Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Leak Uncovers Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Notable Camera Protrusion and Sleek Design

CAD visuals have unveiled thrilling new insights into Samsung’s forthcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra, highlighting a design progression that aims to elevate user interaction. The S26 Ultra is anticipated to be leaner and rounder, incorporating a camera layout akin to that of the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Disclosed by OnLeaks, the CAD visuals portray the S26 Ultra in a sleek black hue, retaining flat edges yet featuring more rounded corners for enhanced comfort. The device is expected to be marginally taller and wider than its forerunner, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with a reduced thickness of 7.9mm, down from 8.2mm.

The button configurations remain unchanged, with the power button and volume controls located on the right side. The bottom edge accommodates the S Pen, SIM tray, USB-C port, and speaker grills. The rear camera configuration has been refreshed, displaying a vertical arrangement with three primary lenses on a camera island to the left, reminiscent of the Z Fold 7’s style.

In terms of specifications, the S26 Ultra is rumored to feature a 200MP f/1.4 primary camera, though the telephoto sensor may experience a downgrade. It is expected to operate on Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. Battery capacity is likely to stay at 5,000 mAh, but with accelerated 60W USB-C charging support.

With these design and specifications enhancements, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is poised to be an enticing flagship device, delivering both visual and functional upgrades over its predecessor. The official unveiling is projected for early next year, with additional details anticipated to surface as the release date nears.

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Enhancing Mobile Videos with AI: The Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra Gimbal

A thrilling new application of AI for gesture recognition and tracking has been introduced with the debut of the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra gimbal. This cutting-edge device combines state-of-the-art AI tracking and remote control functionalities, establishing a fresh benchmark in the smartphone accessory domain. The iSteady V3 Ultra boasts an AI module featuring a flashlight and a 2MP camera lens, adept at tracking individuals, animals, and items. The AI tracker can be governed either manually or automatically through a detachable touchscreen remote, which additionally shows a live stream from the AI camera.

The gimbal’s AI features enable gesture-based hands-free operation, allowing users to adjust camera angles, initiate or halt AI tracking, take photos, and start or finish video recording. The unit’s three-axis stabilization provides smooth and stable video, even when the user is in motion. Nonetheless, the AI tracker may encounter difficulties in dim lighting and needs the subject to be within a specific distance for optimal functionality.

Establishing the iSteady V3 Ultra is easy, offering a nearly plug-and-play experience. Users must activate Bluetooth on their devices and utilize the Hohem app for pairing and firmware upgrades. The app also has multiple camera modes and templates for innovative video recording.

The gimbal’s construction is sturdy, featuring a durable design and a responsive touchscreen remote. It includes a standard tripod thread for extra mounting alternatives and provides a battery life of nine hours, although operating the AI module and flashlight may shorten this period.

The Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra differentiates itself in the market with its distinctive mix of AI tracking, gesture controls, and a detachable touchscreen remote. Retailing at $169, it presents an attractive choice for both media professionals and enthusiasts aiming to elevate their content creation skills.

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Top 5 AI Capabilities on the Google Pixel 10 Pro That I Frequently Utilize

Google has rolled out a multitude of AI-driven functionalities, but only a handful have become essential for everyday use. The Google Pixel lineup, especially the Pixel 10 Pro, exemplifies these advancements, focusing on smart software rather than just hardware capabilities. While features like Magic Cue and Pixel Journal are noteworthy, they are not universally adopted every day. Nonetheless, some AI tools have demonstrated their transformative potential.

**Call Screening and Scam Detection**: This capability, present since the Pixel 3, has advanced significantly over time. It screens incoming calls, identifies scams, and even holds the line on your behalf. It’s a remarkable feature that many Pixel users consider indispensable.

**Camera Motion Capture**: Frequent Faces guarantees that images of your beloved individuals and pets remain sharp. This function prioritizes known faces in photographs, facilitating capturing clear shots even under difficult circumstances.

**Pixel Recorder**: This application is highly regarded by journalists for its exceptional transcription accuracy and local processing capabilities. It also includes features like speaker identification and automatic summaries, rendering it a powerful tool for capturing and organizing notes.

