The Galaxy S26 gets Samsung’s clever new video tool in One UI 9 beta

What you need to know

• The latest One UI 9 beta brings the Galaxy Z Fold 8's marquee My FanCam tool to the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra.
• My FanCam lets you crop and reframe pre-recorded Gallery videos to lock focus on specific people for social media, though it doesn't work on pets or animals.
• The update also adds customizable routine cards, real-time security risk alerts, and smarter contextual task suggestions.

The latest One UI 9 beta update for the Galaxy S26 series is here, and it's finally bringing some of the best AI tricks from the Galaxy Z Fold 8 to Samsung's flagship slab phones. Starting today, beta program participants can download an update packed full of features that puts the new My FanCam front and center.

If you’ve ever filmed a fantastic video, only to realize that your subject wasn’t perfectly framed, My FanCam is the tool for you. This AI-powered tool lives inside the Gallery app and can take any video you have, track a person you select, and automatically reframe the footage to keep them in the middle. It is ideal for social media creators and can crop the video to various aspect ratios for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and more.

There’s a catch: My FanCam is made for tracking people, not pets or other animals. If the feature has trouble finding someone, you can scrub through the video to a frame where the person is easier to find. The feature also requires a Samsung account, and Samsung does not guarantee it will work on every clip.

Additionally, Samsung is improving the Now Brief experience beyond my FanCam. This personalization hub now offers customizable cards pulling together useful insights based on your routines, interests, and daily needs.

It's also getting a security boost, with new cards surfacing potential risks and suggesting actions you can take to protect your device. The Now Nudge feature is also getting smarter, with more contextual suggestions to help you complete everyday tasks more efficiently. And as a bonus, this update finally lets you declutter your home screen by removing the dedicated Google Search bar.

The Galaxy S26 FE will ship with My FanCam out of the box and will arrive with One UI 9 on September 4. This beta rollout means the core S26 lineup won’t be left behind before that happens.

The update is limited to a handful of markets for now, and there’s no word on when it will be rolled out broadly. If you’re on the beta, keep an eye on your notifications and be ready for a roughly 1.28GB download.

Google Health's late August update adds more manual workout logging freedom

What you need to know

• Google Health is rolling out v5.07 to Android and iOS users late this week, bringing a major update to manual workout logging.
• Users can now "add or adjust" their metrics much easier, and any changes will appear in their post-workout summaries much quicker.
• Other updates this week include trail run and incline data in "Running Distance" totals, a fix for Maps in the Health app, and more.

Google Health is rolling out one more update late in August that's just what the doctor ordered for fitness users.

The company detailed v5.07 in a community post for the Google Health app this morning (Aug 28). This update is rolling out for Android and iOS users late this week, bringing three important "Activity and Fitness" updates. These improvements concern the Health app's manual workout logging capabilities. Google says users can now "add and adjust more metrics when logging an exercise manually." Any edits made should now appear more quickly in your workout summary.

What's more, Google Health now lets users add more metrics and workout information when switching from pool swimming to an open swim exercise.

If you're taking things outside, the patch notes state the maps experience has been upgraded. Users should experience faster loading times and "smoother rendering." The patch also solves a bug where some users wouldn't see a map after finishing a run or a long walk. Similarly, the patch this week brings trail runs and incline runs into your "Running Distance" totals.

For weight trackers, Google highlights its work in bringing more clarity to trends. Users should be able to notice changes more easily in the weight graph. Lastly, a connection problem between Health Connect and certain Android phones has been fixed.

Consistency is key

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Android Central's Take

This update falls right in line with Google's Nutrition Logging update. It's that ability for users to add the metrics that matter. The details that matter. Its devices and app do a good job of capturing the majority of what we need, but what about those minute details? What if something needs to change? The program's not going to do that. Placing that ability in the user's hands is always a plus.

The consistent Google Health updates continue, even into the final days of August. The last major patch that turned heads was the app's Nutrition Logging patch. This arrived in v5.04, in which Google introduced "custom foods." The purpose was to give users a personal touch behind how they log the meals they've eaten. Users can now "create, edit, and delete" their nutrition logs with more freedom. However, while useful, Google Health added another feature: Quick Logging.

The company designed this to be an alternative to the traditional Nutrition Logging approach. Users don't have to search or add the specific name of what they've consumed. Instead, all they're required to add is the meal's calories and macronutrients. Google also added Naps in the Today tab and a Cycle Health update, making it easier for users to track long-term trends.

