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Sabtu, 27 Juni 2026

Ticketmaster's 'customizable pass' collab with Google Wallet sounds great for gameday

What you need to know

  • Ticketmaster announced its partnership with Google Wallet, which brings "customizable passes" to Android.
  • Clients of events can customize their digital passes with flashy designs and up to 12 links for important venue details.
  • Users benefit from this last note, as they can find info on parking, food, drinks, merch, and VIP access directly from their pass.

This summer is going to be packed with events of all kinds. To try and help, Ticketmaster announced a partnership with Google Wallet for more unique digital passes on Android.

Ticketmaster says that what it's worked on with Google Wallet are "customizable passes" that are designed for "branded experiences" on Android. Passes are mobile tickets saved in Google Wallet, but Ticketmaster says this new direction offers a new sense of "brand presence." Brands can offer customized hero images, tour artwork, and more.

If you're attending a group's stop on their nationwide tour, you might see unique album artwork or sports game visuals if you're going to an NFL game.

Aside from flashy visuals, these customizable passes are getting more useful for you, the user. Ticketmaster says clients can add "up to 12 action links to each pass." These links will direct visitors to crucial event areas. Links for parking, transportation, gate details, VIP upgrades, and food/drinks can be found in these passes. This removes the need for users to conduct extra research before heading out or leading up to the event/gameday.

The post states that tapping a parking link will open a map of the venue, so you can plan where you might go. Additionally, users can download that event's affiliate app on their Android device through these links if desired.

Digital passes continue to evolve

Ticketmaster partners with Google Wallet to add

(Image credit: Ticketmaster)

Passes and digital tickets have been a big aspect of Google Wallet for years now. The company rolled out a useful update to Wallet, one that would automatically surface a pass you might need. "Context-aware" is what drives this feature. Google states that as the user approaches a location, like a train station, the Wallet app would produce their train ticket on their lock screen.

This removes the need for users to open their phones, navigate to the Wallet app, and select their appropriate pass. Google says this capability extends to airport gates, concert venues, and stores. Considering this new partnership with Ticketmaster, perhaps something like this would occur for these customizable passes.

Android Central's Take

I like this partnership, and this is coming from a sports guy. Getting my tickets ready for gameday is an exciting feeling. I can just imagine a White Sox or a Bears ticket through Ticketmaster's new approach for passes. The hype would be unreal. What's more, these links would help with stadium navigation for parking in case anything changes.

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It took a while, but Google's finally fixing a SiriusXM radio issue on its smart speakers

What you need to know

  • Google states a fix is rolling out late in June for a bug that impacted several of its smart speakers and SiriusXM radio.
  • Users given multiple errors a month ago, when reports surfaced, and were unable to get their content to stream via a speaker.
  • While this issue gets resolved, Google's also debuted its new Home Speaker and expanded Gemini for Home to more partners.

Google has been busy with new launches and bug fixes since May. This week, it's been reported that a major fix is on the way for a satellite radio problem.

About a month ago, users on the Google Home subreddit reported a sudden problem attempting to listen to SiriusXM radio on their smart speakers (via Android Authority). Getting down to brass tacks, Google responded to this month-old thread this week, stating "We've resolved an issue impacting the ability to stream SiriusXM on some Google Home devices." These "issues" Google refers to were highlighted by the thread's OP (original poster), who states their smart speakers were unable to stream any content.

Specifically, the user states their device would consistently give them the following error: "I looked for that, but it either isn't available or can't be played right now." They checked their Google Home settings and ensured their SiriusXM subscription was properly linked. Spoiler alert: everything was fine. Further investigations showed that they could listen to the radio via the app, just not through their speakers.

Many more reports on the subreddit stated similar issues. After contacting Google Support, users were told to run through normal troubleshooting procedures. Many users already said they did this on their own, to be fair. However, through these reports, Google acknowledged it was an issue, at least that's what users said after contacting support.

Now, over a month later, a fix for the radio issue is coming through for Google Home smart speakers.

New speaker on the block

Google's new home speaker

(Image credit: Google)

In the time that these issues were reported, Google launched the Home Speaker, its future of smart speakers and AI assistance at home. For $99, the Home Speaker is the brand's first device built completely around its AI, Gemini. The AI is capable of understanding normal speech, meaning users don't have to constantly remember and throw buzzwords around. The AI can act on multi-step commands, and users can engage in follow-up questions to keep their conversations going.

Since Gemini is so tightly integrated, we all know what that means: Gemini for Home is at its core. When Google expanded its availability to more countries, the company improved Gemini's response times by 40%. What's more, it improved the AI's ability to understand what device users are talking to about to (hopefully) avoid mistaken commands. On a related note, Google opened Gemini for Home to hardware makers and carriers.

