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.
I use several chargers throughout the house, and I still rely on the 500W Nexode as my go-to charging station in the office. As good as it is, the charging station is bulky, so I don't use it on my desk. I instead prefer a smaller charger that still gives me the flexibility to charge up to four devices at once, and in recent months, I used Baseus' excellent Nomos 2, which also has a Qi 2.2 mat.
That was before Satechi rolled out its latest GaN charger. The ChargeView 140W is a 4-port charger that's roughly the same size as a regular 140W wall charger, but you get four charging ports in total, and Satechi even managed to fit a tiny panel onto it that shows real-time charging details. The best part is that it costs just $99 on Amazon, which is similar to other 140W chargers I used in recent months. Here are three reasons why the ChargeView 140W is now my go-to desk charger.
The ChargeView 140W is the smallest 4-port charger I used
For me, the number one consideration for a desk charger is the size, and the ChargeView 140W nails the brief. It is smaller than other 4-port charging stations I used, and if anything, it's even smaller than a travel charger.
I also like that it has four USB-C ports; most 4-port chargers include a USB-A port, and while I can understand the reasoning behind that, I don't need the port on a desk charger, so just having a multitude of USB-C ports is highly convenient — at least in my use.
Satechi also includes a stand that lets you orient the ChargeView 140W horizontally or vertically. I used it horizontally, and the stand makes accessing the USB-C ports just a tad more convenient. The charger itself is made out of plastic, and I didn't see any issues with build quality whatsoever.
The ChargeView 140W does a solid job charging four devices at once, and the C1/C2 ports have the ability to charge devices up to 140W. The USB-C1 port uses the latest USB PD 3.2 AVS standard to adjust voltage in minute increments, and it makes a difference while charging the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air.
The USB-C2 port uses the standard USB PD 3.1 profile, and it also goes up to 140W. The C3 and C4 ports go up to a maximum of 40W individually, and these are better-suited for charging handheld consoles and accessories. Like all other GaN chargers, the ChargeView 140W does a good job intelligently managing the power budget based on the number of ports in use. Here's a look at how the power delivering is affected based on number of devices connected:
SatechiSatechiSatechi
I used the ChargeView 140W with my Find X9 Ultra, iPad Pro M4, iPhone 17 Pro, and a dozen accessories over the course of the last month. It did just as reliable a job as other GaN chargers I used, and the smaller size and availability of four USB-C ports makes it a long-term addition to my desk.
You get an LCD panel that shows real-time charging info
It isn't that long ago that brands started adding LCD panels to their chargers to show charging details, and I like this feature a lot. The ChargeView 140W has a tiny panel of its own, and it is a great way to see how fast a connected device is charging.
What I like about this is that you can charge the orientation of the panel based on the charger's configuration. So if you're using it vertically, a long press of the button located at the top switches the orientation. It's a small addition, but it's one that makes a noticeable difference.
On the whole, the ChargeView 140W is a great addition to Satechi's charging portfolio, and if you need a reliable desk charger with the ability to charge four devices at once, I'd suggest getting this one.
Satechi
ChargeView 140W Desktop Charger
The ChargeView 140W is a diminutive 140W GaN charger that effortlessly charges all your tech. It uses the latest USB PD standard, doesn't take up much room at all, and you don't have to pay a premium.
Now that smartphones have become our de facto communication and note-taking devices, the need to type faster has become a priority for many. Whether it's a requirement for your job or it's a skill that'll help you in university or at an internship, I have valuable advice for you.
Many people still default to tapping each letter on their phones, but there's a better way. I learned how to type insanely quickly on my Android phone with a single hack, and while it's not a new feature by any means, I'm going to teach you, too. Once you've mastered this skill, your average words per minute are going to jump up.
How to type really fast on your Android phone
This demonstration was conducted on a Google Pixel 8 running Android 16 and using Gboard as the default keyboard. After explaining how to use this hack, I'll also explain how to implement it in Samsung Keyboard.
As long as you're using Gboard on an Android phone running at least Android 8, you're good to go. This "trick" is called swipe typing, sliding to type, or Glide Typing (on Gboard). The idea is that you don't lift your finger for each letter of the alphabet, only for each word, saving you a lot of time. Here's how to slide your finger across the keyboard to type faster.
1. Tap a text box where you want to type on your phone.
2. Instead of individually tapping the alphabet, slide your finger without lifting it. Pause on the letters for a microsecond, and lift your finger when you're done typing a word. A space is automatically added once you lift your finger.