This is how Xiaomi's 'smart privacy display' could work on its next-gen phones

What you need to know

• Leaks on social media suggest that Xiaomi is working on a "smart privacy display" feature, similar to Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra.
• This feature would stop prying eyes from viewing your screen from angles; however, it could also alert the user about another person's gaze.
• An automatic function, dubbed "page privacy display" in the leak, states Xiaomi's version would automatically protect your payments, texts, logins, and more.

Following Samsung's Privacy Display for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, rumors said Xiaomi was looking to do the same. A glimpse at how this could work surfaced on social media, claiming Xiaomi is going the "smart" privacy display route.

To end the week, Polish tipster Kacper posted what's been alleged as Xiaomi's upcoming "smart privacy display" on X (via GSMArena). This page is likely tucked into the software's settings page with the following description: "screen visibility is reduced. Your device will alert you when another person's gaze is detected." The "reduced" visibility concerns others peeking at your screen from the side. However, Xiaomi is preparing a little more.

The tipster claims Xiaomi is working on a group or "scenario" feature for its smart privacy display. With this, users can group multiple apps or notifications under the privacy display's protection. If users don't go this route, the tipster suggests Xiaomi will automatically turn on its protections for "specific sensitive pages." A screenshot highlights "page privacy display."

This would turn the feature on in a case-by-case situation. If you're texting, digitally paying, or logging into an account, the privacy display would activate. It appears that users would need to enable this feature.

Taking inspiration

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Rumors that Xiaomi might pursue a privacy display like Samsung's started in February. Funnily enough, these rumors surfaced just before Galaxy Unpacked, where the Galaxy S26 Ultra and co. were revealed. A tipster alleged a privacy display similar to Samsung's was being "tested domestically." Xiaomi and Honor were two major companies that might've started chasing this new tech. A few months later, in May, Xiaomi's interest came to the forefront.

It was stated that HyperOS 4.0, Xiaomi's software skin for Android 17, could introduce its privacy display. This could be revealed in October, which might also coincide with its next phone series: the Xiaomi 18, as GSMArena also notes. These phones (18 Pro, 18 Pro Max) are expected to continue that magic back display that was clearly popular for the company.

Android Central's Take

Early rumors said Xiaomi was going to make its version "like" Samsung's, and the rumors now clearly show the angle it's trying to take. Imagine using your phone and seeing a notification that someone is trying to peek at your screen. It's already weird as it is, but if Xiaomi's version goes off without a hitch, it could help. I'm eager to see how this works. What I really need is Xiaomi's live demo, which probably won't happen until October, unless we get teasers beforehand.

The Galaxy S27 and S27 Pro just leaked, and one of them looks seriously lazy

What you need to know

• The Galaxy S27 is expected to retain almost the same design and dimensions as the current Galaxy S26.
• The Galaxy S27 Pro could share the Galaxy S27 Ultra's new iPhone-like horizontal camera plateau design.
• Leaked renders suggest the smaller Galaxy S27 Pro won't feature an S Pen slot, unlike the Galaxy S27 Ultra.

Following the Galaxy S27 Ultra renders leak, we're now finally starting to see the base Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27 Pro as well.

Over the past few days, we've seen several leaks surrounding the Galaxy S27 Ultra's new design. Samsung appears to be moving away from its familiar vertical camera layout in favor of an iPhone-like horizontal camera plateau, with two prominent camera lenses on the left and a vertical pill-shaped module next to them.

From everything we've seen so far, it's hard not to notice the inspiration from Apple's iPhone 17 Pro lineup.

And now, we're starting to get a look at the Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27 Pro as well.

Renders of the base Galaxy S27 were shared by OnLeaks in collaboration with Android Headlines, and unfortunately, it looks like Samsung isn't changing much from the Galaxy S26.

OnLeaks/Android Headlines

OnLeaks/Android Headlines

OnLeaks/Android Headlines

The phone still features three vertically arranged cameras inside a raised camera island in the top-left corner, with an overall design that looks extremely similar to its predecessor. Even the dimensions are reportedly more or less identical. This seemingly confirms that Samsung is keeping its new design exclusive to the more expensive models.

And that theory has gained even more weight thanks to a separate Galaxy S27 Pro leak from Ice Universe on X. The leaker shared outline renders comparing the Galaxy S27 Ultra and Galaxy S27 Pro, showing that the two phones will reportedly share a very similar design.

Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra (left) vs. Galaxy S27 Pro (right) (Image credit: Ice Universe/X)

That isn't entirely surprising, since the Galaxy S27 Pro is expected to share several design elements and specifications with the Ultra. However, the renders also appear to confirm one major difference: the smaller Pro model won't come with an S Pen.

There's no S Pen slot visible on the Galaxy S27 Pro, and Samsung will also reportedly reposition the speaker grille and microphone on the smaller model.

In a separate post, Ice Universe also claimed that the Galaxy S27 Ultra will feature a more rounded frame than the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which should make the larger phone feel more natural and comfortable in the hand.

Overall, these Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27 Pro leaks seem to clear up one major question about Samsung's 2027 lineup. The new horizontal camera design will apparently remain exclusive to the Galaxy S27 Pro and Ultra, while the regular Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27 Plus will stick with Samsung's more familiar design.

Better late than never: Galaxy S26 August patch is here to fix that 'red stain' problem

What you need to know

• Samsung is reportedly rolling out its August 2026 security update late this month, including an important fix.
• Users on X highlight a Samsung official's notice online, stating a fix for the Galaxy S26 Ultra's red screen or "red stain" issue is in this update.
• Galaxy S26 Ultra users overseas noticed this problem when the device is at maximum brightness, often resulting in a red band or stain across their screen.

No, you didn't miss it. Samsung is just now rolling out its August security update for stable Galaxy S26 users, and with it comes a long-awaited bug fix.

Late this week, SamMobile spotted the August 2026 security update rolling out for Galaxy S26 users overseas. The update is reportedly rolling out for users in South Korea first, which is typical for Samsung. Users on its Korean community forum pointed this development out, posting a screenshot of the patch hitting their S26. The publication highlights a hefty number of fixes involved in this August patch, but we're putting that on hold.

SamMobile and Tarun Vats on X state this patch will likely hold the long-awaited fix for the red screen or red tint issue that's plagued the Galaxy S26 Ultra. A Samsung official has started informing Korean users that a fix is now rolling out.

As for what the security patch fixes, Samsung's changelog states it's rolling out seven "Critical" and 30 "High" level fixes. Among them, the notes state there's a fix that could let malicious attackers "cause device inoperability" on a Galaxy device. Several fixes for the Samsung Contacts app are rolling out, alongside a fix to stop hackers from accessing a Galaxy phone's SIM card. Once again, Google has not listed its extensive changelog for Framework fixes and more on the Android Security Bulletin.

Fixing some struggles

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Android Central's Take

Fixes are always good. If you have an S26 Ultra, keep an eye out. The patch is in Korea for now, but should make its way onto U.S. phones late (late) in August, and likely into September. Now, regarding the Privacy Display... I like this feature. My thing is, I'll wait a bit until it's better. Hopefully, it's better on the S27 Ultra, and I mean better to the point that Samsung can solve the screen being dimmer than previous models.

It was in July that reports about a red screen/red stain on the Galaxy S26 Ultra surfaced. Users in Korea noticed this issue when the phone produced bright colors or when at maximum brightness. The area of redness varied. Some users noticed it appeared vertically on their S26 Ultra, while others reported wide strips across the display. What was a bummer was Samsung's investigation.

According to its discovery, the S26 Ultra's "new technology" was to blame. The only "new tech" to hit the Ultra this year, especially its display, was the Privacy Display. This tech is purely software, which is why we needed a patch to fix it. The good thing is that it seems that this issue should be fixed as of this week (keep your eyes out for the patch).

But the Privacy Display, while useful and incredibly attractive, isn't all rainbows and sunshine. After the device launched, a report quickly surfaced, stating the Galaxy S26 Ultra's screen isn't as bright because of the Privacy Display. Compared to the S25 Ultra, the S26 Ultra is noticeably darker.

Nothing OS 5.0 drops with Android 17 and on-device app building

What you need to know

• Nothing OS 5.0 is here and combines a redesigned interface, deeper customization, smoother performance, and upgraded Essential AI tools.
• Transparent widgets, wallpaper-adaptive icon colors, the new Geist typeface, and refreshed system icons give Nothing OS a more cohesive look.
• Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta begins for the Phone (3), with a stable release expected in mid-October and more devices joining the beta later.

Nothing is giving its software a substantial refresh with Nothing OS 5.0, a major update built on Android 17. The latest software zeroes in on everyday interactions, blending a redesigned visual system with more customization, smoother performance, and more powerful Essential AI tools.

