Google is rolling out its November update for Googlebook, and it includes a handful of improvements to make the platform more reliable and less frustrating to use.

The biggest change is in how Googlebook handles memory used by its on-device AI services. Google has updated its NPU driver and optimized AICore memory management, freeing up 3GB to 6GB of system RAM, as per a Reddit post by Google's Mishaal Rahman. That’s a significant bump for laptops with 16GB of RAM, especially when jumping between a lot of apps and browser tabs.

Chrome should also behave better under heavier workloads. The update improves the way the system reclaims memory when background AI services conflict with browser processes, reducing the chances of unexpected tab reloads and crashes. I’m almost tempted to say the update is the kind of fix that arguably should have been in place before Googlebook launched, but better late than never.

The November release covers a wide range of hardware and software issues. Convertibles should no longer lose keyboard and touchpad input when you switch between tablet and laptop modes. Google has also fixed Zoom crashes using simulated backgrounds, filters, blur effects, and 3D avatars.

External displays get a little love, too. Now you should be able to play DRM-protected streaming content such as Netflix, rather than just seeing a black screen. USB microphones and multichannel audio interfaces should work as expected too. Bluetooth users can also get lower audio-video synchronization delays and more reliable reconnection for wireless mice.

Linux users and security get some love, too

Google hasn't forgotten about those who use Googlebook for development work. The Linux Terminal beta brings in a bunch of fixes, including more reliable shell sessions after sleep, better SSH port forwarding, and improved multi-window management. Google also fixed a memory leak when closing terminal tabs and made Linux VM updates less destructive, preserving user storage and custom SSH configurations.

Security is another part of the release. The Android security patch for November 1, 2026 resolves around 60 vulnerabilities. Google also updated the Linux 6.18 kernel and Ti50 security chip firmware, fixing unexpected restarts, boot loops, and noisy fans.

Google says the update is being rolled out gradually to supported models, including devices from Acer, ASUS, Lenovo, HP, and Dell. Owners can find it under Settings > System > System Update. You want the build number CL3B.260622.286.R2.

Early reactions on Reddit have been largely positive, with some owners already reporting smoother performance. That said, users are reporting issues, including Chrome spell check and notification syncing problems after waking from sleep.

Samsung is ending the week with the arrival of two major products in the U.S. Today (Nov. 6), the company announced that its latest trackers and earbuds are available for purchase.

Samsung said its next-gen tracker, the Galaxy SmartTag 3, features a "slimmer design" and long-range tracking. Additionally, Samsung revealed two new features: Place Notification and Movement Detection Alert. In a joint blog post, Samsung states Place Notification will alert users if "a tagged item moves in or out of a predefined area that they set."

The Movement Detection Alert is much simpler: Samsung states this warning system will inform users if their tagged item is moving. These features likely work in tandem with the SmartTag 3's Compass View. Samsung says this works up to 60 meters away, giving users "distance and directional guidance." The SmartTag 3's Location History helps users keep better tabs on where their tag (or tagged items) have been.

The SmartTag 3 connects to a range of devices, thanks to its cross-OS support and the Galaxy Find Network. The SmartTag 3 is available in the U.S. for $29.99 (single tracker) or in a four-pack for $99.

Today is also the day the Galaxy Buds On officially launch in the U.S. Samsung reiterates that the open earbuds are available for $229 at Samsung's storefront and retailers.

It's all here

Samsung announced the Galaxy Buds On late in October, teasing its forthcoming availability. These clip-on, open-ear buds see the company stepping into a new market. Each bud weighs 6.65 grams and wraps around the user's ear for comfort. Samsung states it uses "over 119 million ear data points" to refine the fit of the Galaxy Buds On. (What's an ear data point, we ask?)

Its post reiterates the device's TwinBoost Speaker. This is an automatic volume adjustment feature that alters your audio to match your surroundings. What's more, since these are open-ear buds, they feature Audio Leakage Reduction tech to keep what you're listening to private. As you'd expect, the Galaxy Buds On supports Google's Gemini Live with voice commands.

Users will also find Samsung's head gestures for answering calls, swiping through notifications, and silencing alarms.

It's been a while since the last wide fold rumor, but they're back — and Vivo is in the spotlight this time.

Recent rumors were set in motion on Weibo by tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS), who claims Vivo has continued developing a "wide fold" (via GSMArena). DCS claims Vivo's wide foldable take could land on the smaller side. Allegedly, the device could debut with a screen "under 6.5 inches."

Additionally, DCS claims Vivo is seeking a date in 2027 to release its wide foldable. This is certainly different. For comparison, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 (which has continued to gain popularity) features a 7.6-inch inner screen. Another comparison: the iPhone Duo also features a 7.6-inch screen. Vivo opting for a sub-6.5-inch screen would certainly make it more "compact" in a space that's trying to go a bit bigger.

But there's still a lot we don't know. DCS replied to one user, stating the majority of the hardware components have been "finalized." What's more, users don't appear phased by Vivo trying to go smaller. Many feel its internal components (its specifications, specifically) would carry the device.

An assortment of rumors

Several wide foldable rumors have circulated ever since Samsung's version took the market by storm. It was originally rumored that Vivo and Honor were developing wide-folding phones to compete with the South Korean OEM. Some claimed that Vivo could debut the device as the "X Fold 6," but that's not possible. Either way, this is the first taste of what could be possible for a Vivo wide fold.

We've seen other rumors concerning its would-be competitors, and Vivo is seemingly the only one going smaller. Honor's wide foldable rumors suggest it would feature a 7.6-inch internal display, a 5.5-inch cover, and a 7,000mAh or higher battery. Even OPPO's been in the rumors with a device sporting a 7.6-inch display, a 5.5-inch cover, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6.

There's a chance OPPO is looking to debut its take in Q1 2027.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out a new "Notify when left behind" feature for Bluetooth trackers connected to Android's Find Hub.
• The feature sends an alert when you move away from an item with a tracker attached, such as your wallet, keys, or bag.
• Apple has offered similar left-behind alerts through Find My for years, but Android is only now getting the feature.

Android's Find Hub is getting a pretty useful new feature that will notify you whenever you leave an item with a Bluetooth tracker behind.

Google revamped Android's Find Hub last year, introducing a new interface alongside the ability to track devices, Bluetooth trackers, and people in one place. Since then, we've also seen several new Bluetooth trackers arrive on the market, including the Moto Tag and Chipolo trackers. And now, Google is finally adding one important feature that has been missing from Find Hub until now.

As spotted by 9to5Google, Google has started rolling out a new feature called "Notify when left behind" for Bluetooth trackers connected to Android's Find Hub network.

What this feature basically does is send you a notification whenever you leave an item with a tracker attached to it behind. For example, if you have a wallet with a Bluetooth card tracker inside and accidentally leave it somewhere, Find Hub can notify you once you've moved away from that location.

Apple has offered similar functionality through its Find My network for quite a while now, but this is the first time we're seeing it arrive for Android's Find Hub trackers.

To enable the feature, open the Find Hub app, select your Bluetooth tracker, and then look for the Notify when left behind option in the tracker's settings. Once enabled, Find Hub should alert you whenever you leave that particular tracker behind.

For now, the feature appears to be limited to Bluetooth trackers rather than other devices like headphones. However, there's a chance Google could expand support to more device categories in the future.

It's a pretty nifty addition, especially if you're someone who frequently misplaces things like keys, wallets, or bags. And considering Apple has offered this functionality for years, it's good to see Google finally bringing it to Android's Find Hub as well.

OnePlus has put more of its Android 17 rollout on the calendar, giving owners of several older phones and tablets a clearer idea of when their next major software update will arrive. But the update also marks the end of OxygenOS as OnePlus transitions its supported devices to OPPO's ColorOS 17.

The latest rollout schedule, shared by OPPO's ColorOS Global account on X, confirms November release dates for six additional OnePlus devices. The OnePlus 13R is first in line, with its update scheduled to begin on November 5. The OnePlus 12 follows on November 17, while the OnePlus Pad 3 gets its turn a day later, on November 18.

Owners of the OnePlus Open won't have to wait much longer, either. The company's first foldable is scheduled to receive ColorOS 17 on November 24. Meanwhile, the Nord 6 and Nord CE 6 are expected to join the rollout on November 26.

OxygenOS is officially on its way out

The software transition is arguably more interesting than the rollout dates themselves. OnePlus and OPPO have shared software development resources for years, making OxygenOS and ColorOS increasingly similar. However, the Android 17 update makes that relationship official, with OxygenOS giving way to ColorOS on supported OnePlus devices.

ColorOS 17 is based on Android 17 and brings interface refinements, smoother animations, performance optimizations, and additional AI-powered features. OPPO is also pitching the software around smarter interactions and better continuity between devices.

More OnePlus devices are waiting for December

The November schedule isn't the end of the rollout. The OnePlus 11, OnePlus 12R, and Nord 5 are among the devices expected to receive the update in December. Another group of 13 OnePlus devices is scheduled for December and the first quarter of 2027, although individual release dates haven't been confirmed.

It should be noted that these are rollout start dates, not guarantees that every owner will receive the update immediately. Releases typically happen in stages, and regional availability can vary.

Samsung is expanding its One UI 9 rollout in the US, and owners of its rugged Galaxy XCover 7 Pro are next in line.

The Android 17-based update has begun rolling out to carrier-locked models, bringing a number of interface improvements, new privacy features, and upgrades to some of Samsung’s built-in apps. The unlocked models will take a bit longer, though, but the rollout is expected to reach them soon.

The update comes with firmware version G766USQUADZJ7, spotted by SamMobile, and was first rolled out in South Korea last month.

One of the more obvious changes is to the Quick Settings panel. One UI 9 gives users more customization options, so they can arrange quick controls to their liking. Samsung has also added a location privacy indicator to give users a better visual indicator when an app accesses their device’s location.

There are other improvements beyond the interface. For instance, the Samsung Notes app gets some upgrades that should make it more convenient to work with notes, and Samsung DeX also gets new features. The update also adds a dedicated Warranty and care section in Settings, offering a more accessible spot to find device support information.

Two major Android updates, with more security support ahead

The Galaxy XCover 7 Pro was launched with One UI 7 based on Android 15. The rugged phone now gets two major Android version upgrades with One UI 9. Samsung hasn’t been explicit about how many more major OS updates the device will get, though.

There is better news on the security front. Samsung has committed to providing seven years of security updates for the XCover 7 Pro, offering businesses and users who depend on rugged hardware an extended support period.

For the time being, eligible owners can check if the update is available by going to Settings > Software update > Check for updates.

What you need to know

• Warby Parker Q3 earnings call revealed that pre-orders for Samsung's Android XR glasses, Intelligent Eyewear, will begin "in one week."
• Pre-orders are set to begin on November 12 for the brand's "first collection."
• Recent rumors said Intelligent Eyewear could launch in mid-December, and the company's CEO and co-CEO mentioned the holiday season during the earnings call.

More details are coming to light from a place we didn't expect. Today (Nov. 5), Warby Parker held its Q3 earnings call, where it unveiled details about Intelligent Eyewear.

Through a press release, Warby Parker covered its Q3 earnings; however, it gave us a (very) good idea about when we'll see more of Samsung's Android XR glasses, Intelligent Eyewear (via 9to5Google). According to the company, pre-orders for these glasses will begin "in one week," which puts us at November 12.

Warby Parker states it will begin accepting pre-orders for the device on that date. It adds that this will be for its "first collection" and that it will "look forward to delivering customer orders during the holiday season."

The company's CEO, Dave Gilboa, and its co-founder/co-CEO, Neil Blumenthal, echoed the same phrase: "first collection." It gives the feeling that Warby Parker will continue its work with Samsung for another round—likely with a new design—in the future. That's purely speculative for now, so we'll have to see how the glasses perform.

However, we can't let something go: the company's CEO directly mentioned this holiday season, and we hope you know what we're about to bring up next.

Keep your eyes peeled

It was only three days ago that rumors surfaced about Android XR's Intelligent Eyewear release window. It was reported that Samsung was interested in launching its glasses in "mid-December." What's more, Intelligent Eyewear might release in South Korea and the U.S. only. Reports add that this could be done deliberately. Samsung might launch Intelligent Eyewear and focus on consumer reception.

These rumors went against what was said before. Intelligent Eyewear was originally rumored to launch in November; however, we've since been pushed back a month. This appears more likely now, given what Warby Parker's CEO said in the Q3 earnings call. Android Central went hands-on with Samsung's Android XR glasses, and it was evident that Samsung wants to change public opinion.

Intelligent Eyewear has style. That much is true, as Samsung partnered with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to design frames. Alongside Qualcomm's Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1, Intelligent Eyewear is designed to work in tandem with your Galaxy phone, not replace it.

The day is finally here, and we're wasting no time in introducing the Motorola Signature 27.

On Thursday morning, Nov. 5, Motorola announced the launch of the Signature 27, the company's true step toward a premium phone. The company gets started with its revamped display for the Signature 27. The phone comes equipped with a 6.8-inch Extreme AMOLED Duo with up to 12,000 nits of peak brightness. A screen like this goes beyond staying bright outdoors.

Motorola states users can experience "exceptional sharpness, contrast and precision" on a display that's 34% more efficient.

Internally, Motorola went after Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 SoC (this is a first for the company). What's more, gamers might migh find the brand's ArcticMesh cooling system in good faith. Motorola says it's roughly 40% larger in the Signature 27, meaning it'll help keep the device cooler over longer gaming sessions (or watching videos, scrolling, etc.).

What's truly turning heads with the Signature 27 is Motorola's extensive camera system.

Motorola touts this system as its "best ever," and it's certainly caught our attention. According to the post, the Signature 27 features a 50MP Sony LYTIA L910 primary camera. While this lens is said to excel at capturing rich colors and fine detail, the Signature 27's other lens, its 200MP periscope telephoto, is going above and beyond.

This periscope lens offers up to 100x zoom, powered by AI. Motorola states this tech will help "preserve natural color, sharpness and details even at extreme distances." Users will find various other zooms, ranging from 1x to 50x, before hitting 100x. Additionally, consumers will find a 50MP ultrawide lens and a 50MP selfie camera.

In its list of firsts, Motorola says it's integrated a "dedicated EVS action sensor" in the Signature 27. This EVS will capture moving subjects with better precision. However, Motorola says that when this works with Action Shot, users can "freeze motion" to capture the subject in pristine light and clarity.

Premium pricing, too

Aside from an influx of AI tools and features, courtesy of Google's Gemini Intelligence (think Rambler), Motorola says the Signature 27 will receive seven years of OS upgrades.

In the spirit of protecting our privacy (and our data), the Signature 27 fully supports GrapheneOS. Motorola says that it worked alongside the GrapheneOS Foundation when creating the Signature 27 to ensure the hardware could meet its demanding requirements. This announcement is a brief teaser, as Moto says it will reveal more in the future.

Motorola revealed this a couple of months ago, but the Signature 27 features Audio by Bang & Olufsen. It reminds us that this multi-year partnership will bring audio that carries more weight in a redesigned speaker structure. The Signature 27 rocks a 7,000mAh cell with 90W wired fast charging. Protecting the device is its military-grade aluminum frame (MIL-STD-810H) and IP68 and IP69 ratings.

Motorola states the Signature 27 will launch officially on November 26 for $1,599. Consumers will find the device available in PANTONE Coal Smoke and Capulent Olive.

What you need to know

• Rumors from overseas claim Honor is working on a phone battery between 14,000 and 15,000mAh.
• The tipster claims the Chinese OEM is already testing such a battery, and its main feature could be its "guaranteed" ability to last a full week on a single charge.
• Honor stepped down a battery-focused route in 2025, stating it would increase its phone battery capacities with silicon-carbon tech.

Word is that Honor is working on a phone with a huge battery that's also incredibly efficient.

Earlier this week, Digital Chat Station (DCS) posted a few supposed details on Weibo about a future Honor phone's battery (via Android Headlines). According to the tipster, Honor is developing a phone battery between 14,000 and 15,000mAh. DCS states the Chinese OEM is currently "testing" a battery with such an increased capacity. However, it looks like Honor is also trying to ensure the battery remains efficient with low user demand.

Rumors add that this battery could be "guaranteed" to last a full week on a single charge. DCS states this could be the "main feature" of the phone's battery. The tipster replied to user comments, adding that the device (and likely the battery) won't be overly large. So, there's a chance Honor is working on upgrading its silicon-carbon battery technology even further than what we've experienced.

As if it needed to be said, these totals are massive. It feels like Honor wants to place a mini power bank inside a phone. Recently, the company debuted the Magic 9 Pro Max. It marked the start of Honor's shift toward a more cinematic approach with its ARRI partnership. Aside from that, the phone features an 8,800mAh silicon-carbon battery. Honor's been increasing its battery capacities over the years, and this phone is no exception.

The company states the Magic 9 Pro Max supports 100W wired SuperCharging and 80W wireless charging. These have been classics for it over the past few launches, and if this rumor is true, we might expect more of this.

Honor has huge battery plans

A year ago, Honor detailed a stronger focus on phone batteries. We've seen much of this thus far. At the time, the company said it was developing 7,020mAh-7,200mAh batteries for its flagships; however, we've seen that pushed to over 8,000mAh with the Magic 9 Pro Max. Even the company's mid-ranges were said to find a place between 8,200mAh-8,400mAh.

