Vivo just unveiled the X500 Pro Max at an event in Shanghai, China, and there's a lot to like with the phone. The X500 Pro Max is the clear highlight, but there's also a standard X500, and the X500 Pro. With the Pro Max, Vivo is delivering a bigger phone with a huge 6.85-inch AMOLED panel, and an 8,000mAh battery — the largest on one of its devices yet.
It's the cameras that are the main highlight of these phones, so let's start with what the X500 Pro Max has to offer. It uses a 1/1.28-inch 50MP main camera that uses Sony's new Lytia 910 sensor, and it's joined by a 200MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom — the same as the X300 Ultra — and a 50MP wide-angle module.
Elsewhere, the X500 Pro Max is powered by MediaTek's latest 2nm Dimensity 9600 Pro platform, and it is a clear powerhouse. The switch to 2nm brings huge gains in efficiency, and with the phone having an 8,000mAh battery, it should easily last three days without any issues. There's also a bigger 6.85-inch AMOLED panel with higher resolution than last year (3168 x 1440), and the latest connectivity.
Just like the X300 Ultra earlier this year, the X500 Pro Max focuses on video, with Vivo bringing most of the features over to Pro models. Vivo says it has achieved vertical integration through what it calls the BlueImage Dynamic Imaging Technology Stack, with the brand working closely with Sony (who made the camera modules), MediaTek (to customize the Dimensity 9600 Pro), and ZEISS (to deliver gimbal-level stability).
The X500 Pro and Pro Max can shoot 4K240 cinematic video as well as 8K footage, and they use Vivo's custom V3 and VS1 imaging silicon to boost fidelity of images and videos. There's a lot to like on the software side as well, with the phones running OriginOS 7 based on Android 17 out of the box.
The X500 Pro is largely the same as the Pro Max, but it doesn't have the tele lens, and the standard X500 is based on the Dimensity 9600M, doesn't have cameras that are quite as good as the Pro models, but the 7,500mAh battery is great to see. The X500 Pro Max starts out at the equivalent of $1,045 (CNY 6,999), with the Pro at $970, and the standard X500 at $830. Obviously, they'll cost a lot more once they start selling outside China, and as of now, there's no telling when that will be — or what they'll eventually cost. That said, given just how good the X300 Pro was, I'm excited to take a look at the X500 Pro Max and see just how it differs.
Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite is powering Googlebook, a new laptop category built specifically for Gemini Intelligence.
Equipped with a 12-core Oryon CPU (up to 4GHz) and a Hexagon NPU pushing 45 TOPS, the platform is engineered to run complex generative and agentic AI directly on-device.
Preorders are open now for the first wave of hardware, including the HP Googlebook 14 and new models from Dell.
Qualcomm today announced it will bring its Snapdragon X Elite platform to the first Googlebook laptops, a collaboration with Google to power a new breed of computers built around Gemini Intelligence.
The collaboration pairs Google’s Gemini-based software with the Snapdragon X Elite’s emphasis on performance, efficiency, and on-device AI. Qualcomm’s platform also features a 12-core Oryon CPU that can clock up to 4GHz and a Hexagon NPU that can deliver up to 45 TOPS, meaning Googlebook will have dedicated hardware for generative and agentic AI workloads.
Googlebook also aims to make Android devices feel more connected to the laptop. Qualcomm's press release mentioned features including Cast my Apps, Magic Pointer, and Rambler, which are designed to provide information from e-mail, calendars, and on-screen content. Native Android app and game support also broadens what users can run directly on the laptop.
The Snapdragon hardware also has plenty of connectivity and display support. It supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, LPDDR5x memory with up to 135GB/s bandwidth and up to three external 4K displays at 60Hz. The platform also supports 4K HDR capture and can decode 4K120 video.
Again, preorders are already open for the first wave of hardware, including the HP Googlebook 14 and new designs from Dell. HP’s Samuel Chang says the HP Googlebook 14 blends Snapdragon efficiency with Gemini smarts for productivity.
Should Qualcomm and Google fulfill their promises of smooth multi-device continuity and serious NPU efficiency, this shift could finally give Windows laptops and MacBooks a run for their money in everyday productivity.
Gmail now shows a Copy Code button when an OTP or verification code arrives directly in your email inbox.
The shortcut can appear inside the email and directly in the main Gmail inbox alongside the message preview.
Google's new verification code shortcut is rolling out through the Gmail app on both Android and iOS.
Gmail now offers an easier way to copy verification codes directly from the app.
Android already makes it pretty easy to copy OTPs and verification codes when they arrive through the Messages app. But now, Google is bringing similar functionality to verification codes that land directly in your Gmail inbox.
The company is rolling out a new integration for the Gmail app on both Android and iOS that adds a small Copy Code shortcut whenever an OTP or verification code arrives.
