibration when turning the crown or tapping display options.

Utilize Adaptive Charging (and be wise about when to charge)

The Pixel Watch 4 has Adaptive Charging set by default. Essentially, Google learns your charging habits so that, if you generally charge your watch overnight, it predicts your typical wake-up time and pauses charging until it reaches 100%.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) has undergone a price cut, aligning it with the Watch 8 Classic’s pricing. At first, the Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) was not attractively priced during the holiday season, particularly when compared to the lower-cost Galaxy Watch 8. Nevertheless, the price has steadily declined from $599 in November to $530 during Cyber Monday, and it now retails for $499 on Amazon, representing a record low.

The 2025 iteration of the Galaxy Watch Ultra presents slight improvements over its predecessor, mainly showcasing doubled storage, moving from 32GB to 64GB. Despite these enhancements, the overall performance and specifications have remained mostly similar. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is recognized for its three-day battery life, sturdy titanium build, and swift performance, making it an ideal option for individuals who favor a smartwatch that does not necessitate daily charging.

Samsung is presenting a special price of $429 on its official site, although availability may differ. For anyone searching for a more cost-effective alternative, a renewed Galaxy Watch Ultra can be found for $249. Alternatively, the Galaxy Watch 8 is listed at $279 on Amazon, providing considerable savings compared to the Ultra model. The Watch 8 features a 1.5-inch, 3,000-nit display, comparable performance, and four years of software updates, although it does not include the Ultra’s additional features such as the titanium construction and increased storage.

For those in pursuit of alternatives, the OnePlus Watch 3 boasts extended battery life and a titanium casing at a more budget-friendly price of $298 on Amazon, albeit it lacks LTE connectivity and receives fewer updates.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) is advised for individuals who value its sturdy design and prolonged battery life, while the Galaxy Watch 8 and OnePlus Watch 3 present more affordable choices with differing features.