Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Google Messages to Motivate Users to Urge Friends to Sign Up for RCS

It seems Google Messages is encouraging you to become the messenger.

(Image credit: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google Messages may soon depend on you to prompt your friends to activate RCS via integrated messages.
  • A forthcoming feature will autofill an invitation for your SMS-only contacts, simplifying the transition to enhanced chats.
  • These prompts aren’t active yet, but the code exists, suggesting a near-term rollout.

RCS remains an optional enhancement within Google Messages, meaning you must enable it manually. However, recent investigations into the app’s latest update have revealed concealed text indicators that Google intends to encourage users to enable it shortly.

A recent APK analysis by Android Authority indicates that Google is working on a new capability that automatically fills a message to send to friends still using SMS. If you’re not on RCS yet, anticipate a friendly reminder from your RCS-enabled friends to finally make the switch.

When Google Messages detects that someone is still using SMS, you’ll see a “Text an invite” option. Messages like “invite this contact to RCS chat” and “we can exchange high-quality media and send secure messages when we’re both on RCS” suggest that prompting friends to upgrade will be swift and effortless on your part.

Google Possibly Designates Its XR Glasses Discreetly

New revelations have emerged, disclosing the designation and functionalities of Google’s newest prototype smart glasses. Internally known as “Google Martha,” these Android XR smart glasses were initially presented at Google I/O in May 2025. The fresh insights, provided by app developer Sayed Ali Alkamel, underscore a companion app that includes features such as battery monitoring, notification handling, and recording management.

The app enables users to keep track of the battery status of the smart glasses, oversee notifications, and adjust recording settings. Moreover, users can give feedback and signal problems via the app, which is accessible on an Android device.

The smart glasses showcase a display on the right lens, reminiscent of the original Google Glass aesthetic. They utilize the Gemini app for parsing information through a holographic interface, which can be triggered by tapping the right temple of the glasses.

Although the prototype has been designated, Google has yet to make any announcements regarding a commercial launch. In the meantime, Samsung’s Project Moohan-based Android XR headset is anticipated to debut this autumn.

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Comparison between Motorola Edge 2025 and Google Pixel 9a: A Disproportionate Face-off

The Motorola Edge 2025 features notable enhancements, but does it deliver good value compared to the Pixel 9a?

Historically, Motorola’s Edge series has had certain aspects that appeared insufficient for its price. The 2025 Edge introduces significant upgrades to the cameras, design, and waterproofing, yet it still lags behind in areas such as software updates, SoC performance, and some display specifications.

Pros:
– Sleek and lightweight
– Substantially improved cameras
– Integrated AI capabilities and Moto AI key
– IP68/IP69 certification
– Outstanding battery life with rapid 68W charging

Cons:
– Limited to two years of software updates
– Reduced screen refresh rate
– Processor doesn’t justify the price

The Pixel 9a at $499 stands out as one of the finest phones available in the U.S., making it a challenging competitor. It may lack the ultra-fast charging and high peak brightness of the Edge 2025, but compensates with a more compact design, seven years of updates, and impressive AI features.

Pros:
– Excellent battery performance
– Vibrant and bright 6.3-inch display
– Minimal performance drop in Tensor G4 compared to 9 and 9 Pro
– Most of the beloved Gemini AI capabilities
– Seven years of software updates
– Exceptional macro focus photos

Cons:
– Limited on-device AI functionality
– Slightly reduced low-light photography performance
– Slower charging speed

Motorola’s Edge series is intended to represent the company’s flagship lineup, but has been losing its prominence (pun intended) in recent generations, particularly in North America. The Edge 2025 was launched in May with enhancements to the camera, battery, processor, and display. It also features a dedicated AI Key, akin to what we observed on the Motorola Razr Ultra. The single variant with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is priced at $550 in the U.S., which initially seems reasonable, but faces significant competition.

The Google Pixel 9a is currently regarded as one of the best budget phones in this segment, directly competing with the Motorola Edge 2025. The Pixel provides excellent AI features, years of software updates, impressive battery life, and a more compact form factor. Choosing between these two devices can be challenging if you’re not well-versed in their specifications, but this comparison between the Motorola Edge 2025 and the Pixel 9a may assist.

Motorola Edge 2025 vs. Google Pixel 9a: Design & Display

The Motorola Edge 2025 adheres to a design aesthetic similar to the overall Moto G series released in 2025. This results in a vegan leather back panel, a four-lens camera cutout, and tapered edges for a slender feel. In the U.S., the Edge 2025 is available in just one color, Deep Forest, and one variant featuring 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The limited color and storage options suggest that Motorola lacks complete confidence in this device.

The Edge 2025 offers a satisfying grip and user experience owing to its vegan leather back. At under 8mm in thickness and weighing only 181g, it is impressively slim. Motorola has improved ingress protection, raising it to an IP69 rating, matching pricier models like the OnePlus 13.