Now, when an OTP lands in your inbox, Gmail shows a small card at the top of the email (below the subject line) containing the verification code alongside a Copy Code button. You can simply tap the button and paste the code wherever you need it, instead of manually typing it out or selecting and copying it from the email.
(Image credit: Future)
In addition to showing the shortcut inside the email, Gmail has also started displaying the Copy Code button directly in the main inbox alongside the email preview. That implementation doesn't seem to work every time just yet, but I've found the shortcut inside emails containing verification codes to appear much more consistently.
The feature has already started rolling out with the latest Gmail update on both Android and iOS. If you don't see it yet, it's worth updating the Gmail app to the latest available version.
Unlike the Messages app, though, Gmail's implementation doesn't directly integrate with Gboard for now, so you'll still need to open Gmail and manually copy the code. Nonetheless, it's a useful little upgrade that makes dealing with verification codes arriving through email much quicker.
Join Namerah Saud Fatmi as she explores the cool, quirky, and sometimes downright odd world of smartphone accessories, gadgets, and other nerdy toys every week.
Forget sharing a KitKat bar or a pizza; Nimble lets us share power banks by splitting them in half. If you're having trouble digesting this bit of info, you're not alone. If I hadn't been using the Nimble SHARWPOWER 10,000mAh power bank myself for a few weeks, I wouldn't have believed it either. But it's a real product, and it's well executed.
It's a wild concept, and once you've let the idea sit with you for a while, you might ask why do that when a multi-port power bank can easily be shared with extra cables. But there are some occasions that call for such a shareable battery pack.
It's not cheap, but it's one in a million
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android CentralNamerah Saud Fatmi / Android CentralNamerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central
At $79.95, the Nimble SHAREWPOWER 10,000mAh power bank isn't an affordable purchase. It supports 35W PD wired charging in total and comes in four colorways: black, pink, white, and blue. It's a very small power bank that can easily fit in the palm of your hand, even when whole.
When split in half in what is called Share Mode, both halves are 5,000mAh batteries, and each comes with a built-in USB-C cable. So while this might be a pretty expensive 10,000mAh power bank compared to virtually every other option, its splitting act sets it aside from the rest.
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android CentralNamerah Saud Fatmi / Android CentralNamerah Saud Fatmi / Android CentralNamerah Saud Fatmi / Android CentralNamerah Saud Fatmi / Android CentralNamerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central
Magnetic pins keep the two 5,000mAh halves together, and when you separate them, you reveal a folded USB-C connector inside. This is attached to the half that has the display indicating the battery percentage.
The other half has a proper USB-C cable that's tucked inside like a lanyard when the two halves are stuck together, which is called Stack Mode.
Each half also has one extra USB-C port, so you can actually charge four devices altogether when the batteries are split. The two halves support 20W PD each in Share Mode.
A truly and properly shareable power bank
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android CentralNamerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central
This is such a fun little power bank, and you can tell how much thought was poured into its design once you start using it. Imagine a day out with your friends, and you need to share a battery pack; the other person can just walk away instead of leaving their phone with you.
Whether it's friends or family on a longer vacation or a short getaway with you, there is always that one person who refuses to bring their own charger or power bank along and usurps your battery pack. The Nimble SHAREPOWER helps you preserve half for yourself in such scenarios.
Even if someone hijacks one half of the SHAREPOWER power bank for the entirety of the trip or excursion, you don't need to be side by side or in close proximity all the time. You can go to the bathroom without leaving your phone behind or waiting in separate lines, since this product doesn't require two people to stay anchored to one power bank.
This is easily the best part of the power bank.
A great power bank for group trips and holidays
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android CentralNamerah Saud Fatmi / Android CentralNamerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central
The Nimble SHAREPOWER addresses the main issue with sharing a multi-port power bank with others: you both need to be attached to the power bank and therefore must be close to each other for a while.
This is obviously problematic sometimes, especially when on holiday with lots of other people. Someone might need to go to reception while the other individual heads to the restaurant. One person might decide to skip an activity and stay behind. I've faced this issue myself as I'm always the designated tech person on holidays, and there's always one friend or another borrowing my power bank.
There have been times when I needed to go to a separate location as my friend, and we were both low on phone battery, in an unknown city, with all but one 5,000mAh power bank to share. One of us had to leave our phone with the other person until it fully charged, then meet up at a designated location later. Obviously, this was quite a risky move, but luckily we had other friends to accompany the phone-less person.
This illustrates the usefulness of the Nimble SHAREPOWER's ability to split into two independent halves that function as two separate 5,000mAh power banks in Share Mode. You don't even have to worry about bringing extra cables along. So if you're going on a trip with lots of other people, I highly recommend investing in one or two of these power banks.
Nimble
SHAREPOWER 10,000mAh Power Bank
Share the love
Put an end to your forgetful friend or family member hogging your battery pack on holiday with this 10,000mAh power bank which is literally two 5,000mAh power banks glued together magnetically. Nimble even includes built-in USB-C connectors on both halves, despite the SHAREPOWER being incredibly compact.
