Omdia research published its expectations for the foldable display shipment market in 2026, suggesting it could increase by 44%.
The company says this is due to the sharp rise in wide foldable phone popularity off the back of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the iPhone Duo.
Other research states the phone market in Q3 saw its largest drop in over 14 years, as it plummeted by 20% YoY.
Foldables have been around for years now, but the most recent trend to take over is the "wide fold." New research states foldable shipments could continue to climb in 2026, and it's the wide ones that might lead the charge.
Today (Oct. 21), Omdia published its latest forecast about how display shipments could perform in these final months. It states LTPO AMOLD foldable displays are expected to grow 44% in 2026. Researchers suggest the foldable display market may "rebound" in 2026 following strong performance by Samsung and Apple. The company's principal analyst, Brain Huh, said, "Display shipments for wide-screen foldable smartphones are expected to account for 44% of total foldable panel shipments in 2026."
It's hard not to think about Samsung and Apple when discussing "wide-screen foldable" phones. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the iPhone Duo were two major product releases for their respective companies, and that's where Omdia focused. It states Samsung is expected to "strengthen its leadership in the foldable smartphone display market" this year.
Omdia likens this performance to the Fold 8 and iPhone Duo, as Samsung supplies the necessary displays for these "exclusively." Elsewhere, research shows that Samsung could hold solid ground over BOE, China Star, Tianma, and Visionox.
The company highlights other research, which shows a positive reception of these wider foldables, contributing to its overall (forecasted) display growth this year.
At least this looks positive... right?
(Image credit: Omdia)
Android Central's Take
A curious bit of intel here. I do wonder how this could affect the smartphone market. Probably not in any meaningful way, as it's expected to look bleak in Q4, too. But there's hope. I put air-quotes around that, by the way. The reason for that is because of what I said last time: "why get a new one when that money is better spent elsewhere?" Phones are becoming more and more expensive, and people need their money for more important things.
Maybe this is a little light at the end of the tunnel? Who knows how this will affect the overall smartphone market as a whole, but hey, at least display shipments are booming! It's worth remembering that the phone market has been dropping this year. And we mean it's really, really been dropping this year. It downright plummeted off a cliff in Q3. Researchers said this is the lowest it's been in 14 years.
A report said that the phone market dropped 20% YoY in Q3; however, Samsung came out on top, thanks to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the Fold 8 Ultra. A major cause of this decline is the "extreme memory shortage." Research suggests rising prices are causing consumers to change their mentality about buying phones. With the market on struggle street, Samsung reportedly increased its market share by 23%, the largest amongst OEMs.
Apple lagged in second, but it was speculated that this was due to the iPhone 18 series missing a base (entry) model, with the 18 Pro and Pro Max.
RayNeo announced its collaboration with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which brings a unique black-and-gold GT Max.
The glasses feature a black-and-gold camo that mirrors the game's aesthetic, and users can find that same design across its UI.
Consumers will find exclusive goodies for the GT Max (unique USB-C cord, cleaning cloth, etc.) once the collaboration drops on November 19 on RayNeo and Amazon.
If you didn't catch the beta earlier this year, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is launching this week on October 23. To prepare, RayNeo announced a pair of limited-edition AR glasses in collaboration with COD.
RayNeo announced a collaboration with Call of Duty (COD) to launch a limited-edition pair of its GT Max AR glasses for MW4 (Modern Warfare 4). The company states it designed these glasses to mirror the gear you'd find in MW4. RayNeo states, "...the glasses feature an iconic compass heading bar across the top of the lenses and a matte black frame with gold-yellow camo on the temples, echoing the game's theme."
While exciting enough to feel like a must-have collectible, the RayNeo GT Max x COD: MW4 collaboration does its job of immersing you in the experience.
Aside from the MW4 camo design, RayNeo says it designed a custom MW4 on-screen display (OSD). This appears as a black-and-gold UI for the device's "display mode switching," picture settings menu, and Spatial Surround Sound. Other exclusives include a braided USB-C cable that matches the MW4 aesthetic and a MW4 logo cleaning cloth.
Prepare for exfil
RayNeoRayNeoRayNeo
The RayNeo GT Max hardware matches what the company revealed in August. The glasses retain their 59-degree FOV, 267-inch virtual display, Bang & Olufsen audio, and a light 78g frame. Consumers will find a 120Hz refresh rate, 1,200 nits of peak brightness, and "vivid color accuracy." What's more, the GT Max's spatial tracking "adapts to any tactical scenario with three display modes" (Steady, Pinned, Follow).
However, this particular version of the GT Max is only available in Size M. RayNeo reminds consumers that the GT Max is naturally available for purchase in Sizes S, M, and L.
Since the RayNeo-COD collaboration is here, the company says users can enjoy the MW4 campaign in a new way. Keep in mind that you will need to connect the Limited Edition GT Max to your PC or your console in order to enjoy the MW4 campaign. What's more, RayNeo suggests using the Pinned display mode for the story mode. Once multiplayer drops with the game's full release on October 23, RayNeo suggests opting for the Follow display mode.
The RayNeo X Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Limited Edition GT Max glasses launch on November 19. Consumers can enter their email to be notified once the device is available. MW4 launches this week on October 23 (Friday) with multiplayer and will become available. Currently, if you've pre-ordered the game, you can enjoy the campaign and its new game mode, DMZ.
I've been playing around with a Google Pixel 11 Pro for months, putting all its coolest features through their paces. One of my favorites is Magic Capture, a simple camera feature that lets you focus on shooting video while it handles high-quality still images. Wait, how? Once you're done shooting, Magic Capture analyzes the video, frame by frame and extracts the best still images automatically and intelligently from the moving frames. So you don't even need to do the work.
I have used Magic Capture in a few scenarios, both at home and at different events. While it isn't perfect, it works well enough to convince you use to use the Pixel 11. It solves the problem so many of us have in deciding whether to record a video or photos at your child's school concert, a birthday party, or any other gathering, event, or trip.
When you open the Google Pixel 11 Pro camera, you'll see the standard photo and video capture icons but also a Magic Capture button. Select Magic Capture and press the shutter to start shooting. Record video as you normally would, without worry about photos. Those will come later. Once you're done, press the shutter again to stop.
Once the video saves, the phone will analyze almost 400 frames and extract the best images — the one where everyone is laughing, someone has a genuine smile, or a person is in a perfect pose while dancing. These high-quality 12MP stills are automatically saved to your photo gallery. This works even if the phone is offline, though you may only get a few images while others are placed in a queue for processing and downloading once you're connected to the internet.
A video of 1-2 minutes will typically generate about four still images. The camera selects great images with flattering poses and expressions. But it doesn't always get it right.
