How the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 Might Transform the Market Similar to the Apple M1 Chip

This has taken years to come to fruition, and it appears stunning.

A common issue with many Chromebooks is the need to choose between performance and battery life, often sacrificing one for the other. There hasn’t been a viable solution that offers both until now; the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 may be the answer we’ve been seeking.

I was fortunate to be invited to a launch briefing for the device, among several other creators and executives from both Google and Lenovo. We were informed about numerous new features heading to all Chromebook users, including “Select to search with Lens” and “Text Capture.”

Over the past eight months, it’s been challenging to feel enthusiastic about Chromebook hardware. The lengthy gap between device launches earlier this year led me to wonder if consumer Chromebooks were fading out. However, all that enthusiasm has surged back with the unveiling of the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14.

Power, performance, and features

The source of this excitement comes from several factors. First and foremost, we’re looking at the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 driving this device, marking it as the first Chromebook powered by Kompanio Ultra. As one might expect, this ARM-based processor is expected to deliver outstanding battery life, with Lenovo asserting that the Chromebook Plus 14 can last up to 17 hours on a single charge.

While this isn’t entirely unheard of in the Chromebook realm, it’s quite impressive considering the Kompanio Ultra 910 incorporates both a dGPU and NPU. This results in an on-device Gemini experience that reportedly boasts a 32% speed increase and 44% improved efficiency. These enhancements are notable; they resemble the kind of advancements seen with the launch of the Apple M1.

During various demonstrations, the Chromebook Plus 14 handled tasks effortlessly. I kept reminding myself that many of these features are being processed on-device rather than relying on the cloud. I’m thrilled about the possibility of accessing more Gemini functionalities, even without internet connectivity.

Exclusive to the Chromebook Plus 14 are “Smart grouping” and “Image editing in the Gallery app.” As someone who keeps 20-30 tabs open routinely, I exhaled in relief during the presentation.

While I may still use Photoshop or darktable for serious photo editing, the capability to use Gemini in the Gallery app for background removal will save me countless hours. Both features operate on-device and are powered by Gemini, accompanied by a range of new AI capabilities available for all Chromebooks.

What about the design?

Performance and battery life usually cover most users’ priorities, leading us to the design aspect. Lenovo has certainly excelled in this area; the Chromebook Plus 14 is elegant and lightweight. It exudes “premium” quality from top to bottom, starting with its display.

We have a 14-inch 2K OLED display that is visually striking, offering excellent viewing angles and vibrant colors. There’s even a slight bulge at the top, where the somewhat lackluster 5MP webcam resides. While it serves its purpose, it does leave some room for improvement.

As for the keyboard, if you’ve used a Lenovo Chromebook or laptop in recent years, you’ll feel instantly comfortable. Additionally, I was pleased to see the Quick Insert Key return, which first appeared with the Galaxy Chromebook Plus, but hasn’t made its way to other Chromebooks yet.

One concern I have pertains to the trackpad. Apple has spoiled me with its Magic Trackpad, and aside from the HP Dragonfly Pro, I haven’t encountered anything comparable. While it didn’t seem like the Chromebook Plus 14 was equipped with a glass trackpad, it also didn’t feel inferior like some other alternatives. So, I’ll be scrutinizing this further once my review unit arrives.

Lastly, I wanted to mention the bottom casing. While aluminum graces the lid and keyboard deck, the base is plastic, which may remind Pixelbook Go owners of their device.

Neither Google nor Lenovo explicitly mentioned that it took cues from the Pixelbook Go, but it’s quite evident. Lenovo did explain that they chose this design for its ease of portability, allowing users to handle the Chromebook Plus 14 with confidence. Regardless of the motivation, it’s pretty neat to witness, adding an additional layer of uniqueness to this device.

This could be the “change” that Chromebooks required

In the end, what truly excites me about the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 is the possibility that this could be the “Apple M1 moment” we have been anticipating. Lenovo and

One UI 8 Improves HDR Screenshot Brightness in Recent Test

Chances are, it utilizes Android 16’s built-in gain maps to deliver authentic HDR visuals.