The update is all about giving you more control and a smoother experience. The home screen gets a brand new theme with transparent widgets and a search bar that adds some depth, while app icons can now pull subtle color tints from your wallpaper to match your vibe.

There’s a new system typeface, Geist, which is cleaner and easier to scan, and refreshed icons across the status bar, Settings, Camera, and Gallery. The Gallery also includes new options for sorting and filtering to help you organize photos.

You also get more ways to make the phone yours. The lock screen has two new clock faces: the whimsical “Gooey” and the hardware-inspired "Micrographics." Please note the Micrographics clockface and the new home screen theme are still in development and will not be available in the Open Beta yet — they will be part of the general release starting October.

The Glyph Interface now comes in an app, so all the features and sounds are in one place. There is also a new Glyph Timer widget and the Away Time widget that helps you monitor your digital habits by telling you how long you've been away from your phone.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Nothing is also doubling down on its Essential AI tools. Essential Voice is faster, real-time transcriptions are better, and with the Ear (3), you can record audio directly from the Super Mic on the case. Smart Collections can suggest and organize content for you automatically. And for a fun twist, you can now create Essential Apps right on your phone; just tell it what you want in plain language and it’ll build it for you.

Since it runs on Android 17, you get the latest features of the platform as well. That includes the capability to split out the notifications and Quick Settings panels and an enhanced Quick Share that works across iOS and Android via QR code. The update also brings new privacy indicators, expanded dark theme support, and a redesigned Recents menu.

The Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta program starts today for the Phone (3), with a stable release expected in mid-October. Other devices will be included in the beta program later.

Lexar's 2TB Silver Plus made me excited about MicroSD cards again

There hasn't been much in the way of innovation when it comes to MicroSD cards, but the standard continues to be dominant in cameras, handheld consoles, and just about any accessory that needs external storage.

I have a dozen or so MicroSD cards in active use across security cameras, action cameras, digital music players, hobbyist SBCs like the Pi 4 and Pi 5, and two handheld consoles. Most of these are the usual A2 class cards ranging from 64GB to 512GB, but I wanted something with higher storage to use with my DJI Osmo Pocket 4P and Pocket 4.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

That's where Lexar comes into the picture. The Silver Plus range of MicroSD cards debuted at the end of April 2026, and what immediately caught my attention was the storage sizes. Available from 128GB all the way to 2TB (the model I'm testing), this isn't your average MicroSD card. I used Lexar's SO-DIMM memory modules and internal SSDs in the past, so I was interested in taking a look at the 2TB MicroSD card.

After three months of usage involving dozens of hours of 4K footage shot via the Osmo Pocket 4P and hundreds of photos taken with the OM-D E-M1 Mark III, it's clear that the Silver Plus is a standout MicroSD card. The 2TB model I'm using retails for well over $500, but the 1TB model is available for $239, and I think it is the sweet spot if you're looking to extend storage of your camera or handheld console. There's also a much more modest 128GB variant that costs $49, and the 256GB model is $74.

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

The Silver Plus is a V30 card, which means you're guaranteed to get at least 30MB/s sustained writes when shooting videos. You also get U3, which is 30MB/s minimum writes, A2, and a UHS-I interface. This is all standard stuff these days, but where the Silver Plus goes above and beyond is the ruggedness: it is IPX7 water-resistant, shockproof, x-ray-proof, magnetic-proof, and resistant to vibrations. Basically, it is built to handle any scenario, and you get a limited lifetime warranty.

Where the 2TB Silver Plus truly shines is video footage. I used it to shoot 4K120 and 8K30 footage, and it didn't prove a bottleneck while storing footage to the device. It is great to use with a drone or handheld gimbal camera like the Osmo Pocket 4P, and I got close to the touted 255MB/s reads and 189MB/s writes while testing it on Windows.

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

It's great that MicroSD cards can now store up to 2TB of storage. I remember it wasn't too long ago that I was excited about the debut of 128GB MicroSD cards (I got my hands on a few of these at a Best Buy shortly after they launched), and to have 2TB of storage on MicroSD is pretty cool.

While SD cards don't get quite as fast as external SSDs, they're much more portable, and if you're a professional who shoots photos and videos outdoors or want the best MicroSD card to use with your camera or handheld console, the Silver Plus is an easy recommendation.

Lexar

Professional SILVER PLUS microSDXC UHS-I Card

Lexar's Silver Plus MicroSD card has all the storage you'll need, encased in a design that's guaranteed to last.