I have seen it pull out images when someone's eyes are closed, for example, or that were clearly not the best options. But 80-90 percent of time, it grabs the best photos from the video.
Along with relying on the automatically captured stills that Google chooses, you can pull out your own if you think there are better ones. Scrub through the video timeline, find the frame you like, pause in that spot, then and tap on the pop-up "Save as photo" bubble. I did this with one video I took where the automatically generated stills completely missed a great shot when I was jumping mid-air.
Yes, you can technically grab stills from video captured on any phone by taking a screenshot and cropping it. But this feature extracts a 12MP higher-quality image that is usually better than your screenshot. Even if you compare and don't notice much of a quality difference, not having to worry about that whole process makes this feature worthwhile.
You might be wondering if you can capture selfie videos using this feature. The short answer is yes, but you'd need a workaround since Magic Capture works only with the phone's rear camera. That's because it uses intense computational hardware that the front camera can't handle. To get around this, set the phone on a tripod or prop it against something with its back to you, adjusting the view for framing. Tap record and move into position or use a remote shutter device like a Pixel Watch 5. Then, do your thing.
I tried this by jumping, running, and dancing around in my backyard, even doing some fun runway poses. The camera pulled out some good shots, though it extracted a few weird ones, too. Nonetheless, with the right setup, you can record yourself posing on the beach or in front of a landmark. Instead of hitting the shutter over and over, record a video then let Magic Capture find the best pose.
If you're using Magic Capture – and I promise if you get a Google Pixel 11 phone, you will – there are a few things to keep in mind. First, once you're reviewing the stills in your Photo Gallery, remove the ones you don't want. Otherwise, having four, five, or more photos for every video you shoot will quickly fill up your phone's storage.
Second, Magic Capture works only on footage of up to two minutes. So, if you're recording something longer, like your front row view at a concert, you'll have to shoot in two-minute increments rather than entire songs or even encores. Along with manually extracting stills if you think the phone missed a crucial moment, you can also apply edits to the automatically extracted ones, including cropping, straightening, and unblurring if needed.
Finally, while the default video resolution for Magic Capture is 4:3 at 1080p, you can use Video Boost if you have a Pro model to record in 10-bit 4K quality. To enable this, select the Settings gear icon on the bottom left after you choose Magic Capture in the camera app and turn Video Boost on. Note that you need to be signed into the Google Photos app with backup turned on for Video Boost files to process.
Magic Capture is not only one of the best features of the Pixel 11 series phones, it's arguably one of the best camera features in a decade, period. I think back to my son's grade 8 graduation this summer when I was switching back and forth between capturing videos and stills. I missed getting a video of him walking to get his diploma (his dad luckily got one) because I was focused on getting a photo and couldn't do both at the same time.
I also recall every birthday party when I had to choose between video or still images of the person blowing out the candles. Most notably, there's the time I got to meet actor Alan Ritchson this summer ... they were filming Reacher Season 5 down the street from my house. With Magic Capture, I could have gotten incredible stills instead of a single selfie. The selfie was great, but with this feature and someone to record for me, it might have been even better.
Oppo has launched the Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max, with the latter featuring three 200MP rear cameras for the first time.
The Find X10 Pro Max features Oppo's new LUMO True Image Engine, alongside 8K video and Open Gate Capture support.
Both phones pack massive 8,000mAh batteries with 80W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 144Hz displays.
The Find X10 Pro Max uses MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset, while the base Find X10 gets the Dimensity 9600M.
Oppo today officially announced the Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max, its latest flagship smartphones for 2026.
The smartphone market in 2026 has been quite topsy-turvy. While phones like the Galaxy S26 Ultra have introduced innovative features like Privacy Display, overall smartphone sales have reportedly fallen to a 14-year low. But that isn't stopping Oppo from going all out with its latest camera-focused flagships.
The company today unveiled the Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max, bringing major upgrades across the cameras, battery, chipset, and overall design.
Now, before you ask, there's no regular Find X10 Pro this year. Oppo has announced just two models, the base Find X10 and the top-tier Find X10 Pro Max, with the latter going directly against the likes of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and iPhone 18 Pro Max. And the biggest upgrades this year are undoubtedly in the camera department.
(Image credit: Sanuj Bhatia / Android Central)
As Oppo previously confirmed, the Find X10 Pro Max is the company's first smartphone to feature a triple 200MP camera system. This means you're getting a 200MP main camera, a 200MP ultrawide, and a 200MP telephoto camera on the back. It's an impressive setup, and something we haven't seen on a smartphone before.
But the upgrades don't stop at the camera hardware. Oppo has also introduced its new LUMO True Image Engine, which the company says takes a more natural approach to image processing. According to Oppo, the new engine reproduces colors more accurately across different lighting conditions, whether that's subtle tones in a landscape or more natural-looking skin tones in portraits.
The main camera also uses Samsung's new 1/1.28-inch ISOCELL HPC sensor, which Oppo says it co-developed with Samsung. The sensor features new DeepPix technology designed to improve HDR performance, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
(Image credit: Sanuj Bhatia / Android Central)
Oppo also claims the Find X10 Pro Max is the first smartphone capable of capturing 26MP photos by default across the entire zoom range from 0.5x to 9.9x. We'll be taking a closer look at the camera performance in a separate piece, but on paper, this is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious camera systems we've seen this year.
Video recording is getting plenty of attention too. Oppo says the Find X10 Pro Max can record up to 4K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, and even 8K at 30fps using its camera system.
For more advanced video workflows, the Find X10 series also supports Dolby Vision, ACES-certified O-Log2, and, for the first time on an Oppo smartphone, Open Gate Capture. Oppo is also working with Blackmagic Camera to bring support for the Find X10 series' camera capabilities to the app.
Coming to the design, both phones retain a similar overall look to last year's Find X9 series, although Oppo has extended the camera module horizontally this time around.
(Image credit: Sanuj Bhatia / Android Central)
On the front, the base Find X10 features a 6.59-inch display, while the Find X10 Pro Max comes with a larger 6.78-inch panel. Both displays support up to a 144Hz refresh rate and can reach a whopping 3,600 nits of peak brightness.
Oppo has also made some big upgrades to the battery. Both the Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max pack massive 8,000mAh batteries, with support for up to 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.
Under the hood, the Find X10 Pro Max is powered by MediaTek's latest Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset, while the base Find X10 uses the 3nm Dimensity 9600M. Both are part of MediaTek's latest flagship chipset family, although the Pro Max gets the more powerful variant.
In terms of the pricing, the Oppo Find X10 starts at €1,399 for the base variant with 256GB of onboard storage and 12GB RAM, whereas the Find 10 Pro Max is available for €1,799. The Find X10 Pro Max comes in a single variant with 12GB RAM and 512GB of onboard storage.
Google extends free Satellite SOS by one year for Pixel 9 owners, with no additional charge.
