Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

It’ll be simpler to play games than ever on V homeOS and Google TV devices.

What you need to know:
– The Xbox Game Pass application is being introduced on additional smart TV operating systems, such as V homeOS and Google TV.
– Xbox has confirmed that its cloud gaming application will be available on select Hisense smart TVs later this year.
– TCL has also announced that the application will be integrated into the X11L series televisions in a forthcoming update.

Xbox is expanding cloud gaming support to more smart TV models in 2026, inclusive of screens powered by Google TV.

Xbox is collaborating with V (previously known as VIDAA) to launch its application on specific Hisense and V homeOS smart TVs later this year, as stated on January 5. V homeOS is an innovative operating system for Hisense that aims to compete with other proprietary smart TV OSes, such as Samsung’s Tizen OS or LG’s Web OS. In a separate initiative, TCL has also disclosed plans to include the Xbox app on its X11L series of Google TV-powered televisions later this year.

“This collaboration is centered around providing you with increased freedom and flexibility to play according to your preferences,” Xbox expressed regarding its agreement with Hisense and V homeOS. “Xbox Game Pass subscribers – encompassing Ultimate, Premium, and Essential subscribers – will have the ability to stream hundreds of games, ranging from new releases to beloved titles, directly via the Xbox app on compatible TVs through Xbox Cloud Gaming.”

In a press release regarding TCL’s new X11L SQD-Mini LED series of smart TVs, the firm revealed that it too will receive support for Xbox Cloud Gaming later this year. These flagship TVs operate on Google TV and will support the new Gemini for Google TV at launch. However, in TCL’s specification list for the X11L, the company mentions that the capability for Xbox Game Pass for cloud gaming without a console will be added in a future over-the-air (OTA) update.

TCL’s X11L series is now available for pre-order, though the smallest size presently available is a 75-inch model starting at an astounding $6,999 MSRP. These smart TVs will be the first Google TV-powered screens to receive the Xbox Game Pass app, which is already available on LG’s Web OS and Amazon’s Fire OS.

With cloud gaming, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can stream console games online without requiring any physical hardware, aside from the client device, a controller, and an Xbox account. Later this year, selected Hisense and TCL smart TVs will become part of the expanding list of supported Xbox Game Pass clients, which already includes Android phones and tablets.

Xbox states it will “provide more information on the Xbox Cloud Gaming experience with Hisense TVs in the upcoming months.” TCL indicates that the Xbox Game Pass app will be accessible for the X11L series in a future update.

Samsung Display is on the cusp of transforming the foldable smartphone landscape with its newest creation: a completely creaseless panel. This revolutionary technology was presented at CES 2026, where Samsung Display illustrated the panel’s advantages by contrasting it with a current-generation foldable device. The new panel exhibits no noticeable creases, even from various angles, without sacrificing image quality.

The rollout of this creaseless panel signifies a major leap in foldable display technology. Although Samsung has yet to officially announce that this panel will be included in the forthcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8, the likelihood remains substantial. Traditionally, Samsung has brought pioneering display technologies to its flagship foldable devices, like the tri-folding panels revealed at MWC, which subsequently made their way into the Galaxy Z TriFold.

The lack of a visible crease would give Samsung a competitive advantage in the foldable market, where companies are seeking subtle enhancements to make their offerings stand out. As the foremost foldable manufacturer, Samsung’s vertical integration enables it to utilize such innovations successfully.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has already reduced crease visibility, but a fully creaseless display would represent a significant milestone, establishing a new benchmark for foldable devices. With the Galaxy Z Fold 8 anticipated to launch later this year, excitement is mounting regarding the prospective inclusion of this advanced panel. As the foldable segment evolves, Samsung’s relentless innovation keeps it at the leading edge of the industry, providing consumers with state-of-the-art technology and design.

Did you imagine Flappy Bird could become even more exasperating? It certainly can, thanks to this exclusive foldable game.

What you need to know

– Foldy Bird is a clone of Flappy Bird that utilizes the hinge of a folding phone as a mobile game controller.
– To start, play, and retry, you must fold your phone.
– Each fold keeps your Foldy Bird in flight, introducing a fresh twist to a classic and captivating mobile game.