I dabble in silly little puzzle-based Android games on the daily. Games that require sorting, untangling, or disassembling things systematically to beat a level are so soothing to my nervous system. They don't require much intellectual or emotional investment, so I can kill time on the train or while waiting at the dentist's.
Adding to a long list of quirky casual games, Meowdoku is my latest obsession. I don't know if you were being bombed with ads for the game like I was, but several friends told me they kept getting ads for it too. So, I took one for the team and gave in to the impulse.
I'm glad I did because this revamped version of sudoku turned out to be right up my alley.
The perfect cat-themed brain teaser to unwind
(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)
The game is built on the basic rules of Sudoku, but with no numbers. Instead, you get cats and colors. Just like Sudoku has a rule per column and row, Meowdoku has a similar principle: there can only be one cat per row or column.
There are other rules too: only one cat per color, and cats can't be in neighboring blocks.
(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)
Players build on these three cardinal rules and find all ten cats per level. You get three strikes for wrong cat placements, and then you've lost that level and must start over.
Some levels are easier than others, and sometimes you get one cat right at the beginning to help you out. You can also use limited hints, which can be earned back by watching ads or via the in-game reward system. Players can also participate in a daily challenge in addition to the usual levels.
I play sudoku on my phone regularly, and it's gotten a little too boring and predictable lately. Meowdoku is a fun take on sudoku, capturing the essence of the game perfectly. In fact, I have uninstalled the classic version of the game from my phone at this point!
I kept coming back to Meowdoku, despite the sheer number of ads after almost every level
(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)
I love cats, and I'm a big Sudoku fan, so it's no wonder that I love Meowdoku this much. What I despise about the app, however, is the unholy number of ads you need to watch.
Meowdoku bombards you with mandatory ads, one after almost every single level. And you know what's insane? There is no premium, ad-free version on Android. I would happily pay for an ad-free experience, but for some reason, the developer, Oakever Games, decided to skip that option.
I really hope they introduce an ad-free tier, because I'm not the only one going bonkers over Meowdoku. I came across YouTube videos, Facebook posts, Reddit threads, and even Instagram reels of people trying to find workarounds to rid themselves of the ad purgatory. Oakever Games has the opportunity to make a lot of money if they listen to what the people want.
Until then, I will be patiently grinding my teeth, sitting through the ads but refusing to stop playing the game, because I have a problem. Give the game a try and let me know if you think it's worth sitting through the ads.
Meowdoku
Challenge yourself with this engaging twist on sudoku. It borrows the basic principles of the math-based brain teaser, but replaces the numbers with cats and adds a few more rules to help you solve each level.
Pokémon Sleep has been out for a few years, but I only got into it in the past year. And by coincidence, just as I logged a year's worth of sleep into the app, Google released a new Pokémon Sleep edition of the Fitbit Air as part of Pokémon's 30th Anniversary Celebration.
I've been using this special edition of the Fitbit Air to log my sleep in the Pokémon Sleep app, and it might be the best way to play the game. The wearable is lightweight, beautifully crafted, and tracks sleep quite reliably. If you're a Pokémon fan like myself, this might be the
Understanding the basics of Pokémon Sleep
(Image credit: Android Central)
When Pokémon Sleep first launched, I thought it was pretty pointless. I already track my sleep in apps like Google Health (then Fitbit), so why add yet another app? Two years later, something convinced me to finally try it, and boy, was I wrong about Pokémon Sleep.
Turns out, it's a great way to gamify your sleep! The game centers around a Snorlax that does nothing but sleep and eat, while attracting wild Pokémon to sleep around it. The more you sleep, the more points you get, which contribute to the Snorlax's Drowsy Power. The higher your Drowsy Power, the more Pokémon it attracts each day, and your sleep type (based on your sleep cycles) can influence the Pokémon it attracts, including rarer or shiny Pokémon.
You can "catch" these Pokémon by feeding them biscuits and maxing out their friendship points before they get full. It's both enticing and frustrating trying to "catch" certain Pokémon, each with its own attributes to help you throughout the game.
(Image credit: Android Central)
As you watch over this Snorlax, you have to feed it three times a day to build its strength and help it grow. You do this by curating a team of up to five Pokémon, all of which can collect berries and ingredients so you can make various dishes that contribute different amounts of strength. The Pokémon also have special skills that can help in different ways.
You can unlock additional skills and more ingredients, but it often requires careful planning. You have to consider things like a Pokémon's nature, its ingredient list, and other attributes that make it better for what you want. Thus, one Pikachu might be better than another and more worth the candies you collect to level up and evolve it.
Where the Fitbit Air fits
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
Pokemon Sleep offers a few ways to track your sleep, including the Google Health app. So you can track your sleep with a more traditional smartwatch like the Pixel Watch 5, but I often find them heavy, cumbersome, and uncomfortable to wear while you sleep. That's where the Fitbit Air comes in.
