LG denies its smart TVs secretly record or transmit your conversations, calling recent coverage misleading.
The firestorm started with a lengthy Gamers Nexus video alleging LG TVs capture audio while idle or offline, plus device, IP, location, and nearby Wi-Fi data.
LG's defense rests on one distinction: listening for a wake word isn't the same as recording you. Audio without the wake word gets discarded locally, never sent to LG servers.
Recent reports that LG smart TVs can secretly record people in their homes have put the company's privacy practices under a microscope. LG is now pushing back hard, stating its TVs do not continuously record or transmit users’ conversations and that some of the recent coverage has misrepresented how its privacy features really work.
The dispute follows a lengthy Gamers Nexus video on YouTube that raised concerns about LG TVs capturing audio while idle or disconnected from the internet, as well as collecting information about networked devices, IP addresses, locations, and nearby Wi-Fi networks.
LG’s explanation hinges on the distinction between listening for a wake word and recording conversations. On supported TVs with hands-free voice control enabled, the microphone can supposedly listen locally for a wake word even when the TV is in standby. LG says audio that does not include the recognized wake word is discarded immediately and not sent to its servers. Real speech-to-text processing only starts when voice recognition is enabled.
There is also Automatic Content Recognition, or ACR, that identifies what is playing so that LG can offer services related to viewing and audience analysis. ACR uses audio fingerprinting rather than screenshots or video recordings, is optional, and requires user consent, LG says. It can also be turned off in the settings of the TV.
Does LG's wording leave wiggle room? Perhaps. Saying TVs don't "continuously" record isn't the same as saying they never do. The company’s documentation is unusually explicit, however, about things like session limits, local processing, and what happens when you decline optional agreements. You can still use streaming apps, live TV, and HDMI devices without turning on any data-driven services.
This controversy comes after a separate dispute over LG monitors, where some models were found to be installing the LG Monitor App Installer on Windows PCs and displaying pop-ups for promotional content, including McAfee ads. Microsoft intervened, and LG agreed to disable the McAfee promotion.
The latest controversy highlights the fine line between helpful smart features and invasive data harvesting. LG claims its hardware isn’t part of some hidden surveillance network, but it’s unlikely privacy advocates and hardware reviewers won’t be monitoring future webOS updates.
SwiftKey beta is rolling out a new AI voice typing mode similar to Google's Rambler feature on the Pixel 11 series.
The feature cleans up and formats your speech automatically, although it doesn't show a live transcription while you speak.
SwiftKey's AI voice typing works completely offline after downloading an AI model that's around 163MB on Android.
Unlike Google's Rambler, SwiftKey's AI voice typing isn't Pixel-exclusive and can work across other Android smartphones.
SwiftKey, the popular keyboard app acquired by Microsoft more than a decade ago, has started rolling out a new AI-powered voice typing feature in beta.
With the launch of the Pixel 11 series, Google introduced a feature that improved on the Pixel's already excellent voice typing. Called Rambler, the feature lets you speak more naturally while automatically removing filler words like "um" and "ah," cleaning up corrections, and properly formatting the final text.
Now, SwiftKey is bringing a similar feature to its keyboard app, and unlike Rambler, it can work on pretty much any Android phone.
The latest SwiftKey beta for Android, version 9.13.16.4, introduces a new "AI voice" typing mode. When you tap the microphone icon, SwiftKey now shows the new AI voice option alongside a quick explanation of how it works.
Similar to Rambler on the Pixel 11 series, you can simply start speaking naturally while SwiftKey listens to you and displays a waveform on the screen. Once you're done, the AI processes what you've said and turns it into properly formatted text.
(Image credit: Future)
Before you can use the feature, though, SwiftKey asks you to download an AI voice model. On my Galaxy Z Fold 8, the download was around 163MB. Similar to Rambler, you also don't get a live preview of the transcription while you're speaking. Instead, the finished text appears once the AI has processed everything. The best part, however, is that the feature works completely offline.