(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)
If you're a Samsung Keyboard user, you'll need to head to the keyboard settings and enable the Swype mode before sliding your finger to type.
Swipe typing on Gboard is intelligent and intuitive
(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)
Gboard gets smarter over time, as does your swipe-typing accuracy. As you swipe over the alphabet, you'll get word suggestions in Gboard. Over time, you can teach Gboard what your intended word was by tapping the right suggestion.
Swipe typing also works with words added to your dictionary, such as names, slang, abbreviations, or words in another language. They don't have to be grammatically correct.
What's even cooler is that you can swipe to type in other languages too! I tried it with Urdu in Gboard, and it works just as well as it does in English. Plus, if you use a Wear OS watch with Gboard, you can use this hack on your smartwatch as well.
I attract so much attention when I swipe-text in public, and people are always curious about it. I've even had strangers ask me to teach them how to use the feature on a train!
It is not the fastest or easiest trick right away; you might actually type slower at first. But once you get the hang of it, it's very hard to go back to the "usual" typing method on your smartphone.
Samsung has officially confirmed that it will host its next Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22, 2026, in London at 2 p.m. BST (9 a.m. ET). Managing Editor Derrek Lee will be in the U.K for the event and is ready to report on all things Summer Unpacked!
The company has previously preferred to hold its launch events mostly in the U.S., and occasionally in Korea and even France.
Now, nearly 14 years after the Galaxy S3 event, Samsung is bringing its launch event back to London, England. We're expecting a new range of foldable phones and new Galaxy wearables at the event.
What devices are launching?
Samsung expanded its Galaxy foldable lineup last year with the introduction of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, alongside the standard Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.
This year, the company is expected to switch up the lineup, including successors to last year's phones as well as a brand-new form factor with a passport-like design that's shorter and wider, which will reportedly go head-to-head against the rumoured Apple's foldable iPhone.
Along with launching a new foldable form factor, Samsung is also expected to change its naming scheme in the most confusing way possible. You'd expect the Galaxy Z Fold 7's successor to be called the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but instead, it'll reportedly be named the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.
The new passport-style foldable will instead take on the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 name.
We're not sure why Samsung is shuffling things around like this, but we'll certainly be asking around at the event.
Alongside the foldables, Samsung is also expected to launch the Galaxy Watch 9. We are also expecting news around Samsung's AI glasses too!
Perhaps the easiest way to watch the event is on YouTube. Head to Samsung's official YouTube channel and tap the Notify Me button to be reminded when the event is about to start. Or you can just do it from the video link below.
We love the Bose Ultra Open earbuds for a number of reasons, but especially for their powerful immersive sound setting, their minimal, sleek design, fast charging speeds, and a relatively long battery life.
While they don't come with multipoint connection or wireless charging, the Bose Ultra Open are still head and shoulders above other competitors in overall quality and design. At $199, they're still a little more pricey than others, but $100 off feels like it could be all the justification you need if you're already in the market.
Bose's Ultra Open earbuds have dropped to this price before at Amazon, with the retailer cutting 33% off the price tag to bring them to just $199. In addition to featuring a sleek, likable design, the Ultra Opens are also available at this discounted price in a wide range of colors, including Black, Lunar Blue, Desert Gold, Midnight Violet, Driftwood Sand, Moonstone Blue, and several others still.View Deal
✅Recommended if: you want the best open-ear earbuds on the market and your budget is around $199; you want a pair of open-ear earbuds that won't compromise on immersive, high-quality audio; you like having easy-to-use button controls for playback, volume, answering calls, and more on your earbuds; you need something with a minimal, comfortable fit that can be worn and used for long periods of time.
❌Skip this deal if: you aren't looking for open-ear earbuds and would rather spend this amount of money on higher-quality, fully in-ear devices; you need something that offers more than 4 hours of battery when spatial, immersive, or other modes are engaged; you prefer a pair of earbuds with a higher dust and water resistance rating than IPX4.
The Bose Ultra Open earbuds are a certifiably great pair of open-ear buds, featuring a mind-blowing immersive mode and a solid stereo audio mode, a charging case, and a minimal, comfortable design. Bose says they'll get users up to 4 hours of playtime in immersive mode or up to 7 in stereo mode, while the case can offer up to 48 hours of with intermittent charges.