Satellite SOS launched in 2024 and lets users contact emergency services and share their location without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
Regional availability varies, so the feature may not be accessible everywhere.
Google is giving Pixel 9 owners another year of free Satellite SOS access, pushing back the question of whether emergency satellite connectivity will eventually become another smartphone subscription. The extension comes just as the original two-year free-access period approaches its end, offering some welcome breathing room without answering the bigger question about long-term costs.
Google confirmed the expansion to PCMag when asked about plans for the service. “Confirming that we’ve extended this offering, at no additional cost, for one additional year,” a company spokesperson said, adding that Google had no further details to share.
Satellite SOS launched with the Pixel 9 series in 2024. For those unfamiliar, it lets users contact emergency services and send their location when there are no cellular networks or Wi-Fi available, making it particularly useful for hikers, travelers, and anyone involved in an emergency in an area with poor coverage.
The feature makes use of satellite connectivity hardware built into compatible Pixel phones, including Google’s Tensor G4 chip, which contains the Exynos 5400 modem. Users position their phone toward a satellite and send emergency messages following on-screen instructions, instead of using nearby cell towers. It’s the kind of feature you hope you never need, but you’re glad it’s there if things go sideways.
That said, Satellite SOS is not available on all Pixel phones. The Pixel 9a is excluded, while supported devices include the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Additionally, availability is also dependent on the region.
The extra year is good news, but what happens next is a rather important detail that Google is keeping quiet about. The company hasn’t announced subscription pricing or confirmed whether the service will eventually be a paid offering. It has also continued to refer in its published specifications to the original period of two years.
For now, Pixel 9 owners can continue using Satellite SOS at no extra charge for another year. What happens next is anybody’s guess, and Google still owes customers a clearer answer on the future of a feature designed for emergencies.
Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 has added a toggle to require PIN/fingerprint authentication before anyone can touch Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Mobile Data on a locked phone.
Non-security tiles like Flashlight, Auto-rotate, and Battery Saver stay unlocked and accessible without extra friction.
The latest Android 17 beta release also resolves random reboots, system crashes, Bluetooth pairing failures, idle battery drain, and buggy internet tiles.
Google is finally giving Pixel owners a way to stop thieves from disabling their phone’s connectivity right from the lock screen.
The new security feature is coming in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2, which will let users require authentication before anyone can toggle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data, or airplane mode. It's a small change, but it could make a stolen phone a little less useful to whoever walks away with it.
This update, which came on October 20 with build number DP11.261002.005, does more than just fix a number of bugs. The Android Beta team says on Reddit that it also fixes intermittent device crashes and unexpected reboots, Bluetooth pairing failures, excessive idle battery drain, and issues with the Internet Quick Settings tile. Below is the complete list of issues fixed in the latest beta round.
Cellular data, MMS, and hotspot services fail to connect on Dish Network. (Issue #537736046)
Screen recording freezes and stops capturing frames after screen rotation. (Issue #541325203)
System UI, fonts, and apps render at an abnormally small scale regardless of configured display size settings. (Issue #563321433)
Display turns black and becomes unresponsive after ending a phone call. (Issue #564953545)
Terminal app fails to launch the Linux development environment virtual machine after installation. (Issue #551657934)
Wi-Fi Aware fails to establish subsequent data paths with a no interfaces available error after releasing an accept-any responder network request during connection confirmation. (Issue #550726291)
Paired watch continues to ring after an incoming call is answered on the phone. (Issue #564594780)
Airbnb app fails to connect when attempting to send messages. (Issue #563024453)
Quick Settings Bluetooth subtitle is misaligned to the right. (Issue #559417120)
Bluetooth pairing fails due to a connection timeout when attempting to pair with a device. (Issue #563675080)
VoLTE, VoNR, and Wi-Fi calling are unavailable on the IT&E network. (Issue #556432987)
High idle battery drain caused by motion sensors remaining active after using Face Unlock or the camera. (Issue #568078965)
Wi-Fi Calling unavailable on the OXIO network. (Issue #563089593)
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
A more interesting addition is the connectivity restriction, as noted in a few replies to the Reddit post. Sometimes thieves can disable a phone’s network connections from the lock screen, making it more difficult for owners to track down a lost device. It’s another hurdle to force you to unlock before changing these settings, though it obviously won’t prevent all theft or ensure recovery.
To enable it, go to Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock or Settings > Display & touch > Lock screen, then turn Lock Quick Settings connectivity on. Once enabled, you must unlock the device before you can change any of the four protected connectivity settings.
Google is also leaving common shortcuts like flashlight, auto-rotate, and Battery Saver accessible, so the security feature doesn’t relegate the lock screen to a glorified clock. Locking each and every Quick Settings tile would be way too limiting for those who enjoy shortcuts without unlocking their phone. So it’s a more targeted way to protect the settings that could interfere with connectivity and tracking.
Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 is available for eligible Pixel devices enrolled in Google’s Android Beta Program. As with any beta software, users should expect the possibility of bugs and avoid installing on a device they can’t afford to have misbehave.
Google's new Noto 3D emojis, introduced with Android 17 and the Pixel 11 series, are starting to reach older phones.
A Reddit user reports receiving the redesigned emojis on their Pixel 6a, possibly through a system update.
The rollout appears limited for now, while Google has confirmed plans to bring the new emojis to all Android phones.
Google appears to be rolling out its new Noto 3D emojis to older Android phones.
With the launch of Android 17 and the Pixel 11 series, Google introduced a new emoji design language. Android users have complained for years that emojis on the platform look rather plain and bland, especially compared to what competitors offer. But with Android 17, Google introduced its new Noto 3D emoji design, bringing more depth and a three-dimensional look to emojis.
Google says the new emojis feature more depth and dimension, making them better at expressing emotions and giving them a more distinctive look. Until now, these emojis have largely been exclusive to the new Pixel 11 series, but it looks like Google is finally starting to bring them to older Android phones as well.
As spotted by a user on Reddit (via 9to5Google), the new Noto 3D emojis have reportedly started appearing on the Pixel 6a. The user says their emoji selection has been updated to show the new designs and believes the change arrived through a system update rather than a Gboard update.
(Image credit: RKBDI on X)
Google has so far kept the new emojis exclusive to the Pixel 11 series, but this report suggests the company may have started expanding their availability to older Pixel phones.
That said, the rollout doesn't appear to be widespread just yet. We checked both the Pixel 9a and Pixel 9 Pro running the latest Android 17 software, and neither device has received the new emojis, even after installing the latest Google Play system update.
Still, with at least one user reporting that the new emojis have appeared on their older Pixel, there's a chance Google has started a gradual rollout that could reach more devices over the coming days or weeks.
