Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: Information on S Pen Support

An S Pen could be an excellent tool to take advantage of the Galaxy Z TriFold’s large inner display, but is it functional?

(Image credit: Samsung)

Is there S Pen compatibility with the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold?

official release date.

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Google’s Dark Web Data Leak Checker Tool is Being Phased Out

The firm will cease searching for newly leaked information in January and will eliminate previous reports by February 2026.

(Image credit: Nandika Ravi/Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google is phasing out its dark web reporting utility with scans concluding on January 15, 2026.
  • All reports will be deleted by February 16, 2026 due to the tool not providing actionable steps.
  • Google will shift its attention to more robust security features like security checkup, passkeys, and password audits.
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Comparison between Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Selecting the Top Android Flagship

Here’s how Samsung’s upcoming midsize flagship will stack up against Google’s premier model.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus aims to elevate its predecessor with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 at its core. Anticipated features include a silicon-carbon battery, Qi2 support, and enhancements to the camera. However, design modifications are not expected.

Pros:
– Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 serves as a robust gaming and overall performance engine
– Integrated magnets for Qi2 and MagSafe compatibility
– High-capacity silicon-carbon battery
– Ships with One UI 8.5 pre-installed

Cons:
– Charging speed remains relatively slow
– Design closely resembles previous Galaxy iterations
– Potentially insufficient camera upgrades

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is packed with impressive AI functionalities, notably Gemini and Camera Coach. Powered by the Tensor G5 chip, it offers 16GB of RAM and storage options reaching 1TB. Coupled with an excellent camera system and display, the Pixel 10 Pro XL ranks among the leading Android flagships available.

Pros:
– Convenient charging via MagSafe and Qi2 compatibility
– At the heart is Gemini alongside Nano and unique features like Camera Coach
– Commitment to seven years of Android OS updates
– Rear triple-camera setup with a 5x telephoto lens

Cons:
– Necessary battery and performance limits after 200 cycles
– Qualcomm outperforms Tensor in gaming and raw processing
– Bulkier and heavier compared to Galaxy S26 Plus

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL marked a significant enhancement, establishing a benchmark for Android flagships in 2025. The device further augmented its AI processing abilities while introducing Qi2 and MagSafe for the first time. Notably, the Pixel 10 Pro XL supports Qi2 25W for rapid wireless charging. It is now incumbent upon Google’s competitors to meet this benchmark, starting with Samsung and the Galaxy S26 Plus.

Although the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus remains unofficial, speculation and leaks are intensifying in anticipation of an anticipated early 2026 release. The new smartphone is predicted to receive the customary chip advancement, modest camera enhancements, and Qi2 magnets. Nevertheless, the design and fundamental experience are expected to remain the same.

So, how will the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus measure up against the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL? Let’s examine everything we know thus far in this anticipatory comparison.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Pricing and availability

Rumors and leaks indicate uncertainty from Samsung as the launch of the Galaxy S26 series approaches. Initial reports suggested a shift in the lineup with a Galaxy S26 Pro replacing the base model and a Galaxy S26 Edge taking the place of the midsize variant. However, it appears Samsung will adhere to tradition with the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra — at least initially.

Samsung typically unveils its devices in January each year, but an October leak indicated a delay for the Galaxy S26 lineup until March. More recently, rumors have found a middle ground, with expectations now leaning towards a late February 2026 debut for the Galaxy S26 Plus. It will likely retain the same starting price of $999, with configurations available for 256GB or 512GB of storage.

In contrast, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is presently available as the brand’s foremost non-folding flagship. Priced at $1,199 for the base model featuring 256GB of storage, it can be upgraded to a maximum of 1TB. Color options include Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, and Obsidian.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: Design and display

We anticipate minor design alterations for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus, but the speculated adjustments primarily align the smartphone with the design aesthetics of models like the Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy Z Fold 7. Rather than having separate rear camera lenses as seen in the Galaxy S25 Plus, the Galaxy S26 Plus will adopt a pill-shaped camera module where the three cameras will be positioned. This represents the most significant, yet relatively subtle, design transformation for the Galaxy S26 Plus.

Overall, the Galaxy S26 Plus will maintain a rectangular and angular body with flat aluminum side edges. It continues to be a glass sandwich, protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back. For enhanced durability, Samsung is expected to complete the package with IP68 certification against dust and water ingress, a standard feature for some time.

Phone manufacturers typically upgrade the display of their devices each year, whether through size increases, smaller bezels, or enhanced brightness. However, for all necessary considerations, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Plus will likely showcase a similar or identical display to that found within the

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Activating and Employing Power Saving Mode in Google Maps

View a battery-saving map to conserve power when it’s most necessary.

