Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

The Main Attribute That Influenced My Decision to Select the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 Instead of Sony’s WH-1000XM6

The QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 is significantly more pleasant to wear, and it’s simpler to transport.

This past month has been packed with travel, having visited three countries and accumulated over 60 hours in the air. A reliable headset is essential and often one of the first items I pack in my travel bag. Previously, I used Nothing’s Headphone 1 primarily for its design and sound quality, but I switched to Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 last month, and it has been exceptional.

I’ve been using the earlier version, the QuietComfort Ultra, for quite some time, and I appreciate its design, customizable sound, and excellent noise isolation. The QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 doesn’t significantly alter the formula; it retains the same appearance and superb audio quality. Essentially, it’s a modest update that resolves two key concerns: audio over USB-C and enhanced battery life. The QC Ultra Gen 2 offers up to 30 hours of usage on a single charge, six hours more than its predecessor.

The extended battery life noticeably improves regular use and is the reason I chose the QC Ultra Gen 2 over other headphones I have. I found it to surpass the Sony WH-1000XM6 for my needs; it is slightly lighter at 250g, fits my head better, and I found it exceptionally comfortable during long-haul intercontinental flights. The headband offers a good range of adjustments, ensuring even weight distribution of the headset.

Additionally, it occupies less space; it folds flat (similarly to the Sony), but the carrying case is considerably smaller, making the QC Ultra Gen 2 easier to fit into my rather crowded tech bag. The clamping force is gentler, and the comfortable fit along with the soft ear pads significantly enhances the experience during a 20-hour flight. I wore the headset the entire time on my trip to the U.S. from India, and for most of the journey, I barely noticed it was there.

This leads to the next point: noise isolation. Both Bose and Sony excel in this area; I found the QC Ultra Gen 2 effectively blocked out the constant noise of jet engines with ease — it manages the low engine rumble slightly better than Sony. Honestly, for frequent travelers, investing in a headset with outstanding noise isolation is one of the best decisions, and the QC Ultra Gen 2 ranks among the top — if not the absolute best — in this category.

The angled configuration of the audio drivers provides detailed sound, and Bose impressively handles spatial audio, delivering an expanded soundstage that stands out. This is particularly beneficial on long flights, and while Bose lacks extensive EQ settings, I’ve consistently preferred the brand’s tuning over my own preferences — especially compared to the WH-100XM6. The bass, in particular, is lively and intricate, enhancing the enjoyment of various genres.

There are additional perks, such as the capability to receive lossless audio over USB-C. While this feature isn’t essential during travel, it is quite useful at home, and I enjoyed connecting the headset to my Fiio K19 DAC and listening via Roon. The headset supports the AptX suite as standard, and I experienced no issues when pairing it with my Vivo X300 Pro and Find X9 Pro. Like other Bose models, it allows for connection to two devices, and switching between them is seamless.

I encountered no issues with Bluetooth connectivity; the headset paired effortlessly with all the phones I tested over the past month, along with my iPad Pro M4. Connecting to a new device is straightforward; the details are saved in your Google account, so when it comes within range of a new device, a dialog box automatically appears asking if you’d like to connect.

Then there’s the battery life; this is an area where the QC Ultra Gen 2 significantly outperforms its predecessor. The WH-1000XM6 still has the overall advantage, but I had no trouble getting the QC Ultra Gen 2 to nearly reach 30 hours of usage. Fortunately, fast charging remains available, allowing for a 15-minute charge to provide an additional two hours of playback, which is certainly convenient.

Comfort is crucial when selecting a travel headset, and the QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 excels in this aspect — which is why I prefer it over the WH-1000XM6. The sound quality ranks among the finest of any headset, enduring the challenges of long-haul travel. While I will concede that the WH-1000XM

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Samsung Affirms Launch Date for Galaxy S26

The Galaxy S26 may launch in San Francisco.

(Image credit: Smartprix)

Essential information

  • Samsung is reportedly aiming for February 25, 2026, for the launch of its Galaxy S26, which is slightly delayed yet still within its typical timeframe.
  • The Unpacked event is anticipated to make a return to San Francisco, selected for its robust AI connections.
  • Although there are speculations about a Pro or Edge variant taking the place of the Plus model, leaks indicate that Samsung will maintain the well-known trio — base, Plus, and Ultra.