Google has already announced plans to make the new emoji designs available across its apps and on devices from several Android manufacturers, including Nothing, Lenovo, Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, Honor, Motorola, and more.
Google announced that it's bringing Gemini's Personal Intelligence to vehicles.
The feature mirrors the experience in AI Mode or on your phone, as the AI can connect to your Workspace apps, Gmail, Photos, Search, and more for tailored help that matters to you.
Gemini can pick up old conversations with you through Personal Intelligence, and it can look for restaurants to eat and bring directions straight to your car's display.
None of this works without your permission, and Google says drivers remain in control of what they share.
Sorry, Microsoft: Apparently Gemini is your new copilot.
This afternoon (Oct. 20), Google announced that Gemini's Personal Intelligence is rolling out for Android Auto. The post states Personal Intelligence does nothing without your express permission. But once given, the feature will mirror the experience you'd receive on your Android phone.
Google states that connecting Personal Intelligence opens access to Gmail, Photos, Maps, Search, Workspace apps, and more. Gemini will tailor its responses to your voice queries using your data as its knowledge base. Since Personal Intelligence is connected to your Gmail (if given permission), users can ask whether their flight is on time and what their gate number is. Google says drivers won't have to do much else.
The AI will dive into your emails and find that information for you. What's more, since Personal Intelligence is arriving in vehicles, Google says Gemini can "suggest curated dinner stops" along the driver's route when asked. If you're a vegetarian, Google says Gemini can tailor its responses for your needs.
Driving got a little easier
Gemini's Personal Intelligence can surface important details about your flight while the driver remains focused on the road. (Image credit: Google)
Another key feature is users can "pick up where they left off" with Gemini. If you asked Gemini about a coffee shop, the next time you get into your car, you can bring it up. Google states Gemini will resurface those details for you and create a route in Maps to get you there.
Google says your privacy remains at the center of this feature, and you don't have to share anything if you don't want to. Personal Intelligence will arrive for cars with Google built-in "in the next few months." For users with this feature already set up on their phone, you won't have to do much once it hits your car.
If you haven't set it up, Google says you can do so from Gemini's settings.
Google has been bringing Gemini's Personal Intelligence to more places since its arrival in January. Most recently, the company added the feature to AI Mode. It works the same as you'd expect on your phone through the Gemini app and, as announced today, for Android Auto. Users can ask Gemini about specific questions that pertain to them or their situation. If you're looking for meal ideas but you have an allergy, for example, Gemini would tailor its responses.
What's more, you can ask Gemini to find information about your car's tires. The AI would look into your photos to find them and search for relevant information.
Google Home Speaker users have noticed that the device has consumed an enormous amount of data in the background.
The device was reportedly spotted consuming several terabytes of data in a single month without much use.
Google is reportedly aware of the problem and has started rolling out a fix.
Users on social media are waking up to a startling truth: their Google Home Speaker has been incredibly active in the background. There's no clear reason why, but the amount of data is staggering.
Posts on the Google Home subreddit draw attention to an unfathomable amount of data being consumed by the Home Speaker (via 9to5Google). The user states that they've "got one old Google Mini and three of the new Google speakers." What's more, these devices aren't used for more than 20 minutes a day. This is strange, considering the user reports one of their Google Home Speakers consumed over 140GB of data in a day.
Combined, the user states their three speakers consumed 6TB of data "in under a month." Another user with a Home Speaker reported the same, stating, "Something’s up with them. This just started in the past 2 weeks for mine." This issue appears to be confined to the Google Home Speaker, as a user with a Nest Audio couldn't find an unusual amount of data consumption.
The publication speculated on this, too, but one Redditor said their speaker downloaded 20GB in a single day. However, they added that "It kept downloading firmware and failing to install it." This makes it seem like the device got caught in the worst possible loop of downloading and failing.
Google reportedly informed the publication that this is an issue with the Home Speaker. It adds that "a fix is already rolling out" to address this problem. Android Central has reached out to Google for more information, and we will update this post when we hear back.
I'd be concerned if I woke up one day and saw huge spikes of data being consumed by a Home Speaker. For what reason is it doing this, you know? It's a concerning issue, especially for something always connected to the internet (hence the data consumption). What makes it worse is if you don't use it that often, but maybe sparingly for queries here and there. The good thing is that Google is aware. Let's hope it doesn't happen again.
The Google Home Speaker is the company's new beginning for AI in the home. Gemini is integrated throughout the product to assist users with daily queries and more. While the device has gotten off without a hitch (for the most part), the Home Speaker did struggle this summer. Users reported incredibly slow response times from Gemini.
A latency problem was the culprit. Users reported that on the first day, there were no issues; however, after the second, "...every single question (even 'hello') needs at least 30s of answer time." Many queries that users would have for Gemini would time out, as the AI couldn't respond within a meaningful time. What's more, Google's smart home devices beyond the Home Speaker struggled, too.
Google had to roll out a software update to solve this issue, which is strange. Shortly before these issues appeared, the company rolled out a Gemini update for its smart home devices to make it "snappier." That seemingly backfired and required more tuning to get it right.
A tipster discovered that Android Auto could bring full work profile support, mirroring what users experience on Android phones.
Android Auto could roll out "Work Accounts" sometime in the future, delivering notifications and more from a user's work profile.
A recent Android Auto update brought a refined Play Store with curated apps and more, as well as upgraded YouTube playback.
A dip into Android Auto's app code suggests Google is working on bringing full work profile support to drivers.
Tipster AssembleDebug and Android Authority discovered a new feature in the works for Android Auto called "Work Account." It's speculated that this would work similarly to how work profiles operate on your Android phone. Users can separate their profiles, keeping work-related apps and things in their own corner. The tipster discovered that Google is working on a Work Account toggle inside Android Auto's Quick Settings.
When toggled, users would begin receiving notifications on their car's display while driving. The feature may also display a briefcase icon on Android Auto's home screen so you know it's been enabled.
Much of what Work Account will support and do is still under speculation. AssembleDebug states that the feature isn't working properly; only the icons are present in their deep dive. However, the tipster assumes Work Account would support Google Meet and potentially other Workspace apps.
Better driving experiences
(Image credit: Android Authority)
For the good, Android Auto recently rolled out a redesigned Play Store with new apps and improved YouTube playback. The Play Store is now much easier to browse on your car's display. Google also included "featured picks, new releases, and curated collections." On YouTube's side, videos will automatically switch to audio-only when you start driving.
This keeps drivers involved in what they were doing, but minus the distracting elements videos tend to have.
On the downside, October got off to a rocky start for drivers. The funny thing is this issue had been going on for months. Users on Reddit said that Android Auto wouldn't alert them about incoming notifications if their foldable was closed. The reports involved the Motorola Razr series quite heavily, forcing users to open their foldables for proper functionality.