**Pixel Screenshots**: This tool aids in the orderly management and searching of screenshots. It connects with Notebook LM for comprehensive searches and summaries, simplifying the process of cataloging and referencing information.

**Make a Meme**: Google’s Veo 3, integrated within Gemini, enables swift video creation, ideal for crafting memes or filling in video gaps. Plus, Pixel Studio offers users the ability to design custom images and stickers.

These functionalities underscore Google’s commitment to improving user experience through AI, making the Pixel 10 Pro an attractive option for those in search of sophisticated, everyday capabilities.

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Google Home App Gets Significant Redesign with Integrated Gemini Functionality

Google has introduced a revamped Home app that aims to elevate user experience through improved speed, integrated Nest device functionality, and the incorporation of Gemini AI for more intelligent management and automation. The updated Home app is said to be 70% faster, fixing long-existing issues and enhancing stability. It now acts as a central point for both Google Home and Nest products, compatible with all primary Nest devices, such as thermostats and cameras.

The app’s design has been simplified into three sections: Home, Activity, and Automations, utilizing swipe gestures for smoother navigation. A key feature, Ask Home, enables users to set up automations, access recordings, and manage several devices with ease. Gemini AI is embedded within the app, offering features like Home Brief, which delivers daily overviews of smart home activities, although it requires a Google Home Premium subscription.

Further enhancements include quicker loading times for Live Views in the camera area and improved automation functions. Additionally, the app brings double-tap gestures in camera views for swift navigation and more comprehensive alerts. The refreshed Google Home app is currently being rolled out, along with a new range of smart home devices to enhance the ecosystem.

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Gemini for Home Introduces New Nest Cameras and the Premiere of AI Home Speaker

The time has come for Google’s range of smart home products and software, with Gemini taking the lead. Google has completely introduced its Gemini for Home initiative, starting with a fresh array of Nest Cam Indoor, Nest Cam Outdoor, and Nest Doorbell devices. These gadgets have been enhanced with Gemini, providing smart alerts that come with video previews, Home Brief, Ask Home, and 2K HDR video features boasting an improved aspect ratio and broader viewing angles. Additionally, Google launched the Home Speaker, designed to serve as your Gemini assistant at home, complete with a vibrant ring light and “natural conversation” functionality. The Nest Cam Indoor is priced starting at $99.99, the Nest Cam Outdoor begins at $149.99, and the Nest Doorbell is set at $179.99 effective October 1.

While October usually embodies the “spooky season,” Google’s unveiling an entirely new series of smart home products that ensure your security instead of scaring you. During Google’s event in August for the Pixel 10 lineup, we caught a glimpse of a brand-new smart speaker, and the corporation began hinting at another release early in September. In this October month, Google is kicking off the spooky season by rolling out Gemini for Home, a fresh selection of smart devices featuring its AI model intricately integrated into every single item. Among these new cameras are a Nest Cam Indoor (3rd Gen), Nest Cam Outdoor (2nd Gen), and a Nest Doorbell (3rd Gen), each providing a familiar yet significantly improved experience thanks to enhanced hardware and Gemini.

At its core, Gemini drives functionality, with Google indicating that new features are made possible through its multimodal software, such as more comprehensive alerts from your home. The press announcement notes that users will “get the complete picture” behind every notification and “view important moments closely with a zoomed-in video preview.” Within the app, users will notice they are scrolling less through their video archives. Utilizing “Ask Home,” users can inquire with the AI for specific information such as, “What transpired with the vase in the living room?” Google reveals that the AI will provide a description of the event, along with a video for verification. Additionally, the app’s Home Brief will provide users with a recap of all incidents that might have occurred during their absence, negating the need to sift through multiple videos.

On the hardware side, Google emphasizes that all three cameras have undergone upgrades to include 2K HDR video capabilities. Accompanying this enhancement is a wider, taller aspect ratio for video capture. The announcement details that the new Nest Cams feature a 152-degree diagonal viewing angle, while the Doorbell showcases an improved 1:1 aspect ratio and a 166-degree diagonal view, offering homeowners a more comprehensive view of activity in and around their property. Lastly, Google claims improvements have been made to low-light performance, resulting in more vibrant colors and details in dim conditions.