At roughly 12g with the band, it's incredibly lightweight, and it barely feels like I'm wearing anything. This makes it one of the most comfortable wearables I've used to track my sleep, and I recommend it for this alone.
And while there are some nice colors out there, the Special Edition Pokémon Sleep strap is my absolute favorite. It comes in a deep blue color that looks fantastic (it helps that my favorite color is blue) and even has a little sleeping Pikachu on it, which is a pretty nice touch.
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
As for the actual tracking, it's actually quite reliable. I often compare my results each morning to my Oura Ring and Garmin watch, and the duration, cycles, and other metrics are usually pretty on par. And of course, the Fitbit Air can do more than sleep tracking, since it's also a solid health and fitness wearable.
It also helps that battery life is quite good, easily lasting about a full week on a single charge. That means you don't have to worry about charging it before bed every night or when you wake up each morning.
Setting up the Fitbit Air to track your sleep in Pokémon Sleep
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
If you're just setting up Pokémon Sleep, you should be able to follow the setup process to get Google Health as your sleep source. You can only choose one, and your options include Google Health, Samsung Health (for Galaxy Watches), and Garmin Connect (for Garmin Watches).
If you're already using another source to track your sleep, changing it to Google Health is relatively easy.
1. From the main menu, tap Settings and More.
2. Under Smartwatch (Health Connect), tap Data Source.
3. Tap Google Health, then tap Change to confirm.
Note: You can also tap the Sync/Settings button in the field view to change your data source. Make sure you've already synced any past sleep data, since changing the data source will leave it unsynced.
(Image credit: Android Central)
If the Fitbit Air is already set up in the Google Health app, you're good to go and ready to catch 'em all while you catch some z's!
It didn't take me very long to fall in love with the app after finally deciding to check it out. It's a fun, low-effort way to catch and interact with Pokémon, while also motivating you to get more consistent sleep (something I definitely need to get better at).
Google has apparently admitted that Gemini had escaped its testing environment and independently accessed systems belonging to three real companies.
A misconfigured internet connection was the initial opening, while a matching company name added to the confusion.
Gemini eventually stopped itself after recognizing that it was targeting real companies.
Google initially kept the incident quiet, arguing that Gemini self-corrected and caused no damage.
Google's Gemini adds to the long list of AI models that have gone rogue.
We have already seen similar digital jailbreaks handled by OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta in third-party safety testing. Now, it’s been revealed that Google’s Gemini model escaped its containment area in May, hacking its way into systems at three real companies, all on its own.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the incident took place during a “capture the flag” exercise conducted by AI security firm Irregular. Gemini was intended to test a fictional company in a closed testing environment, but an unplanned internet connection gave it an escape. The fictional company also had a real business with the same name, creating another opening for confusion.
Once online, Gemini found its way into three real companies. In one case it just kept guessing passwords until it got through. In two others, it found working credentials stored in public repositories and used them to access protected systems.
It turns out that throughout the entire process, Gemini didn’t require any exotic movie-style exploits. It just combined elementary security vulnerabilities with the ability to search, decide, and persistently try, without a human directing each and every move.
Google said Gemini stopped when it realized the targets were real companies and did not cause damage. In fact, while Anthropic’s Claude 4.7 kept going during a similar incident, Gemini backed off on its own volition. The impacted organizations were informed, although Irregular says the known testing issues were corrected weeks later.
The search giant felt the incident didn't warrant a public announcement at the time because the AI self-corrected. But third-party researchers were not told until late July, and details are only now emerging after media inquiries pushed the issue.
As AI agents gain broader access to the internet and computers, companies will need to establish tighter boundaries around what those systems can reach and clearer rules for what happens when those boundaries fail.
There are a ton of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 deals on the web right now. Whether you're looking for a trade-in opportunity or a straight discount on an unlocked phone, stiff competition in the foldable space means there has never been a better time to pick up one of these innovative devices. That said, if you're looking for a different type of deal, Mint Mobile has you covered.
Bundle the purchase of the new Galaxy Z Flip 8 with one year of the unlimited plan and you'll get $200 off the phone and 50% off the wireless, knocking your total payment down to $1,180 (or $99 per month using affirm). Considering that the retail cost of the Z Flip 8 usually starts at $1,200, you're essentially getting a FREE year of unlimited T-Mobile-powered wireless, courtesy of Mint Mobile. And hey, there's a little $20 discount in there too.