Motorola and Google were aware and started reaching out to users to help fix it.
Samsung is expanding the stable One UI 9 (Android 17) update to the Galaxy A36 globally, landing in Europe after its initial South Korea launch.
The over-the-air update (version A366BXXUCDZIF) weighs in at over 2.3GB and bundles the September 2026 security patch.
The Galaxy A36 release is rolling out alongside updates for other A-series models, including the Galaxy A56, A37, and A27.
Samsung is rolling out its stable One UI 9 update to the Galaxy A36 in global markets, with Europe among the first regions outside South Korea to get the software. The rollout started on October 19, so owners of midrange phones can now enjoy Android 17 and Samsung’s latest interface improvements without having to buy a newer Galaxy device.
The update carries firmware version A366BXXUCDZIF and includes the September 2026 security patch, as spotted by X user @Kailash0729 (via SammyGuru). The download is over 2.3GB, so make sure you have a good Wi-Fi connection and enough free storage before you begin installing. Just don’t expect Samsung to port every flagship feature to its more affordable hardware.
One UI 9 brings interface tweaks, more customization features, and security improvements. The update also is based on Android 17, while Samsung continues to customize some features for individual devices. The more advanced Galaxy AI features are still largely limited to compatible higher-end phones, so the A36 misses out on some of the more fancy additions.
It starts with a first stable release in South Korea on October 15, where the Galaxy A36 was shipped with the firmware version A366NKSU9DZIF. Samsung has since started to roll out availability outside of its home market, as well as updates for other Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy A56, A37, and A27.
But a global rollout doesn't mean every country gets the update at once. Samsung typically releases major software updates in phases, so some owners may have to wait days or longer for the download to appear.
Ready to go with your Galaxy A36? Tap Download and install. Then, go to Settings > Software update. Check again in the next few days if nothing shows up yet. Samsung is expected to release One UI 9 to more eligible Galaxy phones in the coming weeks.
The Xiaomi 18 Pro is rumored at €1,449 for 12GB/256GB and €1,649 for 512GB. The 18 Pro Max reportedly lands at €1,849 with 12GB/512GB.
Global models may get smaller batteries, with the Pro dropping to 6,000mAh and the Pro Max to 7,050mAh.
Battery endurance looks promising on paper, with reported runtimes of up to 66.5 hours for the Pro and 70 hours, 40 minutes for the Pro Max.
Xiaomi’s new flagship phones could be headed to global markets with eye-watering price tags and smaller batteries than their Chinese counterparts. The Xiaomi 18 Pro may start at €1,449 for the 12GB RAM/256GB storage variant, with the 512GB model potentially costing €1,649, according to a new report from YTechB. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max reportedly starts at €1,849, with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
Xiaomi hasn’t confirmed those prices, but they do indicate the company is pushing its Pro line more firmly into premium territory. To recap, the regular Xiaomi 17 launched in Europe at €999, while the Xiaomi 17 Ultra launched at €1,499. That leaves the global 18 Pro just €50 shy of last year's Ultra flagship, which is not exactly the kind of pricing that shouts bargain.
Larger bills, smaller batteries
The pricing news comes with another possible compromise. The global Xiaomi 18 Pro may feature a 6,000mAh battery, a decrease from the 7,000mAh capacity found in China, according to YTechB's report citing listings on the European Product Registry for Energy Labeling. It’s also said that the Pro Max will go down from 8,500mAh to 7,050mAh.
The charging speeds may also differ. The global Pro is expected to support 90W wired charging rather than the 100W in China. The Pro Max is said to keep 100W wired charging, whereas both models are expected to retain 50W wireless charging.
The listings also reportedly state a battery life of up to 66 hours and 30 minutes for the Pro and 70 hours and 40 minutes for the Pro Max. Both batteries are also rated to hold 80% of their capacity after 1,000 charging cycles. The numbers are reassuring, but in the real world battery life will, of course, be dictated by how people use their phones.
Premium hardware needs premium justification
The Xiaomi 18 Pro series was unveiled in China with dual 200MP Leica cameras, dedicated rear screens, and hardware-based privacy screens. The Pro Max also gets Qualcomm’s more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chip.
Xiaomi has another reason to hike prices, as rising DRAM and NAND prices are likely putting pressure on smartphone makers. But buyers paying flagship money are going to want more than impressive specs on paper.
A rumor on social media suggests Samsung's foldable lineup could double in size with six phones in 2027.
The company is allegedly preparing a TriFold 2, a Galaxy Z Fold 9 Pro, and a "Galaxy Z Slide."
At CES 2025, Samsung Display showed off two slidable phone concepts: the "Slidable Flex Duet" and "Slidable Flex Solo."
Samsung's latest wave of foldables was incredibly popular. Okay, the Fold 8 took everything by storm, but that might not stop the company from doubling up on its offerings next year.
A rumor on X from tipster TheGalox claims Samsung is preparing for its "biggest foldable lineup ever" in 2027 (via 9to5Google). To start things off, TheGalox claims the Galaxy Z TriFold 2 could start Samsung's huge foldable stampede in 2027. This would succeed the original Z TriFold, which Samsung stopped producing after three months. Elsewhere, the tipster claims the foldables we typically expect could expand.
Currently, Samsung offers three foldables: the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8. The Fold 8 is its short, wider addition, and the Fold 8 Ultra is its standard book-style foldable. However, the tipster suggests Samsung could slip in a "Galaxy Z Fold 9 Pro." It's unclear what this would be. What's more, we're unsure about how Samsung would position this device between the Fold 9 and Fold 9 Ultra.
While we also expect to see a Flip 9, rumors say Samsung could introduce a new type of foldable: the "Galaxy Z Slide." It's almost a shame that the most interesting-sounding device is shrouded in the largest shadow, but that's only half true. If we want to at least fathom where we might go, we'll have to look back to CES 2025.
Sliding into 2027?
(Image credit: Samsung Display)
Android Central's Take
The Fold 8 was popular was an understandable reason. It's slightly smaller (shorter), and it felt nice to use for consumers. However, I'm curious about public reception for the Slide, if it's even happening. As a concept, the device seems really interesting. But concepts don't always transfer well into reality. These phones have to be practical, not just cool. Also, what would its price be? We all know how prices are skyrocketing.
Samsung Display was at CES 2025, if you remember our coverage about it (if you don't, here it is). As usual, the company, like other companies, showed off several prototypes. On display were the "Slidable Flex Duet" and "Solo." The Slidable Flex Duet (YouTube) would let users pull (or slide) its display out from the left and right. The device would sit at 8 inches when compact, but sliding out its display would bring it to 12.4 inches—very tablet-like.