The brightness level of the 6.7-inch pOLED display has been increased to 4,500 nits, while maintaining a solid resolution that equates to a pixel density of around 444 ppi. Scratch resistance has also seen enhancements thanks to Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. However, Motorola has decreased the refresh rate to 120Hz, down from 144Hz seen in the 2024 version. In practical terms, this lower refresh rate isn’t a significant issue as the display performs well in sunlight and is highly responsive for activities like gaming.

The Pixel 9a offers a variety of color options and, like the Edge 2025, utilizes a non-glass back panel, making it less susceptible to damage from drops. Nevertheless, Google has adopted a different design philosophy, featuring flat sides and a subtle rear camera bump. The device is much more compact and easily fits in pockets due to its smaller display.

Speaking of the display, it features a 6.3-inch pOLED screen with comparable pixel density to the Motorola and supports a 120Hz refresh rate. The scratch protection is limited to Gorilla Glass 3, which is less robust than what Motorola employs. The peak brightness is also substantially lower at just 1,800 nits. While no major issues were encountered while using the Pixel 9a outdoors, Google still utilizes

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Guide to Obtaining a $1,150 Rebate on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 Pre-Launch

I always take advantage of these Samsung offers, and you should as well.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Who says you must wait for the preorder phase to snag an amazing deal on a new Android device? Just ahead of Unpacked on July 9th, Samsung has relaunched its reservation program, allowing customers to receive up to $1,150 off the upcoming Galaxy devices by providing their name and email address in the form.

While nothing has been confirmed yet, the latest leaks and rumors indicate that the announcement event will likely showcase the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7

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Xiaomi Mix Flip 2 Teased with Qualcomm’s Most Potent Chipset

Here’s the initial glimpse of the Mix Flip 2, and its benchmark indicates the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

What you should know:
– The Mix Flip 2 is expected to showcase the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, coupled with a minimum of 12GB of RAM and Android 15, according to the latest benchmark results.
– Anticipated features include a 6.85-inch main folding display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 4.01-inch exterior screen.
– The device is likely to come with dual 50MP primary cameras, a choice between a 5100mAh or 5600mAh battery, and compatibility with 67W wired and 50W wireless charging.

Xiaomi took a considerable amount of time to reveal the original clamshell model last year, known as the Mix Flip. Now, its successor Mix Flip 2 is being teased, and it appears to have also made an appearance on Geekbench, disclosing its chipset and additional information.

Tipster Abhishek Yadav on X (previously Twitter) has posted what seems to be the first teaser image (sourced from Weibo) of the Flip 2 alongside potential Geekbench results of the purported clamshell device from the brand.

According to the teaser image, the next iteration is likely to retain a design language similar to the Mix Flip, featuring a prominent cover display with substantial primary cameras (powered by Leica) placed over the top of the screen. While the colors shown in the teaser appear standard, users can expect some sort of texture or design pattern for enhanced aesthetics.

The rumored device is internally labeled Xiaomi 2505APX7BC — it achieved a single-core score of 2835 and a multi-core score of 8550 on the latest Geekbench assessment conducted on Monday (June 23).

The device operates on Qualcomm’s top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the same SoC utilized in many of the leading Android phones available today.

It is promising to see Xiaomi selecting the octa-core CPU for the second version of the clamshell device, mirroring its previous flagship models, such as the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The forthcoming clamshell from Xiaomi is anticipated to come with no less than 12GB of RAM and Android 15 pre-installed.

Powerhouse in a clamshell:
According to the latest details from Weibo, the Mix Flip 2 is projected to debut as early as June 26 and is rumored to launch globally in tandem with China. The main folding screen is said to be 6.85 inches with a 120Hz refresh rate. The external display is expected to be 4.01 inches, providing support for most apps without needing to frequently open the clamshell.

Both primary cameras are anticipated to be 50MP each, and the device should likely feature either a 5100mAh or 5600mAh battery capacity depending on regional specifications. Furthermore, it is reported to support 67W fast charging alongside 50W wireless charging.

With the suggested launch date, it seems Xiaomi is poised to introduce the Mix Flip 2 just ahead of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7, which now has an official launch date set for July 9.

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The Xbox Meta Quest Delivers Exceptional Value in VR and is Ready for Purchase Now

It’s accessible for a brief period, so seize it while you have the chance!

(Image credit: Microsoft / Meta)

Xbox enthusiasts can finally experience what Master Chief goes through when he dons the helmet and readies himself for combat, courtesy of the new Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition.

This exclusive limited edition Meta Quest 3S is available today for $399 USD or £379.99 GBP, and comes with a custom Xbox-themed black and green headset featuring a pre-installed Elite Strap, a set of Xbox-themed Meta Quest Touch controllers, and a limited-edition Xbox controller included in the package.

best Meta Quest games. The unique Xbox controller is already synchronized with the headset, ensuring everything functions seamlessly right out of the box!

Google Earth Commemorates 20th Anniversary with a Sentimental Worldwide Journey

Prepare yourself for some trips down memory lane.