(Image credit: Google)

Mobile phone users frequently deplete their battery by enjoying music, streaming content, or engaging in mobile gaming. While these activities are excellent for entertainment, it’s essential to preserve battery power for vital functions, such as making phone calls or utilizing Google Maps for directions. In a Pixel Drop, Google has facilitated the journey to your destination with a new power-saving mode in Google Maps when battery is low.

The power-saving mode in Google Maps has its limitations. It’s not solely for Pixel smartphones. Rather, it is exclusively accessible to the four Google Pixel 10 models. If you’re fortunate enough to possess one of the latest Pixel devices, you can enhance your battery life using this feature. Below is everything you should understand about the power-saving mode in Google Maps, along with instructions on how to activate it.

Requirements for using Google Maps power-saving mode

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Gets 48% Price Cut Just Before Christmas

This is the lowest price the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 has ever been.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Holiday smartwatch discounts are available, and this next option is an excellent selection for the frugal shopper. Amazon has introduced a 48% off holiday offer for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, reducing the previous-generation watch to only $129, marking its lowest price to date.

The Galaxy Watch 7 was our choice for last year’s top Android smartwatch overall, and there are multiple reasons for this. The latest Watch 8 introduced some enhancements and upgrades, but the Watch 7 remains a strong contender. It’s particularly appealing at this price, being the lowest it has ever reached and standing out against competitors with significant power and features.

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Galaxy S26 Anticipated to Release with Innovative Software Enhancements from One UI 8.5

Notification Summaries along with other AI functionalities could be exclusive to the Galaxy S26 when it launches early next year.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Key Information

  • Samsung is concealing numerous One UI 8.5 functionalities that will first appear on the upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup.
  • One UI 8.5 features an AI notification summary capability powered by Samsung’s Gauss model, yet it is currently disabled.
  • The AI summary tool is slated to be released with support for multiple global languages and will initially be a Galaxy S26 exclusive.

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The Loading Speed of Google Chat Enhanced by Small Update

Moreover, you can now set up messages to be sent up to 120 days ahead of time.

(Image credit: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google Chat is modifying its URL to enhance loading speeds while maintaining the same look.
  • Moreover, Chat now offers the capability to schedule message sends for the first time.
  • The Workspace messaging service introduces a Drafts tab to centralize management of scheduled messages.

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Samsung Unveils December 2025 Security Update for Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Fold 6

Looking for a solution to 57 security issues? Ensure you acquire this Samsung security update without delay.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Samsung is deploying the December 2025 security update for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6.
  • The December 2025 update addresses 57 security vulnerabilities for Android as well as an additional 11 vulnerabilities related to Galaxy devices.
  • This update is approximately 450MB in size and will soon extend to regions outside of South Korea.

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Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Native Audio Model Improves AI Dialogue Skills

Live voice agents can now facilitate more fluid dialogues with Gemini.

(Image credit: Google)

Key information

  • Gemini Live and Search Live have incorporated Google’s enhanced Gemini 2.5 Flash Native Audio model.
  • This new model exhibits improved conversational abilities, allows interaction with external sources without disrupting the chat flow, and manages intricate requests more effectively.
  • It outperforms the earlier 9-25 revision and also exceeds OpenAI’s gpt-realtime model in performance tests.

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Spotify Downtime Prevents User Access: Essential Details You Should Be Aware Of

Yet another day, yet another service interruption

(Image credit: Spotify)

Essential information to be aware of

  • Spotify is experiencing significant accessibility problems in the U.S., U.K., and several European regions.
  • Reports indicate users are encountering difficulties logging into their accounts and playlists are vanishing in the midst of streaming issues.
  • Spotify has recognized the outages and recommends users to attempt reinstalling the application or accessing the website instead.

If you opened Spotify this morning hoping to shake off the Monday doldrums during your commute, you might have found yourself quite let down. The streaming service appears to be grappling with extensive problems across the U.S., U.K., and various areas in Europe today (Dec 15).

As reported by numerous users on X and through reports on DownDetector, Spotify appears to be facing obstacles preventing users from accessing their accounts, whether through the app or the website. Additionally, some users who do have access have noted that their personalized playlists have unexpectedly vanished.

The disruption seems to have begun around 9 am ET, with over 27,000 reports logged on DownDetector, showing that 80% of users have encountered issues with the Spotify application. The glitch appears to be automatically logging users out of their accounts, making it impossible for them to log back in. Other notable problems include the app crashing frequently, with “loading dots” persisting on both the home page and search screens.

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