Alternatively, you have the Solo, which would go from 13 inches to 17.3 inches. Whether or not Samsung develops one of these concepts remains to be seen. This only serves as a base to get our minds thinking.
Rumors about a TriFold sequel got underway quickly after Apple's iPhone Duo launch. Allegedly, this phone could debut in 2027 with a thinner, lighter, and more durable design. However, its price tag might remain pretty hefty at $2,800.
Rumors claim Samsung could launch the Galaxy S27 series earlier in 2027, in January; however, February could be the next best bet.
Other rumors suggest Samsung is still struggling with the ongoing memory crisis, and it's "unsure" if it can bring upgrades to the Pro and Ultra.
Storage and RAM upgrades were rumored throughout this year, but the tale's been consistent with Samsung's apparent uncertainty behind it.
The beginning of the year (Q1, really) is when we expect Samsung's next flagships. Rumors claim the company could start 2027 off with a bang.
A report by tipster Lanzuk on Naver (Korean) over the weekend suggests Samsung could debut its phones within the first two months (via Android Authority). Here's where things get tricky. The tipster suggests Samsung is leaning toward a January launch; however, things could get pushed into "February at the latest." While exciting, Samsung is still grappling with a few internal problems.
We've seen a Galaxy S27 Pro rumored for next year's series quite often, and this report concerns it, too. The post alleges that Samsung is still trying to sort out the memory/storage specifications for the S27 Pro and the S27 Ultra. The current crisis with these two pieces of hardware is a contributing factor, with the tipster stating Samsung must decide and consider the "scope of implementation."
The post states Samsung wants to implement UFS 5.0 (storage) and LPDDR6 (RAM) in the S27 Pro and Ultra.
Trying times for flagships
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
You might remember that the Galaxy S26 series launched in late February. However, the Galaxy S25 series launched in mid-January. We've seen Samsung bounce between these early months before, so we'll have to see where it lands next year.
As far as the RAM/storage rumors go, the UFS 5.0 rumor was brought up earlier this year, claiming not every S27 phone would get it. But we've seen many of the same topics brought up: "price and mass production." It wasn't clear which phones would get it, but speculation sided with the Galaxy S27 Ultra, at least. The RAM upgrade was a bit of a mixed bag. One report said the next Ultra might miss it completely as Samsung shifted gears toward other companies' "limited edition" phones.
Now it's back on the table, but it's still anyone's guess as to whether the Pro and Ultra will see it. The publication (Android Authority) brought up Samsung's chip issue: reports claimed Qualcomm's Elite Extreme was overheating, and Samsung might have to consider its Exynos instead. It found that Qualcomm has recently denied such claims. Who knows by this point. We'll have to wait and see.
Google is automatically linking your phone number to every signed-in account on Android, including secondary work and alternate profiles.
Surprise verification emails are raising privacy concerns. Users say they received notifications without explicitly opting in.
You can disable automatic verification under Settings > Google > All services > Phone number verification, though some users report the setting switches itself back on.
Google is automatically linking phone numbers on Android to every Google account signed in on that same device, even if they are secondary work accounts or alternate profiles. The feature is meant to keep Google services running smoothly, but its default-on nature is raising questions about how much control users actually have over their personal information.
Some users took to Reddit to report that they're getting surprise emails from noreply-phone-verification@google.com saying their numbers have been verified (via TechRadar).
The setting allows Google and mobile carriers to periodically re-verify numbers, according to Google’s official documentation. The process enables services such as account recovery, RCS messaging, emergency features, and Quick Share. The problem is that the setting also links those numbers to every Google account signed in on the device.
That could be a problem for anyone that consciously splits out personal, work, and disposable accounts. Another relationship that a user may want to keep separate between profiles is a phone number associated with a secondary account. And since the feature doesn’t require an explicit opt-in prompt, users might not know anything has changed until they get a verification email.
Back on Reddit, users shared their experiences and theorized about why the process occurs on its own. You can fortunately check the setting yourself. Head over to Settings > Google > All services > Phone number verification and disable "Verify phone numbers automatically." Menu labels may vary slightly depending on the device.
But some users also say the setting sometimes turns itself back on after being turned off.
It's worth noting that just turning it off will not delete the current links. Go to the Personal Info page of your Google Account, select Contact info > Phone, and delete your number from any accounts you don’t want it to appear on.
Google says it is for practical reasons. But convenience is no substitute for informed consent. The company hasn’t said why it made such a sharp turn or if it plans to reverse it, officially. Until then, it’s up to you to repeatedly babysit your privacy settings and scrub your number from accounts where it doesn’t belong.
Android Central has contacted Google for comment and will update this story when we hear back.
YouTube is reportedly planning to launch audiobooks for its Premium subscribers.
Audiobooks could arrive for the platform's ad-free $16 subscription plan in 2027 if this goes without a hitch for Google/YouTube.
YouTube would run into competition with the likes of Spotify (audiobooks arrived in 2023) and Audible.
Audiobook-enjoyers might have something to celebrate on YouTube. There are rumors that the platform is looking to enter a new market for its Premium subscribers.
A post by the Wall Street Journal (paywalled) highlighted rumors that YouTube Premium could soon offer audiobooks in one of its subscription plans (via GSMArena). Supposedly, Google has been "talking with publishers" about bringing audiobooks onto the platform in 2027.
Early reports allege YouTube Premium would offer audiobooks in its ad-free plan, which currently runs consumers $16 a month. What's interesting is that this could solve an issue: piracy. GoodEReader brought this up in its coverage, highlighting data that shows "45% of listeners" consume "audiobooks" on YouTube. The air quotes (and literal quotes) are warranted here, as the publication states these are AI-narrated, not authentic.
Audiobooks in YouTube Premium would give users the best experience possible, away from false creations. However, it's worth remembering that these are rumors, and nothing's been confirmed by YouTube yet.
YouTube's branching out
(Image credit: Chris Wedel/Android Central)
Android Central's Take
This is one of those things where you can associate a product or a feature or a form of entertainment with the name. If I think Spotify, I think music. If I think Audible, I think audiobooks. When I think of YouTube... I do not think about audiobooks (nevermind the fact that I prefer reading over an audiobook). I wonder how large of a market there is for YouTube. But I guess there must be if there's a piracy problem, and they're using AI voices. Crazy.
Many should be well-acquainted with Audible's audiobook offerings. In recent history, Spotify has joined that market, taking the fight directly to Audible with over 200,000 "free" titles. That was how it all started, anyway. When audiobooks launched for Spotify Premium in 2023, the platform gave its subscribers in the U.S. and the U.K. 15 hours of listening per month.
After you exceeded your limit, you could pay an additional $12.99 to get 10 more hours "or buy them a la carte." Spotify's library exceeded that initial 200,000 for Premium subscribers. But if you wanted more, you'd have to buy them individually. Spotify then launched its "Audiobook Access" tier for $9.99, giving users the same 15 hours of listening per month deal.