The Galaxy Z Flip 8 has arrived, and there are already a ton of deals available for the clamshell device. Pair the purchase of the phone with one year of Unlimited at Mint Mobile and you'll get $200 off the device and 50% off the wireless. Your total will end up being $1,180, which is like getting an entire year of wireless for free!View Deal
Mint Mobile's unlimited plan gives you unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mobile's legendary 5G network, plus you get a free mobile hotspot and calls to Mexico, Canada, and the UK. It's not the most comprehensive unlimited plan I've ever used, but if you like to keep things simple, this deal presents an easy way to avoid paying your phone bill for an entire year.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is worth the price of entry too, coming complete with a foldable clamshell design, two gorgeous AMOLED displays, and the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset for powerful performance. The phone also comes equipped with 12GB of RAM, an upgraded 4,300mAh battery, and a thinner and lighter build than ever before.
Sure, this deal isn't for everyone. Some folks may miss the premium features offered by some unlimited plans, while others might be looking for a trade-in opportunity to could make the Galaxy Z Flip 8 even cheaper upfront. But if you have the cash lying around and you want to score a year of wireless and a great flip phone in one fell swoop, now's your chance.
The Garmin Venu 3 is a 2023 release, but it still includes a 14-day battery life, accurate health sensors, and a bright, good-looking display that still holds up quite well in 2026. It's not as bright or powerful as the newer Venu 4, but the differences are marginal enough to justify going with the lower-priced option here.
This particular discount is for the 45mm configuration of the watch. If you're more keen on the smaller 41mm version, or the 45mm in white, Amazon is also offering similar price drops on those, so it might be worth clicking around a bit.
Amazon's next Prime Day event is just weeks away, and the retailer has chopped 35% off the 2023 Garmin Venu 3 ahead of the event. Upon its release, we loved this smartwatch for its accurate tracking and good-looking AMOLED display, and it still comes with enough features and sensors to satisfy most intermediate users.View Deal
✅Recommended if: you want a fitness watch with a long-lasting battery, features like GPS, HR monitoring, sleep data, and more; you have a budget of around $300 for an Android smartwatch; you need a watch with a useful, easy-to-read display.
❌Skip this deal if: you'd rather upgrade to the newer Venu 4 for its updated aesthetic, accuracy, dual-band GPS, and the latest training tools; you need a watch with an LTE-capable configuration; you prefer to get wearables with support for newer technology, such as Garmin's new Health Status app.
The Garmin Venu 3 is a solid pick for those who aren't concerned with dual-band GPS, though our tests confirmed that it still offered fairly accurate tracking capabilities back in 2023. It also offers a more discreet and versatile design than many of Garmin's watches, in my opinion, making it a solid affordable option that won't look or feel clunky on your wrist.
Garmin says the watch will net users up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, and the 1.4-inch AMOLED display on the 45mm is large and vibrant, without sacrificing battery. In any case, if you're a new or intermediate athlete who is ready to upgrade from an even older device, this deal might be one worth considering.
Samsung is officially ending its long-standing OneDrive integration on September 30 in favor of direct Google Photos backup inside Samsung Gallery.
Starting with Gallery app update 15.9.01.7, you can link your backup by tapping Menu > Settings > Sync photos and videos and connecting a personal Google account.
You can selectively sync specific local folders (like Screenshots or Camera) or toggle off main camera roll uploads entirely.
I’ve been using OneDrive integration with Samsung Gallery for years, so seeing that setup disappear in a few weeks feels a bit strange. It was one of those Galaxy features I hardly ever thought of. I'd just take a picture, let Gallery back it up, and move on with my life. Now Samsung is giving that job to Google Photos, and frankly I’m more intrigued than irritated.
Samsung has already started rolling out the Google Photos integration with the latest Gallery app update, version 15.9.01.7, as per Ice Universe on X. Once you open the app, you may see a new “Sync photos and videos” option to connect your Google account and backup photos and videos without leaving Samsung Gallery.
🚨 BREAKING!!! Samsung Gallery × Google Photos integration is LIVE! 🔥This is a HUGE change for Galaxy users.Install the latest version of Samsung Gallery, and you may now see a new “Sync photos and videos” option in Gallery Settings.Once enabled, you can connect your… pic.twitter.com/SkKRtbWVsOSeptember 18, 2026
The move comes as Samsung’s more than decade-long partnership with Microsoft winds down. OneDrive integration has been part of the Galaxy experience for years, allowing users to automatically upload their Gallery content to Microsoft’s cloud in a convenient way. But that arrangement officially ends September 30, after which Samsung Gallery won’t provide the same direct OneDrive sync.
Google Photos makes more sense to me simply because I already have a Google account on my Galaxy phone. That means I can use Samsung Gallery as my daily photo app and let Google handle the cloud backup.
How to enable Samsung Gallery Cloud Sync with Google
Open the Samsung Gallery app on your Galaxy phone or tablet device.
Tap Menu in the bottom-right corner, then tap Settings.
Tap Sync photos and videos.
Follow the on-screen prompts to choose your Google Account.
Grant Samsung permission to sync your photos and videos with Google.
The feature, however, is only available on Android 13 or later, a compatible Samsung device, and a personal Google account.