Foldable phones offer enhanced functionality compared to a standard flat phone, as when you unfold them, you encounter a display that’s twice the size. But what if the hinge mechanism itself turned into a feature?

With a new web game created by user Rebane on X (formerly Twitter), it has. “Foldy Bird,” a Flappy Bird replica, employs the hinge on your foldable phone as a mobile game controller. You continually fold your phone to make the Foldy Bird fly, steering clear of the green pipes to achieve a high score. It transforms an already addictive and compulsive game concept into something even more engaging—rather than just tapping the screen, players must physically fold their display to keep their bird alive.

This game is a clever project, and Rebane claims it was developed in an hour without any AI assistance. You can view the complete source code for the game here, and try it out for yourself here. However, a foldable phone is necessary to play, and it only functions in the Chrome browser for Android. The game doesn’t require any tapping — users must fold their device to commence, play, and retry.

The instructions for the game caution to “play this game at your own risk and only on your own devices.” This is because, despite the enjoyment that this creation brings, it might put you on a swift path to damaging your phone. Foldables are rated to endure a few hundred thousand folds, but they’re not built for vigorous and rapid folds in quick succession. If your foldable doesn’t sustain damage from playing the game, it might break from frustration when you inevitably crash your bird into a pipe.

If you own a foldable, Foldy Bird is definitely worth a shot. It’s difficult to think of a more inventive use of a folding display mechanism than as a mobile game controller.

The Luna Band, introduced at CES 2026, signifies a major transformation in the wearable fitness industry by emphasizing actionable insights rather than just data display. In contrast to conventional fitness trackers that concentrate on showing raw statistics, the Luna Band provides real-time, voice-guided health advice, enabling hands-free user interaction with the device. This groundbreaking method is supported by the incorporation of Siri-enabled interactions on iOS, allowing users to log meals, emotional states, and request health advice without the necessity of launching an app.

Fitted with research-grade sensors and a 6-axis IMU, the Luna Band is crafted to monitor micro-recovery intervals, circadian shifts, and stress indicators, equipping users with an all-encompassing comprehension of their physiological condition. The device runs on Luna’s exclusive LifeOS, which analyzes thousands of physiological signals each minute to offer context-sensitive recommendations daily.

The Luna Band’s focus on actionable insights marks a shift from the data-centric strategies of many wearables, striving to provide users with relevant guidance that can enhance their health and wellness. Despite its sophisticated features, the Luna Band will debut without any subscription costs, although details on pricing and availability have yet to be revealed. This commitment to user-friendly, actionable health insights positions the Luna Band as an attractive option compared to existing fitness wearables such as the Whoop 5.0 and Amazfit’s Helio Strap.

These eyewear devices provide a 171-inch display and a refresh rate reaching 240Hz. Asus and Xreal are introducing the ROG Xreal R1 AR gaming glasses, tailored for gaming handhelds, PCs, and consoles. These eyewear support a plug-and-play USB-C connection with the ROG Ally and are widely compatible with HDMI and DisplayPort devices through the ROG Control Dock. They can deliver a 171-inch virtual display at refresh rates of up to 240Hz, featuring a 2ms motion-to-photon latency. The ROG Xreal R1 AR incorporates 240Hz micro-OLED 1080p screens, making them the first gaming eyewear to achieve these standards. They can create a 171-inch virtual screen from approximately 13 feet away, boasting a 57-degree field-of-view. The glasses include an ROG Control Dock for compatibility with a range of devices, such as gaming PCs, handhelds, consoles, and Android smartphones. Optimized for Asus’ products, the eyewear utilizes USB-C for a direct connection to mobile devices like the Asus ROG Ally, providing a “plug-and-play” experience with “no setup necessary.” The ROG Xreal R1 weighs 91 grams and has electrochromatic lenses. Bose delivers “precision-tuned spatial sound” for audio output. The ROG Xreal R1 is projected to be available worldwide in the first half of the year, with pricing and availability details still to be disclosed.

The Galaxy S25 Edge didn’t quite receive the recognition it deserved last year, but this price cut could breathe new life into the device.