This means consumers will likely see more devices hitting the market that support Google's AI natively.

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Jumat, 26 Juni 2026

A brand new Kindle for only $85?!? Time to make an iced matcha and curl up under a tree with a good book

I love reading books, and my favorite way to crack open a new one isn't by turning physical pages; it's by powering on an e-reader. That's because e-readers like this on-sale $85 Kindle are lighter and thinner than any book, making it a joy to hold and read for hours at a time.

Amazon makes a ton of Kindles, but this particular model is the most modest-sized of all and comes in a lovely soft-touch construction that's easy to hold. Plus, it's the lightest Kindle ever and is lighter than even the smallest phones on the market today, despite having a paperback-sized 6-inch screen.

The $85 deal is for the ad-supported version, but don't be fooled by that description. Ads generally come in the form of book recommendations and only appear on the lock screen. Amazon doesn't give you obnoxious pop-ups or on-screen ads while reading. If any ads bother you, the ad-free version of this Kindle is just $20 more.

It's hard to beat the simplicity and joy a Kindle can bring, and this $84.99 Kindle is exactly what we needed in a year when all sorts of tech keeps getting more expensive. Grab it on June 26, the last day of Prime Day 2026!

📖Go ad-free for $104📖View Deal

✅Recommended if: You want an unbelievably light, distraction-free e-reader with a bright backlight and near-perfect construction.

❌Skip this deal if: You want an e-reader with a warmer backlight, one with waterproofing, or one that runs more apps than just the Kindle library.

This one comes in two colors, black and matcha. I'd like to have a word with Amazon's design team, as this is absolutely not a matcha color. Rather, it's more like seafoam green, which still looks amazing in hand, but it's not a rich verdant green like matcha tea is.

While we're speaking of matcha, it wouldn't hurt to grab this 16oz matcha tin for $20. I bought one last Prime Day, and it took me nearly an entire year to use up. It's the perfect way to make a great latte while reading a good book on your new Kindle!

Why choose a Kindle over other e-readers?

amazon kindle 2024 lifestyle image

(Image credit: Amazon)

Most e-readers these days are powered by Android and let you download any Android app on them (like this excellent $157 Prime Day deal). That's amazing for book selection and whatever else you want to do on your e-reader, but it also opens the gates for lots of distractions while you're trying to read.

Kindles are a more basic product, only offering access to Kindle books and Audible audiobooks. That's all in Amazon's ecosystem, of course, but it also means you won't be seeing text messages, emails, or getting bothered by notifications while enjoying your book.

Black & white e-readers are also still the best for book reading, as they are substantially crisper than color E Ink. That, combined with a backlight you can completely disable, and the paper-like reflectivity of E Ink, makes this a perfect reading companion for your summer and beyond.

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A Galaxy S27 Pro database listing makes it feel like everything's coming together

What you need to know

  • Samsung's Galaxy S27 Pro has allegedly appeared in a GSMA database listing alongside the other three models.
  • The listing directly mentions the phone by name with a model number that's uniquely its own.
  • Previous rumors claim Samsung wants to expand the Galaxy S27 series with a fourth model, and it could feature a 6.4-inch display with "Ultra-like" features.

Rumors have been drumming up what we might see from Samsung's Galaxy S27 series for months. Now there's a report that says one alleged device could be real.

The eagle eyes of OVRPlus claim that the GSMA database now (allegedly) lists a new Galaxy S model that we've seen rumored: the Galaxy S27 Pro (via SamMobile). The publication states the device was listed with model number SM-S957B/DS. What's more, the listing details the manufacturer, which is Samsung, and the device's "market name" as "Galaxy S27 Pro."

Usually, listings from GSMA bear weight, but keep in mind that nothing's confirmed until Samsung says so.

The publication kept searching and found that the database listing contains model numbers and names for the other Galaxy S27 series phones. The company has posted listings for the base Galaxy S27, S27 Plus, and S27 Ultra. These three phones were expected, as they've become commonplace for Samsung's flagship series.

Pro on the way?

Galaxy S26 Plus side button and volume keys

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The latest leak surrounding the Galaxy S27 Pro came from a South Korean report that said it could bring "Ultra-like" features. The report got things going by stating Samsung was looking to expand its Galaxy S series next year with one additional model: the S27 Pro. While rumors suggest it could offer an experience that's closer to the Ultra, the Pro wouldn't feature an S Pen.