Synced albums also let you have some control over what gets backed up. You can select specific device folders like Camera, Screenshots, or Downloads, and even disable syncing of the main camera roll while still syncing other folders. You can disable syncing for individual local albums, but if Gallery Cloud Sync is enabled, Samsung Gallery will behave as a read-only cloud gallery. It will display synced media but will not upload any new photos from that device.
There's one caveat: don't expect Samsung Gallery to become a full Google Photos browser. Google's documentation says the integration is meant for backing up photos and videos, not for browsing your entire Google Photos library within Gallery.
If you’d rather not use the new Google Photos sync, Samsung makes it easy to switch off. Open Samsung Gallery > Menu > Settings, then turn off Sync photos and videos. This prevents new backups, and photos already backed up to your Google account remain accessible in Google Photos.
These days, buying a cheap Android phone doesn't have to feel like a downgrade, particularly when you pair the device with a great deal on wireless. For a limited time, Metro by T-Mobile will give you a FREE Samsung Galaxy A17 when you pair the purchase of the budget device with any 5G Unlimited plan starting at just $40 per month. No trade-in is required, and all taxes and fees are included in the price.
Sure, there are plenty of carrier deals that will land you a free Samsung phone, but few offers are this affordable or straightforward. The only catch is that, since it's a prepaid carrier, Metro by T-Mobile's service could be deprioritized if you use over 35GB per month. That means that heavy data users may have to deal with slower speeds if the network is congested. Otherwise, if you simply want unlimited wireless and a solid Samsung phone for as little hassle as possible, this Metro by T-Mobile deal deserves your immediate attention.
Join Metro by T-Mobile with a new line on any phone plan ($40/month or higher) and the prepaid carrier will give you enough promo credits to make the new Samsung Galaxy A17 5G completely free. No trade-in required and no hidden fees: just good old-fashioned savings. View Deal
All of the wireless plans included in Metro by T-Mobile's promotion provide unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mobile's vast 5G network, plus you get a five-year price guarantee and access to exclusive weekly discounts via T-Mobile Tuesdays.
Upgrade to one of Metro's higher-level unlimited plans and you'll get all of the perks mentioned above along with benefits like mobile hotspot data, Google One memberships, and more. Even if you go with Metro's top-tier Unlimited Premium 5G Data plan, you'll never pay more than $60 per month, all taxes and fees included.
The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G, for its part, is a $200 phone that punches well above its weight class, introducing an upgraded camera system, 6.7-inch AMOLED display, and a large 5,000mAh battery. You even get six years of guaranteed software updates, which is a rarity for a device in this price range.
Samsung's A series has spent years proving that you don't need to spend and arm and a leg to enjoy the complete Galaxy experience. Sure, it may not be the most powerful phone on the market (and Metro's data plan may not be the most comprehensive), but if you simply want cheap, reliable wireless and a phone that you can count on for years to come, this carrier deal shouldn't be overlooked.
Amazon has confirmed that its next Prime Big Deal Days sale event will occur on October 6th and 7th, but you don't need to wait to score an incredible Google Pixel phone deal. For a limited time, the retailer is slashing $200 off the unlocked Google Pixel 10 Pro, knocking the price of the last-gen flagship down to just $799. That makes it $100 cheaper than the base model Google Pixel 11 and $300 cheaper than the new Pixel 11 Pro!
Some folks may be hesitant to purchase a last-gen smartphone, even at a discount, but I can confidently say that the Google Pixel 10 Pro still holds its own against the best Android phones on the market. That said, there are a few drawbacks that you should consider before taking the leap. Is this Pixel 10 Pro deal right for you? Let's break it down.
Despite its last-gen status, the Pixel 10 Pro still impresses with its sophisticated design, AI-boosted software features, and years of remaining OS and security upgrades.
Grab the phone unlocked from Amazon today and you'll score a straight $200 off your purchase! The retailer says that the deal is going fast, so don't wait too long if you're interested. View Deal
The Pixel 10 Pro boasts a gorgeous 6.3-inch pOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while under the hood you get 16GB of RAM, an efficient Tensor G5 chipset, and all of the versatile AI-boosted camera tech that Google is known for. The phone also got a boost to its battery life compared to its predecessor, plus you'll enjoy faster charging speeds with Qi2 magnetic charging support.
So what's the catch? Well, with Big Deal Days and Black Friday just around the corner, there's a good chance that the price of the Pixel 10 Pro will dip even further in the coming weeks. That said, there's an equally good chance that the Pixel 10 Pro will completely sell out before that time.
If you've been interested in this particular phone for a while, I'd take your chances and place the order today. The Pixel 10 Pro is a great device, after all, and the six remaining software updates ensure that the phone won't feel obsolete any time soon. If, on the other hand, you're simply looking for a great Pixel phone and you're in no hurry to make a purchase, it might be worth waiting a bit to see what the fall sale season has in store for the Pixel 11 lineup.