I tested AI voice typing on my Galaxy Z Fold 8 with both Wi-Fi and mobile data switched off, and SwiftKey was still able to process and transcribe my speech without any issues. This isn't possible right now with Gboard's Rambler, which does require an internet connection to work.
There are some limitations compared to Google's Rambler, though. SwiftKey's implementation currently doesn't let you do things like change the tone, format the text further, or automatically insert emojis through voice commands.
That said, the SwiftKey Beta app can be installed on any Android phone, unlike the Rambler feature, which is exclusive to the Pixel 11 series, for now. So if you've been wanting to try Pixel 11-like AI voice typing without buying Google's latest phone, this might be one of the easiest ways to get something similar.
A reliable tipster says the rumored 50MP 4x telephoto with a large 1/1.9-inch sensor may not make it to the Galaxy S27 Ultra.
The upcoming phone is said to retain a 5x periscope with a smaller 1/2.52-inch sensor.
Samsung may ditch the dedicated 3x telephoto camera entirely, leaving the 5x periscope as its sole zoom hardware.
Samsung’s Galaxy S27 Ultra is reportedly getting a major zoom rethink after recent rumors suggested a 50MP 4x telephoto with a much larger 1/1.9-inch sensor. The supposed plan was to swap out the familiar 3x and 5x cameras for a single, larger sensor that could handle more of the zoom range.
Now that upgrade seems a lot less certain. Ice Universe claims on X that the Galaxy S27 Ultra will instead feature a 5x periscope camera with a 1/2.52-inch sensor, which would be pretty much the same sensor size as the one used by recent Ultra models. The competing 4x rumor was described as false, suggesting Samsung could remove the 3x camera while leaving the 5x unit as its only dedicated telephoto.
Don't believe that source, which has a long history of spreading false information.The Galaxy S27 Ultra will, of course, continue to use a 1/2.52-inch sensor for its 5x periscope telephoto camera.The recent claim that Samsung will "drop the 5x telephoto and switch to a…September 14, 2026
Samsung has a practical reason for going the safer route. The 5x module is already compatible with the company’s existing camera strategy, but a switch to a new 4x system would mean spending more on sensor development, optics, tuning, and production. If the difference isn’t dramatic enough, it may make more financial sense to stick with proven hardware.
Plus, native 5x optical reach means you'll still get sharp long-range detail at 10x and above with high-resolution sensor cropping, something a 4x lens can have a hard time with when pushed to high magnification.
But that doesn’t mean the 4x idea was for nothing. A 1/1.9-inch sensor would be much larger than the 1/2.52-inch 5x component, possibly allowing for cleaner zoom shots, enhanced low-light performance, improved dynamic range, and stronger portraits.
For now, the safer bet is one 5x telephoto with the 200MP main camera for lower zoom levels. Samsung has time to change course before launch, and with multiple S27 Ultra prototypes reportedly under evaluation, the final camera setup may not be set in stone yet.
The real test for Samsung will be whether its image processing can compensate for not having a bigger sensor if it sticks with the old 5x hardware. Otherwise, axing the 3x camera could be viewed as Samsung simply cutting the spec sheet.
There's a lot to like in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and although Samsung didn't make too many changes this year, the bigger 5,000mAh silicon battery means the foldable lasts considerably longer than its predecessor.
Thankfully, there's an easy way to boost the battery life even more. Samsung offers performance profiles within One UI, and I switched over to the Light mode, netting me a decent uptick in battery life. So let's take a look at what the mode has to offer, and why you should consider using it.
Standard vs. Light profiles: Is there a difference?
By default, all Samsung phones run the Standard profile out of the box, but there's a Light mode that's designed to prioritize battery life and thermal efficiency. These performance profiles are located in the Device care section, and you can easily switch between the two as needed.
