Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Google’s Veo 3 and Veo 3 Fast Now Ready for Quick Video Production on Vertex AI

Pushing the limits of video creation

Google is now making its Veo 3 and Veo 3 Fast video creation tools “generally” accessible to users in Vertex AI. Veo 3 Fast aims to find a balance between speed and the high-quality video creation that Veo offers for those seeking quicker outcomes. Google hints that both models will gain image-to-video functionality in an upcoming update scheduled for August in Vertex AI.

Significant updates for Veo 3 are launching for interested users today (July 29), along with an exciting teaser about new—and recognizable—features.

This morning, Google revealed the updates for Veo 3 through a Cloud blog post, announcing that the AI-driven video generator is now completely accessible in Vertex AI. In addition, Google is introducing a new iteration named “Veo 3 Fast.” This version of Veo is designed to be more streamlined for users needing to accomplish “tasks that demand rapid iteration and speed.”

Veo 3 Fast is said to proficiently generate and test variations of a company’s advertisements “swiftly.” This model can also produce “video presentations” for your products based on the supplied images. Furthermore, Google states that Veo Fast can generate “captivating animated explainers” and even training content for new hires.

The company discusses Veo 3 Fast similarly to how it addresses Gemini 2.5 Flash. Although Veo 3 Fast is more lightweight, it has reportedly managed to maintain a balance between speedy processing and impressive visual quality.

Google’s Veo series expands further

The Veo 3 Fast model is accessible in Vertex AI along with the larger Veo 3 model. The post emphasizes various ways users can enjoy both AI video creators, such as enhanced storytelling. Within Vertex AI, users can establish the scene and include any audio they desire, all within a single prompt. If you have characters speaking, Google indicates that their dialogue will be lip-synced, along with any additional background sounds you wish to add.

In a related matter, Veo 3 boasts built-in dialogue generation, which assists businesses in “engaging with a global audience.” While Veo 3 and Veo 3 Fast create your video once, they will “localize the dialogue in multiple languages.”

All generated videos come in 1080p, providing users with added assurance regarding their quality before showcasing them.

Concerning the Veo 3 teaser, Google mentions that both models will gain an image-to-video generation feature in Vertex AI in August. This capability has already appeared a couple of times through updates for Gemini and Google Photos, which both launched in July. Now, Veo 3 and Veo 3 Fast will offer this function for users to explore, providing them with an eight-second video clip based on the image you’ve uploaded.

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Best Protective Cases for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE in 2025

While cases differ for foldables, they remain an essential accessory.

Samsung made a clever choice by introducing a more budget-friendly foldable that maintains the same dimensions as the earlier version. This ensures that you can use all the top-notch Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE cases along with the finest Z Flip 6 cases for the Flip 7 FE, since their sizes are identical when folded and unfolded.

Without any delays, here are the coolest Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE cases available.

Check out these stylish Flip 7 FE cases

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Google Recognizes Inadequacy of Alert System in Effectively Notifying About Turkey’s 2023 Earthquake

The system inaccurately assessed the strength of the initial earthquake, resulting in a milder alert for numerous individuals.

(Image credit: Google)

Essential information

  • Google acknowledged in a recent report that its earthquake warning system did not alert 10 million individuals in Turkey during the 2023 earthquake.
  • The report indicated that only 469 high-level “Take Action” alerts were distributed prior to the initial 7.8 magnitude quake.
  • It appears that Google’s system misjudged the earthquake’s strength, sending roughly 500,000 users a low-priority “Be Aware” notification.
  • Google has since been enhancing its alert system’s accuracy, aligning it more closely with the actual earthquake magnitude.

A recent BBC report reveals that Google seems to have conceded that its earthquake alert system failed to notify users in Turkey about the February 2023 earthquake, which caused significant devastation and loss of life.

Ideally, approximately 10 million Android users within 98 miles of the epicenter were supposed to receive Google’s highest level “Take Action” alert intended for significant earthquakes.

This alert would take over the phone’s display and emit a loud, urgent sound, even overriding “Do Not Disturb” settings — providing up to 35 seconds of lead time to seek safety. Nevertheless, merely 469 high-level “Take Action” warnings were dispatched before the first 7.8 magnitude quake.

Best Screen Protectors for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE in 2025

While cases differ for foldables, they remain an essential accessory.

There is a considerable overlap between the top screen protectors for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE and those for the Flip 6. This occurs because the Flip 7 FE is essentially a revamped version of the previous generation foldable, featuring only minor internal alterations.