Samsung has started the stable One UI 9 update for the Galaxy S26 series, beginning in South Korea before expanding to other markets.
One UI 9 brings features like My FanCam and more customizable Now Brief cards to the Galaxy S26 lineup.
Samsung released seven beta builds over nearly five months, giving it time to fix bugs and refine the software.
Samsung has officially started the One UI 9 update rollout for the Galaxy S26 series, nearly five months after the company kicked off beta testing in May. The stable update for the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra began rolling out in South Korea on September 16 and is now being released in other regions as well.
The test drive of the software wasn’t exactly a quick preview. Samsung released seven beta versions before moving to the finished release, allowing it to have several rounds of feedback and bug fixes to go through. The September security patch is, as expected, included with the stable release.
One UI 9 also includes some Galaxy AI features that first appeared on Samsung’s latest foldables. For example, one is the My FanCam feature, which can keep a chosen person in focus while automatically reframing video for different aspect ratios, while Now Brief gets customizable cards and expanded security and privacy information.
Samsung is also adding Now Nudge for more contextual suggestions and improvements to Interpreter, Document Scan, Voice Recorder summaries, and device care. Security Brief can find and surface warnings around malware, unknown apps, and unnecessary permissions, and on-device AI is able to identify potential privacy risks.
What’s interesting is how One UI 9 is moving away from a singular headline feature and is instead becoming more about tying Samsung’s AI, camera, and security tools into everyday tasks. That could make the update feel more substantial in daily use than the visual changes alone would suggest.
Samsung says One UI 9 will be available to more Galaxy phones and tablets, so international users should keep an eye on Settings > Software update > Download and install as the rollout expands to other markets.
If you need a headset to use at work, Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Gen II and the Sony WH-1000XM6 are undoubtedly good choices. I prefer the Bose because of its comfort and sound quality, and it is the headset I use while traveling.
But I found out recently that there is a better choice: Jabra's Evolve3 85. It is positioned as a work headset, but it does so much more; I used it for the better part of three months now, and I'm convinced that it is better than what Bose and Sony have to offer. Coming in at $475, it is on the higher end of the scale, but it has meaningful advantages over its immediate rivals.
Let's start with the design. The Evolve3 85 is the lightest headset in its category at 220g, and I immediately noticed the difference. Bose and Sony's headsets are at least 30g heavier, and switching between the QC Ultra Gen II and the Evolve3 85, it's clear that Jabra nailed the comfort. The lightweight design ensures you get a fit that doesn't lead to any fatigue even with all-day use.
The ear cushions have a breathable design, and that extends to the headband as well. Build quality is great, and while it is light, you never get a feeling that it is flimsy — it's built to last. Another positive is the case; the headset folds flat and fits snugly into the bundled case, which is significantly smaller than what you get with Bose and Sony. This is a big deal in and of itself, as the Evolve3 85 doesn't take up anywhere as much room in your bag.
I also like the connectivity on offer. The Evolve3 85 uses Bluetooth 5.3, and I didn't see any issues pairing the headset with my Pixel 11 Pro XL, Find X9 Ultra, X9 Pro, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, iPhone 17 Pro, or the iPad Pro M4. It has Fast Pair, so it's about as easy to connect it to an Android device. There's also USB-C and 3.5mm connectivity if you want to plug the headset in, and my favorite inclusion is a USB-C receiver that lets me use the headset with my Windows machine.
I don't like using Bluetooth with Windows; my Gigabyte motherboard has a Bluetooth modem that's built clearly as an afterthought, because it is flaky at the best of times. As such, the convenience of being able to use a receiver to connect the headset with Windows is just great, and I like that Jabra went with USB-C. You also get USB-C and 3.5mm cables in the box, and I like the attention to detail that the brand lavished when it comes to connectivity.
Connectivity is a big part of what makes a work-related headset stand out, and the Evolve3 85 excels in this area. Oh, and you can easily change the battery itself, should you need to down the line. I like tech that's built to last, and given that batteries tend to degrade over time, they're usually the biggest point of failure in a headset, so it's good to see Jabra addressing the issue.
There are other niceties as well; Jabra's ClearVoice does a good job tuning out ambient noises when you're talking, and it holds up astonishingly well. I use NVIDIA Broadcast to do the same, but ClearVoice is a good enough alternative. On that note, it has dedicated ANC as well, and it does an effective job blocking sounds in your surroundings if you're in a meeting or outdoors. The headset pairs with whichever digital assistant you use on your phone, and there are physical controls.
Sound quality is pretty good, too. Honestly, given how much Jabra positioned this as a work headset, I didn't think it would sound as good as its rivals, but the 32mm drivers do a great job. You get a detailed sound with plenty of bass, clean mids, and a tight treble. It's obviously built for meetings, but the headset is just as effective at extended music listening sessions. In fact, the only problem is that you don't get AptX codecs — it is limited to SBC and AAC.