Samsung is allegedly preparing a visual delight with One UI 8, with the newest test incorporating HDR screenshot support. This means your screen captures will finally retain all the rich contrast and brightness from what you truly observe on your display.

With Android 16, genuine HDR screenshots are at last available. Now, when you take a shot of any HDR content, it retains the vibrancy you notice in the original image or video.

Rather than compressing the image, it now saves everything as a PNG filled with all the necessary metadata, including gain maps. Thus, when you view it on an HDR-compatible display, what you see is precisely what was intended to be seen, not some faded version.

When the majority of content was SDR, Android didn’t really require HDR screenshot support. However, SDR has its drawbacks, such as dull colors and diminished contrast. You’ve likely experienced it: you take a picture of an incredibly detailed photo, only to check the screenshot and find it looks flat, uninspiring, perhaps even washed out. That’s because standard screenshots default to SDR, which simply can’t match the vibrant color and brightness that HDR provides.

HDR screenshots are (finally!) coming

According to leaker Ice Universe, the latest One UI 8 ZYF7 beta—still restricted to closed testing—introduces support for HDR screenshots (via SamMobile). That marks a substantial improvement from the previous SDR-only screen captures.

Ice Universe even tested this on a Galaxy S25 Ultra by capturing an HDR photo from social media, and it preserved the complete HDR appearance.

Since it’s already active in the closed beta, there’s a strong possibility that HDR screenshot support will be included in the forthcoming One UI 8 public beta. If this persists through to the final One UI 8 release, your screenshots will maintain all the vivid colors and deep contrast that make HDR content stand out.

Considering that beta features are often uncertain, there is no affirmation they’ll be included in the final build. However, the presence of HDR screenshot support in One UI 8’s closed beta is an encouraging indication.

Budget-Friendly $50 Earbuds Poised to Be Your Go-To Tech Gadget

An exceptional deal at only 47 dollars.

Amazon Provides More Than 50% Off on Favored Fire Tablet for Members Before Prime Day

The Fire HD 8 Plus is a reliable no-frills tablet currently priced at just $55.

In pursuit of the ideal budget tablet, significant compromises may sometimes be necessary, but with Prime Day nearing, Amazon has already made one of our favored Fire tablets available at an incredibly low price. Prime members can now enjoy more than 50% off the standard price of the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus as part of the retailer’s Early Prime Day offers.

The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is akin to the basic model, yet it also comes with a superior battery lasting up to 12 hours, enhanced RAM, better performance, and quicker charging. While this specific deal pertains to the version with lockscreen ads, you can opt to pay a bit more to eliminate them or simply accept some advertising if you need a tablet at an extremely low cost.

Currently, Amazon’s Fire HD 8 Plus is being offered to Prime members for only $55, provided you’re okay with a tablet that has some lockscreen advertisements. This promotion signifies a saving of $65 compared to the regular price of the Fire HD 8 Plus, which translates to a 54% discount in total.

✅Recommended if: you seek a straightforward Fire tablet with decent battery life; you utilize additional Amazon or Alexa devices or applications, desiring seamless integration; you’re on the lookout for something budget-friendly.

❌Skip this deal if: you favor a tablet with a screen larger than 8 inches; you would prefer to upgrade to the highest-resolution display available; you want straightforward access to Google Play Store apps.

The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is about as optimal as it gets for affordable, entry-level Fire tablets that maintain some performance level. While various configurations exist, this price applies to the 32GB storage variant with lockscreen ads, which also features more RAM than the base model at 3GB. Furthermore, Amazon has designed this model with an upgraded hexa-core CPU that purportedly offers 30-percent faster speeds compared to the previous generation, and it has also introduced fast-charging, wireless charging, and up to 12 hours of battery life per charge.

Though the Fire HD 8 is our choice for the best Amazon Fire tablet overall, those needing slightly improved performance may want to consider this discount on the Fire HD 8 Plus.