All of this comes off the back of its silicon-carbon tech. We reviewed these details, discovering that Honor's tech will have "higher density." In short, it keeps the hardware smaller (thinner) while increasing its total capacity. It's a great way to not make overly bulky phones, but still make good on what consumers want: bigger batteries. The folks at Android Headlines reminded us of another Honor device: the Win RT 2 gaming phone. That phone offers a 12,070mAh battery. Hearing this rumor that pushes things to 15,000mAh at the highest, maybe it's not too far-fetched.

What you need to know

• All four Galaxy S27 models have reportedly appeared in an import-export database, revealing their expected chipsets.
• The Galaxy S27 Pro could use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 instead of the more powerful Extreme variant found in the Ultra.
• The Galaxy S27 Pro could feature a 6.5-inch display, sitting between the 6.3-inch S27 and 6.9-inch S27 Ultra.

We're slowly inching toward the new year, which means it's almost time for Samsung's next-generation Galaxy S flagship phones. And now, a new leak suggests that the upcoming Galaxy S27 Pro could miss out on Qualcomm's most powerful flagship chipset.

Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S27 lineup in Q1 next year. As leaked renders have already revealed, the company appears to be taking some inspiration from Apple's iPhone, with the Galaxy S27 Ultra reportedly moving away from its familiar vertical camera layout in favor of a horizontal camera plateau.

There's also expected to be one more addition to the Galaxy S27 lineup in the form of the Galaxy S27 Pro. The new model will reportedly bring several Galaxy S27 Ultra features, including Privacy Display, to a smaller form factor without the S Pen. However, it looks like the Pro could still fall behind the Ultra in one important area: the chipset.

As spotted by Notebookcheck, all four Galaxy S27 models have reportedly appeared in the NBD import-export database. The listings mention the Galaxy S27, Galaxy S27 Plus, Galaxy S27 Pro, and Galaxy S27 Ultra, alongside details about the chipsets expected to power them.

According to the listings, the Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27 Plus will be powered by Samsung's own Exynos 2700 chipset. The Galaxy S27 Ultra, meanwhile, is expected to use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 processor. That's not particularly surprising, considering Samsung has traditionally reserved Qualcomm's most powerful flagship chipsets for its Ultra models.

What's interesting, however, is that the Galaxy S27 Pro is reportedly listed with the regular Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 rather than the more powerful Extreme variant.

When Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series earlier this year, the company introduced two versions of its flagship chipset, one with the Extreme branding and another without it. The Extreme variant sits at the top of Qualcomm's lineup, offering clock speeds of up to a whopping 5GHz.

But it looks like the Galaxy S27 Pro could miss out on that top-tier processor. Instead, Samsung may use the slightly lower-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, although the chipset is still built on the same 2nm process architecture.

One possible reason could be thermal management. Since the Galaxy S27 Pro is expected to offer many of the Ultra's features in a smaller body, Samsung may have opted for a slightly lower-clocked chipset to keep temperatures under control. However, that's just speculation for now.

The base Galaxy S27 will reportedly retain its 6.3-inch display, while the Galaxy S27 Plus will continue with a 6.7-inch screen. The Galaxy S27 Ultra is expected to feature the same massive 6.9-inch display, while the new Galaxy S27 Pro could sit somewhere in between with a 6.5-inch panel.

That would make the Galaxy S27 Pro a pretty interesting addition to Samsung's flagship lineup, especially for people who want some of the Ultra's features without carrying such a large phone.

Of course, we're still a few months away from the Galaxy S27 series launch, and plenty could change before Samsung makes everything official. But if this leak turns out to be accurate, the Galaxy S27 Pro may not be quite the smaller Galaxy S27 Ultra that some buyers were hoping for.

What you need to know

• Motorola could revive its Moto One lineup after nearly five years, with a new device appearing in the WPC database.
• The leaked Moto One looks similar to the Motorola Edge from 2025, with curved edges and a familiar rear camera design.
• The phone reportedly supports Qi2 wireless charging through EPP, but won't feature built-in magnets for accessories.

Motorola could be bringing back its Moto One smartphone series after nearly five years.

While all eyes are currently on the Motorola Signature 27, which is shaping up to be one of the company's most ambitious flagship smartphones in years, Motorola is also working on other devices behind the scenes. And now, according to a new leak, the company could be preparing to revive its Moto One lineup.

In case you don't remember, Moto One was a series of smartphones Motorola introduced back in 2018 that ran Google's Android One software. Android One was Google's attempt to bring a cleaner, near-stock Android experience to budget and mid-range smartphones, alongside more consistent software updates. However, the lineup eventually disappeared after a few generations.

Now, it looks like Motorola could be bringing the Moto One name back. As spotted by Notebookcheck, a new Moto One smartphone has appeared in the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) database. The listing also includes an image of the device, which looks eerily similar to the Motorola Edge from 2025.

As seen in the image, the phone appears to feature a curved display along the left and right edges, alongside Motorola's familiar camera housing in the top-left corner of the back.

Interestingly, the WPC listing also reveals that the new Moto One will support Qi2 wireless charging, although there's a catch. The phone reportedly supports the Extended Power Profile (EPP) rather than the Magnetic Power Profile (MPP).

This means that, similar to several Samsung Galaxy smartphones, the Moto One won't have built-in magnets for attaching Qi2 accessories. Instead, it'll support Qi2 wireless charging without native magnetic attachment.

Previous leaks have revealed that the Moto One could be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, a previous-generation high-end processor, alongside up to 12GB of RAM.

For now, Motorola hasn't confirmed whether the Moto One name is actually making a comeback or when the device might launch. But considering the phone has already appeared in the WPC certification database, there's a chance we could hear more about it fairly soon.

I’ve been using Google Messages long enough to appreciate a good interface refresh, but I’m not sold on every redesign making an app better. Google’s latest attempt to give pinned conversations more room on the home screen appears cleaner at first glance, but it also takes away some of the convenience that made the old layout practical. And judging by the early feedback from beta testers, I'm not the only one with mixed feelings.

As spotted by a few Reddit users, Google Messages is giving pinned chats a more prominent place on its home screen, and the new interface is beginning to roll out to beta testers.

The redesign features a dedicated space for pinned conversations above the regular message list, instead of the smaller pinned entries with large contact pictures. It is a more visual way to find favorite conversations, and there is no denying that it changes the look of the app. The layout is also a lot like Apple's iMessage, and that might appeal to users who like a cleaner, more spacious look.

The new design looks better, but takes up more space

I’m concerned about what gets sacrificed in the process. With larger contact photos, recent conversations will appear lower on the screen, and you’ll have to scroll more to get to messages that aren’t pinned.

Some Reddit users welcomed the change and said pinned conversations are easier to spot now and the interface looks better overall. Others are not convinced, arguing that the iOS-inspired layout makes the top of the app feel cluttered.

Another user also pointed out an awkward empty pin placeholder that appears when there are only a couple of pinned conversations. The original poster says that eventually adding more pinned chats makes that empty space disappear. The user also suggested that the limit might be six convos.

Google is also changing how search works

Google is also experimenting with a new search experience. The app moves search out of its normal location and instead puts a floating action button next to the “Start chat” button. Depending on your scroll position, it alternates between a circular magnifying glass and a pill-shaped search button. Where the Gemini shortcut will ultimately end up is still unclear.

The rollout is proving to be as patchy as the early feedback. Some users running the beta version of Google Messages 20261030_00_RC00 have received the redesign, while others haven’t. The original poster said that he got the new interface on a Pixel 9 Pro without any additional Play Store updates, suggesting that Google is controlling availability through server-side changes.

There are also smaller complaints. Some testers have complained about choppy animations, and some have seen different interface changes on their devices.

Google has not set a stable release date. I would love to see a visual refresh, but I'd prefer to see an option to switch between compact and expanded pinned chats. A messaging app should be about making conversations easier to reach, not burying them under big shortcuts. There is still time for Google to get that balance right.

What you need to know

• Qualcomm announced that it's inked a deal with SpaceX to begin creating a 5G Starlink mobile network, with plans to debut in 2027.
• Qualcomm states it views this deal as a chance to build "world-leading cellular infrastructure" in the U.S. to advance 5G with SpaceX.
• It's worth remembering that, a week ago, T-Mobile reportedly denied becoming wireless partners with SpaceX's Starlink network.

Qualcomm announced major next steps in a partnership with SpaceX for a mobile network that's eyeing a 2027 debut in the U.S — not to mention plans for a next-gen,, AI-native 6G network.

Qualcomm will help SpaceX build a "high-capacity 5G" network that's "built for scale," the company announced Wed., Nov. 4. To achieve this, Starlink Mobile will reportedly utilize Massive MIMO radio units. Qualcomm explains this technology will bring "advanced antenna capabilities to its terrestrial network." Without getting too technical, Qualcomm states this tech is necessary to improve Starlink's mobile coverage and efficiency to handle its network traffic.

All of this will be done under Qualcomm's Dragonwing Cellular Infrastructure platforms. The press release states that SpaceX selected this particular branch of Qualcomm, seeking out its Dragonwing QRU100 and QDU100 platforms, as well as its Layer 1 software.

"Together with SpaceX, we are building world-leading cellular infrastructure in the United States, advancing 5G today, with an opportunity to lay the foundation for AI-native 6G in the years ahead," said Durga Malladi, EVP and GM at Qualcomm. The company briefly touched on this future 6G network, stating that partnering with SpaceX helps fuel that "broader vision."

While there are still some unknowns about this deal, Qualcomm told Reuters that this "is our biggest 5G deal yet." Qualcomm has reportedly been interested in expanding its reach into mobile networks, as Reuters states it already assists with 5G networks overseas in Japan and Vietnam.

A week ago, T-Mobile said "no"

This announcement comes at an interesting time. It was a week ago that we had a different conversation about a similar topic. SpaceX reportedly approached T-Mobile with its 5G network ambitions, but was turned away. T-Mobile reportedly told the company that there was "no room" for an MVNO deal. The cellular network effectively drew the line at helping SpaceX develop its own 5G network, turning it into a "wireless partner."

It was reported that "Such a deal would let SpaceX offer wireless services on top of T-Mobile's existing cell network, paving an easier route into the U.S. mobile market for the satellite company." However, CEO Srini Gopalan said T-Mobile evaluates partnerships based on distribution channels, the ability to open new addressable markets, and more.

In Gopalan's eyes, SpaceX's Starlink network wouldn't have done that. We're now on the flip side of this, where Qualcomm says the opposite.

What you need to know

• Rumors on social media suggest Samsung has started testing One UI 9.5 on the Galaxy S26 series, as early builds surface.
• Builds were spotted for the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, with tipster wondering if an official Beta Program could begin later in November.
• Recent rumors claim One UI 9.5 could introduce a glass design approach to Galaxy phones, similar to Apple's Liquid Glass.

We've had delays upon delays for One UI 9; however, rumors continue in November about Samsung's next major OS beta.

Recently, tipster Kailash on X posted a discovery that could indicate an impending beta for Samsung's next One UI beta for Galaxy phones (via SamMobile). The tipster claims that they found early test builds for One UI 9.5 for the Galaxy S26 series. Versions S948BXXU6ZZK3, S948BOXM6ZZK3, and S948BXXU6CZK3 reportedly concern the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra.

Kailash points out that the "bootloader has changed." The S26 series jumps from "U5" to "U6" in the test versions. There's also speculation that Samsung's internal tests are ongoing, meaning we could see a proper Beta Program, where users can start signing up, "soon."

Tipster Tarun Vats also spotted these early beta builds, furthering speculation that we're on the cusp of another beta marathon. It's hard to discern any features in One UI 9.5 from builds alone; however, a few rumors touched on this before.

Get your phones ready

Tipsters on X speculate that the One UI 9.5 beta could start in late November. That lines up with what we've heard before. It's also been assumed that One UI 9.5 won't officially debut until April or May 2027. We hope this next version doesn't face the same onslaught of delays Samsung's previous updates experienced.

Currently, rumors suggest One UI 9.5 could introduce "shiny edges and visual depth" to Galaxy phones. Of course, we're talking about a take on Apple's Liquid Glass. Rumors claim a glass aesthetic is Samsung's next focus. Many elements are reportedly shinier or blur when placed over other objects in the UI. What's more, a tipster supposedly spotted "subtle backdrop shading" for that "visual depth" we mentioned before.

Additionally, App Lock was rumored to return in One UI 9.5, securing apps behind a password, biometric, or other verification method.

I don't think any smartphone has ever been quite as polarizing as the iPhone Duo. After years of waiting for Apple's first foldable, the result is a phone that borrows some lessons from its Android counterparts, ignores plenty more, and feels like Apple is still figuring out what customers actually want from a foldable. Yet, despite some questionable decisions, I can't put it down. That contradiction is what makes the iPhone Duo so fascinating.

My verdict hinges on one factor I think many hardware comparisons overlook: the hidden superstar of Apple's developer ecosystem. It's both a blessing and a curse for Apple's first foldable, but in very unequal proportions. There will be short-term pain as developers, Apple, and users figure out what's possible, but the long-term gain could be enormous.

Objectively, the iPhone Duo gets plenty right, and Apple's choices seem unnecessarily complicated in places, especially since Android manufacturers have spent almost a decade solving many of the same problems. As someone who uses iOS and Android side by side, I appreciate the desire for consistency across Apple's ecosystem. But consistency shouldn't come at the expense of functionality, and some of Apple's decisions feel like an attempt to reinvent solutions that already work.

And yet, I keep reaching for it. Its utility alongside my other Apple devices is difficult to overstate, and the polarizing D-shaped design has grown on me considerably. In fact, it might be my favorite form factor for one-handed use. That's quite a turnaround from my initial reaction. My first 15 seconds with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 told me I loved it; the iPhone Duo took considerably longer. But the destination was the same, and that's an important lesson: unless a design is fundamentally flawed, living with it can change your perception in ways a hands-on session never will.

The inner display is another example. Here, I think Apple has pulled an absolute blinder. The nano-texture layer doesn't just make the crease less distracting; it transforms the screen's entire feel. There's a welcome friction under your fingertips that reminds me of reading on an Amazon Kindle or using TCL's NxtPaper displays. It's wonderful for reading, scrolling, and typing, and makes the experience feel easier on the eyes without compromising brightness. After two weeks, I haven't had a single concern about visibility on either display, even in challenging conditions.

Then comes the inevitable question: is it worth $2,000 or more? That depends almost entirely on what you want from it. For me, the value isn't simply having a folding screen. It's being able to progress coding sprints, access my Mac remotely, and keep working from virtually anywhere in the world, even on airplane Wi-Fi. It's the pocket-friendly, always-connected folding iPad I've wanted for years, though it could benefit enormously from some iPadOS-inspired software capabilities. It finally brings a level of multitasking and utility to an iPhone that changes how I use it. For me, that's worth the asking price, and the reactions from others I've shown it to suggest I'm not alone.

Apple has at least given its first attempt some reassuring foundations. IP68 dust and water resistance, a weight that's only around 50 grams heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the reassurance of AppleCare all help make the compromises easier to live with. But this is still a first-generation product, and Apple's approach will inevitably evolve. Samsung has had years to refine its foldables, and Apple is starting that journey considerably later. There is plenty of catching up to do, and I expect the next generations to be even slicker.

Ultimately, the iPhone Duo might be Apple's most divisive iPhone yet, but dismissing it for what it gets wrong misses what makes it so compelling. Like every first-generation foldable, it charts a different path, makes compromises, and delivers a novelty that established designs simply can't replicate. More importantly, Apple's ecosystem gives it room to grow in ways that extend far beyond the hardware: developers will discover new experiences, users will find new workflows, and missing features will gradually be replicated or surpassed.

The iPhone Duo isn't the perfect foldable, and it doesn't need to be. It's a glimpse of what happens when Apple's ecosystem finally meets a folding iPhone. There are plenty of reasons to wait for the second generation, but after two weeks, I know one thing: I don't want to put this one down. It might not be perfect for everyone, but it's pretty damn close to perfect for me.

Price & Availability

One of the biggest surprises about the iPhone Duo is its starting price: $2,000 in the US and £2,000 in the UK. That's for the 256GB model, and surprisingly, it's lower than I expected.

All the rumors leading up to launch suggested a record-high price, or at least a higher starting point than the competition. Instead, the iPhone Duo seems relatively well-priced by comparison. It's $100 more than the similarly sized Galaxy Z Fold 8, but $200 less than its taller sibling, although both of Samsung's foldables are currently available with sizable discounts.

Of course, 256GB is less storage than Samsung's double-your-storage launch promotion offers, and it falls short of the 512GB included with the Motorola Razr Fold, which starts at $1,899.99. Even accounting for any perception of an Apple tax, the premium seems surprisingly modest. By most comparisons, the iPhone Duo is fairly priced.

But how does it compare with Apple's own lineup? The iPhone Air is perhaps its closest match in terms of specifications and premium novelty, starting at $1,099. The new iPad mini costs $799, with a further $100 premium for the nano-texture finish. Put those together, and you're spending just $1 less than the iPhone Duo. It's hardly a scientific comparison, but it makes an interesting point: you're getting elements of both devices in one pocket-friendly package. If you were already planning to buy both, the iPhone Duo starts to look like a compelling proposition. I'd argue it's better value than its price tag might initially suggest.