What's more, Samsung could give the S27 Pro a Privacy Display. This wouldn't be the first time we've seen a fourth model injected into the Galaxy S line. My colleague Sanuj Bhatia reminded us all of the Galaxy S25 Edge, which didn't perform as well. Whether the S27 Pro is simply an experiment or not remains to be seen. On the other hand, specification rumors surfaced for the S27 Pro, stating it could offer a 6.4-inch display.

A screen like this would place it between a base Galaxy S model and a Galaxy S Plus, if we're going by Samsung's history. The Pro could also grab the Ultra's main and ultrawide cameras; however, the difference could be in its telephoto.

Android Central's Take

A Galaxy S27 Pro would shake things up for sure. I think the display size, from what these rumors have said, would make it interesting, too. The Pro wouldn't be as big as the Ultra, but would carry features like it. I can see this phone grabbing the attention of people who love the Ultra's features, but don't enjoy holding such a big phone all day everyday.

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The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is almost here, but why wait when the Z Fold 7 is over $500 off?

When Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 7 last year, it pushed the foldable even further into premium territory with a price close to $2,000. But thanks to Amazon's Prime Day sale, that price is no longer as hard to justify, with Samsung's flagship foldable now discounted by more than $500.

Right now, you can grab the Galaxy Z Fold 7 for just $1,470 in the U.S., a massive 27% discount from its original $2,000 price. When we reviewed the Galaxy Z Fold 7, we said it was an excellent foldable but difficult to recommend at full price. We also suggested waiting for a big sale, and that sale has finally arrived.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has dropped to a record-low $1,470 for Prime Day. With the Z Fold 8 expected to bring only minor upgrades, this is one of the easiest foldable phone deals to recommend.View Deal

✅Recommended if: you want a thin and light foldable, a cover display that feels like a regular smartphone, flagship performance, an excellent OLED display, and Samsung's Galaxy AI features.

❌Skip this deal if: you want the biggest battery, ultra-fast charging, or need stylus support on a foldable.

The timing also makes this deal particularly interesting. Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 8 next month at Unpacked, but current rumors suggest it won't be a massive upgrade over the Fold 7. Instead, Samsung appears to be focusing most of its attention on a new, wider foldable designed to compete with Apple's rumored foldable iPhone.

That's exactly why this Galaxy Z Fold 7 deal is so compelling. You're essentially getting what will still be one of Samsung's best foldables for well over $500 less than its launch price, without giving up much compared to what's expected from the Z Fold 8.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Samsung made some meaningful changes with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, making it thinner and lighter than previous generations while also widening the cover display so it feels much closer to using a regular smartphone. It's one of the biggest reasons I'd still recommend it today, because you get the convenience of a normal phone that unfolds into a proper tablet when you need it.

Sure, it doesn't support a stylus anymore, but you still get Samsung's Galaxy AI features, one of the fastest chipsets available on Android in Snapdragon 8 Elite, and a polished foldable software experience.

If you thought the Galaxy Z Fold 7 was simply too expensive at launch, this Prime Day deal finally makes it feel like the value it should have been all along.

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Kamis, 25 Juni 2026

The only Switch 2-compatible smart glasses are finally on sale for Prime Day, and I can't wait to grab another pair

Viture's smart display glasses, also known as a wearable TV, are the only brand compatible with the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, and they're finally on sale for Prime Day! Get a cool $120 off Viture Luma Pro XR glasses, then pair it with the 23% off Viture Pro Mobile Dock and enjoy the most comfortable portable Switch 2 gaming ever!

That Pro Mobile Dock comes with a free Switch 2 mount for Prime Day, and the Luma glasses all come with a free Pro-style controller, sweetening the deal even further. The Pro Mobile Dock attaches to your Switch 2 like the TV dock, but it's designed to be fully portable, so it's got a built-in battery to keep the play going longer and give you full Switch 2 docked power on the go.

You could also choose to pick up a pair of Viture Beast XR glasses, which add native 3DoF spatial tracking to the mix, but those aren't on sale for Prime Day despite what Amazon shows. They're the usual $549 price.

One of my least favorite things about modern mobile gaming systems is the weight. At over 530g, the Switch 2 is pretty heavy, and the Steam Deck makes that even worse with its 640g weight, making it uncomfortable to hold up for long gaming sessions. But what if you could play handheld without having to hold up the console at all? That's the joy of using a pair of smart glasses like Viture Luma with your system.

Viture Luma: $399 $339 at Amazon

Viture Luma Pro: $499 $379 at Amazon

Viture Luma Ultra: $599 $499 at Amazon

Viture Pro Mobile Dock: $129 $99 at Amazon

Grab any pair of Viture Luma glasses and pair it with a Viture Pro Mobile Dock to play Switch 2 games on a glorious 200-inch virtual display, powered by fantastic micro-OLED panels inside the glasses. It's going to change how you play!

