Halliday G2 uses the company's new Meeting Flow feature to provide real-time prompts and context as conversations happen.
Meeting Flow helps you stay engaged without reaching for your phone, offering live captions, translations, instant recaps, contextual research, and confidence-rated answers through the glasses.
The AI spots topic drift, flags unclear decisions, identifies incomplete action items, and generates structured summaries with transcripts after meetings.
Most AI meeting assistants have become pretty good at telling you what already happened. Halliday thinks that is solving the wrong problem and has unveiled the Halliday G2, a new breed of AI smart glasses based on a feature called Meeting Flow, which gives you live prompts and contextual information during a conversation rather than producing notes after everyone’s left the room.
The new glasses are available for pre-order starting today with a $10 deposit, shaving $100 off the expected retail price of $599 before shipments are scheduled for September 2026.
Halliday’s pitch is that the glasses’ Meeting Flow listens to the conversation in real time and presents bite-sized insights directly through the glasses’ waveguide display rather than having users type prompts into an AI chatbot. That includes live captions and translation, instant recaps if you lose track of the discussion, and contextual research that can answer questions without having to explain the whole situation to an AI first. The answers also include confidence ratings, and the full source material is still available in the companion app.
Meeting Flow can spot off-topic conversations, alert you to ambiguous decisions before they become the default, identify commitments missing an owner or due date, and maintain a running checklist of open items so they don’t disappear once everyone says goodbye. When the meeting is over, the companion app will generate a structured summary of the meeting, including confirmed decisions, assigned tasks, open items, and transcripts.
HallidayHalliday
The hardware is just as workplace-oriented. The previous generation’s display has been replaced by binocular waveguide optics powered by dual micro-LED projectors capable of up to 1,600 nits of brightness and 600 x 300 resolution per eye in the Halliday G2. The four-microphone array can pick up voice from a distance of up to two meters, while Halliday is aiming for more than 12 hours of typical battery life and a weight of less than 50 grams.
Android Central's Take
There are clear benefits to having the ability to instantly pull up action items and keep meetings on track without having to check a phone, but I remain fiercely skeptical. I’m all for a camera-free design, but strapping an always-on microphone to my face that feeds every boardroom whisper into an AI feels like a data privacy nightmare.
Importantly, there is no camera, which could make the glasses more acceptable in meetings, secure workplaces, and other privacy-sensitive environments, while also helping reduce weight and extend battery life.
Outside the office, the glasses also let you get notifications, take phone calls, control music, see dashboard cards, translate in real time in over 45 languages, deploy a built-in AI assistant, and access a teleprompter-style Cheatsheet mode for notes and reminders.
Halliday says future updates to Meeting Flow through 2026 will add deeper contextual awareness, enabling AI to better understand ongoing projects, people, and previous conversations.
A tipster reportedly discovered a new accessibility feature that Google is working on for Gboard called "Sign-to-text."
This feature would leverage the user's camera and Google's AI to "translate" sign language into written text for messages or online searches and more.
Android has several common accessibility features, and Android 16 helped to refine the hearing aid experience for Bluetooth LE-based models and more.
There are a few important accessibility features present on Android that help make devices useful. However, a recent rumor claims that Google is working on another, and it could be its most significant.
"Sign-to-text" is a feature that Android Authority claims Google is working on for its keyboard app, Gboard. Within the code of a recent Gboard app version, the publication claims it found a welcome pop-up for "Sign-to-text," an accessibility feature for users who communicate via sign language. The early description says it will "translate your signing into text messages, web searches, emails, and more."
As one might imagine, this Gboard feature would leverage your phone's camera to capture you signing. If you also expect this feature to rely on Google's AI, you'd be right. Together with tipster AssembleDebug, the publication found that Sign-to-text will "translate" sign language into written text. While the video is said to "never leave your device," Sign-to-text will send "points representing the movement of your body" to Google for translation before deletion.
There's still quite a bit unknown about this. The tipster couldn't find much else aside from the splash screen and brief description. There's also speculation about how good Google's support for sign language will be. Android Authority highlights that there are other sign languages out there aside from American Sign Language.