The reactions from people I've shown it to largely support that. Three fellow passengers expressed genuine admiration; two immediately saw the utility and said they'd buy one for entirely different reasons, while the third felt it was simply out of her price range. Three small business owners I showed it to wanted one almost instantly, particularly after seeing how it could transform the way they run their businesses. I even encountered a brave parent who said they'd buy one, although with a six-year-old at home, that struck me as a rather bold investment!

Plenty of carrier deals are also worth considering, with all the major US carriers offering substantial trade-in credits to bring the cost down. Ten days after launch, the iPhone Duo is still sold out online, with deliveries pushed back until late January. In-store availability continues to fluctuate faster than a politician changes their stance.

Everyone should copy the iPhone Duo’s nano-texture screen

There, I said it: Apple’s implementation of nano-texture is so enjoyable that I hope every foldable manufacturer copies it. Apple wasn’t the first to bring nano-texture to consumer devices, but its implementation on the iPhone Duo is a genuine differentiator, and for reasons that go well beyond the specifications.

The first is visibility. Apple seems to have understood something important about foldable screens: it’s not necessarily the crease depth that matters, but how much you notice it. The Oppo Find N6 might have the shallowest crease of any foldable, but the iPhone Duo’s nano-texture finish makes its crease far less distracting in everyday use. Apple hasn't eliminated the compromise; it's made it easier to forget.

The same philosophy applies to the under-display camera. Frankly, it isn't very good, but that's almost beside the point. Most of the time, you forget it's even there because it blends so seamlessly into the screen. It's a trade-off I’m happy to make: a less intrusive camera and a less noticeable crease, even if neither is technically the best implementation available. Sometimes the better experience isn't the one with the better specifications.

Beyond that, the display itself is excellent. The nano-texture finish covers a 7.6-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel, which is a lot of letters to describe the premium screen you'd expect at this price. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness in bright conditions. The unusual 1.42:1 aspect ratio is particularly interesting for multitasking, allowing two vertical apps to sit side by side. Or, as we'll explore later, it lets Apple retain a side rail while dividing the remaining space into two smaller iPhone-like experiences. The 5.4-inch cover display retains a similar aspect ratio and many of the same premium characteristics, albeit without the nano-texture finish.

Over the past two weeks, I've used the iPhone Duo on planes, trains, and automobiles, both at home and abroad, and one thing has become abundantly clear: both displays are a joy to use. I haven't encountered any brightness or visibility concerns, regardless of the conditions. There have been reports of display failures, as there are with other foldables, but it's too early to draw meaningful conclusions about their frequency or long-term durability.

Ultimately, this is the big iPhone display, or pocketable folding iPad, I've been waiting for. The specifications are impressive, but what makes it special is how little you notice the technology getting in the way.

A decidedly non-flagship, non-Pro iPhone camera

For a $2,000 phone, the iPhone Duo has a surprisingly ordinary camera system. It's not bad, far from it, but it's a clear reminder that even Apple's first foldable comes with compromises, and cameras are among the biggest.

Foldables have always involved trade-offs, particularly when it comes to camera hardware. The smaller passport-style designs are even more constrained by space, which helps explain why Samsung and Apple have opted for two rear cameras rather than three. But Huawei and Xiaomi have already demonstrated that you can fit a triple-camera system and a sizable battery into a similarly compact foldable. It's clearly possible; Apple has simply chosen different priorities, and I suspect most Western manufacturers will continue down the two-camera path for now.

In everyday use, the iPhone Duo's cameras are good, but rarely great. Like the iPhone Air, it lacks a capable dedicated zoom camera, and while the 2x in-sensor crop on the main sensor helps, it's no substitute for a proper telephoto lens. You're not buying the Duo for its cameras. That said, photos at standard focal lengths are more than good enough for most situations, and the foldable design brings its own advantages. Using the rear cameras for selfies, with the cover screen doubling as a viewfinder, is particularly useful.

The 48MP main and ultrawide cameras match those in the iPhone 17, with the main camera also serving as the iPhone Air's sole rear shooter. These aren't old or outdated sensors, and they deliver results broadly comparable to the equivalent cameras in the iPhone 17 Pro. But they fall short of the more advanced 48MP variable-aperture system in the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. The distinction matters: you're getting capable, modern iPhone cameras, just not Apple's best.

The selfie cameras tell a similar story, although there's an interesting twist. The 4MP under-display camera on the inner screen works for video calls in good lighting, but its quality drops quickly in challenging conditions. Treat it as a convenience feature, not a camera you'd choose for anything important.

Far more useful is the 12MP Center Stage camera above the cover display. Although it has a lower resolution than the 18MP selfie cameras on Apple's other recent iPhones, it retains the clever square, multi-aspect sensor. That means you can capture portrait or landscape photos and videos without physically rotating the phone. Combined with the Duo's flexible hinge, it's particularly handy for hands-free video calls in tent mode.

Ultimately, the iPhone Duo's camera system is perfectly capable, but it's difficult to call it flagship-worthy at this price. Apple has prioritized the folding experience over photographic versatility, and while that's a compromise I can live with, anyone expecting Pro-level photography from a $2,000 iPhone should look elsewhere.

Great battery life and efficiency

If you've been fearing the iPhone Duo's battery life, fear no more: it's excellent. In fact, despite having a battery capacity similar to its closest Samsung rival, it lasts several hours longer in my testing.

Apple doesn't officially disclose battery capacity, but estimates put it at around 4,883mAh, split between both halves of the phone, as is typical of foldables. If accurate, that's slightly larger than the 4,800mAh battery in the similarly sized Galaxy Z Fold 8, although both pale in comparison to the 6,000mAh battery inside the Xiaomi 18 Fold.

The difference is in endurance. With mixed usage, the iPhone Duo consistently lasts around 13–14 hours, compared with roughly 11 hours for the Galaxy Z Fold 8. That's a substantial improvement from a battery that's only marginally larger, and likely reflects Apple's software optimizations and the efficiency of its C2 modem, although isolating their individual contributions would require further testing.

It's much closer to the larger Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which manages 14–15 hours with its 5,000mAh battery. The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold trails at around 12 hours, while the Motorola Razr Fold also delivers roughly 14–15 hours. I haven't finished testing the Xiaomi 18 Fold, but none of these devices match the Oppo Find N6 or Honor Magic V6, both of which have achieved around 18 hours in my testing.

Apple has also made an interesting engineering trade-off. Unlike several Android manufacturers, including Samsung, which adopted silicon-carbon battery technology for the first time with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, Apple has stuck with conventional lithium-ion cells. The Duo is approaching the practical capacity limits of that technology within this form factor, so Apple appears to be relying on efficiency and a slightly thicker chassis to deliver competitive endurance. Given the results, that's a trade-off I'm happy with.

Charging is similarly reassuring. The iPhone Duo supports up to 60W wired charging, although thermal constraints prevent it from sustaining that peak. Using a MacBook Pro charger and an Apple USB-C cable rated for 60W, I recorded 43% charge in 15 minutes and 68% after 30 minutes. That's competitive with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and most other foldables I've tested, although the Duo appears to reduce charging speeds earlier and falls slightly behind some rivals by the half-hour mark.

There's also support for 25W magnetic wireless charging, complete with built-in magnets and Qi2.2 compatibility. It's a welcome convenience, particularly on a foldable where built-in magnetic alignment isn't always a given.

Ultimately, I have zero complaints about the iPhone Duo's battery life or charging. This is where the benefits of Apple's thicker design become particularly clear: you're trading a little sleekness for excellent endurance, fast charging, and everyday convenience. If Samsung takes a similar approach with the presumed Galaxy Z Fold 9, particularly by adding built-in magnets, I'd have very few complaints.

Apple nailed the iPhone Duo hardware in a few key ways

There's something particularly interesting happening with Apple's recent iPhones: the company has made enormous strides in battery life and connectivity. Bigger batteries explain some of that progress, but a handful of less obvious hardware decisions are making just as much difference.

Two of the most important are the Apple C2 modem and N1 wireless networking chip. The former is Apple's second-generation in-house cellular modem, replacing the third-party solutions it previously relied on. Having tested both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo extensively, I've noticed one particularly meaningful improvement: network connections feel considerably more stable and reliable.

It's a difference that's hard to appreciate from a specifications sheet but immediately noticeable in daily use. My iPhone 18 Pro delivered substantially better battery life than the iPhone 17 Pro on the same networks, and I've seen similarly impressive endurance from the Duo. The C2 modem likely contributes to that efficiency, while the N1 brings more of Apple's wireless connectivity hardware under its own control. Together, they represent an increasingly important advantage, although separating their individual contributions would require more controlled testing.

Then there's the A20 Pro chip, which is absurdly powerful. The iPhone Duo flies through everything I've thrown at it, without a single noticeable slowdown or stutter. More importantly, that performance enables experiences that distinguish it from a conventional iPhone, including driving the cover and inner displays simultaneously. It's not simply about benchmark scores; it's about having the headroom to make a folding iPhone feel effortless.

Not every hardware decision is quite as successful. The earpiece sits above the cover display, and I've repeatedly found myself misaligning it with my ear when answering calls. Perhaps it's muscle memory from using larger phones, but I didn't encounter the same issue as often with the Galaxy Z Fold 8. I usually have AirPods in anyway, so it's hardly a dealbreaker, but it's worth mentioning if you frequently make handheld calls.

iPhone Handoff makes me want to own two iPhones

Finally, there's iPhone Handoff, and this might be one of Apple's most underrated new features. On supported carriers, it lets you seamlessly transfer your active SIM connection between two iPhones as you switch devices. My UK carrier, EE, supports it, and moving between the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo has been remarkably slick. It's the sort of experience that feels quintessentially Apple: a complicated technical process made almost invisible to the user.

Everything important already syncs between my iPhones, but Handoff removes one of the last remaining inconveniences of using two devices. I no longer need a separate SIM or mobile plan for each phone; my connection simply follows whichever one I'm using. If you want the iPhone 18 Pro's cameras and the Duo's folding versatility without juggling multiple numbers or subscriptions, this makes that combination far more practical.

Apple hasn't nailed every aspect of the iPhone Duo, but the combination of reliable connectivity, effortless performance, and seamless device switching makes a compelling case for the hardware choices it has made. These aren't necessarily the features that sell a phone in a store, but they're the ones that make you appreciate it every day.

iOS, Apps & The Apple Ecosystem

Here's where the iPhone Duo positively outshines every other foldable: Apple's ecosystem, and specifically the developer relationships it has spent nearly two decades cultivating. The company that popularized the mobile app store was always going to lean on third-party developers to unlock new experiences for its first folding phone. That strategy is both its greatest advantage and, at least initially, a double-edged sword.

Apple's developer ecosystem is its hidden superstar

At launch, relatively few apps were optimized for the Duo. Black bars, awkward layouts, and wasted space were particularly jarring on the large inner display in portrait orientation, and Apple understandably received plenty of criticism. But the situation is already changing rapidly. Less than two weeks after launch, with millions of devices still awaiting delivery, more than a thousand apps have reportedly been optimized for the Duo's unusual form factor.

I've also spoken with several developers behind apps I use regularly, and many told me that delayed device deliveries have prevented them from fully exploring what's possible. Crucially, though, they already have substantial updates planned, including features designed specifically around the Duo's folding screen.

This is what makes Apple's approach so compelling. It has built the framework and handed developers a new canvas on which to experiment. There are already playful examples that let you make toasties, pour a drink, or play Battleship, alongside a growing number of genuinely useful optimized apps.

There's also an interesting knock-on effect: as developers rethink their interfaces for the Duo, some of those improvements could eventually benefit Android foldables through cross-platform apps. Of course, the reverse is already true in places. British Airways, for example, works particularly well on Android foldables, while its iPhone Duo app remains poorly optimized. Apple's ecosystem has enormous potential, but that doesn't mean it's ahead in every individual app today.

Multitasking is limited, but fundamentally different

Then there's multitasking. Finally, we have an iPhone that can properly run two apps at once, and Apple has adopted an iPad-like split-view layout. As expected, though, it's a fundamentally different experience from Android multitasking: inferior in several ways, but arguably better in one particularly important respect.

Let's start with the limitations. You can't resize the split between apps; it's an even, side-by-side division or full-screen, with nothing in between. There's no advanced window management, floating apps, or support for more than two simultaneous applications. By comparison, the Xiaomi 18 Fold can run six or more apps in independently resizable windows. If flexibility is your priority, Android remains comfortably ahead.

But here's where Apple has done something clever: multitasking on the iPhone Duo isn't really about running two apps side by side. It's about turning one large screen into two iPhones running side by side.

Each half effectively behaves like the Duo's cover display, allowing you to run an app on one side while continuing to use your phone normally on the other. That includes interacting with the home screen and widgets, rather than being locked into two active applications. It's a subtle distinction, but one that makes the experience feel immediately familiar to anyone who already uses an iPhone.

And it works. I use multitasking extensively on the Duo, particularly when cross-referencing information between apps or keeping one task visible while working on another. I'd still love the flexibility Android offers, but Apple's approach makes a surprising amount of sense for its existing interface.

Eventually, more capable AI assistants might make some of these manual workflows unnecessary. Siri has improved significantly, but I still find myself using it far less than the AI features on my Android devices, and we're nowhere near that future yet.

For now, the Duo offers a distinctive compromise: less freedom than Android, but a familiar, genuinely useful multitasking experience that feels designed around how people already use their iPhones. It's another example of Apple prioritizing consistency over flexibility, and while I don't agree with every limitation, I can see why it made that choice.

The iPhone Duo is my favorite first-generation foldable

This will come as no surprise: I love the iPhone Duo. It's far from the perfect foldable, and it has many of the quirks you'd expect from a first-generation device, but it's also one of the most thoroughly enjoyable phones I've ever used.

Apple's ecosystem plays a huge role in that, particularly the developers who build experiences you simply can't find elsewhere. But there's also the wonderful nano-texture display, the surprisingly useful form factor, and, yes, the sheer novelty of a folding iPhone. Some of that novelty will inevitably wear off, but for now, the Duo feels every bit as special as Samsung's first foldable did at launch, or as the passport-sized Galaxy Z Fold 8 did more recently. The iPhone 18 Pro is a better phone, but the iPhone Duo is a better experience.

Apple could have made plenty of different decisions, and I've spent much of this review explaining where I wish it had. Yet, somehow, its first foldable has become my favorite iPhone ever.

That's the distinction that matters most to me. Like the larger display of the iPhone 6 or the all-screen design of the iPhone X, the Duo represents a meaningful shift in how an iPhone looks and feels. But unlike those transitions, its larger folding screen offers possibilities that should continue expanding as developers discover what to do with it.

Of course, you should never buy a phone solely for its future potential. The iPhone Duo is already an excellent all-around device today, albeit one with obvious trade-offs and a price that demands serious consideration. It's improving with every passing day, and I expect that evolution to continue for years.

I have no regrets about buying it. You might decide its compromises aren't worth the asking price, and that's entirely reasonable. But for me, the Duo has done something few phones manage anymore: it's made using an iPhone feel genuinely exciting again.

What you need to know

• Next-gen foldable rumors suggest Samsung's cameras on the Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra could remain the same on the Fold 9 and Fold 9 Ultra.
• If true, the Fold 9 would retain the same 50MP primary and ultra-wide lenses, while the Fold 9 Ultra would see similar 200MP primary, 50MP ultra-wide, and 10MP telephoto lenses.
• Rumors from October suggest Samsung could "double the number" of foldables next year with a "Galaxy Z Slide," TriFold 2, and a Fold 9 Pro.

We're still enjoying our time with the Galaxy Z8 series; however, a recent rumor about the next-generation models throws doubt on a specific upgrade.

Over on X, tipster WalleGalaxy claims Samsung might not develop any worthwhile camera upgrades for its next foldables (via SammyGuru). The tipster claims Samsung could retain the same dual-camera array specifications on the Fold 8 for the Fold 9 in 2027. If true, that means consumers are in for the same 50MP primary and ultra-wide camera lenses.

The post didn't share anything about the phone's selfie cameras. The Fold 8 features a 10MP internal and cover display lens.

Regarding the Fold 9 Ultra, rumors speculate that Samsung could continue with the same 200MP main lens, 50MP ultra-wide, and 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom. A user in the comments brought up an important topic: DC dimming. Samsung's displays aren't really the "gold standard" we'd like them to be. However, a recent rumor suggests the Galaxy S27 Ultra could take eye strain more seriously. Hopefully, if it bears fruit, maybe we'll see it on the next foldables.

Only getting started

There's no hiding that the rumors are just getting started. A rumor from mid-October said Samsung could "double the number of phones" available for its next Galaxy Z series in 2027.

Allegedly, Samsung is working on a Galaxy Z TriFold 2 and a Galaxy Z Fold 9 Pro. We have something to base our imagination on with another trifold, but the "Fold 9 Pro" is a wildcard. What's more, those same rumors said Samsung could finally debut its long-conceptualized slideable phone. You'd have to step into a time machine to remember this one. At CES 2025, Samsung Display showed off the "Slidable Flex Duet" and "Solo." These were slideable phones that would go from a "regular" sized phone to almost tablet size.