Many smartphone accessory manufacturers appear to have included the Flip 7 FE alongside existing screen protectors for the Flip 6. This makes sense since both devices have identical displays — a 3.4-inch outer display and a 6.7-inch inner foldable screen. Given the characteristics of both displays, it is advisable to use a robust tempered glass for the outer screen and a flexible TPU or PET plastic film for the inner display. Below are your finest choices.

Acquire at least two screen protectors for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE

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Google Search Functionality Favored by Android Users Arriving on Desktop

Google’s AI Mode for desktop transforms Search into your intelligent, always-available assistant for everything you require.

(Image credit: Chris Wedel/Android Central)

Essential Information

  • You are now able to request explanations for images like slides and diagrams directly from your desktop.
  • Shortly, you’ll have the option to upload notes or documents and pose questions right away.
  • Support for Google Drive is on the horizon, simplifying file access without sifting through directories.
  • A new side panel named Canvas will assist you in organizing study plans, collaborative projects, or even vacations using AI Mode.

As the back-to-school season approaches, Google is implementing several useful enhancements to its AI Mode in Search for desktop browsers. Whether you’re studying for exams, coordinating a research initiative, or just attempting to decipher that complex PDF your professor shared, these new functionalities could truly help you retain your peace of mind.

In a blog update, Google revealed that you can now inquire about images directly, whether it’s a diagram or slide needing a prompt interpretation. AI Mode on mobile has already had this capability, and it is finally making its way to desktop as well.

Moreover, the ability to upload PDFs is forthcoming, so you will soon be able to input lecture notes or papers and inquire in real time.

Review: Is it Worth it for Android Gamers to Purchase Razer’s Latest BlackShark V3 Pro Gaming Headset?

This $250 gaming headset could cater to all your Android audio requirements.

Until this year, it likely wasn’t wise to commit significant funds to enhance your Android gaming setup. There were a few excellent accessories available, but smartphone technology wasn’t quite prepared.

That officially shifted in 2025, when Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile platform became genuinely proficient for gaming, and Wi-Fi 7 delivered Ethernet-like speeds to Android devices. So, is it time to establish an Android-centric mobile gaming ecosystem?

Razer has recently unveiled the BlackShark V3 Pro, a $250 esports-grade gaming headset crafted for platforms such as PC and console, but it also functions with mobile systems like Android and iOS. I’ve been evaluating it for over a week, seeking to determine whether this type of audio equipment is unnecessary or just right for Android gaming.

More crucially, can this high-end headset meet all your mobile gaming and music listening requirements? Here’s what I discovered.

It’s finally the moment to start taking Android gaming seriously.

I assessed the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro as part of an impressive mobile gaming setup anchored by the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. This phone features an 8-inch primary display and a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, making it an ideal choice for portable gaming. Alongside the BlackShark V3 Pro, I also used the Razer Kishi Ultra as my mobile controller.

The entire configuration costs around $2,400 — but the majority of that is attributed to the $2,000 foldable. It becomes much more feasible if you replace the Galaxy Z Fold 7 with one of the other fantastic Snapdragon 8 Elite devices available. You might also choose the Kishi V2 for $100 instead of the $150 Kishi Ultra.

The BlackShark V3 Pro’s construction quality and comfort features are remarkable.

Gaming headsets are beginning to showcase more upscale designs and understated appearances, and this holds true for the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro. There’s no overt RGB lighting here — just a sleek design offered in white or black options. You get discreet Razer branding on the top of the headband and on the ear cups, which are replaceable and customizable. I tested the white model but believe the black variant is a bit more subtle.

The benefit of this kind of aesthetics is that you can wear the BlackShark V3 Pro in public without looking out of place. The headset’s boom microphone fits into the 3.5mm headphone jack and is removable. When detached, the BlackShark V3 Pro can blend in with all the other over-ear headphones available.

Returning to the premium aspect, the stitching on the leather headband looks and feels excellent. The ear cushions are composed of memory foam and feature a fabric covering, providing substantial comfort. While a leather or faux leather ear cushion might appear more luxurious, I believe fabric is more practical here, as it will better withstand sweat and will be easier to clean.

Instead of modifying the fit of the BlackShark V3 Pro through the headband, adjustment is done via a metal rod linking to the ear cup and audio assembly. Once you become accustomed to it, this feels simpler and more intuitive than traditional adjustment methods.

Comfort is a significant factor that leads me to believe you could use the BlackShark V3 Pro as your primary pair of wireless headphones. They are comfortable to wear, and the memory foam enhances comfort even during extended listening or gaming periods. They are not excessively bulky, especially for a gaming headset.