Incredibly sleek and remarkably thin, the Galaxy S25 Edge was launched last year to significant critical praise yet a somewhat subdued reception from buyers. Despite being a standout year for Samsung, the lightweight Edge was largely overlooked, which spells trouble for the Korean manufacturer but is great news for bargain seekers.

As part of its extensive New Year sale, Amazon is offering a substantial 34% discount on the unlocked Galaxy S25 Edge in the Titanium JetBlack color option, reducing the price to $809. Additionally, if you have an old or damaged device lying around, you can trade it in at Amazon for an extra $600 in the form of a gift card.

The Galaxy S25 Edge left a strong impression on me when it was first unveiled last summer, primarily because it was hard to believe that Samsung managed to fit so much power into such a compact device. The Edge is powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Elite processor that drives the rest of the S25 series (including the high-end S25 Ultra), and it features 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage within a frame that is just 5.8mm thick.

This Samsung phone also features a flagship-grade 200MP main camera, a generous 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, and seven years of guaranteed operating system and security updates. Additionally, the phone is exceptionally light, weighing in at a mere 163 grams.

So what’s the downside? Samsung had to compromise on battery size to achieve the Edge’s slimness, which means while most users might not notice the impact during everyday use, the constraints of a 3,900mAh battery could have deterred some shoppers. The Edge also supports only 25W wired charging, lagging behind the 45W charging capabilities found in the S25 Plus and S25 Ultra.

Moreover, Samsung fell into its own trap by launching several slender devices in 2025. It appears that most consumers were willing to add on a few millimeters if it meant gaining additional hours of battery life. Lastly, with a base price exceeding $1,000 for the 256GB model, the Galaxy S25 Edge faced a pricing issue.

Fortunately, Samsung’s challenges are your gain, as the Galaxy S25 Edge has seen ongoing discounts for months at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. The device is expected to become even more affordable with the upcoming spring sales, but if you’re in the market for an ultra-sleek smartphone now, this Amazon deal is a fantastic opportunity.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge has seemingly surfaced for BIS certification in India, indicating its possible launch despite earlier uncertainties regarding its future. The device, linked to the model number SM-S947B/DS, was filed for certification on January 2. This news counters previous claims that suggested the Galaxy S26 Edge might be shelved due to the lackluster sales of its predecessor. Industry insider Ice Universe asserts that the device is nearly finished, and scrapping it would represent a major setback. The Galaxy S26 Edge could debut alone, akin to the Galaxy S25 Edge, with a potential launch in May. Speculation hints that it will be a “slim flagship,” possibly measuring as little as 5.5mm, and featuring a horizontal camera layout.

Pebble Time 2 users might consider transferring their preorders to the Round 2, provided they are okay with a few missing features.

What you should know:
– The Pebble Round 2 updates the original Pebble Time Round design, featuring a bigger screen and a two-week battery life.
– It operates on an open-source OS, has a 1.3-inch e-paper touch display, a stainless steel bezel, and some basic tracking sensors.
– It is considerably thinner than the forthcoming Time 2 but does not include a HR sensor, speaker, or increased capacity.
– The price is $199, with a launch set for May 2025; Time 2 preorders can be transferred to the Round 2.

Pebble’s comeback is accelerating. Following the release of the Pebble 2 Duo last year and the announcement of Time 2 for the upcoming March, Repebble founder Eric Migicovsky revealed the Pebble Round 2 this week, intending to showcase the watch at CES 2026.

The announcement post and reveal video below offer insights into this new gadget, which they started developing in March 2025 and are set to launch in May 2026, two months after the Time 2.

The Round 2 replaces the bulky bezel of the 2015 Round Time with a 1.3-inch, 260 x 260, 64-color e-paper touch display that is “optically bonded” to the glass to enhance the viewing angle. It has a similar DPI to the 1.5-inch, square Pebble Time 2, although that model features fewer pixels (200×228).

Migicovsky stated they could easily create the Pebble Round 2 “so effortlessly with such a small team” due to the use of the “same electrical circuit design as Pebble Time 2,” while the hardware remains “essentially the same” as the 2015 Time Round.