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Google Photos Unveils Fresh Templates for Crafting Viral Videos

Individuals can effortlessly craft chic highlight videos utilizing their saved content.

(Image credit: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google introduced an enhancement for the Photos app that offers “video creation templates” to users.
  • These templates can be accessed when users are producing a Highlight video, a ready-made video complete with music, text, and synchronized beats.
  • According to Google, users can allow AI to automatically select relevant camera roll content, or opt to take control manually and modify the resulting video with new music and additional elements.
  • YouTube Shorts has also implemented its own version of templates, enabling content creators to easily join the trend.

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Meta Horizon OS Enhances Features to Rival Android XR

Meta reorganizes its Metaverse division and separates Horizon OS.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Key Takeaways

  • Meta is reportedly dividing its metaverse initiatives into two branches — one targeting Horizon OS and another for the Metaverse Product Group — as part of a significant internal overhaul.
  • Horizon OS is now an independent unit under Reality Labs, reporting directly to Bosworth, with Ryan Cairns remaining as the lead.
  • CTO Andrew Bosworth disclosed the restructuring in a memo, indicating it aims to enhance Meta’s dedication to both AI and immersive technologies.

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Meta Upgrades Previous Smart Glasses with Garmin and Strava Functionalities for Fitness Aficionados

Integrations with Garmin, Strava, and Health Connect are broadening for Meta’s collection of smart glasses, boosting the capabilities for fitness aficionados. Meta is implementing these integrations to previous models, such as Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1, Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2, and Oakley Meta HSTN, featuring capabilities like Autocapture with Garmin. This update is being introduced as a server-side modification, and some users may need to set up a new Meta AI account to utilize these features.

The integration permits users to link their smart glasses with Garmin devices, facilitating real-time data tracking during their exercise routines. This encompasses metrics such as time, distance, and pace, enhancing the overall workout experience. The rollout is happening progressively, and users are recommended to verify that their devices and applications are updated to gain access to these new functionalities. This expansion is not limited to the Oakley Meta Vanguard, making advanced features available to a wider audience of Meta smart glasses users.

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A Year with the OnePlus 13: Showcasing Its Main Benefits

The OnePlus 13 remains among the quickest smartphones currently available — and it has improved even more with the introduction of OxygenOS 16.

The OnePlus 13 marked a significant milestone for the Chinese brand. Despite OnePlus producing smartphones for ten years, there was always a feeling that its camera capabilities fell short — at least in comparison to its Chinese competitors and Google.

That perception shifted with the OnePlus 13, which offers exceptional camera performance with the same versatility as the Vivo X200 and others in its class. I still wish we had seen a Pro version (let alone an Ultra model), but it’s fortunate that OnePlus concentrated on a singular device, and the OnePlus 13 doesn’t really lack much.

I began using the phone in December 2024 and extensively tested it at launch. While I didn’t conduct an official review this time around, I utilized it frequently throughout 2025, switching to it occasionally. With the OnePlus 15 now on the market in China and a global launch set for November 13, it’s time to evaluate how the OnePlus 13 performs nearly a year after its introduction; to determine where it still excels, and where it may no longer keep pace.

One of the standout designs of 2025

I must confess that I wasn’t keen on the design when I first viewed the OnePlus 13 renders. I’ve always appreciated the design aesthetics of previous OnePlus models, and I felt the brand was straying from its design philosophy in an attempt to differentiate itself.

Fortunately, this turned out to be a non-issue; the OnePlus 13 feels great in hand, and despite its flat design, the gentle bevels ensure the edges don’t cut into your palm. The weight distribution is perfect, and the distinctive leather back remains one of my favorite aspects of the phone.

The leather is softer and boasts a superior texture compared to typical leather-backed devices, and after nearly a year of use, it still looks fantastic — the blue variant remains my top recommendation. I encountered no issues with the build quality even after numerous drops, and the fact that the rear is leather instead of glass makes a noticeable difference in this regard.