For those wondering what Samsung could do with a TriFold 2, rumors suggest a "more durable," thinner, and lighter design.

What you need to know

• Google will disable Gemini and other AI tools by default for K-12 student accounts starting in 2027.
• Schools can manually enable individual AI services, but disabling AI will also remove access to Google Search.
• Schools that enable AI will get "Guided Learning" tools designed to help students solve problems instead of giving direct answers.

Google has announced a major policy change that will disable access to its AI tools, including Gemini, Gemini Notebook, and Gemini Classroom, by default for K-12 student accounts.

Google has been pushing AI tools into pretty much every product it offers for a while now, but there have also been growing concerns about how these tools affect the learning process, especially for younger students.

And now, in a bid to give schools more control over AI use, Google announced on Tuesday that it will disable access to Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini Classroom, and even Google Search by default for K-12 student accounts (via The New York Times).

School administrators will still have the option to enable these services individually if they want, but they'll remain disabled by default starting in 2027.

The catch, however, is that schools won't be able to completely block Google's AI tools while keeping access to regular Google Search. Google says AI is now so deeply integrated into Search through features like AI Overviews and AI Mode that disabling AI will also mean losing access to Google Search altogether.

Chris Phillips, Google's vice president of education, told The New York Times that Search and AI are now deeply integrated. He added that schools choosing to disable Google's AI features will also lose access to Search, with students instead seeing a message explaining that the service isn't available through their school.

For schools that do decide to enable AI, Google is also introducing a new "Guided Learning" experience within Gemini and Search. Instead of simply giving students direct answers, the feature is designed to walk them through problems step by step, helping them understand how to arrive at the answer rather than just copying it.

Google says the policy change is intended to give schools more choice over which services students can access, allowing administrators to enable or disable tools based on their requirements.

But there's a pretty big contradiction here. On one hand, Google says it's giving schools more control over AI in classrooms. On the other, schools that don't want students using AI Overviews or AI Mode will also have to give up regular Google Search.

So, schools are technically getting more control over Google's AI tools, but only if they're willing to lose access to one of the most widely used search engines in the process. And that seems like a pretty strange way of giving schools more choice.

More than 80 Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices are receiving HyperOS 4 worldwide, and this update is much more than just a new interface.

Xiaomi will start a global stable rollout in November 2026 and the company has split the eligible devices into three waves, as per its post on X. The first list includes the Xiaomi 17 and 15 series, Redmi Note 17 and Note 15 families, POCO F8 and X8 lineups, and Xiaomi Pad 8 tablets.

The second wave will kick off in mid-November, and will include the Xiaomi 15T series, POCO F7 and F9 families, Xiaomi Pad 7 and several Redmi and POCO tablets.

The update for older hardware will arrive in December and will include the Xiaomi 14 and 13 series, the Xiaomi MIX Flip, Xiaomi 13T lineup, Redmi Note 14 family, and POCO F6 series. These are launching dates, not set install dates, so availability will be region-specific.

HyperOS 4 gets a glassy treatment and more

Building on the core foundations of Android 17, Xiaomi engineered this update around a brand-new "Soft Light Glass" aesthetic. It's a new UI with translucent panels, redesigned notifications, customizable lock screens, flexible app folders, and stacked widgets. Xiaomi also promises improved floating-window support and smoother animations.

Its performance claims are of particular interest. Xiaomi claims that HyperOS 4 cuts down the overall launch time for 30 apps after 9 hours of usage from 40.3 seconds to 36.8 seconds, which is an 8.7% jump over HyperOS 3. Camera performance also sees an improvement with HDR photo capture dropping from 313.38 milliseconds to 240.16 milliseconds. Xiaomi also claims fewer dropped frames while playing video.

Xiaomi hands its AI assistant a larger role

HyperOS 4 will feature Super XiaoAi 2.0 based on Xiaomi’s MiMo large language model. The assistant can also do more complex tasks such as searching photo libraries, organizing schedules, controlling supported smart home devices, and even identifying products from things shown on screen.

Xiaomi is also beefing up privacy protections, such as requiring confirmation prompts for sensitive actions like deleting or sharing data. Its Super Island feature now supports over 130 services.

Some of these capabilities are still limited to supported devices and China-specific software versions. But HyperOS 4 looks like a much bigger upgrade than a cosmetic refresh, and its global rollout should reveal how much of Xiaomi's AI ambitions actually make it to international users.

What you need to know

• Samsung announced that its upgraded Sleep Apnea feature has been cleared in the U.S. by the FDA and in South Korea by the MFDS for the Galaxy Ring and Watch 9.
• The feature is now rolling out in the app, bringing deeper insights about any breathing disruptions for users to present to a doctor if necessary.
• Samsung revealed during Unpacked this summer that Sleep Apnea was headed to the Galaxy Ring, making it the "first and only" smart ring to feature it.

Samsung has been working to improve its Sleep Apnea detection while navigating the necessary government procedures. Today (Nov. 3), Samsung says the feature has been cleared.

In a Newsroom post, Samsung announced that its "upgraded Sleep Apnea" detection software has cleared the FDA in the U.S. and the MFDS in South Korea. This is crucial because Samsung's Sleep Apnea software was cleared for the Galaxy Ring. According to the post, the company has become "the first company in the world to bring sleep apnea risk detection on a smart ring."

Regarding what's changed, Samsung says it's increased the level of depth of Sleep Apnea insights provided to users. In the Health app, users will see the level of breathing disruption experienced the night before. The company intends for this to help users better identify how severe their underlying condition could be before seeking medical attention.

As this form of detection arrives for Galaxy Ring users, Samsung reminds them that they only need "two nights of monitoring within a 10-day period." After that, they should begin seeing Sleep Apnea insights in the app. Preventative Care features will continue to expand to more Samsung devices.

This upgraded Sleep Apnea detection is rolling out today (Nov. 3) in the Health app for the Galaxy Watch 9 (and Galaxy Ring) with Wear OS 7 or higher. What's more, Samsung says the Galaxy Watch 7 and 8 are eligible; however, those users need to wait for a software update. Samsung didn't give a date, so we'll have to wait for now.

Long road of approvals

This was a huge announcement during Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked this past summer. During the keynote, the company announced that Sleep Apnea was headed to the Galaxy Ring. This would mark the device as "the first and only" smart ring to offer such capabilities. Samsung said the feature would arrive "this fall," and we've now seen that here in early November.

Sleep Apnea is an incredibly important medical condition. Samsung has been down a long road of approvals, dating back to 2023 when the MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) in South Korea approved it for the Galaxy Watch. Consumers in the U.S. had to wait until 2024 before the FDA finally cleared it. However, it didn't actually arrive on a Galaxy Watch 2025—long road, right?

What you need to know

• Peak Design has introduced what it calls the world's first Qi2.3-certified magnetic power bank with a built-in kickstand.
• The 5,000mAh power bank supports 15W wireless charging on battery and up to 25W when connected to external power.
• Peak Design's new accessories start at $65, with a lifetime guarantee and additional battery performance coverage.

Peak Design today introduced a new Qi2.3 magnetic power bank alongside several other charging accessories that put some of the first-party accessories from brands like Samsung and Google to shame.

Peak Design, the brand popularly known for its backpacks and everyday carry gear, has slowly been expanding into mobile accessories as well. And today, the company unveiled its latest lineup of charging accessories, bringing some pretty interesting features that go beyond what first-party brands like Google and Samsung currently offer.

One of the most interesting products announced today is the Kickstand Travel Battery, which Peak Design says is the world's first Qi2.3-certified wireless power bank. It packs a 5,000mAh battery and supports up to 25W wireless charging.

The magnetic power bank delivers up to 15W wireless charging when running on its internal battery, but that increases to 25W when you plug it into a power source. It also features a built-in kickstand, making it easier to prop up your phone while charging.

The Kickstand Travel Battery starts at $99.95 and comes in two colors, Moon and Black. It's already available to purchase.

In addition to the power bank, Peak Design has also introduced a new 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Station. It features two equally capable Qi2.2 charging pads, each supporting up to 25W wireless charging. There's also an additional port on the side for charging another accessory.

What's particularly interesting about the charging station is that it folds completely flat, making it much easier to pack and carry while traveling.

Peak Design has also unveiled the Dual Slim Charger, a GaN charging brick that's just half an inch thick while still delivering up to 65W of charging power. You can use it to charge a laptop and smartphone simultaneously, and its slim design makes it easier to carry around without taking up much space in your bag.

The company has also introduced new Ultra Strand USB-C cables in 60W and 240W configurations. The higher-end 240W version supports USB4 data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps.

In terms of pricing, the 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Station starts at $99.95, while the Dual Slim Charger is priced at $65.

It's also worth noting that all of these accessories are backed by Peak Design's lifetime guarantee, while the battery products come with an additional two-year battery performance coverage.

What you need to know

• Google has confirmed a battery drain bug affecting a small number of Pixel Watches, with a fix already rolling out.
• Some Pixel Watch owners reported battery life dropping to around 12 hours, even when the watch was barely being used.
• Google says users should update all apps through the Play Store on their Pixel Watch to receive the fix over the coming days.

If you've been experiencing severe battery drain on your Pixel Watch lately, Google has confirmed that a fix is already rolling out.

It's not uncommon for Google Pixel devices to run into software issues every now and then. Recently, Pixel 11 Pro users reported problems with video recording when Video Boost was enabled, while others have also faced issues with Google Photos.

And now, it looks like a bug affecting Pixel Watches has been causing unusually high battery drain as well. Thankfully, Google has confirmed that a fix is on the way.

In a statement today, Google confirmed that a battery drain bug affected a "small number of devices" and that a fix has already started rolling out (via Android Authority). The company says the rollout should be completed over the next couple of days.

To get the fix, Google says you'll need to update all the apps installed on your Pixel Watch through the Play Store. To do this, open the Play Store app on your Pixel Watch, scroll to Manage apps, and then select Update all to install any pending app updates.

It's worth noting that the issue wasn't limited to any particular Pixel Watch generation. Instead, reports suggest the bug affected multiple generations of Google's smartwatch, with some users experiencing battery life dropping to just around 12 hours, even with minimal use.

Google hasn't revealed exactly what was causing the excessive battery drain or which app or background process was responsible. But thankfully, the company has now started rolling out a fix, which should reach affected devices over the next couple of days.

So, if your Pixel Watch has suddenly started losing battery much faster than usual, make sure you've updated all the apps on the watch itself. And if the issue continues, it's worth checking again over the next few days as Google completes the rollout.

Google has taken down a huge Android malware operation that turned over 1.3 million Android TV boxes into weapons for cyber criminals.

The company revealed that the operation was performed by Videostrong Technology, a device maker that has been accused of intentionally putting a hidden backdoor on its products and selling access to criminal affiliates.

The malware, dubbed XCPE or x.cpe, was directly embedded in the firmware of Android TV boxes sold under different brands. Google’s Threat Intelligence Group said that Videostrong developed the backdoor as a business, not letting it slip through accidentally. Criminal partners could use infected devices to generate fake ad views, reroute internet traffic through unsuspecting homes, and install more malware.

A backdoor that gives criminals control of your TV box

Google is particularly concerned about XCPE because it runs with Android system-level privileges. It connects to remote command-and-control servers, enabling attackers to silently install applications, execute shell commands, take screenshots, and collect device information.

Google also found that the malware could collect account information, application lists, and system logs. Some operators even used the ability to remotely access the devices to capture keystrokes and establish reverse shells.

Just removing the malware application isn’t enough, though. The backdoor can restore itself from a protected firmware partition on every device reboot. It can also affect Google Play Protect by changing the security settings, making it much more difficult to detect and remove.

The most common way the infection spreads is through Android TV boxes, but researchers also saw XCPE on other Android-based devices such as karaoke machines, telehealth equipment, and digital signage systems.

Google cuts off Videostrong and its criminal partners

Google worked with Japan’s National Police Agency, Lumen, HUMAN Security, Plume, Synthient, and TrendAI to take the operation down. Its complaint targeted command servers operated by Videostrong, as well as the infrastructure behind more than a dozen other families of malware.

The company also banned Videostrong and future subsidiaries from making certified Android devices or supplying software to certified manufacturers.

The disruption could spread even further. Disabling the command infrastructure used by criminal affiliates will cut off access to at least 10 million more compromised devices infected through different distribution channels, Google figures.

Infected Android TV boxes might need replacing

There is a catch for consumers, however: the takedown does not automatically remove XCPE from impacted hardware. According to security researchers, users should identify potentially compromised devices, disconnect them, and consider replacement rather than relying on an ordinary app uninstall.

Google also tightened its firmware integrity checks and manufacturer vetting process after it found that Videostrong used obfuscation to load malicious code after a device initially booted up.

What you need to know

• New rumors suggest Samsung could launch Intelligent Eyewear, its Android XR glasses, in December.
• The latest murmurings add that the company could also launch them in South Korea and the U.S., while also evaluating consumers' reception.
• Previous rumors said Intelligent Eyewear would debut in November.

There's been talk about Samsung's Android XR glasses for months now. Recently, a report claims to have discovered (once again) when they might launch.

A post by ChosunBiz (Korean) claims that Samsung's Intelligent Eyewear could launch in two major markets closer to Christmas 2026 (via 9to5Google). According to its sources, Samsung has allegedly "confirmed" that its Intelligent Eyewear will debut in "mid-December" in South Korea and the U.S. Samsung will reportedly view both of these regions critically before bringing the product to more places.

The company will supposedly "monitor initial demand and user reactions" in South Korea and the U.S. once the glasses launch. The publication touches on another missing aspect: pricing. We've been going round and round about its purported price; however, these rumors state nothing's set in stone.

Samsung is reportedly still considering the final price point for Intelligent Eyewear ahead of its launch next month (if this is to be believed).

So, we're still a month away...?

There are a few things to talk about, but first things first: the old expected launch window. At the top of October, rumors suggested Samsung was interested in launching Intelligent Eyewear in November. It was exciting at the time, despite this only being a rumor. However, the latest round has scrubbed that out in favor of a December launch. With so much back and forth, it'll be wise to take this with a grain of salt.

Regarding the supposed price, rumors suggest Samsung could price Intelligent Eyewear "reasonably." These aren't our words. In July, Samsung said Intelligent Eyewear could see a "reasonable" premium price; however, it'll likely sit above Meta's $300 Ray-Bans. The glasses are positioned as an extension of your Galaxy phone, not a replacement.

Users can control the glasses through gestures on any compatible Galaxy Watch, alongside photo capture. On the other hand, we have Intelligent Eyewear's official reveal, showing off its Warby Parker and Gentle Monster designs and more.

What you need to know

• Xiaomi confirmed on social media that it will debut it 18 Pro series globally in November.
• The company has yet to specify an exact date; however, this is what users have been waiting on since the series debuted in China in September.
• High prices are been rumored for the series' global launch, and there's a chance the battery capacities could dip.

Xiaomi's starting November with an announcement many users have been waiting for since the 18 Pro series launched.

Late this weekend, Xiaomi announced that it's preparing a global debut of its 18 Pro series (via GSMArena). We've known this was coming; however, Xiaomi hadn't said when. In a post on X, the company revealed that the 18 Pro series will launch in November. Xiaomi was also curious about which market users were excitedly waiting for the phones to debut in, and many shouted for India, Japan, and even the U.S.

This announcement, while exciting, lacks a critical piece of information: the date. The Xiaomi 18 Pro series launched late in September, but all we had was the expectation. Xiaomi said the 18 Pro series would launch globally, albeit at a "later date." More information was to come, and now November is confirmed.

It's worth following up on Xiaomi's official confirmation with a little spice. There were rumors about the 18 Pro series' global pricing that are drawing attention. The Xiaomi 18 Pro is rumored to start at €1,449 (~$1,622) for its 12GB/256GB configuration, and €1,649 (~$1,846) for 512GB of storage. What's more, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max could start at €1,849 (~$2,070) for its 12GB/512GB model.

These prices are incredible and would certainly take the "flagship killer" moniker out of the equation. Rumors continue, stating Xiaomi could also downgrade its battery once these phones go global. The Pro could dip to 6,000mAh, while the Pro Max could drop to 7,050mAh. For context, these are 1,000mAh (or more) drops from what Chinese consumers received in September.

It was an exciting launch...

The Xiaomi 18 Pro series was long-awaited, especially since the company's president said the rear displays would remain. The 17 series shattered sales, and Xiaomi wanted to ride the high of that popularity. In terms of launch, the 18 Pro series also debuted its take on the privacy screen. Xiaomi took things a step further than what Samsung did with the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

The 18 Pro series features location-based triggers for its privacy display. The phones will automatically hide sensitive information from alerts, such as banking notifications, floating windows, and more. The rear displays on these phones have been upgraded, too. Not only are they slightly bigger, but Xiaomi has integrated Xiao, its AI, mini-app creation, timers, and reminders.

What you need to know

• Google is running an experiment with developers to bring a status bar to a future major Wear OS update.
• This status bar for watches will mirror its capabilities on Android, meaning users will find status icons for connectivity, their location, and more.
• Google recently introduced standalone earthquake alerts to Wear OS, removing the necessity for users to always have their phone paired.