It goes without saying that YouTube will have its work cut out for it by stepping into this new world.
A report claims that Samsung's Galaxy S27 Ultra has run into extreme overheating issues with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6.
These issues have reportedly caused "throttling" in the device, lowering its performance significant; a problem Samsung has reached out to Qualcomm to solve.
Reports say time is ticking, and if these issues aren't solved, Samsung might have to go with the Exynos 2700.
These issues are familiar, considering Samsung's own chips have struggled in the past with overheating problems, but the Exynos 2600 tried to solve that.
While we're eagerly awaiting the next Ultra flagship from Samsung, a report states the company's run into a problem. The issue lies with its chip and its supposed performance hiccups.
A report late this week by SEDaily (Korean) claims that Samsung's run into problems with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 on the Galaxy S27 Ultra (via SamMobile). Samsung reportedly observed that the chip pushed the phone's temperatures beyond acceptable thresholds. Much like a computer, if the device begins to overheat, performance issues will occur.
Samsung has reportedly experienced "throttling" with the Galaxy S27 Ultra. This hasn't sat well with the Korean OEM. The publication reports that Samsung holds the device to the highest standards and that it must "stably run high-performance cameras, graphics, and AI features" (machine-translated).
Presently, if the S27 Ultra continues to experience issues with the SD 8 EE Gen 6, then Samsung may switch to the Exynos 2700. This is a reality that has yet to happen.
The post states that Samsung has reached out to Qualcomm about these issues. Time is of the essence; however, the OEM has given the chipmaker until "mid-October" to rectify the problems. The problem Samsung experienced is interesting, considering it mirrors the gripes consumers have had with its Exynos series in the past.
Overheating chips
(Image credit: Samsung)
Qualcomm split its flagship chips going into 2027 with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and the 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. The latter is designed to push the boundaries of mobile phone technology and targets Ultra phones. Qualcomm built the chip on a 2nm process with its new Adreno Neural Fusion technology. This leans on AI to boost graphics performance for gamers during longer sessions.
As we alluded to before, Samsung's Exynos chips were infamous for overheating. We'd like to remind you of the Exynos 2600 from 2025. This chip was a significant step for Samsung in the right direction compared to previous generations. Not only was it the world's first 2nm chip, but its CPU and GPU upgrades were also important. What's more, the company introduced a new Heat Path Block (HPB) to fix overheating and performance issues.
While these overheating fixes did well, Samsung could do better. Rumors about the Exynos 2700 say the company wants to introduce a next-generation HPB, reducing heat generation further.
Android Central's Take
This is textbook tech. If it can output graphic or whatever at a higher strength, it will generate more heat. Look at gaming PCs. Why do you think they have so many fans? Why do you think the graphics card has its own fan—or maybe two or three! There's a chance that Samsung and Qualcomm will have to reconfigure some things in the Galaxy S27 Ultra and the chip. Beyond this, there's also public perception. Samsung hesitates to drop an Ultra with Exynos in the States because it could impact sales.
Then there's overall performance. Can the Exynos 2700 go blow for blow with the SD 8 EE Gen 6?
I fondly remember owning my first BlackBerry, and then my second ... and third. The smartphone was a sign of prestige, a device you could fit in your pocket with both a screen (later also a touchscreen in some models) and a miniature QWERTY keyboard. It was genius. That is, until elongated, touchscreen-only phones started coming to market, namely the first iPhone. Suddenly, BlackBerrys weren't so trendy anymore.
What's old becomes new again, however — a statement that fits almost every industry, from fashion to music and even tech. Clicks Technology, a U.K.-based hardware company with team members who previously worked for BlackBerry and within the BlackBerry space, is leaning into this trend. Growing from its first keyboard case, there are two devices coming this year: the Clicks Power Keyboard, which is now shipping, and the hotly anticipated Clicks Communicator, which should launch in December.
"Something was thrown out with the bathwater when we moved to modern smartphones," Jeff Gadway, co-founder of the company (and former marketing director at BlackBerry), explained in a recent interview. His company aims to bring it back — and possibly a little magic to a market that could sorely use some fresh ideas.
I saw both devices in prototype form at CES 2026 earlier this year, and in an interview with Gadway, discussed how the company is bringing razzle dazzle back to mobile.
Clicks introduced its first keyboard case for iPhone in 2024, eventually expanding to make cases for select Android phones, too. To say people were excited would be an understatement. "It was like catching lightning in a bottle that first year," Gadway told me during a recent podcast interview.
Interestingly, it wasn't just nostalgia-fueled business executives but also younger folks from the digital native generations who were intrigued. Young adults who had never used anything but a touch- or voice-controlled phone loved the concept as much as they are now learning to love vinyl, CDs, and wired earbuds.
(Image credit: Clicks Technology)
The company has since developed the Power Keyboard, a MagSafe enabled keyboard accessory you can use with any MagSafe-enabled phone or case, or any Bluetooth input device, for that matter. The Communicator is an Android phone reminiscent of a BlackBerry Bold that combines a small screen with a miniature QWERTY keyboard.
The Power Keyboard is universal
(Image credit: Clicks Technology)
The Power Keyboard solves the biggest issue with the original Clicks Keyboard Case: needing a fitted case for every model phone. Instead, this version is magnetic, clipping vertically or horizontally onto the back of any MagSafe-enabled phone or phone case and functioning as a power bank with a slide-out keyboard.
(Image credit: Clicks Technology)
It isn't limited to phones: Use it handheld with a tablet or even as a Bluetooth mini keyboard for your smart TV. If you've ever attempted to enter a password into an app using your TV's remote and on the on-screen keyboard, you know how frustrating that experience can be. Gadway says the use cases run the gamut, from students using this in class with their phone instead of bringing a laptop, to CEOs, writers, and musicians being productive on the go.
Clicks Communicator reminds you what a phone is for
(Image credit: Clicks Technology)
Taking things a step further, the Clicks Communicator is designed to remind us of the true purpose of a mobile phone: communication. Newer smartphones are designed for content consumption and creation with bigger screens, cameras, processors, and batteries, says Gadway. "What if you could build a phone that was really optimized for communication?"
There are two ways you might use the Communicator. The first is as a secondary phone with its own plan or tethered to your primary device. Maybe you have a company-provided phone on which you aren't permitted to download personal apps. The Communicator can be that secondary device to keep in touch with family, access banking and social media apps, play games, and more. The difference between the Communicator and another smartphone is that the smaller, utility-type screen makes this possible, but it's not optimized for going down the rabbit hole of endless scrolling.