Accessible for all
(Image credit: Android Authority)
As we mentioned before, Android has its fair share of accessibility options for users. Android 16 made two important changes for users who rely on hearing aids. If a user has a pair of Bluetooth LE earbuds, they can switch to their phone's mic to hear a call better. Additionally, users can adjust the volume of their hearing aids from their phone. Work to improve the hearing aid experience continued for Android 16 in December 2025.
In Google's year-end update, hearing aids were given Fast Pair support. The single-tap experience for pairing these devices to a compatible Android device was undoubtedly a major win. Google rolled this out for Demant hearing aids first, but planned to expand its support to Starkey devices earlier this year. Other than hearing aids, Android has accessibility options for colors and text size, but sign language is something fresh for its available selection.
Android Central's Take
I like that this has been discovered. It's in Google's code, yeah, but hopefully that means something. I've seen things like this disappear, as it's probably something Google is trying to see if it can do. I truly hope this is one that makes it because it would be huge for people who sign.
Smartphones have become the place where people manage their money, store their memories, organise their travel plans, access work accounts and stay connected with friends and family.
With so much personal information concentrated in one place, Android security has naturally become more important than ever, but luckily, strengthening protection doesn't have to involve dramatic lifestyle changes, technical expertise, or constantly worrying about the latest online threat.
In fact, some of the most effective ways to improve security occur in the background, helping users stay protected while they continue to browse, message, shop, and work exactly as they always have.
TL;DR: Android security is most effective when it works without disrupting everyday usage. Features such as web protection across apps, scam filtering, secure browsing on public Wi-Fi and background threat monitoring help reduce risk while requiring minimal user intervention. Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android focuses on protecting Android devices from modern threats, while Bitdefender Total Security extends protection across multiple devices and platforms.
Keep Android software up to date
Keeping Android and installed apps updated remains one of the easiest ways to improve security.
Software updates often include fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities, performance improvements, and security enhancements, which means delaying updates can leave devices exposed to risks already addressed by developers. Most Android devices can install updates automatically, making this a simple set-and-forget step that requires very little effort on your part.
Updates help close security gaps before they can be exploited and ensure compatibility with the latest security protections built into Android itself. For users who rely on their phones for work, banking or online shopping, staying current with updates is one of the simplest security habits available.
Many people still associate online threats with suspicious emails, but modern scams often arrive through messaging platforms and social apps.
A fake parcel delivery notification, a fraudulent account warning, or a convincing promotional offer can appear in a text message, WhatsApp chat, or a social media direct message. These scams are often designed to create a sense of urgency, encouraging you to act before you have time to think.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Treat unexpected links with caution, even when they appear to come from familiar companies. Protection tools that scan links across apps can add an extra layer of security, which is particularly useful because many people now spend more time in messaging and social apps than in traditional web browsers.
Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android includes web protection that works across apps, helping identify potentially harmful links wherever they appear, making it especially useful for people who regularly communicate through messaging platforms throughout the day.
Public Wi-Fi still deserves caution
Free Wi-Fi is convenient, especially while travelling or working remotely, where airports, hotels, cafés and train stations all offer quick internet access when mobile data isn't available.
However, public networks can present some of the gravest privacy and security concerns these days. You rarely know who manages a network, how it’s configured or who else may be connected to it, an uncertainty that creates opportunities for cybercriminals to intercept data or create fake networks designed to capture personal information.
(Image credit: Alexander Spatari/Moment/Getty Images)
Public Wi-Fi can be used safely, but additional protection is recommended when accessing sensitive information.
Secure browsing tools can help protect personal data when using unfamiliar networks, which is particularly valuable for frequent travellers, remote workers and anyone who regularly connects to Wi-Fi outside the home.
The reality is that most people will continue to use public Wi-Fi, but you can reduce your exposure while maintaining convenience by being mindful of your security options.
Review app permissions regularly
Many Android apps request access to location data, photos, contacts, microphones or camera, and while some requests are entirely legitimate, others might be questionable.
A navigation app needing location access to function correctly is an understandable request. However, a simple utility app requesting broad access to personal information may warrant further investigation.