User privacy remains paramount, particularly for such intimate cameras. Google reassures that the latest cameras come with video encryption, along with two-step verification through your Google Account. Users will also observe a green indicator light on their cameras, signaling when they are processing or broadcasting video. Without the need for a subscription, Google affirms that the latest Nest cameras offer a zoom and crop feature, enabling you to concentrate on significant aspects of any occurrence. The built-in “intelligent alerts” that differentiate between people, vehicles, animals, and more are included at no additional cost (no subscription necessary). Moreover, homeowners benefit from “video history included,” allowing access to footage from as far back as six hours, rather than just three.

The new Nest Cams and Doorbell are launching today (Oct 1) available for purchase on the Google Store and through “major retailers.” Available in Snow, Hazel, and Berry, the Nest Cam Indoor starts at $99.99. The Nest Cam Outdoor, available in Snow and Hazel, is priced from $149.99. Finally, debuting in Snow, Hazel, and Linen, the new Nest Doorbell has a starting price of $179.99. The Indoor and Outdoor cameras will be available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. For now, the Doorbell will launch exclusively in the U.S. and Canada.

A conversational Google Home Speaker

The new Nest Indoor camera isn’t the only addition coming with Gemini for your home. Leading the charge in the “Gemini for Home” era is the newly designed Google Home Speaker, which has reportedly been “engineered for Gemini.” At its foundation, Gemini constitutes the essence of this Speaker, with the announcement stating that it is crafted for “natural conversations.” The latest Home Speaker features “custom processing” to seamlessly execute any task you assign.

Complementing its rounder design is a circular ring light positioned beneath it. Google indicates that this light serves as visual feedback, informing users when Gemini is engaged in listening, “reasoning,” or responding to your requests.

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Google Drive Trials AI Scanning Function on Android for Fast Recognition and Inclusion

Google is currently enhancing its document scanning features within Google Drive on Android, utilizing AI technology to optimize the workflow. Recent information suggests that Google Drive is participating in a Workspace Labs testing phase, which features a revamped viewfinder and a notably advanced AI scanner. This new AI-enabled scanner functions independently, removing the necessity for user interaction by automatically recognizing, scanning, and uploading documents to Drive storage.

Users can choose to pause or disable this automatic scanning feature, though the AI will continue to identify documents using colored outlines. The scanner’s layout has been refreshed, with the viewfinder now covering the entire upper area of the screen, delivering a more engaging scanning experience.

The rollout of this AI scanner is in line with Google’s wider embrace of the Material 3 Expressive design language, which seeks to cultivate a more vibrant and user-friendly digital landscape across Android devices. This design transformation is part of Google’s initiatives to improve the functionality and visual appeal of its software, making it more user-centric.

In summary, Google’s incorporation of AI into document scanning on Android marks a considerable advancement in automating and simplifying the document digitization process, showcasing the company’s dedication to utilizing cutting-edge technology to enhance user satisfaction.

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Oura Ring Owners Unlock More Than 50 Blood Biomarkers for $99

Oura, recognized for its groundbreaking health-monitoring ring, has broadened its services by launching Health Panels, a feature that incorporates clinical blood analysis into its platform. For $99, Oura members can now monitor over 50 cardiometabolic blood indicators, including cholesterol, blood sugar, and kidney performance, alongside their ring statistics. This offering is enabled through a collaboration with Quest Diagnostics, permitting users to arrange lab exams at roughly 2,000 sites nationwide in the U.S. directly via the Oura app.

Certified clinicians analyze the tests, and the outcomes are displayed in the app with easy-to-understand visuals that emphasize essential health patterns. The Health Panels intend to deliver a thorough perspective of an individual’s wellness by merging blood test outcomes with data from the Oura Ring, facilitating proactive health management.

The service focuses on practical insights, providing tailored advice and suggestions through the Oura Advisor based on lab findings and ring data. Users can obtain recommendations on enhancing health indicators like A1C and cholesterol, with the option to download reports for doctor consultations.