(Image credit: Clicks Technology)
The second is as a primary phone, which Gadway told me is how a lot of pre-order customers have said they want to use it. The Communicator sits between a dumbphone, which eliminates access to distracting apps altogether, paring down the experience to bare bones communication, and a full-featured premium smartphone.
The Communicator is a full Android 17 device, though, with access to the Google Play Store, a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 processor, a 50MP main camera, and a 24MP front-facing camera. Clicks even upgraded the RAM to 12GB prior to the official launch. It has legacy features you won't find in most modern phones, like a 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD card slot to expand the built-in 256GB storage.
The key is in the design: a touchscreen occupying the top three-quarters (4.03 inches, 120Hz) and a bottom keyboard. It's a constant reminder that this isn't a phone to doomscroll TikTok and Instagram or get caught up in mobile games. You can do that. But you won't want to, and that's a good thing.
(Image credit: Clicks Technology)
Other simple features are meant to further encourage focus, like a signal light, similar to the HiLight button in the Google Pixel 11 Pro series phones. Customize it with illuminating colors so you know when an incoming call or message is from your mom, child, spouse, or business partner versus a spam call or an old friend you don't have time to chat with right now.
Clicks is working with Niagara to build a custom Android launcher that can curate messages from your favorite apps on the home screen. Triage these apps, Gadway explains, to help prevent you from getting "sucked into side quests."
"What we're doing with Niagara," he explains, "is creating a version of this that taps into the hardware of Communicator using the touch-sensitive keyboard to scroll through your messages, and the keys themselves to delete, reply, forward, or mark as unread right from that home screen without ever having to actually go into the app itself. So, it's a much more purposeful home screen experience."
Clicks represents a return to form
(Image credit: Clicks Technology)
Modern smartphones do more than ever. But there's something inherently missing from the experience. It stems from nostalgia, for those who grew up using phones with keyboards. But there's also value from a usability perspective for a younger generation who never put their hands on one.
Gadway says that with the original Keyboard Case, 40-45 percent of buyers had never used a BlackBerry before. "They wanted to reshape their relationship with technology, have some tech that was a little more intentional, a little more purposeful, and that allowed them to get their screen real estate back and have a more satisfying tactile experience."
(Image credit: Clicks Technology)
"Touchscreen smartphones are amazing," Gadway said recently. "They do so many things. And yet they lack some of that tactility and the ability to accomplish certain things from your phone that you wait to do back at your desk."
Originally, Clicks was positioned, at least in the minds of those who clamored to get a look at the original case years ago, as a throwback to simpler times. Today, with the latest generation products, it's evident that a physical keyboard is no longer just catering to the BlackBerry faithful. "There is a much bigger audience than we expected," says Gadway. Touchscreens and voice activation aren't going anywhere. But there's something about tactile feel that even the younger generations yearn to experience, too.
Google is notifying AI Plus subscribers that access to Pro models in Gemini and AI Mode will change on November 13.
Users on the $5 Google AI Plus plan will lose the ability to select Pro models but can continue using Flash models.
Keeping access to Gemini's Pro models will require Google AI Pro, which costs $20 per month, four times as much.
Google has started notifying users that they'll soon have to pay more if they want to continue using Gemini's Pro models in both the Gemini app and Google Search.
Currently, the Google AI Plus plan is a pretty good deal. For just $5 per month, you get a generous 400GB of cloud storage alongside access to some of Google's latest and most powerful Gemini models. But now, Google wants users to pay more if they want to continue using the Pro models in the Gemini app and AI Mode in Google Search.
As spotted by a Reddit user (via Droid-Life), Google has started emailing Google AI Plus subscribers, informing them that the ability to select Pro models in both the Gemini app and AI Mode in Search will move behind the more expensive Google AI Pro subscription starting November 13, 2026.
Essentially, this means Google AI Plus subscribers will no longer be able to manually select the Pro models in either service after that date. Instead, users who want to continue accessing those models will need to upgrade to Google AI Pro, which costs $20 per month in the U.S.
(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)
Google does mention in the email that AI Plus subscribers will continue to have access to its Flash models, so it's not like Gemini is going away entirely for those on the cheaper plan. But if you've been using the more capable Pro models for complex tasks, reasoning, or research, you'll now need to pay for the higher tier to keep using them.
Of course, Google is also offering several other benefits with its AI Pro subscription to make the higher price a little easier to justify.
Alongside access to its latest and most capable Gemini models, Google AI Pro also includes benefits such as YouTube Premium Lite, Google Home Premium, Google Health Premium, and 5TB of cloud storage that can be shared across Google services.
Those are some pretty useful additions, especially if you're already paying for several of Google's services separately. But that doesn't change the fact that users who were previously getting access to Gemini's Pro models for $5 per month will now have to spend four times as much to retain that functionality.
Xreal has launched the One Pro Plus AR glasses with brighter Sony Micro-OLED displays and improved viewing modes.
The new glasses reach 1,200 nits of peak brightness, up from 700 nits on the previous One Pro model.
The One Pro Plus retains the X1 chip and 57-degree field of view, with pricing starting at $599 in the U.S..
Xreal today announced the launch of its latest AR glasses, called the Xreal One Pro Plus.
While Meta's new VR glasses may offer some pretty interesting XR experiences, Xreal has been at the forefront of this category for a while now. We went hands-on with the Xreal One last year and came away impressed by how easily the glasses could create a virtual monitor in front of you, essentially turning almost any compatible device into a spatial computing experience simply by connecting through USB-C.
Since then, Xreal has launched the One Pro, which brought a wider field of view and improved brightness of up to 700 nits. And now, the company has announced the Xreal One Pro Plus, taking things a step further with some upgrades to the display and overall viewing experience.
The biggest change this time around is brightness. The Xreal One Pro Plus features dual 0.55-inch Sony Micro-OLED panels that can now reach up to a whopping 1,200 nits of peak brightness, up from 700 nits on the previous model.
(Image credit: Xreal)
Xreal has also added AI-driven High Dynamic Range (AI HDR), which should help improve contrast and make content look better when viewed through the glasses. There are also three new viewing modes called Standard, Movie, and Reading, giving users more control over how content appears depending on whether they're watching a movie, reading, or simply using the glasses as an external display.
The company has also upgraded its built-in Real 3D engine, which converts regular 2D content into spatial 3D. The feature can now process content at up to 60fps, compared to 30fps on the previous generation, which should make the experience smoother, especially when watching videos or other moving content.
But perhaps one of the more useful improvements this year is the focus on comfort. Xreal says the One Pro Plus features a newly engineered nose pad geometry designed to improve how the glasses sit on your face, which should make them more comfortable during longer viewing sessions.
In terms of the rest of the hardware, though, not much has changed. The Xreal One Pro Plus still uses the company's X1 spatial computing chip and retains the same 57-degree field of view as the previous model.
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