Location, microphone, camera, and contact permissions typically require close attention because they involve highly personal information.
Android provides increasingly detailed permission controls, allowing you to decide what apps can access and when. A quick review of app permissions every few months can help identify software that may have accumulated access it no longer needs.
Security works best when it stays in the background
One reason people ignore security recommendations is that they assume protection requires constant management, whereas in reality, modern mobile security solutions are designed to work quietly behind the scenes.
Threat monitoring, malicious app detection and scam filtering can all operate in the background while you focus on your daily activities, whether it’s answering messages while commuting, checking emails between meetings or browsing online while watching television.
(Image credit: Tang Ming Tung/DigitalVision/Getty Images)
Security tools that demand constant attention often become frustrating – protection that works automatically is far more likely to remain active over the long term.
Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android is designed around this principle, helping protect devices while requiring minimal day-to-day management, making it particularly useful for people who want stronger security without added complexity.
Consider protection beyond your phone
For many households, smartphones are only one part of a much larger digital ecosystem that includes laptops, desktop PCs, and tablets, often containing the same accounts, files and personal information found on mobile devices.
A security strategy that focuses exclusively on a single device can leave other parts of the household exposed, which is why multi-device protection is particularly useful for families, remote workers, and people who regularly switch between devices throughout the day.
You might start the morning by checking emails on a laptop, browsing social media on a phone during lunch and streaming content from a tablet in the evening. Each of your devices represents a potential entry point for security threats.
This is where the Bitdefender Total Security comes into play. It’s designed to provide broader protection across multiple devices, helping you manage security more consistently across all your hardware without adding complexity.
Small security improvements add up
Making an Android device safer requires no dramatic changes and doesn’t mean you have to stop using public Wi-Fi, avoid messaging apps, or become a cybersecurity specialist.
Simple habits such as keeping software updated, reviewing app permissions, staying cautious around unexpected links and using security tools that operate quietly in the background can significantly reduce risk over time.
Modern Android security is increasingly about supporting everyday behaviour, and the best protection often works silently, helping you navigate daily digital life with greater confidence and fewer interruptions.
Summer sale season is here, which means many of our favorite retailers are dropping sweet deals on Android tech, with options that range from discounted phones and smartwatches to tablets and TVs. Not one to be outdone by the competition, Best Buy has just launched its annual 'Black Friday in July' sale, and I've done the work of gathering the TOP 10 best deals for Android Central readers so you don't have to go searching.
There are plenty more discounts where those came from, so keep reading for all of my top picks from the sale. And don't forget: Best Buy's 'Black Friday in July' sale ends on Sunday, July 26th, so don't wait too long if a particular price drop catches your eye.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro is still one of our favorite Android phones on the market today, coming complete with a lightning-fast Tensor G5 processor, a ton of handy AI features, and some of the most versatile cameras we've ever used. Buy the 128GB flagship unlocked from Best Buy today and you'll score a straight $300 off your purchase. View Deal
LG's B5 Series is widely considered to be one of the best entry-level TVs in the OLED space, and now you can save over 50% off the 77-inch model when you make your purchase during Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale. View Deal
If you don't want to shell out a ton of cash for a new OLED TV, Toshiba's Class C350 Series presents an excellent alternative. Currently just $249.99 at Best Buy, this 65-inch set boasts 4K UHD picture with AI upscaling and the Fire TV entertainment platform. View Deal
If you don't want to wait for the Pixel Watch 5 unveiling on August 12th, last year's Google Pixel Watch 4 is still an exceptional Wear OS watch, especially when you slap on a straight 20% discount at Best Buy. View Deal
Although it's technically a last-gen device, the 2025 Motorola Razr Ultra is still one of the best flip phones you can buy today, with a titanium-reinforced hinge, powerful Snapdragon chip, and 16GB of RAM with 512GB of onboard storage. Grab the clamshell device from Best Buy today and you'll score a whopping $600 off your purchase, no strings attached. View Deal
The Kindle Paperwhite is one of our all-time favorite e-readers, and now you can get the Signature Edition with a straight $55 discount during Best Buy's big Black Friday in July sale. This portable tablet features weeks of battery life with an adjustable display, wireless charging support, and 32GB of storage for all of your favorite titles. View Deal
Insignia is famous for producing high-quality smart TVs that won't break the bank, and now you can get this 50-inch Class F50 Series set for only $170 during Best Buy's big sale. View Deal
The Galaxy S25 Ultra may not be the newest kid on the block any more, but it's still an excellent Samsung phone with powerful Snapdragon performance, versatile camera tech, and years of guaranteed software support. The phone was pretty pricey at launch, but now you can save $450 by buying the S25 Ultra unlocked at Best Buy. View Deal
The HP Chromebook 14 is a solid laptop with a sturdy build, all-day battery, and an efficient Intel Celeron processor that should handle most regular tasks with ease. Grab the productivity machine during Best Buy's sale and you'll score over 50% off your purchase!View Deal
The Garmin Instinct E is a rugged wearable with military-grade durability, up to 16 days of battery life, and all of the 24/7 health and fitness tracking capabilities that have made the Garmin brand name so famous. Pick up the watch during Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale and you'll enjoy a straight $50 off your purchase. View Deal
Google Maps is finally bringing a live speedometer to Android Auto, closing a long-standing feature gap with Android phones and Apple CarPlay.