The BlackShark V3 Pro weighs 367 grams, which is lighter than the 385-gram AirPods Max, my reference point for heavy headphones. I would prefer a lighter pair for everyday use, but if Apple can manage it, so can Razer.

The sound quality and ANC exceeded my expectations.

Razer’s BlackShark V3 Pro impressed me with its audio performance and active noise-canceling features, particularly for a headset. When delving into the specifications, it isn’t particularly surprising. Razer utilizes custom 50mm drivers with bio-cellulose diaphragms and larger magnets, resulting in substantial sound, improved frequency separation, and enhanced sound imaging.

In simpler terms, the BlackShark V3 Pro possesses the audio technology needed to deliver excellent sound, whether you are gaming or enjoying music. For gaming, these components enhance your ability to locate enemy movements or hear a chest nearby. Conversely, while listening to music, these advantages contribute to creating a broad soundstage with a spatial essence.

Active noise-canceling may not surpass that of headphones from Apple, Sony, and Bose, but it is certainly adequate with the BlackShark V3 Pro. I successfully blocked out aircraft flying over my balcony while utilizing the

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How to Cut Costs by Up to $500 on a Highly Rated Android Tablet

Don’t overlook this opportunity.

(Image credit: Samsung)

Although Galaxy Unpacked has come and gone without any announcement of new tablets, the rumor mill for the Galaxy Tab S11 is only getting stronger. We still don’t have a confirmed date for the arrival of Samsung’s next flagship tablets, but what if I told you there’s an unbelievable offer on a prior Galaxy Tab model?

The Galaxy Tab S9 may be nearing two years old, yet it remains the last flagship Android tablet from Samsung of this size. This makes the Galaxy Tab S9 one of the finest choices available despite its age, and currently, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://shop-links.co/link?publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=ac-us-3860922455950827292&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.samsung.com%2Fus%2Ftablets%2Fgalaxy-tab-s9%2Fbuy%2Fgalaxy-tab-s9-128gb-beige-wi-fi-sm-x710nzeaxar%2F&article_name=Here's%20how%20you%20can%20save%20up%20to%20%24500%20on%20one%20of%20the%20best%20Android%20tablets&article_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.androidcentral.com%2Ftablets%2Fsamsung-galaxy-tab%2Fheres-how-you-can-save-up-to-usd500-on-one-of-the-best-android-tablets" data-url="https://www.samsung.com/us/tablets/galaxy-tab-s9/buy/galaxy-tab-s9-128gb-beige-wi-fi-sm-x710nzeaxar/" target="_blank" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" rel="sponsored noopener" data-hl-processed="hawklinks" data-placeholder-url="https://shop-links.co/link?publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.samsung.com%2Fus%2Ftablets%2Fgalaxy-tab-s9%2Fbuy%2Fgalaxy-tab-s9-128gb-beige-wi-fi-sm-x710nzeaxar%2F&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-google-interstitial="false" data-merchant-name="Samsung" data

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Filtered Insights on Galaxy S26 Ultra: Thinner Build and Improved Rapid Charging

A prominent leaker indicates that the Galaxy S26 Ultra is set for substantial enhancements overall.

What you need to know

– The Galaxy S26 Ultra may be reducing its thickness by over 1mm (below 7mm thick) and losing some weight.
– After years of featuring 45W charging, Samsung is reportedly aiming to align with Chinese competitors by introducing a potential 60W charging speed for the S26 Ultra.
– The forthcoming device might also present new anti-glare glass alongside a mysterious “CoE depolarizer” technology for improved brightness and clarity in outdoor settings.

Samsung’s forthcoming Ultra smartphone may not appear to be drastically different based on the current leaks, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra is evolving into an unexpectedly refined powerhouse underneath.

According to a recent report from @UniverseIce on X, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is anticipated to slightly reduce its hardware size. The leaker mentions that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will come in at less than 7mm thick compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 8.2mm.

It is also expected to lighten compared to the S25 Ultra, striving to be one of the thinnest and lightest flagship Android devices available. The display size remains unchanged, but the body might become marginally taller and broader.

What truly distinguishes it is the increase in charging speed. After adhering to 45W for a considerable time, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is projected to progress to 60W fast charging. If this materializes, it would represent the quickest charging speed ever on a Galaxy flagship, finally offering something to rival the speed set by competitors in China.

Same battery, enhanced performance

That being said, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is likely retaining a 5,000mAh battery. Internally, it is expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, although Samsung is also rumored to be evaluating its Exynos 2600 as a potential alternative.