Unlike Energy Saver mode, the Light profile doesn't actually make a difference in regular daily use. You still get 120Hz refresh and similar levels of fluidity when navigating the UI or browsing. What is does instead is reduce the clock frequencies of the processor, so it isn't using as much power all the time. This is absolutely fine on a high-end foldable, as Qualcomm's latest-gen silicon has plenty of power to spare.
As I said, I didn't see any difference after switching to the Light profile, and the device continued to be lag-free even while multitasking. Notably, the profile is only active in regular use; if you launch a game, it uses Game Booster (which is another thing entirely), so you don't need to limit the hardware if you play games regularly.
There's a clear benefit to using the Light profile. I got close to an additional hour of usage (not SOT) over the course of a day, and it meant I didn't need to plug in the phone until the end of the day. It particularly makes a difference with outdoor use, as the profile does a good job balancing thermals.
Switching between the Standard and Light modes is as easy as it gets. This is how to do it:
Go to Settings.
Navigate to Device care.
Select Performance profile.
Choose Light.
That's all there is to it. The best part about this is that the feature is available on all Samsung devices, so if you're using an older Galaxy phone and need it to last a little longer, you should give it a try.
The iPhone Duo is heavier and thicker than Android foldables, but that isn’t going to make too much of a difference in day-to-day use. The plus point is that it has IP68 ingress protection, and a build quality that’s different to anything else we’ve seen on Android. Also, the software is the biggest differentiator, and the little I’ve seen of this makes me highly interested to use the iPhone Duo.
Xiaomi
18 Fold
Sublime
Make no mistake: the Xiaomi 18 Fold has the best design of any wide foldable, and Xiaomi deserves credit for slotting in a dedicated tele lens into the device. It is a full 35g lighter than the iPhone Duo, but you still somehow get a huge 6,000mAh battery. The custom Xring 03 silicon is intriguing, and the only issue with the 18 Fold is that it is limited to China, so you don’t get the best software — there’s no Play Store or other Google services.
Apple iPhone Duo vs. Xiaomi 18 Fold: Design and display
(Image credit: Apple)
I like the design of wide foldables as they’re much easier to hold and use than traditional book-style devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The iPhone Duo looks interesting thanks to the 5.4-inch outer panel, and it unfolds to a 7.6-inch inner panel. The Xiaomi 18 Fold has similarly-sized displays as well, but when it comes to resolution, the iPhone Duo comes out ahead.
That said, the biggest issue with the iPhone Duo is the weight; at 254g, it is the heaviest of any 2026 foldable, and the Xiaomi 18 Fold is 35g lighter. Now, to give you some context, it is 5g heavier than the iPhone 18 Pro Max, but the point stands that it is a hefty device. Obviously, we’ll need to see how that makes a difference in daily use; weight distribution matters a lot on a foldable, and I’ll share findings once I used the Duo.
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
What I like is that the Duo gets IP68 dust and water resistance. It is the only foldable other Google’s Pixel 11 Pro Fold and 10 Pro Fold to have this feature, and it will make a genuine difference in regular use. The 18 Fold has IP58 and IP59 ingress protection, and it should do a good enough job in outdoor use.
Also, the design itself is exquisite on the Duo, and the blue color looks stunning. Something you don’t see (but will make a difference) is the inner panel. The iPhone Duo uses layers of ultra-thin glass sandwiched over the panels, and it should give it much better resilience against deformation — which is an issue with most foldables. Xiaomi, to its credit, delivered what is arguably the best-looking wide foldable in the 18 Fold, and the svelte design along with the bright red hue is brilliant.
Apple iPhone Duo vs. Xiaomi 18 Fold: Hardware
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
What’s notable about the internals is that both foldables use custom silicon. The iPhone Duo uses the latest A20 Pro, and the 2nm platform has much better power than last year, and it should deliver meaningful upgrades on the battery side of things. Xiaomi is using the Xring 03 silicon with the 18 Fold, and I’m excited to get my hands so I can test it — it’s not often we get a new player that can beat Qualcomm at its own game.