The rollout is currently very limited, with reports pointing to a server-side release for select Google Maps beta users on version 26.29.02.946673643.
The speedometer appears next to the speed limit indicator and changes color when you exceed the posted limit, making it easier to monitor your speed at a glance.
Google is finally checking off one of Android Auto users’ oldest wish list items. Google Maps has had a live speedometer feature on Android phones for a long time and even brought it to Apple CarPlay in 2024, but now it’s starting to show your speed on Android Auto as well.
It seems like the rollout is very limited for now. User reports from Reddit suggest that the feature is rolling out to a small number of beta users running Google Maps version 26.29.02.946673643, including at least one driver in Canada (via 9to5Google). As is often the case with recent Google Maps features, the update seems to be a server-side rollout, so simply updating the app doesn’t mean you’ll get it immediately.
The speedometer sits alongside the speed limit indicator when that information is available. Community reports say the speed read-out changes color as well if you’re driving over the posted limit, making it easier to spot at a glance without taking your eyes off the road for long.
(Image credit: SimulatorStudio / Reddit)
As with everything, Google considers the feature a reference and not a substitute for the real speedometer in your vehicle.
The delay has been particularly puzzling, given that Android Auto has lagged behind both Google Maps on Android phones and Apple’s CarPlay, despite them sharing a lot of the same navigation experience.
With this update finally arriving, Android Auto is edging closer to feature parity as Google continues rolling out other navigation upgrades, including its new immersive Maps interface with 3D buildings, improved lane guidance, and easier-to-follow highway interchanges.
Android Central's Take
This is one of those updates that, for me, deserves a “finally” more than a “yay.” A live speedometer isn’t some new AI-powered thing; it’s a simple navigation feature that’s been on phones and even CarPlay for ages. I’m still pleased to see it coming to Android Auto, because it’ll give drivers one less reason to look down at the dashboard, especially when driving in unfamiliar areas with lots of speed limit changes. I just wish Google would be just as quick about practical quality-of-life features as they are with fancy add-ons.
Charging devices can get out of hand, particularly if you have a few phones, notebooks, tablets, and accessories. You can just use the charger that comes in the box with the phone (which in itself is vanishingly rare these days), but a much better choice is to get a dedicated charging station. Going this route will allow you to charge all of your devices at once, and you get much more power than with a single charger — I use UGREEN's Nexode 500W charging station, and its six ports allow me to charge all of my tech with ease.
Cuktech is a Chinese charging brand that's slowly gaining momentum; I use its 15 Ultra power bank and 140W charger daily, and its products are just as reliable as UGREEN and Anker. The brand is now making charging stations, and I've been testing the 300W 30 Ultra for the better part of a month now. The 30 Ultra retails for $159 on Amazon, and while that is costly, you are getting a charger that can easily charge up to five devices at once. To put this into context, the Nexode 500W that I use in my office costs $199.