Chromebook Plus Laptops Unveil Enhanced AI Functionalities to Rival Windows Copilot

Whether you have a brand-new or an older Chromebook Plus, AI is essentially integrated into everything these days.

Lenovo’s Chromebook Plus 14: An Advanced Hybrid AI Gadget for Creators

Lenovo and Google promote this laptop as the “most powerful” AI-capable laptop of this generation.

Rokid’s Max 2 AR Glasses Provide a Convenient 215-Inch Screen Experience

**Android Central Verdict: Rokid Max 2 AR Glasses**

**Rating: 4 out of 5 stars**

The Rokid Max 2 AR glasses present a user-friendly design and incorporate Sony’s state-of-the-art Micro-OLED panel, delivering a 215-inch display. These glasses stand out by delivering a sharp image with significant adjustability, making them a formidable competitor against close rivals. With respectable built-in audio and USB-C compatibility, the Max 2 is well-suited for content streaming and gaming. However, users may need to wait for additional advancements for productivity applications.

**Pros:**
– User-friendly design
– Exceptional Micro-OLED panel
– Significant adjustability
– Pleasant built-in audio
– Easy connectivity

**Cons:**
– Minor adjustments compared to the original Max
– Limited software ecosystem

**Pricing and Availability:**
The Rokid Max 2 glasses launched in Q1 2025 and can be found in select worldwide markets. Their price is set at $399 on Amazon U.S., with a standard retail price of $529. A Rokid AR Spatial bundle is offered for $648, which includes the Station 2 accessory.

**What I Like:**
The Max 2 glasses are lightweight at 76g, providing a high degree of adjustability for a snug fit. The vision adjustment feature allows for precise control over the focus, ensuring a clear image. The tinted shade improves picture quality by minimizing ambient light disruption.

**What I Don’t Like:**
The Max 2’s brightness caps at 600 nits, which may not be adequate for outdoor environments. Furthermore, Rokid’s software ecosystem is still evolving, constraining productivity use cases.

**Alternatives:**
– **Xreal’s One:** Presents a lively Micro-OLED panel, 120Hz refresh rate, and excellent built-in audio.
– **RayNeo’s Air 3S:** Delivers a bright picture and offers good value at $269 on Amazon.

**Should You Buy It?**
Consider purchasing the Max 2 if you’re looking for AR glasses for multimedia and gaming, desire a comfortable design, and seek good value. Refrain from buying if you need a comprehensive software ecosystem or productivity-oriented AR glasses. The Max 2 shines in the essentials, providing a robust design, adjustable fit, and outstanding image quality.

Spotify Ready to Introduce Long-Expected Lossless Audio Functionality

High-quality audio streaming could be forthcoming for Spotify users.

What you need to be aware of

– Lossless audio has been identified in the Spotify app code (v1.2.66) and user interface, suggesting the feature is finally on its way.
– It is anticipated that this feature will be available exclusively to Spotify Premium subscribers and will accommodate high-resolution playback (up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz).
– This advancement corroborates previous reports regarding a “Music Pro” add-on, indicating that Spotify is focusing on high-quality audio.

Spotify has yet to launch lossless streaming, and hints of it date back to 2021. However, if the current indications are to be believed, the feature is poised for a timely release.

The clues emerged via Spicetify’s account on X (as reported by The Verge). It reveals that the newest Spotify version 1.2.66 contains code referencing the lossless capability.

According to the images shared, lossless mode appears in the “Streaming quality” section of audio quality settings on the platform. It notes that using lossless mode will consume up to 1GB of data per hour and will support playback up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz — utilizing FLAC and Widevine. The code also suggests availability on Spotify Connect and the Web Player.

Users should also understand that this feature seems to be limited to Spotify Premium subscribers. The Spicetify post additionally notes a new Enhance Headphones feature that the music platform appears to be developing. However, the exact functionality of this feature has yet to be confirmed.