Oura’s Chief Product Officer, Holly Shelton, pointed out that Health Panels signify a notable advancement in the company’s evolution from a consumer wearable to a comprehensive health management system. Currently, Health Panels are accessible to U.S. Oura members aged 18 to 64, with residents of Arizona, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island excluded due to regulatory limitations. The service qualifies for HSA and FSA utilization.

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Samsung Declares Impressive Achievement for Galaxy Z Fold 7 Owing to Distinct Benefits

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 has experienced a notable spike in demand, with sales outpacing the previous generation by 50%. The debut of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 has been characterized by Samsung as a pivotal moment for foldable smartphones, especially in the U.S. market. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is drawing in new customers at an unprecedented rate, converting many into the Galaxy ecosystem. Approximately 30% of those transitioning to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 are prior Galaxy S Ultra users, demonstrating a robust crossover appeal.

The triumph of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 can be credited to several significant enhancements. It is both lighter and sleeker than its forerunner, the Z Fold 6, and boasts a cover screen that closely mimics a conventional smartphone. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 provides a larger battery and an expanded cover display, boosting its attractiveness. Both devices are equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, recognized for its performance and efficiency.

Samsung emphasizes the impact of AI on the popularity of its new foldables, with 80% of users engaging with AI features on their Galaxy smartphones and two-thirds utilizing them regularly. The most commonly used AI functionalities include Google Gemini and Circle to Search. The foldable design is gaining momentum in the U.S., and Samsung’s latest offerings have achieved a “record-setting” preorder period, continuing to excel months post-launch. As Samsung braces for competition from the forthcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the success of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 indicates that the company has discovered a successful strategy with its seventh-generation foldables.

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Comparison between Apple Watch Series 11 and Google Pixel Watch 4: Assessing Smartwatch Environments

**watchOS or Wear OS? The Apple Watch Series 11 and Google Pixel Watch Make You Choose**

Apple and Google persist in their competition in the smartwatch domain with the unveiling of the Apple Watch Series 11 and Google Pixel Watch 4. Each device is tailored for its respective ecosystems, making your decision mostly reliant on whether you belong to the Apple or Android camp. Nonetheless, let’s explore the details to assess how these two smartwatches compare against each other.

**Design and Display**

The Apple Watch Series 11 upholds its recognizable square shape with a rounded glass cover, offered in 42mm or 46mm sizes. It conveys a premium quality with options in aluminum and titanium cases. Conversely, the Google Pixel Watch 4 features a sleek circular design with a domed Actua 360 display, available in 41mm or 45mm sizes. Although the Pixel Watch is more compact, it is bulkier than the Apple Watch.

The Pixel Watch 4 showcases a more luminous display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits compared to the Series 11’s 2,000 nits. However, the Series 11 provides a marginally greater resolution and wide-angle OLED technology for improved viewing from angles.

**Hardware and Specs**

The Apple Watch Series 11 operates on the S10 chip, featuring a dual-core processor alongside a quad-core Neural Engine, whereas the Pixel Watch 4 is equipped with the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip complemented by a Cortex-M55 co-processor. The Pixel Watch 4 delivers an extended battery lifespan, offering up to 40 hours on the larger variant, while the Series 11 supports a 24-hour battery life.

Both timepieces provide strong connectivity features, but the Series 11 introduces 5G support, a first for smartwatches, whereas the Pixel Watch 4 includes satellite connectivity.

**Fitness and Software**

Apple’s watchOS 26 delivers a comprehensive fitness and health experience with functionalities such as blood pressure tracking, which the Pixel Watch 4 lacks. The Pixel Watch 4 connects with Fitbit and Gemini for health insights but necessitates a Fitbit Premium subscription for complete features.

**Which Should You Purchase?**

The Apple Watch Series 11 represents the more polished choice, offering a solid fitness and health experience along with premium construction quality. In contrast, the Pixel Watch 4 delivers superb Google integration and a sleek design, making it a formidable option for Android users. Ultimately, your selection will hinge on your preferred ecosystem and specific feature interests.

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