Another thing Jabra does well is charging tech; the Evolve3 85 includes wireless charging, and I didn't realize just how convenient this is until I used the headset — I now want all of my Bluetooth headsets to have this as standard. There's fast charging too, with a 5-minute charge delivering five hours of power. The headset lasts well over 23 hours of meetings, with regular music listening at 60 hours — double that of Bose and Sony. Basically, you'll only need to charge it once a week even if you use it all day.
You get six mics in total, and they use MEMS solid-state tech, delivering better fidelity and low distortion. I attended dozens of meetings with the Evolve3 85 over Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, and the headset did a brilliant job.
While the Evolve3 85 is targeted as a work headset, it is just as great to listen to music or podcasts, and the lightweight design combined with all the extra features gives it a unique advantage you just don't see in this category.
Jabra
Evolve3 85
With a highly comfortable design, great sound quality, and unique features designed for meetings, the Evolve3 85 is the best work headset around.
Steam Frame starts at $1,059 for 256GB, while the 1TB model jumps to $1,299.
Android games are supported, giving the headset access to existing Android APKs without requiring completely separate ports.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 + 16GB RAM powers the headset, with SteamOS handling native games and compatibility layers.
Valve has finally put a price tag on the Steam Frame, its new wireless VR headset that aims to blur the line between a standalone gaming device and a PC accessory. The catch? It won’t be as simple as clicking “buy” to get one.
The Steam Frame starts at $1,059 for 256GB, with the 1TB model costing $1,299. Each headset has tracked controllers, and Valve is bundling Half-Life: Alyx with the device, the company announced. It can play supported games locally or stream more demanding titles from a PC.
It’ll also support Android games, with developers using the same Android APKs they already use to bring mobile titles to the Meta Quest. This could give the Frame access to a much larger game library without developers needing to build entirely separate versions for Valve’s headset.
The Frame also supports wireless PC streaming with the 6GHz dongle that Valve bundles in.
Under the hood, the Frame is packed with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 16GB of RAM, with native software and compatibility layers handled by SteamOS.
(Image credit: PCGamer)
The storage options are also worth a closer look. You can upgrade from 256GB to 1TB for $240, but the Frame also has a microSD slot. So if your main game stream is from a PC, there may be little reason to pay extra for the bigger model.
Valve had originally said it wanted the Steam Frame to cost less than the $999 Index, but the final starting price puts it $60 above that benchmark. Rising memory and component costs have complicated the pricing strategy of Valve’s hardware, as seen with the Steam Machine.
Availability will also be controlled by a reservation system, with sign-ups running until September 17 and purchase invitations starting September 18.
The Steam Frame is clearly not aimed at the budget VR crowd at $1,059. Valve is betting its Steam library, Android support, wireless PC streaming, and standalone abilities will justify the premium.
Meta’s Project Phoenix is finally coming into focus after more than a year of rumors about a lightweight, high-end mixed-reality headset.
Phoenix looks more like smart glasses than a traditional VR headset, using nose pads and temple-mounted sensors.
An external compute puck appears to be part of the design.
Whispers about Meta working on a lightweight, high-end mixed reality headset codenamed Project Phoenix have floated around the tech sphere for over a year. Now, we finally get our first real look at what Mark Zuckerberg's hardware team has been cooking up, and it seems Meta accidentally left the key under the mat.
The images were revealed through Meta’s HorizonOS Prescription Lens package, which first appeared in August as a mostly blank system package, as noticed by UploadVR. An update in September showed detailed pictures of how prescription lens inserts attach to the Phoenix and how users scan a QR code to set them up.
Interestingly, the hardware looks less like a traditional VR headset and more like chunky glasses. Phoenix uses nose pads instead of the bulky face interface of the Quest 3 and other XR headsets, with sensors along the temples. There’s also a cable coming from the left temple, seemingly confirming previous reports that Phoenix will use an external compute puck.
(Image credit: UploadVR)
It's a design that could change the way people think about wearing a mixed reality headset. If you’ve been using more traditional XR headsets, you’ll probably find it comforting to realize potential benefits here, like less weight on your face, but the compromise moves elsewhere: you’ll need to deal with a separate computing unit and a cable.
For Meta, the greater challenge might be getting that extra hardware to feel invisible enough that Phoenix still feels like something you can casually wear, rather than another device you have to gear up for.
There's another interesting clue here. The leaked setup stuff seems to be based on prescription inserts and controller-free interaction.
Meta hasn’t officially announced Phoenix yet, but Meta Connect 2026 starts September 23 and has a session dedicated to controller-free interaction on its agenda. If Phoenix shows up there, we might finally learn whether Meta’s push toward lighter mixed reality headsets is a real shift in headset design, or just a clever way to move the weight somewhere else.
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.