Anticipation since 2021

The news about the Lossless feature poised for Spotify has circulated since the initial announcement made by the company in 2021. Although progress has been slow, a recent Bloomberg article indicated Spotify’s intentions to introduce a new add-on subscription tier called Music Pro. This tier is designed to be a cost-effective enhancement, likely adding $6 to the current subscription plans.

A key component of the proposed plan, which is expected to debut this year, will include high-quality audio (HiFi) streaming alongside remixing tools, access to concert tickets, and the ability to blend tracks from various artists — supported by AI assistance.

Collectively, the emergence of the Lossless streaming option in the latest Spotify app signifies that the company is intensifying its efforts to deliver premium audio streaming to its users in the near future.

Leaked Information about Nothing Headphone 1 Uncovers Distinctive Design Prior to Release

Catch the Initial Glimpse of Nothing’s Much-Awaited Over-Ear Headphones

Nothing, celebrated for its cutting-edge audio devices, is poised to create a buzz with its first over-ear headphones, the Headphone 1. Recent leaks unveil a captivating design that embodies Nothing’s hallmark translucent style.

Key Information

• The Headphone 1 boasts Nothing’s translucent aesthetic with squircle-shaped ear cups.
• It carries the “Sound by KEF” label, confirming a collaboration with KEF.
• Includes 3.5mm audio support, a feature not commonly found in contemporary Bluetooth headphones.

As per leaks, the Headphone 1 displays a distinctive design with large ear cups and a see-through finish. Anticipated color choices include jet black and silver/white. The headphones come equipped with two physical buttons and foldable ear cups for easy transport.

The “Sound by KEF” label underlines Nothing’s partnership with KEF, ensuring an improved audio experience. The addition of 3.5mm audio support offers a wired alternative, distinguishing it from the majority of modern Bluetooth headphones.

With the launch date nearing, excitement grows for Nothing’s Headphone 1. With its unique design and appealing features, it seeks to make a mark in the competitive headphone industry. The official release is scheduled for July 1.

Fairphone 6 Embraces a Fresh, More Eco-Friendly Design

The eagerly awaited Fairphone 6’s leaked images indicate the company’s dedication to repairability.

What you need to know

– Leaked images showcase a modular design for the Fairphone 6, enabling straightforward component replacement.
– The Fairphone 6 is anticipated to introduce a new design featuring flat edges and a unique neon-themed power button, offered in black, white, and green hues.
– The Fairphone 6 is rumored to debut on June 25th with a starting price of €549, and may include a 6.31-inch pOLED 120Hz display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, and a 4415mAh battery.

Fairphone is poised to introduce its sixth eco-friendly device next week. Ahead of the launch, we now have purported images of the device displaying its design and key features.

According to the render images released by Roland Quandt via WinFuture, the supposed Fairphone 6 appears in three color options: black, white, and green. While the color schemes seem reminiscent of the previous model, the actual design of the phone is significantly altered. Regardless of the colors, there is a neon-themed power button, which at first sight resembles past Pixel models, such as the Pixel 3.

We are likely to notice flatter edges, and the protruding camera visor has been replaced with an individually positioned camera system at the rear.

According to the leaked promotional images of the alleged Fairphone 6, it is expected to have a back cover directly below the camera sensors secured with only a few screws. Once unscrewed, users may find it possible to remove the battery, as it is not glued to the device but secured with additional screws.

The report further mentions that a similar method is likely to be used for the cameras, display, and speaker module—all contributing to the sustainability goal that the Fairphone 6 aims to achieve.

The device is expected to launch on June 25 starting at €549, with specifications for the upcoming Android phone comprising a 6.31-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, which can be further expanded via microSD up to 2TB.

A 4415mAh battery capacity is anticipated to energize the Fairphone 6 with support for 33W fast charging. The camera setup on the phone is likely to feature a 50MP main sensor, a 13MP secondary sensor, and a 32MP front-facing camera. Finally, the Fairphone 6 reportedly holds a Class “A” certification for both reparability and durability, according to EU standards.