Google is developing a smartwatch feature that looks awfully familiar to Android users.

On its Developers Blog, the company posted details about its next major Wear OS update: Wear OS 8 (via 9to5Google). To preface, Google says it wants to solve an issue with Wear OS that it didn't with OS 7. The post explains that Wear OS 7 "did not render a system status bar over application windows." Essentially, apps consumed your entire watch face.

However, with Wear OS 8, Google says it's testing a "status bar" at the 12 o'clock position on smartwatches. In this test, the test notes say Wear OS will "render a status bar over application windows at the 12 o'clock position to display the time and status indicators." While this is a change developers must prepare for, Google states this status bar change will facilitate "visual consistency" across the software.

Since this status bar will be present no matter what app you open, it says users can enjoy "a uniform clock typography" and more. What's more, similar to Android, a status bar on Wear OS will display key details, such as status icons (think location or connectivity status).

Google's early preview in the Wear OS 7.1 Beta Preview Emulator will also highlight the status bar's "transition coordination." In layman's terms, if you're scrolling on your watch, the status bar will disappear for a couple of seconds before returning once you're done. Developers are getting started with this via the Android Studio Preview (Android Canary).

Wear OS continues to evolve

While we're in the realm of Wear OS, Google expanded earthquake alert capabilities for the software earlier this year. Now, all users need is their Wear OS watch, and they'll receive important alerts about potential earthquakes. However, the most important announcement we were waiting on was Wear OS 7, which rolled out in June. Better battery life is always welcome in Wear OS; however, Google started turning watches into a command center for everything you'd need.

Increased device integration was a major highlight. Users can control media playback across a range of devices now, and transfer audio, too. Gemini Intelligence was discussed for "select" Wear OS 7 models this year. Google was preparing to introduce "Create My Widget," which allows users to generate personalized dashboards for their watches.

Motorola is not holding back with its next flagship. The upcoming Motorola Signature 27 is shaping up to be a real contender with a Tandem OLED display offering a claimed 12,000 nits of peak brightness, alongside a 200MP periscope camera and Qualcomm’s latest flagship processor.

Motorola has started to spill enough details to make Galaxy and Pixel owners sit up and take notice as the phone's launch date draws nearer. The company recently partnered with YouTuber Danny Winget for an early hands-on preview, and we got a closer look at the phone’s design and specifications. The biggest talking point is a 6.8-inch Extreme AMOLED Duo display with a 120Hz refresh rate and jaw-dropping 12,000-nit peak brightness.

For context, that’s significantly more than the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 2,600-nit peak brightness and the Pixel 11 Pro XL’s 3,600 nits. The panel is based on Tandem OLED technology, which stacks two layers of organic LEDs to enhance brightness, contrast, and power efficiency. That said, peak brightness numbers aren't necessarily what you'll see in regular use.

A camera system with serious ambitions

Under the display, the Signature 27 is equipped with a quad-camera setup led by a 50MP Sony LYT-910 sensor with LOFIC technology, as well as a 200MP periscope telephoto camera with up to 100x zoom and a 50MP ultrawide shooter. You also get a dedicated Action sensor designed to capture fast-moving subjects with more clarity.

Inside is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chip paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. Motorola has also bumped up the vapor chamber by 40% to better deal with heat during demanding workloads.

The phone ships with Android 17, and it will get software updates for seven years. The dual speakers are tuned by Bang & Olufsen, and the two finishes are Capulet Olive and Coal Smoke.

The price could be its biggest obstacle

Motorola has not yet announced the battery capacity, charging speeds, storage options, or official pricing. But recent retailer leaks suggest that the 512GB model could be priced at $1,800.

The Motorola Signature 27 is set to release on November 5. That leaves the remaining question of whether its impressive specs will come with a sensible price tag.

Samsung is about to kill another built-in Galaxy feature, and this time it's the news feed that many users probably haven't noticed anymore.

In a confirmation from the company spotted by SamMobile, the Samsung News app will be discontinued on December 21, 2026, at 00:00 UTC — leaving Galaxy phone and tablet owners bereft of one of the platform’s familiar ways to catch up on daily headlines.

The shutdown will affect more than just the Samsung News app. Its home screen widget will no longer get updated with new content, and the media page you can access by swiping right from the leftmost home screen will be gone.

Samsung has already begun sending shutdown notices to users in India and South Korea, urging them to remove the widget before the service is discontinued.

Samsung will also erase all user data related to the service after the shutdown. This includes personal information, account profiles, and personalization settings. Some information may be kept temporarily, as mandated by local law, but Samsung says it will be deleted eventually.

Samsung News is not new. It launched in April 2023, succeeding Samsung Free, and continuing a surprisingly long line of shuttered news-feed services. Samsung Free replaced Samsung Daily in 2020 and Bixby Home replaced Samsung Daily in 2019. That's quite a few rebrands for something that ultimately ended up on the chopping block.

So, what comes next? Samsung hasn’t announced a direct replacement, but Google Discover is a likely candidate. The service is already available as an alternative on Galaxy devices, so this is a convenient option if Samsung chooses to simplify its software experience.

While these confirmed shutdown notices are for India and South Korea, owners in other markets should be watching for similar announcements, rather than assuming their regional service will disappear on the same schedule. In any case, it seems Samsung’s native news experience is headed for its final headline.

Samsung’s next entry-level flagship is undoubtedly on the horizon, but if you were hoping for a major charging upgrade, you might want to temper your expectations.

UL Solutions (Demko) in Denmark recently filed regulatory documents confirming that the upcoming Galaxy S27 will be stuck at the same 25W wired charging speed that we've seen since 2020. According to the listings in the database dated October 23, there are various regional variants of the SM-S952 model family for the US, Europe, Japan, and South Korea, all rated for 9V DC at 2.77A, TheTechOutlook reports.

That comes out to around 24.93W, or basically you get 25W charging again. That’s Samsung’s usual charge limit for its base Galaxy S models, and it’s the same number as on the Galaxy S26.

The Galaxy S27 appeared in Demko’s database with two certificates, DK-187425-UL and DK-187435-UL. There are ten model numbers for the listings, including SM-S952U, SM-S952U1, SM-S952W, SM-S952B, SM-S952N, and more. Therefore, it doesn’t seem like Samsung is restricting faster charging to select markets.

The competition is not standing still

The bigger problem is the length of time Samsung has stuck with this spec. The regular Galaxy S series has had 25W wired charging since the Galaxy S20 launched in 2020. That’s a long time to leave a flagship feature virtually untouched, especially when Chinese smartphone makers are already offering charging speeds two or three times faster.

The rest of the Galaxy S27 family, at least, could be more interesting. Previous listings of Chinese 3C certifications suggest that the Galaxy S27 Plus could offer 45W charging, while the Galaxy S27 Pro and S27 Ultra may reach speeds of up to 60W. The reported Ultra upgrade isn’t a huge leap, but those numbers would make the premium models better off.

Samsung could somewhat make up for it with better power efficiency. The regular Galaxy S27 reportedly features the Exynos 2700 for most parts of the world, with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 version supposedly coming to the US. Being more efficient might help the battery last longer, but it won't charge the phone any faster.

Do note that the latest certifications don’t reveal wireless charging speeds or confirm the phone’s battery capacity. Samsung has yet to officially announce the Galaxy S27, so these specs are unconfirmed. But if the 25W ceiling holds up through launch, consumers might be waiting another year for Samsung to catch up.

OPPO could be planning a big change for its next flagship camera.

The upcoming Find X10 Ultra is reportedly being tested with MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 Pro, a move that would take the Ultra series away from Qualcomm’s top-tier Snapdragon chips. But don’t write off Qualcomm just yet: Another configuration with Snapdragon silicon is said to be in development as well — and it may still be the one that hits the market.

The latest news comes from Weibo tipster Smart Pikachu, who says OPPO is testing the Dimensity 9600 Pro alongside custom imaging algorithms. The algorithms are said to be designed to work with OPPO’s Lumo True Image Engine, which is an indication that the company wants to hold onto its camera-processing abilities no matter what chip it ultimately settles on.

The potential switch makes sense on paper. The Dimensity 9600 Pro is built on TSMC’s 2nm process and consists of two C2-Ultra cores running at up to 4.55GHz and six performance cores. OPPO has already confirmed this processor for the Find X10 Pro Max, so it’s a natural fit for the Ultra.

But Smart Pikachu says the version running on Snapdragon, which is going to be Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, is now more likely to come.

There’s more to this phone than just its processor, however. Leaks in the past suggest an ambitious camera setup, including a 200MP main camera with a 1/1.12-inch sensor and Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor (LOFIC) technology, cutting-edge camera sensor tech that dramatically increases dynamic range and prevents highlight clipping, according to DPReview. There's also a second 200MP periscope telephoto camera, as well as a 50MP periscope lens that offers 10x optical zoom. There are also said to be plans for a front camera with 100MP.

If OPPO opts for MediaTek, the Find X10 Ultra and Find X10 Pro Max could share the same flagship SoC. That would put the pressure on OPPO to differentiate its more expensive Ultra model based on its camera hardware and imaging capabilities, rather than raw chipset specs.

The Find X10 Ultra is expected to be released in China in the first half of 2027. OPPO has not confirmed the handset or its final hardware configuration yet, so there is still plenty of time for plans to change. Qualcomm has the edge for now, but MediaTek has earned a seat at the table.

What you need to know

• Nothing announced that its OS 5.0 update (Android 17) is rolling out today (Oct. 30) for the Phone 3a and Phone 4a series.
• The update brings a hefty changelog of fixes and tweaks to the phones, and there's a little more in store for the cameras on the Phone 3a.
• The Phone 3 received its update in mid-October, and Nothing once again states it's deploying a "staggered" rollout, so not everyone will see it simultaneously.

Another round of testing has concluded for Nothing's Android 17 update, and two more phone series are receiving the full update to end the week.

In separate community posts, Nothing announced that its OS 5.0 update (Android 17) is rolling out to the Phone 3a and Phone 4a series. Right off the bat, Nothing informs users that this is a "staggered" rollout. Not everyone will see it at the same time, as many users in the replies are noticing. Some have received it, but the majority are still waiting, especially many who were in the beta.

There are a few notable camera differences in what's rolling out to the Phone 3a and Phone 4a. The patch notes state the Phone 3a series is receiving "Enhanced video creation with support for Filters and Tuning, and Dual-view Video." In addition, these cameras get "tuning with seven adjustable effects and a reset option" and upgraded editing presets.

For the Phone 4a, Nothing says these devices can now "record with the front and rear cameras simultaneously" with Dual-view Video. Both the 3a and 4a phone series have been granted a refreshed camera UI with updated controls, feedback, and animations as well.

Essential Voice on the Phone 4a receives an update to its transcription capabilities, as it becomes "faster with reduced latency." The Phone 4a Pro follows closely with additional updates for the base Phone 4a in Android 17.

Have you gotten the update?

As we presumed earlier this month, the Nothing OS 5.0 update is rolling out for the Phone 3a and 4a series after the Phone 3. Mid-October was when Phone 3 users got their hands on the major update, which includes deeper phone customization, improved Essential AI tools, a Glyph Interface app, and a brand-new typeface, Geist. There's quite a lot to cover about Nothing OS 5.0, but those are a few highlights.

Regarding the new typeface, Nothing says Geist is "cleaner and easier to scan." Essential AI got some TLC on the Phone 3, mirroring what's rolling out for the Phone 4a and Phone 4a Pro. Not only have real-time transcriptions taken a step up, but so have its Smart Collections. Nothing says Smart Collections can now "suggest and organize content for you automatically."

What you need to know

• Strava announced that it's rolling out a Connected Apps experience with Google's Gemini for subscribers.
• Once connected, users will receive details about their progress and uncover new insights through Gemini's integration with their running data.
• A major Strava update brought AI Performance Prediction to subscribers, which requires at least 20 tracked activities before it can begin.

Strava is starting to roll out new ways for users to interact with their wellness data by joining forces with Google Gemini.

In a press release, Strava announced that users can enjoy a Connected Apps experience in Google's Gemini beginning this week. Subscribers can connect their Strava account to view their "progress and uncover insights." The company adds that Gemini will personalize its answers based on your Strava data.

Strava runs users through a few examples, stating they can ask if they're "getting faster at the same heart rate." The post states Gemini will compare your heart rate and speed across your "volume, consistency, and mix of sports." What's more, Strava's Gemini integration can break down your racing performance per mile.

Strava has rolled out recent updates for its Gemini integration, too. According to the post, users can ask Gemini if the weather was why they felt sluggish, or if it was their body.

Subscribers can connect their Strava accounts with Gemini this week in the U.S. The company states this feature is available for all Gemini plans. If you're getting started, users should navigate to Personal Intelligence in Gemini > Strava (in Connected Apps) > Sign In.

Get your steps in (or run)

The Strava app began experimenting with AI through a major update from a year and a half ago that introduced its Athlete Intelligence feature — and turned some heads. Athlete Intelligence was locked away in beta for four and a half months; after launching, it delivered improved accuracy and new insights to users. As part of its "tailored" experience, Athlete Intelligence could interpret a user's "non-GPS activities."

Such activities include running on a treadmill or cycling power. What's more, Athlete Intelligence will "note how your pace or speed compares to other times on that route." In our initial testing, we noticed some errors with Athlete Intelligence early on, but its insights were pretty spot on. Shortly after, Strava brought AI Performance Predictions to its subscribers.

The company's software would estimate how long it would take the user to run a "5K, 10K, and half & full marathons." This data requires a hefty background to begin. Strava states users should catalog around 20 activities before AI Performance Predictions can begin.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out a late October patch for Gemini for Home and its smart home app, upgrading its capabilities and introducing major fixes.
• The patch notes state Gemini's "Sorry, I didn't understand" response has been fixed, as users would receive this when nothing was explicitly said.
• Fixes for "zero-volume" alarms and timers are rolling out, alongside new additions for Matter devices on Android.

Google concludes the week with a substantial update for Gemini for Home and its smart home app that users should keep an eye out for.

The company detailed the update in a lengthy changelog today (Oct. 29). Gemini for Home, which is still in early access, spearheads the list of fixes this week. According to Google, this week's patch includes a fix for Gemini's frustrating "Sorry, I didn't understand" error messages. The funny thing is, this was happening when users hadn't said anything. This issue reportedly affected displays and speakers, and should be patched in this update.

Gemini should now better understand when a user tells it to switch music to a device in another room. Google states it's rolling out more "reliable" commands for YouTube TV. It says this should help content play as intended whenever the user asks for it. Volume control is another area where Gemini has been shaky.

Google states it's rolling out a fix for "zero volume timers and alarms." In some cases, users would set an alarm, but its volume would drop to zero, meaning they'd never hear it. Elsewhere, Google is solving an issue "where asking to adjust the volume on a speaker or display in another room could accidentally change the volume on the device you were speaking to if the other device couldn’t be found."

The Google Home app is also receiving quite a few bug fixes/updates this week, beginning with Matter devices. The patch notes state Android devices can now view energy data for supported Matter products. It adds that compatible plugs and energy monitors will soon "display both real-time power (mW) and total energy consumed (kWh) directly on their device tiles and controller screens."

Additionally, users can quickly shift their devices into power-saving modes through the app. Improved icons and controls are also rolling out for Matter devices on Android. Google says the Home app will now organize devices by type: garage doors, gates, windows, blinds, cabinets, and more.

Google Home Premium users can now find their benefits by tapping on their Profile > Google Home Premium > Features (to enable, too).

There are also extensive updates for smart home cameras

A long road of changes

Google's been down a long road with Gemini for its smart home environment. The company has rolled out purposeful patches to fix issues users have experienced with the AI's responses. In one update, Google worked on improving Gemini's response times. It stated that it quickened the AI by 40%, but it also rolled out additional fixes to make good on that promise.

In a patch in April, Google improved Gemini's smart home understanding. Users won't have to bore themselves with exact commands. The company said Gemini could understand "casual phrases and context better."

T-Mobile isn’t interested in turning SpaceX into a wireless partner, and CEO Srini Gopalan isn’t exactly being subtle about it. While Starlink has larger aspirations to branch into mobile connectivity, the carrier says a deeper partnership would add little value to its business.

Speaking during T-Mobile's third-quarter 2026 earnings call, Gopalan reiterated that the company has no plans to enter a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) agreement with SpaceX. Such a deal would let SpaceX offer wireless services on top of T-Mobile's existing cell network, paving an easier route into the U.S. mobile market for the satellite company.

Gopalan said T-Mobile evaluates potential MVNO partnerships based on whether they open up new addressable markets, distribution channels, or capabilities. He doesn't believe a SpaceX deal will accomplish any of those things. The company would still consider a straight commercial or resale arrangement, but that’s a very different proposition to providing SpaceX access through an MVNO deal.

T-Mobile thinks satellite has some catching up to do

The main problem is that T-Mobile doesn’t see satellite connectivity as a big alternative to its current broadband services. Gopalan described satellite internet as an inferior alternative to fixed wireless access (FWA), except in some remote rural locations, where traditional cellular coverage is harder to deliver.