🚨🚨Price Comparison🚨🚨

Viture Luma: $399 $339 at Viture

Viture Luma Pro: $499 $379 at Best Buy

Viture Luma Ultra: $599 $499 at Best Buy

Viture Pro Mobile Dock: $129 $99 at Best BuyView Deal

✅Recommended if: You're tired of neck and arm pain from looking down at or holding up your Switch 2 for a long time, want an OLED display for your Switch 2, or want a private display that no one else around you can see (unlike the system's screen).

❌Skip this deal if: You don't like the idea of toting around more equipment for portable travel play.

Attaching more things to your Switch 2 might sound like the opposite of lowering the weight, but you don't hold a Switch 2 once it's docked since the controllers don't allow it to operate like that. Instead, you'll click the Viture Pro Mobile Dock together with the Switch 2, then set it down in your lap or somewhere else next to you and hold your controllers as if you were playing on a TV.

This is the only way to use smart glasses with a Switch or Switch 2, as Nintendo has specially coded the USB-C port on the system to only operate with authorized docks. That's a pain for other smart glasses, but a great thing for Viture, and the rewards don't stop there, either!

Viture's Pro Mobile Dock lets you connect two Viture glasses to it so you can play split-screen multiplayer games on your Switch 2 while sitting at the airport, on an airplane, or anywhere else you might want to set up a portable gaming throwdown. It's a way better alternative to trying to play split screen with the Switch 2 using the tabletop mode with the kickstand!

I also use Viture glasses with my laptop when I'm traveling for work, and it gives me the same advantages as with the Switch. Getting sweet neck relief by using a pair of smart glasses to look forward at the display instead of down at the laptop is a game-changer, and all you'll need to do is plug the glasses' USB-C cable into your laptop like a monitor.

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Leaked Samsung animation shows a Galaxy Tab that solves my biggest display gripe

What you need to know

  • A leak surfaces after digging through Samsung's One UI 9 test software, showing a Galaxy Tab animation that fixes its ugly selfie camera.
  • Two animations show a supposed Galaxy Tab with a punch-hole selfie camera and thinner bezels.
  • Recent Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra suggest Samsung might not change much about it after the S11 Ultra, keeping its 11,600mAh battery and near 15-inch screen.

There are occasions when Samsung's test software holds would-be secrets about what it's working on. Recently, reports claim that's happened again, but about the Galaxy tablets' selfie camera.

The folks at SamMobile were digging through Samsung's latest test software (One UI 9) and found what looks like a distinct Galaxy Tab change. The publication states it discovered two animations for an unmarked Galaxy Tab with a new take on the company's selfie camera. Tablets are typically held long ways, and one animation shows a device with a punch-hole camera. In this animation, the bezels are much thinner.

Android Central's Take

I like Samsung's tablets, but one issue I've always had was the unsightly notch on the Ultra. It's ugly. Remember Apple's iPhone notch? Yeah, right, ugly. A cleaner design like this would look so much better. Samsung would also cut back its bezels in the process, delivering a much more favorable screen-to-body ratio. I'd rather feel like I'm just holding a screen in my hands and not deal with a bezel eye-sore.

The camera's position doesn't change. It's still in the center of the display (when held horizontally). However, the post noted another animation that shifts its camera to the shorter side (on the left). In this version, the punch-hole camera is still fairly clean, like what you'd see on a phone. No notch, no unnecessarily thick bezels. The animations offer a glimpse of a potential future where Samsung's Galaxy Tabs would feel more immersive and clean.

There have been times before when Samsung's One UI animations have leaked, showing what rumors claim to be upcoming changes or new devices. We would have to encourage skepticism here, as nothing is confirmed. These are simple animations, after all.

The next Tab

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 and S11 Ultra.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

If we're talking about tablets, it's hard not to discuss Samsung's Galaxy Tab S12. Rumors started talking about the Tab S12 Ultra, and not in a favorable way. Supposedly, Samsung isn't looking to drop a major battery upgrade for its next Ultra tablet. Instead, what consumers might see is something closer to the Tab S11 Ultra's 11,600mAh cell with 45W charging. What's more, rumors add the S12 Ultra could also feature a 14.6-inch display like its predecessor.

Is this bad? That depends. In our review, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra was the talk of the town. Some aspects could've been better. RAM was an issue (and that's probably not getting better this year), so was its keyboard accessory. One of these issues is easier to fix given the market's current climate, but it's still early. As far as design goes, that's still in the dark.

Could Samsung have this new punch-style ready for the Tab S12? Maybe, but maybe not, too.

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