Despite all the prospective enhancements inside, the exterior remains familiar. The S26 Ultra is rumored to maintain the same sharp corners, flat sides, and prominent quad-camera arrangement on the rear.

Additionally, the source states that the S26 Ultra’s display is receiving an upgrade with new anti-reflective glass and a technology called CoE depolarizer. Details about the CoE component are still limited, but the glass should minimize glare and enhance the screen’s brightness and clarity, especially in well-lit conditions.

Camera updates, not a transformation

For the camera system, the S26 Ultra is reported to incorporate Samsung’s latest ISOCELL HP2 (2026) sensor featuring a larger aperture for superior light absorption. It is also anticipated to include updated 3x telephoto and 5x periscope lenses, both with wider apertures as well.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra seems more like a careful refinement than a complete overhaul. Samsung is remaining loyal to effective features while finally introducing some much-anticipated enhancements, like faster charging. With a launch projected for early 2026, additional details should continue to emerge in the upcoming months.

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Samsung’s One UI 8 Update Might Disturb Custom ROM Aficionados

With One UI 8, Samsung appears to be discontinuing the bootloader unlock feature on its Galaxy devices.

Samsung’s One UI 8 may stealthily eliminate bootloader unlocks on your favorite Galaxy smartphones once it transitions to the stable channel, indicating a move towards stricter control over user modifications beneath the surface.

One UI 8, designed on Android 16 and launched in tandem with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, appears to lack the “OEM Unlocking” option in the developer settings. This feature was essential for installing custom ROMs, and its absence, according to a post on the XDA Forum, suggests Samsung is reinforcing its position on device customization (via SammyGuru).

Previously, Samsung restricted bootloader unlocking to U.S. models, but that limitation seems to be expanding globally with One UI 8. As per the XDA Forum post, the OEM Unlocking option is absent on international Galaxy devices as well, indicating that bootloader access may now be completely blocked universally.

Upon investigating the bootloader configuration, the post’s author discovered a new line: androidboot.other.locked=1. This flag directly obscures the “OEM Unlock” option in settings. When set to 1, the option vanishes, preventing users from even initiating the bootloader unlock process.

No more U.S.-only restrictions

That line, which was previously confined to U.S. models, has now appeared in One UI 8 builds for regions outside the U.S., indicating that Samsung’s bootloader lock is no longer region-specific, but likely a global standard.

Numerous Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 owners, including those outside the U.S., have verified that the “OEM Unlocking” option is absent, as mentioned by SammyGuru.

Samsung’s stable release of One UI 8 also seems poised to further secure recent flagship devices by eliminating the bootloader unlock option, effectively closing off any opportunities for custom ROMs or kernel modifications on newer Galaxy flagships.

This alteration significantly impacts Android power users and developers. Unlocking the bootloader serves as the gateway to various deep customizations, such as custom ROMs, tailored kernels for enhanced performance or battery efficiency, and root access for comprehensive control that far exceeds what stock software permits.

Most casual users are unlikely to even notice this modification, as very few venture into developer settings, let alone require an unlocked bootloader.

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Comparison between Garmin Venu X1 and Venu 3: Should You Upgrade Now or Hold Out for Venu 4?

The Garmin Venu X1 and Venu 3 signify two unique strategies within Garmin’s smartwatch collection, addressing varied user preferences and requirements. The Venu X1 is a distinctive, premium variant that departs from Garmin’s conventional style with its expansive squircle screen, providing a visually engaging interface that enhances readability and information presentation. It boasts advanced features such as an LED flashlight, voice commands, and high-end software designed for diverse athletes, positioning it as a versatile option for those who prioritize screen quality and software functionalities. Nonetheless, its reduced battery life and elevated cost may discourage mainstream consumers.

Conversely, the Venu 3 aligns more with traditional Garmin aesthetics, known for its well-rounded design and functionality. It features a classic watch look with a durable two-week battery life, being a dependable choice for users who appreciate longevity and practicality. The Venu 3 offers vital features like ECG measurements and an additional button for shortcuts, delivering a comprehensive yet user-friendly experience. Although it lacks some of the sophisticated attributes of the X1, its cost-effectiveness and balanced features render it a formidable player in the mid-tier smartwatch sector.

Ultimately, the decision between the Garmin Venu X1 and Venu 3 hinges on personal preferences. The Venu X1 suits those pursuing cutting-edge display technology and extensive software functions, while the Venu 3 provides a more conventional and trustworthy option with remarkable battery life and essential features. Both products demonstrate Garmin’s dedication to fulfilling diverse user demands within the smartwatch industry.

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