(Image credit: Google)

Essential information

  • Google Earth celebrates its 20th anniversary and introduces a virtual time machine, enabling users to scroll through years of Street View recollections directly within the application.
  • You can now rewind Street View within Google Earth to observe how locations appeared many years ago.
  • An array of AI-driven features is debuting in Google Earth, allowing users to assess tree cover, monitor urban heat, and design cooler, greener cities.

Google Earth has reached its 20th year, highlighting two decades of the service enabling us to rotate the globe on our devices. To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Google Earth is releasing a nostalgic update: historical Street View, now integrated into the Earth experience.

What begun as a 3D mapping application has transformed into a vast time machine in your hand, filled with satellite images, unique findings, and even cinematic reunions. With the latest enhancement, you can now enter Street View and turn back the clock to explore how your neighborhood or street appeared a decade or two in the past.

virtually time-traveled to see how places evolved and locate their cherished ones in imagery.

“Reasons Your Upcoming USB-C Cable Ought to Feature an Integrated Display”

An uncomplicated LED display can significantly alleviate typical charging issues.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

At this point, nearly everyone using modern devices is familiar with USB-C. It is the standard — and mandated by legislation in regions like the EU — but not all USB-C cables are created equally. This is the reason your charger may require an upgrade, and a cable featuring a display might be exactly what you didn’t realize you were missing.

USB-C cables support a wide array of different specifications, including Thunderbolt, USB4/USB5, Power Delivery, DisplayPort Alt Mode, and many others. It can be challenging to keep everything straight, and utilizing the incorrect cable or power adapter could result in suboptimal charging speed or features. To maximize your device’s potential, you need the appropriate charging gear.

Three years ago, I purchased a USB-C cable with a display from an obscure brand, primarily thinking it was a gimmick. After all, I invested under $10 in it and had little faith it would perform as advertised. Fast forward to 2025, and the inexpensive cable I acquired with a display in 2022 continues to function, proving to be a transformative addition to my charging routine. Here’s why this cable altered my perspective, and why you too should consider acquiring one.

Budget-Friendly Chromebooks Ready Ahead of Prime Day

Amazon isn’t the sole destination for fantastic bargains on Chromebooks

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Prime Day 2025 is approaching quickly, making it an ideal moment to begin considering what you might want to acquire. Even though it occurs right in the midst of summer, Prime Day is also an excellent opportunity to prepare for the upcoming school year. And you know what that entails — Chromebook offers.

Nonetheless, Amazon isn’t the only venue for finding price cuts on some of the finest Chromebooks, as Best Buy typically features promotions at the same time. In fact, if you’re in search of a new Chromebook, there are already some excellent deals available, like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=ac-us-7710816890626729131&sharedId=ac-us&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Flenovo-duet-11-chromebook-11-2k-lcd-touchscreen-2-in-1-tablet-mediatek-kompanio-838-4gb-ram-128gb-emmc-with-keyboard-luna-gray%2F6597397.p%3FskuId%3D6597397" data-url="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-duet-11-chromebook-11-2k-lcd-touchscreen-2-in-1-tablet-mediatek-kompanio-838-4gb-ram-128gb-emmc-with-keyboard-luna-gray/6597397.p?skuId=6597397" target="_blank" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" rel="sponsored noopener" data-hl-processed="hawklinks" data-placeholder-url="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk-prefix&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Flenovo-duet-11-chromebook-11-2k-lcd-touchscreen-2-in-1-tablet-mediatek-kompanio

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Vivo X200 FE Debuts as a Small-Scale Rival to OnePlus 13s

Vivo has introduced its newest smartphone, the X200 FE, which is poised for a worldwide launch. This compact flagship device is essentially a rebranded iteration of the Vivo S30 Pro mini, which was first released in China. The X200 FE is tailored for markets outside of China, presenting a combination of powerful features in an elegant design.

The highlight of the Vivo X200 FE is its formidable 6500mAh BlueVolt battery, which enables 90W fast charging, guaranteeing extended usage and rapid recharges. The smartphone is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus processor, delivering a smooth and effective user experience.

Photography lovers will enjoy the ZEISS-enhanced rear camera system, which consists of a 50MP main lens, a 50MP telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultrawide lens. For self-portraits, the device includes a 50MP ultrawide front camera, ensuring excellent image quality from both sides.

The X200 FE features a 6.31-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1.5K resolution, providing vivid visuals and fluid scrolling. Despite its compact dimensions, the smartphone is lightweight at 186 grams and measures merely 7.99mm in thickness, making it convenient to handle and transport.

Offered in eye-catching colors such as yellow, pink, and blue, along with timeless black and silver, the X200 FE presents a range of aesthetic options. It also features an IP68/IP69 rating for water and dust protection, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity.

Operating on Android 15-based Funtouch OS 15, the smartphone comes with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, providing sufficient space for applications and media. While the Vivo X200 FE has been confirmed for the Taiwanese market, details regarding its global availability and pricing remain to be announced. In China, the Vivo S30 Pro mini is priced at RMB 3999 ($557), serving as a reference for prospective buyers.

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