Xiaomi also has a distinct advantage with the battery, and the 18 Fold has a 6,000mAh battery that easily lasts over a day. the iPhone Duo should last a day as well, but this is something I’ll need to test. The 18 Fold has 67W USB PD charging tech, but what I like is that the iPhone Duo has 25W MagSafe, making it that much more convenient to use. Annoyingly, Xiaomi doesn’t have built-in magnets, so you can’t just use a Qi 2.2 charger with the device.
Category
Apple iPhone Duo
Xiaomi 18 Fold
Display
Outer: 5.4-inch ProMotion LTPO OLED, 2034x1398
Inner: 7.6-inch ProMotion LTPO OLED, 2670x1878
Outer: 5.38-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1712x1168
Inner: 7.58-inch LTPO AMOLED, 2364x1672
Operating System
iOS 27, at least seven updates
Android 17
Chipset
Apple A20 Pro, 2nm
Xiaomi XRing O3, 3nm
RAM
12GB
12GB/16GB
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Rear cameras
Main: 48MP f/1.6, sensor-shift OIS
Wide-angle: 48MP f/2.2
Main: 200MP f/1.7, OIS
Tele: 50MP f/2.8, 3x tele
Wide-angle: 50MP f/2.4
Front camera
12MP
16MP
Ingress Protection
IP68
IP58/IP59
Battery
4,700mAh
6,000mAh
Charging
40W, 25W MagSafe/Qi 2
67W PD 3.0, 50W HyperCharge
Dimensions
Folded: 117.8 x 84.1 x 11.3mm
Unfolded: 117.8 x 164.6 x 5.2mm
Folded: 83.6 x 117.8 x 10.7mm
Unfolded:163.8 x 117.8 x 5.0mm
Weight
254g
219g
Colors
Night Sky, Star White
Red, Rose gold, Silver, Grey
The iPhone Duo has two 48MP cameras — a main camera and wide-angle lens — but you don’t get a telephoto lens. This is annoying, as the tele lens is the one I use the most. That’s why it’s refreshing to see Xiaomi providing the lens on the 18 Fold; its foldable has a 200MP main camera, 50MP tele lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP wide-angle lens. Just having a tele lens gives the device a huge advantage, and Xiaomi is the only brand doing so on a wide foldable.
Apple iPhone Duo vs. Xiaomi 18 Fold: Software
(Image credit: Apple)
Where the iPhone Duo has a sizable lead is the software; it’s clear that iOS 27 has plenty of custom features to maximize the real estate on the foldable. What’s great to see is that the toggles and the taskbar are oriented on the right, and while it’s a small thing, it makes a difference in usability.
The main problem with the Xiaomi 18 Fold is that it is limited to China, so you have to use the Chinese iteration of the brand’s skin. There are issues with push notifications, aggressive memory management, and there’s no Play Store or Google services out of the box. If you're an enthusiast and have used Chinese software previously, you can wrangle the 18 Fold to work the way you want (I plan on doing that), but it is a hassle.
Apple iPhone Duo vs. Xiaomi 18 Fold: Which should you buy?
(Image credit: Apple)
I’ll make this easy: if you like the look of a wide foldable, you should get the iPhone Duo. Although the Xiaomi 18 Fold has arguably better internals, the software is not ideal, and I wouldn’t recommend getting it as a result. Xiaomi needs to do a better job bringing its foldables to global regions, because the 18 Fold deserves a wide rollout.
Of course, the iPhone Duo is costlier than any other iPhone, but not by too much than the latest Pro models. There's no doubt that the 18 Fold gives you a better overall value (as these things go), but with Xiaomi choosing not to launch the foldable globally, this is a moot point.
Apple
iPhone Duo
Heavyweight
The iPhone Duo is the default choice if you need a wide foldable. The Xiaomi 18 Fold has better internals, but the Duo arguably has the better software, and it is launching in over 75 countries.