Essentially, Repebble aims to revive the classic experience with a few new advantages, such as a battery life of 10–14 days instead of just 2–3. The new model measures 8.1mm, a bit thicker than the 7.5mm Time Round — or roughly comparable to the Garmin Venu X1 (7.9mm) — making it significantly sleeker than ordinary Android smartwatches.

One straightforward method Pebble achieved this slim profile was by omitting certain standard smartwatch features found in the Time 2: A HR sensor and a speaker for delivering notifications or AI responses. Pebbles are not designed for exercise tracking or Bluetooth calling, but the Time 2 can accommodate additional features that the Round 2 cannot.

Otherwise, both smartwatches utilize the same open-source Pebble OS, compatible with both Android and iOS. This includes the Pebble Appstore, where developers have already created applications for sleep tracking, music, weather, games, messaging, and other utilities.

The Pebble Round 2 will feature 3ATM water resistance, a vibrating motor, a 3-axis accelerometer for step tracking, a magnetometer (compass), dual microphones, and four buttons. It will not include GPS tracking or NFC payment capabilities.

The Pebble Round 2 is available for preorder now at $199, and anyone who has preordered a Time 2 can switch to the Round 2 if they prefer its aesthetics — and are prepared to downgrade from 30 days of battery life to 14. The Round 2 is available in matte black, brushed silver, and polished rose gold, and includes a silicone band and charging dongle.

What’s next:
Last year, Migicovsky shared on X that he was returning from Hong Kong “carrying 6 devices that I’ve made in the last year, including EVT samples of 3 new products that we haven’t announced yet.”

The three acknowledged devices at that time included the sold-out Pebble 2 Duo watch, the Time 2, and the Index 1 smart ring announced in December 2025, equipped with a built-in mic for on-the-go voice memos. The Pebble Round 2 is the first new device unveiled, but details on the other two remain unknown.

In 2023, Migicovsky disclosed plans for a “Small Android Phone,” a project aimed at developing a “5.4”-ish 1080p OLED display,” a “uniquely recognizable and very iconic” camera array, and “premium” performance, based on team comments back then.

We have not received any updates since; the smallandroidphone.com URL still functions, but lists 2022 specifications that are outdated now. Nonetheless, we would be interested to see Pebble enter the Android smartphone market, should this phone turn out to be one of Migicovsky’s unannounced devices.

Samsung’s One UI 8.5 may persuade you to reach out to your parents.

What you need to know

– Samsung is trying out a reminder that indicates how long it has been since you last contacted a family member.
– The reminder appears in the Now Brief/Now Bar with a day count.
– The feature has a dismiss button, yet it’s unclear if the final version will provide permanent opt-out options.

Samsung’s upcoming One UI update might deliver more than just fresh aesthetics and AI capabilities. It could also serve as a reminder to contact your family if you haven’t done so in a while.

This concept surfaced after a user posted a screenshot on X, which was covered by Android Authority. In the screenshot, the system noted that the user hadn’t communicated for nearly a month.

Shortly after, prominent leaker Ice Universe validated the feature, stating their own device reminded them of a 22-day interval since speaking to their mother.

“Reach out to your family,” the message suggests, accompanied by a contact card and a very specific counter.

One UI 8.5 could prompt you to connect with home

The reminder shows up in Samsung’s Now Brief or Now Bar interface and informs you how long it has been since you last interacted with a particular family member.

This marks a new direction for Samsung. Previously, One UI updates concentrated on usability, customization, and aesthetics. Now, the shift appears to lean more towards emotional engagement than technical enhancement.

Samsung hasn’t clarified how the software determines who qualifies as “family,” but it likely relies on contact information, call logs, or Samsung’s family group functionalities.

Crucially, this isn’t a compulsory action. You can dismiss the reminder and proceed, indicating Samsung aims to strike a balance between being helpful and not overly intrusive.

The family-call reminder is merely one feature within a larger update. One UI 8.5 seems to be a significant release, particularly for Galaxy S25 users exploring the beta version.

Since this remains beta software, not every feature is guaranteed to be included in the final version. However, if Samsung retains this feature, One UI 8.5 may be notable for inspiring users to reconnect.

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