If you're not quite sure about what you get with a charging station, these are four things I liked the most about the Cuktech 30 Ultra after a month of testing.
Obviously, the biggest reason for buying a GaN charging station is to be able to charge several devices at once. The 30 Ultra has three USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a DC connector on the side that lets you connect to notebooks.
The charger also gets a wedge-style stand that angles it on a desk, and this makes the accessing the ports a little better.
When it comes to USB-C, you get 140W over the USB PD 3.1 protocol with the USB-C1 and C2 ports, and the best part is that both ports can deliver 140W at once. This means you can effortlessly charge two MacBooks simultaneously with the 30 Ultra, and that's a big advantage.
The USB-C3 port goes up to 33W, and the USB-A port hits 18W. Cuktech bundles a 240W USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, and you can use it to charge just about any gadget.
Most charging stations just get USB PD and leave it at that, so it's great to see Cuktech add a lot of additional charging protocols. That includes Xiaomi's 120W charging standard, and I tested it with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Xiaomi 17T Pro to confirm. You also get 100W USB PD with PPS, Qualcomm's QC3.0 and QC2.0, and Huawei's fast charging standard.
The only standard missing is OPPO's VOOC, and I wasn't able to charge my Find X9 Ultra to its potential. That said, the phone goes up to 50W over USB PD, and this proved to be handy with the charger.
It's the versatility with the DC connector that gives the 30 Ultra an edge over other charging stations. This port goes up to 300W, so you can easily charge power-hungry gaming notebooks without too much of a hassle. You get a smattering of connectors that you can use with the DC port, but note that these will only work when you connect to a notebook.
While most chargers come with a built-in panel these days — I like the ChargeView 140W because of this — Cuktech took it to the next level with the 30 Ultra charging station. It gets a bigger 1.83-inch panel, and it shows real-time charging details, a power curve, and even how much current is going out of a cable.
It's a valuable addition if you've connected several gadgets to the charging station and want to see just how fast individual devices are charging.
Overall, I really liked using the 30 Ultra; Cuktech nailed the design and the port selection, and having two USB-C ports with 140W power is a welcome move. The addition of a DC port is great as well, and the 1.83-inch panel is a nifty inclusion that lets you see in real-time how fast connected devices are charging. If you need a way to declutter your desk with a single charger, the 30 Ultra is a good choice in 2026.
Cuktech
30 Ultra 300W Charging Station
The 30 Ultra makes it easier to charge several devices at once, and the selection of ports and charging standards means you can plug in all of your devices at once.
Google is slated to bring a ton of exciting upgrades to the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. It is touted to be thinner and lighter, and the switch to a brand-new 2nm platform should solve long-standing performance issues. With Google also set to roll out new imaging modules, the foldable should take great photos. It will need to do all these things to hold its own against the Razr Fold.
Motorola
Razr Fold
The one to beat
Motorola did all the right things with the Razr Fold. It has an ultra-thin design, great cameras, one of the biggest batteries of any phone sold in the U.S., and fast charging tech. The software is a joy to use, and all things considered, this is one of the best foldables available today.
Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Motorola Razr Fold: Pricing and availability
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
Google is all set to launch the Pixel 11 Pro Fold on August 12, and that is when we'll get official confirmation of what the foldable will cost. That said, a massive Pixel 11 leak gave us a good indication of the pricing, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is set to cost $1,899 for the 256GB model.
Coincidentally, the Razr Fold also retails for $1,899 in the U.S., but you're getting 512GB of storage as standard. While that's a lot of cash towards a phone, you get decent trade-in deals and carrier subsidies, so you don't have to shell out the entire amount in one go unless you're buying unlocked.
Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Motorola Razr Fold: Design
I really like Google's design aesthetic, but I will admit that Motorola did a great job with the Razr Fold. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold was unwieldy to use because of its weight and size, and thankfully, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is set to address that; Google is said to be shaving the weight and thickness of the foldable. That's good news, because it would make the Pixel 11 Pro Fold in line with its immediate rivals.