That assessment isn’t entirely surprising. Roughly two-thirds of T-Mobile’s FWA customers live in densely populated urban areas, where the carrier believes there is plenty of unused network capacity to support more growth. Meanwhile, satellite connectivity is constrained in terms of beam size and available coverage capacity.

There is also little reason for the company to merge the two technologies when its current infrastructure can already cater to its largest customer markets.

SpaceX has bigger plans, but carriers aren’t buying in

SpaceX’s ambitions go way beyond satellite messaging. The company reportedly wants access to at least 80,000 U.S. cell sites as it seeks to build a more meaningful terrestrial wireless presence. It also has FCC approval to deploy up to 15,000 next-gen Starlink satellites that can connect directly to smartphones.

That growth could put SpaceX in closer competition with established U.S. carriers. But T-Mobile isn’t the only major carrier keeping its distance. Verizon CEO Dan Schulman also dismissed an MVNO deal, and AT&T boss John Stankey downplayed the competitive threat.

That said, T-Mobile’s existing T-Satellite service already uses SpaceX technology, but Gopalan previously revealed that T-Satellite accounts for just 0.0002% of T-Mobile’s total network usage during normal conditions. It’s hardly a vote of confidence in satellite connectivity as a big growth driver.

Right now, T-Mobile would prefer to spend money on its own 5G network and get ready for 6G than to make a wider deal with SpaceX. The carrier sees more opportunity to squeeze more capacity out of its existing network than to bring a satellite operator into its wireless business.

Google's been busy with its Android 17 development cycle, pushing multiple Quarterly Platform Release updates and still working on bug fixes across Pixel devices. QPR3 went into beta testing in early October, and the first two releases focused primarily on squashing stability, connectivity, and performance bugs. Now Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3 is here with 26 more fixes, the return of the app lock, and some handy interface improvements.

It’s not a massive visual overhaul by any means, but Google is clearly using these beta releases to tidy up the Android experience ahead of the next big update.

This new release follows QPR3 Beta 2, which was released just over a week ago and also included its own set of bug fixes. According to its release note shared on Reddit, Google has listed 26 fixes ranging from display glitches and app crashes to connectivity and system stability issues this time around.

App lock and bubbles get another shot

The changes to the usability side are more interesting. As noted by one Reddit user, app lock is making a comeback, offering users another way to keep sensitive apps safe from unwanted access. Google is also making app bubbles easier to use by letting users launch them from the Recents menu, rather than having to dig through other interface options.

Quick Settings is also receiving a camera shortcut. That’s a small addition, arguably, but it gives users another way to launch the camera without hunting down its app icon. Google has also fixed the AM/PM display for lock screen alarms and brought back some of the lock screen blur that was lost in a previous update.

A bigger cleanup under the hood

The new fixes cover a number of annoying issues, including random screen flickering, black inner displays when unfolding foldables, poor webcam video quality, and crashes when viewing mentions in X threads. Google has also fixed broken force-stop controls, missing notification elements, crashing Bluetooth scans, and WPA-Enterprise Wi-Fi authentication failures.

Android 17 QPR3 Beta 3 is available for Pixel 6a and newer devices. Most supported models receive build DP11.261016.003, while Pixel 11 models get DP11.261016.004.

If you want to, you can sign up through Google's Android Beta Program, but it’s always a good idea to back up your data prior to installing beta software.

Android 17 QPR2 is expected to reach stable status around the end of 2026, and QPR3 is looking to be another round of meaningful refinements ahead of its anticipated 2027 release.

What you need to know

• Amazon announced a refreshed list of 2026 smart home devices: the Echo Dot, Echo Studio with Home Camera, Echo Time, Echo Show 16, and the Alexa Photo Frame.
• The Echo Dot offers a built-in smart home hub that connects it to "thousands" of available smart home devices, such as lights and locks.
• The Echo Show 16 is ~40% thinner than before, and delivers a 16-inch HD screen that users can use a family or meal planner.
• Amazon's Alexa Photo Frame sync directly with your Amazon Photos account, and brings your latest photos to the forefront.

Amazon is dropping another round of fresh smart home devices at the end of Techtober. The company announced four new Echo devices and an Alexa Photo Frame to digitize years of memories.

Today (Oct. 29), Amazon debuted its latest line of smart home devices, beginning with four new Echo devices, such as the new Echo Dot. Amazon states the 2026 Echo Dot "includes a built-in smart home hub" for the first time. This hub lets its AI, Alexa, connect to "thousands of compatible devices" (think smart lights, locks, etc.). Furthering the Echo Dot's AI ambitions is Amazon's new AI Accelerator for a sharp, quick experience.

If you're playing music or listening to audiobooks, Amazon says the Echo Dot now has 50% more bass and crisper vocals. The Echo Dot is available for $99; however, there is a Kids Echo Dot that starts at $109 with a year of Amazon Plus included.

Elsewhere, we have the 2026 Echo Studio. The design remains similar to that of its 2025 counterpart. Amazon says the Echo Studio features a House Camera to give it a "better understanding" of what's happening around it. In turn, it enhances Alexa's capabilities for homeowners. Users can check in on their house through the Echo Studio, peering in through its included camera.

The Echo Studio boasts "a high-excursion woofer and Dolby Atmos with Advanced Room Adaptation." The Echo Studio with House Camera starts at $249 and is shipping today (Oct. 29). The company states Fire TV support will bring video calling to users in a future update.

The Echo Time has been refreshed with Omnisense, Amazon's sleep-sensing tech. The post states the device can "sense when you're in lighter sleep and wake you within 10 to 60 minutes of your scheduled alarm." In terms of design, the Echo Time features a digital clock face that users can customize with analog or modern themes.

The Echo Time is available starting at $199, and the Kids Echo Time starts at $209 with a year of Kids Plus included.

Rounding out the "Echo" devices is the Echo Show 16. Amazon calls it its "most powerful" version. The device is roughly 40% thinner and features a 16-inch HD screen. There's also a Nanomatte variation to reduce screen glare from sunlight. Amazon highlights "Screen Styles," which lets users turn it into a family planner, meal planner, and more.

The Echo Show 16 can even double as a family picture frame. Then you have the smart home dashboard with the Alexa Home Map. This gives users a clear picture of where every connected smart home device is in their house. Fire TV support is built-in, and the Echo Show 16's camera has been upgraded with a wider FOV, auto-framing for pictures, and more.

The Echo Show 16 can be pre-ordered for $499.99 or for $599 if you're getting the Nanomatte version. However, Amazon states that if you're pre-ordering now, you could get $100 off.

Framing the memories

The final overall product from Amazon is the 10-inch Alexa Photo Frame.

This digital photo frame has Alexa built into its core, connecting to your Amazon Photos account with automatic image sync. The post states that as you take photos, they will appear on the Photo Frame. Alexa reportedly works its AI magic, surfacing photos where people are smiling, skipping over screenshots and other content.

Consumers can purchase the Alexa Photo Frame for $199.99 in black, while its Birch or Walnut wood frames start at $229.00.

What you need to know

• Google announced "Immersive Explorations" in Gemini, which gives students a visual way of learning a subject by unraveling its contents layer-by-layer.
• Users can learn about the complexities of Quasars and more in space, or about dinosaurs, the molecular structure of life, and more.
• Google's previously brought huge updates for teachers in the Classrooms app for students through Gemini to help create lesson plans, Rubrics, and quizzes.

Gemini and astrology go hand-in-hand—it's in the name, after all. Google announced that it's rolling out a new library in Gemini's student hub for stellar topics.

This week, Google announced in a blog post that it's bringing "Immersive Explorations" to the Gemini student hub. This library will reportedly give users an "interactive, visual way to explore topics layer-by-layer..." In a press release, Google states users can forget about scrolling and reading through giant walls of text. Immersive Explorations is more visual (though it comes with a few paragraphs to explain what you're seeing).

Users can "click through layered visuals" to educate themselves about a range of topics. If we're going down the stellar route, users can learn about Quasars, and zoom in to learn about Host Galaxies or Interstellar Dust Lanes. Clicking on different parts of an image unlocks more details. Users can see the bigger picture as a whole, and dive in to learn about every tiny fragment that makes it whole.

Students in the Gemini hub can also learn about dinosaurs, the molecular structure of plants, the "physics of lightning," and more. Google says Immersive Explorations are available now in the Gemini app.

Users can begin exploring in English, Indonesian, Hindi, Brazilian Portuguese, French, and simplified Chinese. Google states users in other languages will default to English until support for those languages arrives at a later time.

More ways to learn

When Google rolled out Gemini for teens using school accounts, it did so with guardrails and the ability to fact-check the AI's results. The AI was made available in over 100 countries, alongside "Coach." This was a "step-by-step tool to help students build their knowledge of various subjects through quizzes and games." The other side of Google's work to build better AI for educational purposes was its tools for the Classrooms app.

It was a Gemini-focused patch that brought the AI's assistance to NotebookLM (now Gemini Notebook). Teachers could create an AI "expert" for a specific topic to help students if they're struggling with a certain subject. What's more, teachers can create a Rubric and quizzes with ease using the educational material they have.

What you need to know

• Ultrahuman announced that its Ring Pro is available now in the U.S. without delay and without pre-order.
• Consumers can purchase the device at online storefronts from Ultrahuman, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy; however, 300 Best Buy stores will also have it for fitting purposes.
• The Ring Pro features a 15-day battery life (45 days with the case), "Enhanced memory" for health data, a titanium build, and more for ~$479.

Ultrahuman's latest smart ring debuted in February. However, the U.S. was excluded from its "global" debut—that changes today (Oct. 29).

Ultrahuman announced in a press release that the Ring Pro is now available to U.S. consumers. Consumers can purchase the Ring Pro online at Ultrahuman's storefront, Target, and Walmart. Additionally, you can grab it at Best Buy online or in-store at one of 300 locations. Ultrahuman states the Ring Pro's presence at Best Buy stores gives users a unique advantage.

You can try on the Ring Pro in-store, have it sized to your finger, and "take it home the same day." The smart ring was announced at $479 at launch in February, so consumers should see similar pricing online and in-store. The company states that it's working on bringing the Ring Pro to Target and Walmart stores "over the next few weeks," so you can try it on and have it sized in person.

To celebrate the Ring Pro's U.S. arrival, Ultrahuman's CEO and founder, Mohit Kumar, said, "We’re delighted to be on sale in the U.S. so customers can get hold of Ring PRO without pre-orders or delays."

Pro-level Ring

Ultrahuman reminds us that the Ring Pro features up to 15 days of battery life. However, paired with its charging case, users can get up to 45 days. The Ring Pro and its charging case feature a pairing so strong, you can find it if you've lost it. Ultrahuman says users will benefit from "Find My Case" and At-a-glance feedback on the case. This feedback delivers "confirmations and alerts via haptics, and view battery level status via an LED indicator."

Plus, users won't need a subscription to unlock its many continuous health-tracking features. Returning to its original launch, Ultrahuman said it will sell the Ring Pro in sizes five through 14.

The Ring Pro was also built with "enhanced memory." Ultrahuman says it can remember up to 250 days of data to "assist with your health history." The company redesigned its heart rate sensor to be more useful when you're sleeping or recovering.

What you need to know

• Google's Android Dev Summit is going on, and it announced a Connected Apps Platform in preview for developers.
• This platform lets developers bring their apps into the Connected Apps experience for Gemini or Search, or both.
• Users should expect apps from Adobe, Experian, Localiza, and Peloton in Search in the coming weeks, as well as Calm.

This afternoon (Oct. 28), Google announced a new developer platform en route for Connected Apps in Gemini and Search.

From what Google announced, it looks like users should prepare for an influx of Connected Apps. According to its post, the Connected Apps Platform is launching in preview this week for developers looking to integrate their products into Gemini and Search. Google states this preview gives developers an "opportunity to build once and reach high-intent users..."

After integrating with a cloud-hosted MCP server and running through the required review process, Google says devs can decide whether their app is available in Gemini or Search (or both). Developers will have all the tools they need to understand the stability of their app. They can "track traffic, latency, and error rates," among other pieces of data, to keep everything smooth.

While Google is rolling out the Connected Apps Platform in preview to developers today, it states everyday users at home should expect more goodies, too. The company highlighted partnerships with Adobe, Experian, Localiza, and Peloton in Connected Apps. Many of these are already live in Gemini; however, in the weeks ahead, Google says it will roll them out in Search.

Additionally, Google is preparing to integrate Calm (the mental health app) into Gemini and Search soon. If you're a developer and you're interested in the new platform's preview, you can sign up and get started.

Groceries, music, and more

As far as Connected Apps go, things have improved recently. And by "improved," we mean the fact that Google brought in Instacart and YouTube Music to AI Mode's experience this summer. Even Canva got in on the fun. With all Connected Apps, users are letting Google's AI take the reins. With Instacart, users can say, "get me all the things I need for my BBQ and add them to my grocery cart."

You'll see everything the AI is doing, and you can also intervene if something goes awry. What's more, the AI will notify you when it reaches a critical point: payment. You'll be prompted to open Instacart and complete the transaction once the AI is done shopping. The AI can assist with creating new playlists if YouTube Music is connected.

Google teased that there would be more partnerships in the future, and we've gotten a small glimpse of that today with its new platform preview.

What you need to know

• Xreal Aura launch day is here, and the company announced a surprising price drop that will run for a limited time (through December 2026).
• The Aura XR glasses can be purchased for $1,099 (12/256GB) and $1,299 (16GB/512GB) in the U.S., Canada, Japan, and South Korea.
• The Xreal Aura delivers access to millions of apps on the Google Play Store, the NBA app for Android XR, the NASCAR XR app, a 70-degree FOV, a 1200p resolution Sony Micro-OLED display, Sound by Bose, and more.

The day has finally arrived for Xreal's Aura. The company announces that its wired Android XR glasses are available for consumers in the U.S., Canada, Japan, and South Korea.

This afternoon (Oct. 27), Xreal surprised consumers with a limited-time offering. To celebrate its launch, the Aura XR glasses 12/256GB version can be purchased for $1,099. What's more, users will find its 16GB/512GB variant for $1,299. Prices have fallen by roughly $200 from what Xreal originally announced earlier this month. Xreal states these prices will remain through December 2026. After that, pricing will return to normal: $1,279 and $1,499, respectively.

A press release states that the Xreal Aura is expected to begin shipping in mid-November.

The company's co-founder and CEO Chi Xu said, "This is a defining moment for XR. We built AURA for people who want the power of spatial computing without being removed from the world around them." Chi Xu adds, "XREAL AURA is finally here, and we're so proud to unlock new ways for people to work, watch, play, and build."

Since the Aura features Android XR, the glasses have integrated technologies from Google and Qualcomm. The glasses are powered by Google's AI Gemini and a Snapdragon Reality Elite chip. Xreal states the Aura can go from work to play in a snap. Users will have access to "millions of familiar mobile apps and games from Google Play" and tailor-made XR experiences.

If you're a sports lover, there's the NBA app for Android XR, delivering multiview (NBA League Pass subscription), matchups, stats, and more. The NASCAR XR app brings users closer to the high-speed racing action with a live 3D track map, driver telemetry, and more. The Xreal Aura delivers a 70-degree FOV, Sony Micro-OLED display (1200p resolution at 120Hz), and Sound by Bose, among a slew of additional features.

The day has arrived

Consumers can order their pair on Xreal's storefront. However, the company states the glasses are also available at Best Buy today (Oct. 27). In 2027, Xreal plans to distribute the Aura XR glasses to other retailers and to select Google Stores in the U.S. and Japan.

Many have been waiting for launch day, and Xreal's CEO was quite pleased with its early positive reception. According to Chi Xu, reservations for the Xreal Aura topped 10,000 units around August. A couple of its reservation packages sold out, as consumers seemed to like Xreal's promise that the final price wouldn't exceed $1,500 before taxes. Chi Xu said the company felt "encouraged" by the early turnout, but it still had more to detail.

The Xreal Aura will have a selection of games available on launch, such as Project Hail Mary: Journey Among the Stars, thanks to an Amazon MGM Studios partnership, and Fallout: Factions from Modiphius Entertainment. Chi Xu said, "XREAL AURA sets a new benchmark for OST XR glasses, bringing powerful AI-driven experiences to both work and everyday life."

Android Central went hands-on with the Xreal Aura during Google I/O 2026, and we were blown away by it. The device felt like Xreal found a way to cram an entire VR headset into a pair of glasses (which weigh 95g, by the way).

What you need to know

• Samsung’s $229 Galaxy Buds On arrive in the US in early November, bringing clip-on, open-ear listening to more buyers.
• Each bud weighs 6.65 grams and wraps around the ear, with Samsung using over 119 million ear data points to refine the fit.
• TwinBoost speakers and automatic volume adjustment aim to improve listening, while Audio Leakage Reduction helps limit sound leakage.

Samsung will start selling its Galaxy Buds On in the US in early November. The company’s first clip-on, open-ear earbuds combine an unusual design with AI-powered features for people who want to stay aware of their surroundings while listening, and at $229, they’re not cheap.

As we saw earlier this month with the reveal of the earbuds, the Galaxy Buds On are a departure from Samsung’s traditional in-ear Galaxy Buds. Each earbud clips around the ear with a flexible band for a secure, comfortable fit, instead of sitting inside the ear canal. Samsung says it used more than 119 million ear data points, AI-assisted optimization, and physics simulations to optimize the design for different ear shapes. Each earbud weighs only 6.65 grams.