What stands out is that the custom glass layer on the front performed admirably. I don’t use cases on my phones, so it’s reassuring to see the device remain undamaged after prolonged use. Likewise, I faced no challenges using it outdoors during India’s monsoon period, with IP68 and IP69 water resistance clearly proving effective.

Hardware packed with power

The 6.82-inch AMOLED display continues to be one of the finest available; it offers fantastic colors, impressive brightness, and handles HDR content without any issues. There isn’t much to elaborate on here besides stating that the green line issue that affected older devices simply wasn’t an issue.

Honestly, the same can be said about the hardware. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is a true powerhouse, and I still feel it’s not being utilized to its fullest extent — there simply aren’t that caliber of games on Android. We’ve seen brands go to great lengths in recent years to promote lag-free performance after several years, and to me, that represents the most significant difference with these devices.

Sure, any smartphone feels undeniably quick at first use (unless you have Samsung’s A series), but the real test comes after a year or two, when performance inevitably starts to lag. Thankfully, this is not a concern with the OnePlus 13, and the phone feels just as smooth as the day I set it up. OnePlus claims that the phone will maintain its speed even after four years of usage, and I have no reason to doubt that — I recently powered on the OnePlus 8T to try it out for a bit, and it performed impressively well.

Battery life has also remained consistent; I still manage to get a full day’s usage from the device, and there’s no noticeable battery depletion. Naturally, the incorporation of silicon carbon battery technology means the OnePlus 13 should offer better longevity than previous models, which I plan to verify by reassessing the phone next year. As it stands, the battery remains reliable, and I appreciate being able to charge the device easily with any USB PD charger at 50W.

OxygenOS 16 delivers a well-deserved software upgrade

The OnePlus 13 debuted with OxygenOS 15, and it has just received an update to the Android 16-based OxygenOS 16. This update introduces a completely revamped UI with translucent elements, improved cohesion, and enhanced fluidity. While I’m still not thrilled about the UI’s resemblance to iOS 26, I must acknowledge that it is an improvement over OxygenOS 15.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 Get October 2025 Security Patch Upgrade

You’ll want to quickly update to resolve 34 security issues.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Samsung is initiating the October 2025 security patch for Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 users located in Europe.
  • This update comprises 34 solutions to security risks provided by Samsung and Google.
  • The delayed delivery of the October 2025 patch likely pertains to Samsung’s initiatives to make One UI 8 accessible for older models.

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Motorola Poised to Introduce Worldwide Contender for Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone Air

Motorola’s Edge 70 makes a bold statement against the flagship premium devices.

(Image credit: Motorola Poland)

Essential details

  • Motorola’s latest Edge 70 has been launched on its European platforms, aiming squarely at the iPhone Air and Galaxy S25 Edge audience.
  • Measuring a mere 5.99mm thick and weighing just 159g, it boasts a robust construction of aircraft-grade aluminum, Gorilla Glass 7i, and a nylon-textured back.
  • In spite of its dainty size, it houses a powerful 4,800mAh silicon-carbon battery.

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Google Translate Unveils Choice Between Speed and Precision

Google is improving its Translate application by launching an upgraded text translation model designed to enhance precision. This new functionality enables users to choose between two models: “Fast” for quicker translations and “Advanced” for improved accuracy. The model selector is positioned beneath the Google Translate logo, with the Advanced model pre-selected as the default choice. This update is in the process of being distributed and has been observed on the iOS version of the app, although it may not be accessible to all users yet. The model selection is applicable solely to written translation requests and is restricted to certain languages. This advancement emphasizes Google’s dedication to offering users greater control over their translation experience, balancing expeditiousness and precision based on their preferences.

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Android’s Latest Feature Improves the Capabilities of Always-On Display

Android’s AOD is becoming interactive.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google’s upcoming significant update may bring “Min Mode,” an extensive redesign that changes the AOD from a fixed clock to a dynamic, app-based interface.
  • Min Mode allows apps to display simplified, low-energy interfaces directly on the AOD without waking the screen fully.
  • Initial code indicates that Maps will utilize Min Mode for live turn-by-turn navigation in a minimalist, monochrome format that only works in portrait orientation.

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