The Razr Fold has a distinctive design thanks to the camera island, and I like Motorola's color and materials choices. The foldable looks and feels like a high-end device, and while it is heavy at 243, the weight is distributed evenly, so it isn't uncomfortable to hold. Another plus point is that the Razr Fold is just as thin as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Find N6, and this makes holding and using it that much more enjoyable.
Where the Pixel 11 Pro Fold should have an advantage is ingress protection; it should retain IP68 dust and water resistance that we saw on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Motorola also does a decent enough job, with the Razr Fold getting IP48 and IP49 resistance.
Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Motorola Razr Fold: Specs
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
Google is finally set to address long-standing issues with its Pixels with the introduction of the Pixel 11. This is by way of the Tensor G6 platform, which is built on a new 2nm node. The node shift will bring inherent efficiency gains, but what I'm excited about is the switch to new cores, which will allow the Pixel 11 Pro Fold to be that much faster — and better at gaming. This has been a sore point on Google's devices for a long time now, and I can't wait to get my hands on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold to see how it holds up against the likes of the Find N6 and Vivo X Fold 5.
If anything, Motorola also went a conservative route with the Razr Fold. Instead of Qualcomm's best silicon, the foldable gets the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, so it doesn't quite have the best possible chipset available. That said, it isn't slow in daily use, and it does a decent job with demanding games as well. But it just rubs me the wrong way to see anything other than flagship silicon on an $1,899 phone.
Category
Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold (based on leaks)
Motorola Razr Fold
Operating System
Android 17, seven years of software updates (likely)
Android 16, up to seven years of software updates
Display
Outer: 6.4-inch OLED, 120Hz, 3500 nits
Inner: 8.0-inch OLED, 120Hz, 3500 nits
Outer: 6.6-inch OLED, 165Hz,
Inner: 8.1-inch OLED, 120Hz
Chipset
Tensor G6, 2nm TSMC
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5
RAM
16GB
12GB/16GB
Storage
256GB/512GB/1TB
256GB/512GB/1TB
Rear cameras
Main: 50MP
Tele: 10.8MP f/3.1, OIS, 5x zoom
Wide: 10.5MP f/2.2
Main: 50MP f/1.6, OIS
Tele: 50MP f/2.4, OIS, 3x optical zoom
Wide: 50MP f/2.0
Front camera
Outer: 10MP f/2.2
Inner: 10MP f/2.2
Outer: 20MP f/2.4
Inner: 32MP f/2.4
Battery
4,800mAh
6,000mAh
Charging
45W wired, PPS
15W Qi 2 wireless
80W wired, PPS
50W wireless
Ingress protection
IP68 dust and water resistance
IP48 and IP49 dust and water resistance
Now, where the Razr Fold has an unquestionable advantage is with battery life. Thanks to a massive 6,000mAh battery, the foldables lasts over a day regularly. What's also great is that Motorola is using silicon-carbon tech, which we just haven't seen a lot of in the U.S. until now. This allows better density and durability, and the Razr Fold gets much better charging as well: it uses Motorola's 80W tech.
Google is said to be lowering the battery size on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold to 4,800mAh, and I think this is the wrong move. Of course, we will need to wait and see if the leaks pan out, but a foldable needs to have at least a 5,000mAh battery, and I want Google to do better this year.
Similarly, cameras are an area where the Pixel 11 Pro Fold must do better than its predecessor. Take the Razr Fold; Motorola outfitted it with the same cameras as the Signature, and it does an excellent job with photos and videos.
Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Motorola Razr Fold: Which should you buy?
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
With the Pixel 11 Pro Fold projected to cost about the same as the Razr Fold, pricing isn't going to be the point of difference. Instead, it will be about the features. I really like what Motorola did with the Razr Fold; it has a great design, standout cameras, and a huge battery.
Google will need to offer those things with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold as well — these are table stakes features at this point. The software is also a big selling point, and Motorola does well here too; its UI is clean, and you get a decent amount of extras. That said, Google has a sizeable edge with the software, and I'm excited to see what the Pixel 11 Pro Fold has to deliver in this area.
Motorola
Razr Fold
The one to beat
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is launching soon, but if you don't want to wait, the Razr Fold is the obvious choice if you're in the U.S. — this is the foldable I would buy in 2026.