The open design makes the Buds On a potentially useful pick for runners, commuters, and anyone who would rather hear approaching traffic or a coworker calling their name than shut the world out completely.

Better sound, fewer interruptions

The Buds On use TwinBoost speakers for richer sound, automatically adjust the volume to compensate for ambient noise, and use Audio Leakage Reduction technology to keep your music from becoming everyone else’s problem.

Three microphones use a Voice Pickup Unit sensor and machine learning to recognize your voice and separate it from background noise for calls. This means the system can make calls sound better in noisy environments.

Battery life is rated at up to 9.5 hours on a single charge and up to 38 hours using the charging case. That should be sufficient for several days of normal listening depending on usage.

Galaxy AI gets hands-free update

The Buds On also play to Samsung’s Galaxy ecosystem. Users with compatible devices can launch Gemini Live using voice commands, long-press an earbud to record quick voice memos, and search recordings using Bixby via voice commands. With Head Gestures you can nod to accept a call or shake your head to decline a call.

Some features require compatible Galaxy devices and newer One UI software, so Android users outside of the Samsung ecosystem may not get the full experience.

Samsung has already released the earbuds in South Korea, and listings from European retailers have hinted at broader availability.

What you need to know

• The FTC has reportedly imposed a $15 million (20 billion KRW) fine against Samsung for misleading mobile gamers with the Galaxy S21, S22, and Tab S8.
• It states that the devices featured a GOS (game optimization service), which would handle heat generation for the devices; however, it was found to hinder gaming performance regardless of temperature.
• The devices would suffer from decreased graphical performance, lag, and freezes.

Samsung has reportedly been served a hefty fine in South Korea over its "misleading" gaming experience on a few past-gen devices.

According to Yonhap News (Korean), the FTC has imposed a $15 million fine (20 billion KRW) for misleading mobile gamers with the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S22, and Galaxy Tab S8 series (via SamMobile). In a statement, the FTC said, "Gaming performance was one of the most effective indicators for showcasing the capabilities of premium smart devices through rapid screen transitions and elaborate graphical effects."

However, in Samsung's old advertisements, it showcased an experience that users seldom received.

It was reported that the devices in question featured a GOS: a game optimizing service. The post states that this service was responsible for the "heat management system" for games. The FTC found that Samsung's GOS wasn't an aid to gamers, but a hindrance. The GOS would begin limiting the device's performance when a game was launched, resulting in reduced graphical performance, freezing, and lag.

One would imagine that a phone's performance would decline a bit (or, at least lower its quality) if it was generating too much heat. After all, these devices have internal systems to avoid total failure. But what's strange is that the FTC states the GOS would hinder GPU and CPU performance no matter whether the phone (or tablet) was hot or cold.

The FTC states its move "...reaffirms the need by companies to clearly inform consumers of important factors affecting performance..." Samsung reportedly disagrees with the FTC. Yonhap News obtained a statement in which the company says the GOS was put in place to "...allow users to enjoy games stably for extended periods." Moreover, Samsung reportedly plans to defend itself against the FTC's fine.

Heat management, you say?

Gaming has gotten better on phones. If we're thinking about Samsung's flagships, it's definitely improved, but it could be better. The Galaxy S25 Ultra can run intensive games like Wuthering Waves; however, you will need to lower some settings for a stable, smooth FPS (frames per second). Of course, there are other devices out there better equipped to handle these strenuous games.

What's most curious to me about the FTC's fine is that the GOS was a heat management system. Samsung has been no stranger to overheating devices, and its Exynos chip was a major culprit. Phones are going to get hot no matter what, but Exynos was infamous for overheating in the blink of an eye. Samsung has taken strides to improve that with the Exynos 2600, and we've seen rumors about even more updates for the 2700.

What you need to know

• Samsung may cut Galaxy A production by 20% in the fourth quarter as component costs soar.
• Around 10 million fewer phones could be produced annually, with further cuts of over 10% reportedly planned for 2027.
• Samsung may prioritize Galaxy S and Z flagships over cheaper phones to protect profitability.

Samsung is reportedly planning to scale back on cheaper Galaxy phones as soaring component prices squeeze its mobile business.

South Korea’s ETNews says the company plans to cut production of its Galaxy A series by about 20% in the fourth quarter, potentially leaving it with millions fewer phones than expected and freeing up more resources for its pricier flagship devices.

Component orders have been lowered versus Samsung’s original 2026 production plan, the report said. That’s around 10 million fewer phones a year, with production cuts of over 10% reportedly planned in 2027.

Samsung has yet to confirm the reported changes. Android Central has reached out to the company for comment and will update this story when we receive a response.

That move makes financial sense, even if it puts pressure on Samsung’s cheapest phones. The Galaxy A series reportedly accounts for about 70% of the company’s smartphone shipments and is a major player in Samsung’s continuing tussle with Apple for the global sales crown.

The problem is that making cheaper phones is becoming more expensive. Memory prices have skyrocketed, with memory chips said to be accounting for more than half of the cost in producing some budget and mid-range devices. Other component suppliers, including printed circuit board and multilayer ceramic capacitor makers, are also feeling the squeeze as manufacturers focus on lucrative AI hardware.

Samsung is reportedly steering scarce components to its higher-margin Galaxy S and Galaxy Z devices in response. That is to say, it may be better to sell fewer affordable phones than to sell millions of phones that make little or no profit.

The latest report comes a few weeks after rumors began circulating that the company may reduce overall smartphone output by 20% to 30% in the fourth quarter as memory costs continue to climb. That would leave its 2026 production target well short of the roughly 270 million phones it had originally planned.

Consumers may unfortunately end up paying part of the bill. An industry source cited by ETNews cautioned that Samsung’s production cuts could translate into higher launch prices for future Galaxy A phones, possibly with reduced display or camera specs.

The bigger question is whether Samsung can defend its profit margins without ceding to Apple and Chinese smartphone brands in price-sensitive markets.

What you need to know

• Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri and its VP of product Tessa Lyons announced the platform's new venture into long-form, widescreen content called "Features."
• Mosseri was previously against it; however, Lyons states creators are "telling stories in many different ways now."
• "Features" will be Instagram's version of long-form content that is "symbiotic" with short-form (Reels), and is in testing for the mobile app and TV.

Instagram starts the week off with an announcement: widescreen, long-form content is headed to the platform.

Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri sat down with the platform's VP of product, Tessa Lyons, to discuss what "Features" is (via The Verge). According to their joint post on Instagram, "Features" is positioned as the app's investment in long-form content. Mosseri states in the video that "for a long time," he's been against this type of content on Instagram, but things have changed.

Lyons states, "creativity is so much more than just short-form video, or just posts and carousels." Part of why Instagram wants to introduce longer videos to the app now is because creators are telling stories "in so many different ways." However, Mosseri's original hesitation stemmed from not wanting to lose the "friend connection" aspect of Instagram.

With this push toward longer video—widescreen content—Mosseri states this needs to become "symbiotic" with short-form. Mosseri adds that this new format is headed to the app on your phone and its TV app, "but it's going to take a little bit of time."

What's more, Lyons says that Reels—shorter videos—will remain "at the core" of the platform. Another necessity with "Features" is seeing how it fits with the other types of content on Instagram, such as Live. Mosseri states that many of these features will roll out over the next month in testing. The platform intends to expand its availability to more people, so you may see it appear at some point if you're lucky.

Mosser states, "It's early, and we're testing and listening to feedback as we go. "

A long way to go

Instagram for TV is an interesting bit of the platform's history. It was announced late in 2025 as Amazon teamed up with Meta for its Fire TV. The experience was similar to your phone... except it's on a much larger screen (and in your living room). Users can sign in to up to five accounts and begin scrolling. Instagram for TV primarily focuses on Reels, so you won't see many posts as you typically would on your phone.

What's curious is that Mosseri mentioned this in the video with Tessa Lyons. Users watching Reels on their TV meant that it was being shared less. He states that it led to fewer likes, fewer mentions, and more. You and your friends or loved ones all in one room watching. There's no need to share, right? That's going to remain at the forefront of "Features" as Instagram continues to test long-form, widescreen content on the platform.

What you need to know

• An overseas report alleges that Samsung's Exynos 2700 is "outperforming" Qualcomm's Snapdragon Elite Extreme chip in early tests.
• The chip has reportedly scored "20% higher" in its CPU and GPU tests.
• This is the second time rumors about its performance has surfaced, as early reports mentioned the Exynos 2700 could beat Qualcomm in AI capabilities, too.

There's a rumor that says Samsung's next in-house chip features a CPU that can beat Qualcomm's latest flagship.

These allegations stem from an overseas report by EB News (Korean), which claims Samsung's Exynos 2700 might "outperform" the Snapdragon Extreme (via SamMobile). The company reportedly ran Exynos 2700 tests using the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max and the 18 Pro. According to the publication, the chip's CPU scored 13,000 on Geekbench.

Compared to the Snapdragon Extreme, the Exynos 2700 scored "20% higher" inside the 18 Pro Max. Another focus for Samsung in its early testing was the chip's GPU performance. Supposedly, its chip performed roughly 20% better than Qualcomm's Extreme chip.

However, the post states that for "basic graphics computation capabilities" in gaming, the Exynos 2700 outpaced Qualcomm by a much smaller 5%.

These are early numbers, and it's always better to see how chips perform in the real world during more practical scenarios. Right now, it's best to take this with a grain of salt. Moreover, this isn't the first time we've heard that the Exynos could outperform Qualcomm's flagships.

For the second time...

If we're to consider all that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 provides, these rumors might seem a bit audacious. But this is technically the second time we're hearing about it. During the summer, rumors claimed the Exynos 2700 showed positive test scores that "outperformed" Qualcomm's next-gen chips. Similar to this overseas report, the Exynos 2700 beat Qualcomm in CPU, GPU, and AI.

Previously, it was said that the chip "recorded "24% higher performance" over the 8 Elite Gen 6 and "22% higher" than the (rumored) 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro." We've now come to know the "Pro" as the Extreme. Either way, there's still a multitude of variables we're unsure about. A true comparison is best left for when the chip is here, and we can see for ourselves.

What you need to know

• T-Mobile is launching T-Mix, which replaces pre-packaged plans with a credits system called Picks, so you spend on what you actually use.
• Plans include Standard ($55/month, 1 Pick), More ($75/month, 2 Picks), and Loaded ($95/month, 3 Picks) for a single line.
• Picks can be spent on services like Netflix, Apple TV, Xbox Game Pass, DashPass, Google Gemini, or applied toward new device promos.
• Customers can change their subscription lineup every three months, though unused Picks do not roll over and out-of-window changes incur fees.

T-Mobile is giving customers more control over their wireless plans with a new lineup called T-Mix, which allows you to select which subscriptions and add-ons come with your monthly bill.

The service, unveiled October 26, launches in November in three tiers, letting customers trade unwanted perks for services they actually use instead of settling for another carrier’s pre-packaged bundle.

The new line-up includes T-Mix Standard for $55/month, T-Mix More for $75, and T-Mix Loaded for $95 on a single line. All three prices require AutoPay and exclude taxes and fees. Each plan comes with a set number of credits, called Picks, that customers can spend on eligible subscriptions, wireless features, and phone promos.

These choices include a surprisingly broad array of services. You can put your Picks toward Apple TV, Netflix, Hulu, Apple Music, YouTube Premium, Pandora, SiriusXM, Paramount+, Xbox Game Pass, ESPN Unlimited, DoorDash DashPass, Google Gemini, or Delta SkyMiles.

T-Mobile is also letting customers use Picks on device promos, which could mean a new phone as part of their benefits mix.

How many Picks you get depends on your plan: Standard has one, More has two, and Loaded has three per line, within plan limits. The higher the tier, the more options you have to add benefits. The most expensive plan is not necessarily the best deal if you won't be using the extra benefits.

T-Mix also addresses one of the biggest annoyances with bundled wireless perks: being stuck with benefits that no longer fit your lifestyle. Customers can normally change their chosen partner benefits every three months with an additional annual change window.

Some wireless benefits, including T-Satellite, can be changed at any time. However, unused Picks don’t carry over, and some benefits may incur a fee when changed outside of an eligible window.

The plans will feature the typical T-Mobile perks, such as T-Mobile Tuesdays, hotel and rental-car perks, and access to special events. The carrier says customers on the Loaded tier, on average, get at least $120 per month in value per line.

T-Mix could make subscription bundles more useful, particularly for households trying to juggle streaming, gaming, and delivery memberships. But its popularity will hinge on how easy T-Mobile makes the Pick system to grasp. Flexibility is nice; having to do subscription math just to pick a phone plan, less so.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out v5.11 of the Health app to Android and iOS users, rolling out the expected Health Guardian update for the Fitbit Air.
• Fitbit Air users receive Blood Pressure and Insulin Resistance trends in this update, which requires them to wear the tracker for several days before insights are available.
• What's more, v5.11 updates automatic tracking for Fitbit Air and several Pixel Watches, as well as sleep tracking updates and Glucose.

Google Health is rolling out a late October update that finally adds a major feature for Fitbit Air users.

This feature aims to be your "Health Guardian." In a community post, Google detailed what Fitbit Air users will find in v5.11, which is rolling out on Android and iOS. Health Guardian isn't a new feature, per se; however, it is something new that Fitbit Air users can finally experience. If you are a Health Premium subscriber, you will be able to "set up the new features in app version 5.11 and receive your first monthly health summary at the beginning of November."

Health Guardian introduces Blood Pressure and Insulin Resistance trends. Regarding the former, Google reminds us that Blood Pressure trends let you track changes that could "put strain on your heart." If you've worn your Fitbit Air for five days or more, you'll find this info listed in the app. Insulin Resistance trends highlight "monthly shifts" in your metabolic well-being. Insights for this require users to wear the Fitbit Air for seven days or more.

While this feature is rolling out now for the Fitbit Air, Google states Fitbit Edge users can expect it on/around October 27.

Aside from the Health Guardian, Google is rolling out three additional updates in v5.11. Automatic activity tracking takes a step forward, as Google improves its context (i.e., it uses your routines and history better). Workouts that meet the minimum duration threshold (15 mins or more) are automatically logged so long as it captured a sustained elevated heart rate. Fitbit trackers and Pixel watches can also automatically detect up to 100 activities in v.5.11.

Glucose tracking has been renamed to "Glucose" across the Health app. Google states it upgraded the link between the app and Lingo by Abbott for faster syncing. What's more, sleep tracking gets a little TLC. Google says it improved devices' ability to capture "awake detection" and made it easy for users to edit their naps.

Many of these updates are rolling out for the Fitbit Air and the Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5. The automatic tracking update is coming to Fitbit Edge users; however, that should begin on October 27, like Health Guardian.

It takes time to understand

You might remember Health Guardian from an update Google shared in September. Originally, Google announced Blood Pressure, Insulin Resistance, and sleep breathing quality tracking for the Pixel Watch. These were all wrapped in a Health Guardian blanket. Google said the purpose of these features is to analyze "long-term" pattern changes over several weeks.

This differs from the more expected "in-the-moment" snapshots of what's going on. Google states these insights can serve as "wellness indicators instead of direct medical diagnostic tools." These features are available for free for Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5; however, we already knew Fitbit Air users would need to pay for it via a Health Premium subscription.

It's hard to emphasize just how good the Oppo Find X10 Pro Max is. As a tech journalist for the past 20 years, I've heard many comments wishing a company would just put everything into a phone, and while we've seen that before, no one has done it as successfully as Oppo.

The company's return to global markets comes with a phone that does it all. Most phones have one or two 200MP cameras; the Find X10 Pro Max uses 200MP sensors on all three cameras. Some phones struggle with battery life; the Find X10 Pro Max lasts for days. Some flagships struggle with performance, even when they're high-priced; the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro inside the Find X10 Pro Max has never faulted during my weeks of use.

This is the Find X10 Pro Max in a nutshell. Oppo made the best phone it could, designed for those who want the best. The Find X10 Pro Max is an Ultra in all but name, but like any phone, it has a few things worth noting.

Normally, it's easy to find flaws when writing a review. However, the Find X10 Pro Max is so good that, aside from a slightly smaller EU battery and discoloration on the included white case, it has only one major downside: its high price, made even higher by the ongoing RAM crisis.

Starting at £1,499 in the UK and €1,799 in Europe, this is amongst the most expensive phones you can buy, at least the non-folding kind. There are some deals, and you can get the excellent Teleconverter Kit for free (worth £500), plus further trade-in discounts, but you'll still pay a sizable price. That said, this phone promises everything and delivers, and although it’s expensive, I think it’s worth it.

The Find X10 Pro Max is the most complete Android phone I've ever used, and it sets an extremely high standard for other companies to match. It has all the hardware you need, ColorOS is my favorite user interface, and Oppo is beefing up its after-sales service alongside six years of updates. If you've ever loved a OnePlus phone, this is the successor you’ve been waiting for, and you'll thoroughly enjoy it.

If you want the best phone that money can buy, look no further than the Find X10 Pro Max. Here’s why it's likely the best Android phone of the year.