The Pixel Watch 5 sports 50% more RAM, a faster processor, and proper on-device Gemini Nano models, so we fully expect to see Google roll out significant new features for this watch over the next 3 years while the device is supported. RAM is especially important for AI features, so this is the watch to get if you care about those.
Pros
Same battery life
Fast charging
Faster processor
Even more accurate GPS tracking
50% more RAM and 2x storage
On-device Gemini Nano
Cons
Some features unavailable at launch
Same non-rugged design
Costly Fitbit Premium subscription after the free trial
Google
Pixel Watch 4
The best for your budget
The Pixel Watch 4 was an excellent 2025 release, and that means it's going to be easy to find one at a significant discount a year later. Even though it's got 50% less RAM (and will probably miss out on some future Gemini features because of it), this is a solid choice if you mainly care about workout tracking and messaging.
Pros
Same great OS
Identical charging
Striking domed design
Dual-frequency GPS tracking
Easily repairable
Cons
Design isn't rugged, with no sapphire glass
Costly Fitbit Premium subscription after the free trial
Gemini requires an internet connection
You've certainly heard this one before: on the surface, the Google Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 5 look identical. They've got the same beautiful domed glass design, use the same fast-charging solution, and sport the latest version of Google's Wear OS platform. But under the hood (or glass, I suppose), things are quite different.
The Pixel Watch 5 features 50% more RAM and 2x storage, a faster processor, more accurate GPS tracking, and on-device Gemini Nano. For just $30 more, it's a surprisingly good spec bump that's a worthwhile upgrade for anyone coming from an older Pixel Watch (or something else, entirely).
Of course, at this point, you could probably find a Pixel Watch 4 for much less, and that would be a great purchase, especially if we're talking something like $100 less than the Pixel Watch 5. Let's explore what these differences mean and if the newer Watch 5 is the best choice for you.
Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Pixel Watch 4: Design, hardware, and specs
(Image credit: Shruti Shekar / Android Central)
As you can see from the image above, both watches look identical. They've got the exact same dimensions and weight, use the same glass dome, have the same water and dust resistance, diving specs, and even all the same sensors. It's even got the same 3,000-nit display.
Specs
Google Pixel Watch 5
Google Pixel Watch 4
OS
Wear OS 7
Wear OS 7
CPU
Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated, Cortex M55 co-processor
The Pixel Watch 5 has a 2% larger battery than the Pixel Watch 4, which helps give it the same battery life as the Pixel Watch 4, even though the Watch 5 has a chipset that's 20% faster. The Pixel Watch 5 also ships with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, while the Watch 4 only has 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.
The extra 1GB doesn't sound like much, but it enables Gemini Nano to function properly, and the extra storage means you can download more music and podcasts for listening while you work out.
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
Both models feature Google's superb haptic engine, the lovely rotating crown, a super shiny, bubbly exterior, support for all the same wristbands, and the same great connection capabilities.
Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Pixel Watch 4: Software and AI
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
There's no meaningful difference between the features on these watches, but there are a few things to note. Google's new Health Guardian is supported back to the Pixel Watch 3, so you can buy an even older (and cheaper) Pixel Watch if insulin resistance and blood pressure trends are your main reason for looking at new hardware. You can even sideload Pixel Watch 5 watch faces onto a Pixel Watch 4, if you want.
The real difference lies in Gemini capability and software support. The Pixel Watch 4 will get OS updates through October 2028, while the Watch 5 is supported through October 2029. That extra year of support will likely include new Gemini-based features, too, since the Pixel Watch 5 has 50% more RAM.
And speaking of Gemini, the Watch 5 supports onboard Gemini Nano, so all those simple commands (like starting a timer, controlling workouts or music with your voice, toggling settings) are all instant, while the Pixel Watch 4 needs an internet connection to get the job done. That may not matter most of the time, but it will make a difference if you're out on a run and don't have your phone (or an LTE connection) with you.
Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Pixel Watch 4: Health and workout tracking
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
Google announced a ton of great new health features alongside the Pixel Watch 5, and the good news is that all of those features are headed to the Pixel Watch 4. The new insulin resistance and blood pressure trends features are all here.
The only real difference lies in Google's new enhanced GPS tracking on the Pixel Watch 5, which further improves accuracy from the already excellent dual-band tracking on the Pixel Watch 4. This will come in handy if you navigate Google Maps a lot on your watch, especially in a city, but might not be a big deal otherwise.
Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Pixel Watch 4: Which should you buy?
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
At retail price, it makes more sense to buy a Pixel Watch 5. For just $30 more, you're getting double the RAM, a faster processor, proper on-device Gemini capability, and an extra year of software support. That's a no-brainer choice.
If you can find the Pixel Watch 4 for at least $100 less, however, the tide changes a bit. It's still a less capable watch, but most people won't care about the fancy new features if they can save a ton of money in the process. Just remember that the Pixel Watch 4 only has two more years of software support left (ending in October 2028) if you're worried about that.
Google
Pixel Watch 5
The best Pixel Watch yet
Upgraded hardware and additional RAM and storage make this a more future-proof option than the Pixel Watch 4. The features might be the same for now, but we expect that to change in the future as Google continues to build out Gemini capabilities.
Google
Pixel Watch 4
A great budget pick
Don't care much about Gemini or slightly more accurate GPS tracking? The Pixel Watch 4 is the perfect way to experience Google's best smartwatch experience without the higher price of the Pixel Watch 5.
When Dbrand told me it was launching a new minimalist case sub-brand, I was immediately interested. I've loved the company's products for years, and they often come out with new and interesting design ideas, but MNML immediately felt different from Dbrand's usual vibes.
It's such a departure from the company's usual designs that you won't even find the name Dbrand on the case. It's just MNML on the corner, and there's no support for Dbrand skins or any of the usual snarky flair most of us are used to.
You'll also find the prices to be much more minimalist than Dbrand's usual afair. At just $39, these are a bit more palatable than the $50 Ghost cases or the $60+ Grip cases, and they come in four simple colors. The burgundy is my favorite of the four, although I think it looks terrible on an orange iPhone. Better stick to black or tan for a bolder color like that.
Dbrand sent me cases for the Pixel 11 Pro and the iPhone Pro Max 17/18 (since they're the same phone anyway). The "sandstone" texture on these isn't at all like OnePlus's sandstone phones or cases — meaning they're textured but not rough like sandstone usually is — which gives it a nice grip without sanding your fingerprints off by accident.
I also love the clicky covered buttons on the case. It's got all the port cutouts you'd hope to find on a case, plus a perfectly sized lip around the front glass to protect it. I didn't have trouble using gestures with these cases, unlike some rugged cases that have too large a lip and usually get in the way.
These also aren't minimalist in the way Thinborne cases are. They're not super rugged like Dbrand's Tank cases are, but they still add a little bit of bulk to the phone. They're cushy and a few millimeters thin, but they weigh around 40-50g, depending on the phone, which is roughly twice the weight of an aramid fiber case (like Thinborne).
The bright side to the extra "bulk" is that these are more drop-resistant than aramid fiber cases. I purposefully dropped the Pixel 11 Pro on the concrete from about 3ft up a few times to see what would happen. The phone looked untouched, and the MNML case just had a few minor dings on the corners.
Nicholas Sutrich / Android CentralNicholas Sutrich / Android CentralNicholas Sutrich / Android Central
Seems to me that these will generally hold up nicely to wear and tear over the life of your phone, making them a great option to grab the next time you're in a Best Buy (so long as you don't care about Dbrand skins).
Dbrand makes MNML cases for 24 phone models across Apple, Samsung, and Google Pixel phone lines. That MNML sub-brand also includes a handful of MagSafe accessories, like a kickstand wallet, slim wallet, and an AirPods case (I guess that's a thing?).
