Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

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.

Motorola has partnered with Polar to introduce the Moto Watch, a smartwatch that differentiates itself in the saturated wearable landscape. In contrast to earlier Wear OS models, the Moto Watch employs Motorola’s proprietary software, providing a more cohesive and intuitive user experience. The alliance with Polar incorporates sophisticated health monitoring capabilities, such as heart rate variability and workout recovery analytics, making it an appealing choice for fitness aficionados.

The Moto Watch features an elegant design with a 47mm casing, a 1.43-inch OLED screen, and Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3 for enhanced toughness. It is available in black and white, accompanied by interchangeable bands for personalization. Despite its dimensions, the watch is light and comfortable to wear.

A prominent attribute is its remarkable battery life, offering up to 13 days of usage on a single charge along with rapid charging functions. The watch is equipped with dual-band GPS and IP68 water resistance, ensuring it can endure a variety of activities and conditions.

With a price tag of under $150, the Moto Watch is expected to be released later this year, alongside other thrilling Motorola offerings like the Razr Fold and Signature. This collaboration with Polar positions the Moto Watch as an enticing option for individuals in search of a dependable and feature-rich smartwatch.

Google selects Xreal as its primary partner for Android XR.

The NASync iDX6011 and UGREEN iDX6011 Pro are transforming the NAS server landscape with their cutting-edge features and functionalities. UGREEN, a frontrunner in the NAS domain, has launched these AI-enhanced NAS models at CES 2026, appealing to enthusiasts with their robust performance specifications.

The iDX6011 Pro distinguishes itself with its robust Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor, 64GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 6-bay architecture supporting up to 196TB of storage. It features dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and a 3.7-inch LCD display for system monitoring. The iDX6011, although slightly less robust with an Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor, provides comparable features and comes in 32GB and 64GB RAM options.

Both variants are available for pre-order with substantial discounts, making them an enticing choice for those aiming to enhance their NAS systems. UGREEN’s dedication to AI integration, featuring tools like the Uliya chatbot and AI-aided data organization, significantly boosts the efficiency of these servers. With UGREEN’s established reputation, the iDX6011 and iDX6011 Pro are set to establish a new benchmark in the NAS server market.

There’s undoubtedly much to appreciate about the Signature, but it won’t be available in the U.S.

While Motorola concentrates its efforts on foldable Razr models like the upcoming Razr Fold, it still provides a lot with its standard phones. Indeed, Motorola is poised to disrupt the norm with the Signature, a new line designed to compete with the OnePlus 15.

I had the chance to experience the Signature at CES 2026, and although I haven’t tried Motorola phones in a few years, I don’t recall the devices from this manufacturer being of such high quality. The comparison to OnePlus is fitting, as the Signature instantly brings to mind the earlier OnePlus models. The stylish frame, measuring only 6.9mm in thickness, along with the rectangular camera arrangement, reminds me of the OnePlus 10 Pro, and the feel in my hand is comparable as well. Although it features flat edges, the delicate bevels enhance the comfort during use, making it feel superior to the bulkier Vivo X300 and Find X9.

Naturally, this also relates to the fact that the Signature is equipped with a smaller 5,200mAh battery. Fortunately, Motorola employs silicon-carbon technology, which ensures improved density — resulting in a slimmer device — and greater resilience in adverse weather. I couldn’t put that to the test since I used the Signature in a pleasantly lit (though brightly colored) briefing area in Las Vegas, but given that it also possesses IP68 and IP69 ingress protection, it should withstand any harsh conditions just like other Android devices.

Motorola showcased the Signature in green and black options, and I prefer the green variant — it has a more striking appearance, and the brushed metal surrounding the camera array contrasts beautifully with the color. The Signature features a 6.8-inch AMOLED display, along with a full suite of extras typically found in premium smartphones.

What stands out to me about the Signature is its camera system; it boasts a 50MP Sony Lytia LYT-828 main camera with OIS, accompanied by a 50MP Sony Lytia LYT-600 3x zoom lens (also featuring OIS) and a 50MP wide-angle lens. The camera setup matches that of the Razr Fold, and the switch to Sony lenses should provide the Signature with a significant edge over previous Motorola models.

The Signature does not incorporate the latest hardware, as Motorola opted for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 instead of the Elite. While I would typically take issue with that, I don’t consider it a major drawback. The 8 Gen 5 possesses ample performance, and Motorola indicated that choosing this platform allowed for a reduction in the phone’s price, making it competitive with the OnePlus 15 (which utilizes the Elite).

In other aspects, it includes 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.1 storage, with an option to upgrade to 16GB/1TB for those who require additional space. The 5,200mAh battery supports Motorola’s standard 90W charging, and the phone has all the other additional features — it even includes UWB.

Motorola’s software policy concerning the Signature is notably refreshing, with a commitment to providing seven years of updates. I verified with Motorola that this covers seven Android OS upgrades, placing the phone on par with Google and Samsung devices in this respect, which is encouraging to see after the brand’s previous errors.

Ultimately, using the Signature convinced me that Motorola has an exceptional product at its disposal, and it has the prospects of being an alternative to the OnePlus 15 and Galaxy S25.

However, there’s one problem: Motorola will not be releasing the Signature in the U.S. The phone will be available in other global markets, starting at €999. It is set to launch in Latin America, India, and other significant regions where Motorola distributes its products, and I fail to understand why the brand decided against a U.S. release.

There’s a definite lack of quality smartphones in the U.S., and considering Motorola’s strong foothold in the area, the Signature would have been the perfect model to contest Samsung’s leading position. Yet, it appears that Motorola prefers to concentrate exclusively on Razr foldables in the high-end market within the U.S., consequently leaving consumers in the region missing out on another outstanding device.

It has finally arrived.

Evidence Indicates Imminent Firmware Management for Pixelsnap Accessories

Google is said to be getting ready to roll out firmware updates for its Pixelsnap wireless charger, akin to updates made available for other Pixel accessories. This news emerged from code snippets discovered in the Pixel Stand app, implying that users will soon have the capability to see and verify firmware versions for the Pixelsnap charger. While the details regarding these updates remain unclear, the indications suggest that firmware updates for the Pixelsnap charger are approaching.

The Pixelsnap charger, part of Google’s new Qi2 accessory range introduced with the Pixel 10 series, bears a resemblance to Apple’s MagSafe charger in both design and functionality. The Pixel 10 series is among the very first to embrace Qi2 technology, and the Pixelsnap branding encompasses a variety of accessories including the Pixelsnap Ring Stand and Pixelsnap cases.

The most recent version of the Pixel Stand app, version 2.2.0.834194002, features strings that hint at forthcoming firmware update functionalities. These include mentions of “Firmware version,” “Connect your Pixelsnap charger to view your device’s firmware version,” and “Checking firmware, this might take a few moments.” At present, Pixel 10 phones show only basic options for linked Pixelsnap accessories, but this scenario may soon shift with the incoming capability to view firmware versions.

Though it’s unclear whether Google has been quietly updating Pixelsnap chargers or if this marks the introduction of a new feature in development, the appearance of these code snippets strongly indicates that firmware updates are forthcoming. The specifics of these updates and the enhancements they will introduce remain to be seen, but further details are anticipated once the updates start to deploy.