The most complete camera on a smartphone

Our review of the Find X9 Ultra earlier this year said its camera system was on another level entirely, and in six months, Oppo has raised the bar considerably. Yes, the Find X10 Pro Max doesn't have a 1-inch sensor or the secondary telephoto lens, both of which I presume will come in a future Find X10 Ultra, if at all, but it has everything else you want, starting with triple 200MP cameras.

I’ve always wondered what would happen if a company built the first phone with only 200MP cameras. The answer is obvious: you get stunning photos and videos across all three lenses, at various zoom levels, in a variety of conditions. In short, the Find X10 Pro Max camera does it all, and you won't need much else. If you do, the Teleconverter Kit takes it to a new level, making it the best free gift if you can choose.

The main camera uses a 200MP f/1.5 Samsung ISOCELL HPC 1/1.28-inch sensor, co-developed by Oppo and Samsung, paired with a 24mm focal length, phase-detection autofocus, and OIS.

What makes the Oppo Find X10 Pro Max truly unique is its ultrawide and telephoto cameras, both using the same /2.2 200MP Samsung Isocell HP5 1/1.56-inch sensor you’ll find in many phones. It’s smaller than the sensors you might find in other telephoto cameras, but that hasn’t affected telephoto performance. The ultrawide has autofocus, while the telephoto has autofocus, OIS, a 10 cm minimum focal distance, and 3x optical zoom.

In virtually every scene I tested, the Find X10 Pro Max camera excelled. The processing can be somewhat aggressive, especially with sunset hues, but that applied to less than 0.5% of the 1,000 photos and videos that I captured. Thanks to Oppo’s new LUMO True Image Engine and its ongoing, multi-year partnership with Hasselblad, you get fantastic, true-to-color photos across every use case I tried, from landscapes while on a boat in the Spanish sea to capturing portraits of people and pets at a variety of focal lengths in a range of conditions.

The same goes for video recording, with Oppo stacking the Find X10 Pro Max camera to make it ideal for video creators. You can record up to 4K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, and even 8K at 30 fps. It supports Dolby Vision, ACES-certified O-Log2, and, for the first time on an Oppo smartphone, Open Gate Capture.

This is a big deal for capturing memories: it records in 4:3 and uses the full imaging area, unlike most smartphones that crop the camera sensor, so you can easily reframe between horizontal and vertical videos in editing later. This means you can edit the same video into a widescreen YouTube video or a vertical Instagram Reel without the awkward framing and cropping you’ll find on most phones and cameras.

The Teleconverter will further enhance the camera

What really surprised me about the Find X10 Pro Max is its teleconverter kit. Oppo has struggled to make this stable enough to be reliable in past generations, but this year's teleconverter kit is outstanding.

The kit includes a teleconverter that offers 10x optical zoom, which is also available in the fourth lens on the Find X9 Ultra, plus up to 40x zoom that's surprisingly capable.

The biggest improvement is its stability, especially at 10x and 20x. This is a big step up, especially in video. Previously, I wouldn't have used the teleconverter kit for video, at least not without the tripod mount, but the Find X10 Pro Max changes that; I captured the following video handheld, without a tripod, and it speaks volumes.

The kit also includes a protective case, a tripod adapter ring, a storage bag, and a camera shoulder strap. One downside I noticed: the white protective case shipped with the Luna White phone discolored considerably within a few days.

Priced at £549 in the UK, the Teleconverter Kit isn’t a must-have purchase as the cameras are so capable without it, but it will significantly enhance your experience. It also comes with a beautifully designed soft vegan leather carry pouch, a first for Oppo’s teleconverters and a welcome surprise.

The kitchen sink of smartphone hardware

If you could put together a wishlist for what a smartphone should have, you would inevitably end up with Oppo. They’ve picked up the mantle from companies like Huawei and Samsung in past eras, and the Find X10 Pro Max is the latest in an incredible smartphone lineup.

The Find X9 Ultra is this year’s best Ultra phone, mostly for its 1-inch sensor, but the Find X10 Pro Max performs better thanks to its triple 200MP setup and a more optimized experience in ColorOS 17. Last year, the Find X9 Pro marked the start of Oppo’s new direction and set a standard that the Find X10 Pro Max clearly outperforms, while this year's Find N6 is arguably the year’s best folding phone. With this pedigree, it’s no surprise that the Find X10 Pro Max has everything you could want in a smartphone.

The Dimensity 9600 Pro delivers premium, flagship performance, and with Oppo’s optimizations, I haven't experienced a single slowdown. It’s paired with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and between 256GB and 1TB of storage; my review sample has 16GB and 512GB, respectively. This goes beyond the processor, and I’ve found the network and call performance superb, including while roaming with Google Fi in the UK and with both EE and Fi in Spain. The under-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner is easy to set up and unlocks extremely fast, but you probably won’t even get to it, since facial unlock is also superb.

It also has an IR scanner, and I love carrying Oppo phones for that reason. On numerous occasions, I’ve used Oppo phones, including the Find X10 Pro Max and Find N6, to bypass locked-down hotel TV remotes or control my Apple TV when I forget the remote and can’t connect via my iPhone. It’s a timely reminder of a use case that’s becoming more frequent: infrared remotes are a good thing that should never have gone away.

Outstanding battery life and efficiency

Oppo is known for large batteries, superfast charging, and incredible battery life, and the Find X10 Pro Max delivers on all three, with a couple of caveats.

First, the global model has an 8,000 mAh battery, but the EU model has a smaller 7,150 mAh capacity. I’m testing the 8,000 mAh model, and it's proven to be an absolute champion, but the EU model will likely offer slightly less battery life. Another point: it’s smaller than last year’s Find X9 Pro, which had a 7,500 mAh battery in the EU.

The global Find X10 Pro Max offers outstanding battery life, among the best in the industry. I haven’t run my full battery benchmark suite yet, so I can’t quantify exactly how much it beats the competition, but it has the best battery life of any flagship I’ve tried. The large capacity and 10W reverse wired or wireless charging also make it a strong emergency power bank, and I’ve used it to charge other devices with strong results: wired charging is straightforward, but aligning devices for wireless reverse charging can be hard. It’ll probably work, but it’s a last resort.

Charging is the other caveat: on paper, it matches other Oppo flagships, but the company has taken a conservative approach, and it’s much slower than previous generations. A full charge takes about 72 minutes, for an average charge rate of 111.11 mAh/minute. Meanwhile, the Find X9 Ultra's 7,050 mAh battery charges to full in about 48 minutes, for a charge rate of 146.88 mAh/min, or ~32% faster.

This is even more pronounced at the 15- and 30-minute marks. I’ve previously tested the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Find X9 Ultra, and when I ran the same test on the Find X10 Pro Max, I was surprised it trailed the competition in both.

Notably, these are only 1-2% lower than the Find X9 Pro, so it’s not a major year-on-year downgrade, but it's surprising to see Oppo trail the competition given how far ahead it has been in the past.

Stand-out design and a vibrant display

The Find X10 Pro Max follows a similar design to last year’s Find X9 Pro, though Oppo has extended the camera module horizontally. The key difference is the new Lumo Camera Island, an additional aluminum camera island that houses the True Color Camera and LED flash. Like past Oppo phones, it also has a subtle orange accent that nods to Hasselblad’s iconic camera designs.

In the hand, the Find X10 Pro Max is the most balanced phone I’ve used in years. It feels premium, flagship, and solid, which is exactly what you want from a £1,500 phone. The flat aluminum frame has slightly contoured edges, which make it surprisingly comfortable to grip for extended periods.

The Find X10 Pro Max measures 8.4mm thick and weighs 233 grams. Neither is groundbreaking, but it is thicker and heavier than the Galaxy S26 Ultra. That’s not exactly surprising, as the Find X10 Pro Max is a considerable upgrade. It's also thinner and lighter than the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its weight distribution makes it feel less top-heavy.

The 6.78-inch display is nearly the perfect size for comfortable one-handed use, but it does require some stretching, far less than rival devices with bigger screens. The display is similar to the Find X9 Pro, but it does reach 144Hz. Oppo also says the brightness is slightly higher, and an increased PWM Dimming rate of 3,840Hz should make it easier on people with sensitive eyes.

During its launch and briefings, Oppo specifically called out the bezels around the display. At 1.15mm thick, they’re among the thinnest on any smartphone, for a more immersive viewing experience. This is even better for streaming, with HDR10+, HDR Vivid, and Dolby Vision all supported. In daily use, the screen is excellent in all conditions, and I’ve had no legibility issues, even on the water under overcast sun.

The software has plenty to like

The only issue I have with the software on the Find X10 Pro Max is that it won't get as many software updates as Google and Samsung phones. With a guarantee of five major version updates and six years of security updates, Oppo has improved over the four years offered with the Find X9 Pro, but still lags behind the seven years of updates offered by Google, Motorola, Samsung, and Honor.

I tested the global Find X10 Pro Max model with Android 17-based ColorOS 17 and encountered no issues using any part of the software. Oppo's ColorOS 17 interface is its most refined yet, and it is extremely reliable when using Gemini and Google AI features.

ColorOS is my favorite Android interface right now, as Oppo pairs a smart set of default choices with the ability to customize virtually everything. Most Android makers offer a smart set of defaults, but lack the latter, which is key: the ability to tweak, change, and optimize for your workflow is a throwback to why we love Android.

In my opinion, this is the gold standard of smartphone interfaces, and its ability to integrate and quickly share to other devices, including AirDrop between iPhone and Mac, is also the most polished I've seen on any Android phone.

The Find X10 Pro Max defines what a true flagship is

My biggest takeaway with the Find X10 Pro Max is that it’s hard to find any real faults. It’s rare to call a phone perfect, and while no phone ever is, the Find X10 Pro Max is the closest attempt yet at building the perfect smartphone. A few small negative asides; this review is particularly glowing for a reason: the Oppo Find X10 Pro Max is the best Android phone I’ve ever used.

The cameras are the best you’ll find in this class of phone in 2026, only surpassed in certain specific conditions by Oppo’s own Find X9 Ultra. The display is fantastic, battery life is superb, and MediaTek delivers true flagship performance. Add in some neat improvements in ColorOS 17, and you have the leading contender for phone of the year.

The Find X10 Pro Max is also getting Oppo’s largest global Find series release yet, and it will be available in over 60 countries, though the US isn't one of them. That means it’ll compete with the Galaxy S27 Ultra, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and models from Vivo, Honor, and Xiaomi. It’s hard to see how any of those phones will beat Oppo, as the Find X10 Pro Max is just that good.

What you need to know

• Reports from Galaxy S24 users claim their phones are experiencing severe battery drain issues after One UI 9.
• One device under "heavy use" reportedly dropped 95% in a little over five hours; however, it appears quite excessive in nature.
• Another report from a Galaxy S25 user states their device dropped a whopping 40% while sitting idle.
• A recent report from a Korean Galaxy S26 user states their device locked up after downloading One UI 9 due a "webpage unavailable bug."

Samsung has had a busy month. One UI 9 is rolling out on its current-gen and past-gen phones, but it's the latter that's worse off.

A Galaxy S24 Ultra user has reportedly experienced severe battery drain since downloading Samsung's One UI 9 update (via SammyFans). The phone's battery reportedly consumed 95% of its charge in five hours and twenty minutes. The post states this was after "heavy use." However, this might seem a bit excessive. The Galaxy S24 Ultra in question only reported a little over three hours of "screen-on time" (SoT).

It's unclear how widespread the problem is. Some users haven't noticed vastly different battery experiences since downloading One UI 9, while others have. A 9to5Google highlighted a Reddit thread discussing whether or not the Galaxy S24 is suffering from extreme battery drain. Curiously, one user reports horrendous idle battery drain with their phone.

One user had only two and a half hours of SoT, and their battery dropped significantly. In almost 11 hours, their battery lost 40% of its charge while sitting idle. More users continued to share their "since last charge" data. Users with higher SoT showed understandable battery drain.

The folks at 9to5 noticed some reports concerning the Galaxy S25 series. A user said they've had to start charging their phone multiple times a day to get through. We've not noticed any significant changes in our Galaxy S25 Ultra, so this could be one of those weird case-by-case situations.

Bumps in the road

The situation only gets weirder when you factor in the strange setup bug that one Korean user encountered with One UI 9. The user states they're unable to get to the lock and home screens after updating to Android 17. They are consistently given an error on the final step, but Samsung responded quickly. To fix the "webpage is unavailable" error, Samsung said to ensure the browser is updated. What's more, it recommends switching to a stable Wi-Fi connection.

This is another that's not widespread. However, Samsung might roll out a fix for this to cover its bases and make sure more users aren't affected. The only question is when that might happen.

What you need to know

• Oura and Ultrahuman find themselves in another dispute as the former sues over "patent infringements."
• Oura states Ultrahuman infringed on "design and internal component" patents with the Ring Pro.
• In 2025, Ultrahuman sued Oura for "ripping off" its patented health tech.

Oura is reportedly suing Ultrahuman over its Ring Pro. The company alleges Ultrahuman infringed a few patents when it created the device.

A report by TechCrunch highlighted the lawsuit between Oura and Ultrahuman. The latter claims Ultrahuman infringed on its "design and internal component" patents with the Ring Pro. In a statement to the publication, an Oura spokesperson said, "Ultrahuman has a history of copying Oura’s innovations, as demonstrated by the 2025 ITC ruling against the company." It adds, "Ultrahuman introduced a redesigned ring but failed to address continued infringement of Oura’s patents."

Specifically, Oura says it's suing Ultrahuman over the ring's "curved battery, circuit board, magnets, and sensors." However, as the publication notes, Oura was granted this internal-component patent (12,769,363) on October 20. The lawsuit was filed two days later.

Ultrahuman has struggled to get its products to U.S. consumers. The post reminds us of an import ban it faced, which forced its presence out of the country. The Ultrahuman Ring Pro was its ticket back into the market; however, Oura wants to stop that from happening. What's more, the company is reportedly seeking "monetary damages" in this lawsuit.

Ultrahuman's co-founder and CEO, Mohit Kumar, told TechCrunch, "Oura has now chosen to assert different patents, including one that was issued just two days before this lawsuit was filed." Presently, Kumar says courts have not stopped it from selling the Ring Pro to U.S. consumers, so it remains available even today.

Back & Forth

These two companies have gone back and forth for years now. In 2025, Ultrahuman sued Oura. It accused Oura's Ring 4 of "ripping off its patented smart ring tech." The core of this dispute concerned "sleep tracking, circadian tools, and women’s health features." Ultrahuman said it "pioneered" those features. There was also a major difference between the two companies.

While Ultrahuman offers its features without a paywall through PowerPlugs, Oura features a subscription-heavy model. Ultrahuman also clarified why it was suing Oura. It said that defending its patents wasn't the primary goal. Instead, "positioning itself as a defender of open health data and Indian innovation on the global stage" was more important to the company.

Ultrahuman has continued to do just that in 2026. The company partnered with HealthEx, which brings users' official medical records into the app. You can compare your smart ring's data against your medical records and take those insights to your doctor. Earlier in October, it rolled out Heart Scan for the Ring Pro. Heart Scan needs sixty seconds to deliver a snapshot of your heart's condition at a moment's notice.

What you need to know

• OnePlus has started rolling out its Android 17-based update to the OnePlus 15 and Pad 4 ahead of the October 29 schedule.
• ColorOS 17 brings redesigned animations, improved Quick Settings, more customization, and updated privacy controls.
• OnePlus says users can choose ColorOS 17 and roll back to OxygenOS, although supported rollback versions remain unconfirmed.

OnePlus has begun rolling out its stable ColorOS 17 update based on Android 17 ahead of schedule to the OnePlus 15 and OnePlus Pad 4. The rollout was originally planned for October 29, but the company has already begun pushing the software to eligible devices. That’s another step away from the OxygenOS identity that longtime fans know.

The stable update is being rolled out to the OnePlus 15 (CPH2745), as per the announcement on OnePlus’ Community, and it seems that the first to get it are those who signed up for the open beta. OnePlus Pad 4 will also be part of the initial rollout, but availability will depend on the way OnePlus rolls out the update in phases.

A new look with practical improvements

ColorOS 17 is based on Android 17 and brings redesigned animations, improved Quick Settings panels, more customization options, and updated privacy controls. OnePlus also promises better background process management to improve battery efficiency, which could make a difference for people who push their phones throughout the day.

This update is a part of a larger change at OnePlus. ColorOS will be the foundation of the next chapter of the company’s software after it announced it will leave North American and European markets. OxygenOS and ColorOS have shared a lot of their underlying tech over the years, but the change still marks a major departure from the branding that helped cement OnePlus in the hearts of Android fans.

There is also a regional wrinkle. OnePlus says eligible users can choose whether to switch to ColorOS 17, and those who make the jump can roll back to OxygenOS. However, the company has not yet revealed which versions of OxygenOS will be available for rollback.

Who gets it next?

Next in line are the OnePlus 15R, OnePlus 13, and OnePlus 13s. The wider rollout will be in stages, so don't panic if your phone hasn't got the notification just yet.

Owners can check by going to Settings > About device > ColorOS. It's worth pointing out that not every major software update is worth installing the second it appears; waiting for early reports can help you avoid unexpected bugs.