Magic Capture is the best camera feature in a decade, and Pixel 11 owners need to use it ASAP

If I had to pick just one reason to recommend Google's Pixel 11 series of phones, it would be for Magic Capture. This Pixel 11-exclusive Gemini feature uses AI smarts to automatically capture photos while you're recording a video with your smartphone.

It ensures the best moments are delivered in picture-perfect HDR+ detail, so you can stay in the moment instead of trying to strike the right pose. Better yet, it retains the video you captured, so you get a top-notch video recording and effortless photos from every moment.

We've seen similar auto-capture features from companies like Honor, but Google's implementation goes further than any of them have, and it does it all in an impressively simple way, too. If you've got a Pixel 11 series phone, here's what you need to know about Magic Capture (and why you need to use it immediately).

What is Magic Capture and how does it work?

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Magic Capture is a new main camera mode on the Google Pixel 11 series. Google puts it alongside the main photo and video modes, which makes sense since it combines both. Once you start a Magic Capture recording, you can just focus on capturing the moment instead of worrying about getting the right photo.

After you hit stop, the Pixel 11's special version of Gemini will analyze the video locally, so it won't go to the cloud for processing. Gemini mainly captures photos based on expressions, movement, and composition. This means that if someone smiles during a Magic Capture session, for example, you can expect Gemini to create a photo of that moment.

If you tap the thumbnail in the viewfinder, you can watch this happen in real-time. Here's a video example from our hands-on time with the Pixel 11 Pro back in early August 2026.

Gemini will pick out several moments from the video and save them as a photo, but this isn't just a simple frame export of the video. During the Magic Capture session, the Pixel 11 captures several additional frames of data that are used to create a full HDR+ quality photo, which is a substantial step-up in quality versus a simple frame export.

Plus, since Gemini can take multiple video frames and combine them into one excellent photo, moving subjects (like kids and pets) come out crystal clear. I've been calling Pixels the best phones for parents for years, and this levels up that expectation in ways even I didn't foresee.

I've constantly been blown away by using Magic Capture over the past month on my Pixel 11 Pro Fold because of its ability to save those moments I absolutely would have missed if I were just taking regular photos. It's the kind of AI-powered technology that I've been dreaming about, and it's dead simple to use, at that!

What are the downsides of Magic Capture?

(Image credit: Android Central)

While Magic Capture is truly amazing, it does have a few downsides. Namely, you won't get full-resolution video or photos from the captures. That doesn't mean they look bad, but it's worth noting that you'll lose a little quality when you use the feature. Here's how the numbers run:

Google Pixel 11 camera maximum resolution

	Photo mode	Video mode	Magic Capture
Video capture	N/A	4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, 60 FPS	1080p+ (1440 x 1080) resolution, 30 FPS
Photo capture	4000 x 3000 resolution	N/A	3820 x 2865 resolution

As you can see, the photos are nearly full quality, but the resolution will vary. By default, Magic Capture automatically crops and rotates captured images to make them look better. This results in a slightly lower-resolution photo, but only because it's cropped and/or rotated. If you wish, you can disable this option in Magic Capture settings to get the full-resolution frame.

Magic Capture only records in 1080p+ quality at 30FPS, so if you're used to 4K60 video, you'll be disappointed with the results. The aspect ratio is also a little funky for a video — it's much closer to 4:3 than 16:9 — but it's not the end of the world. Just expect that videos won't take up the whole screen on your phone or a TV, and you'll be fine.

How to use Magic Capture on a Pixel 11

While some camera modes require you to select a main mode and then swipe over to a sub-mode, Magic Capture is one tap away at all times. Here's how to use it:

1. Open the Camera app on your Pixel 11.

2. Tap the Magic Capture button at the bottom of the viewfinder. It's the button to the left of the camera icon at the very bottom of the camera viewfinder.

3. Tap the white shutter button to start a Magic Capture session.

4. Film anything you'd like to capture, and Gemini will automatically identify moments to turn into photos.

5. Tap the red stop button when you're done filming.

(Image credit: Android Central)

And that's all there is to it! Tap the photo thumbnail in the viewfinder or open your Google Photos app to view the results of the Magic Capture session. Since Magic Capture relies on a local Gemini agent to process the photos, it may take a few seconds to begin generating photos from each session.

The simplicity and overall quality are why Magic Capture is so amazing to me, and it's exactly why Pixel 11 owners should start integrating Magic Capture into their daily routines. Happy capturing!

Arm's upcoming GPU for Android claims it can deliver 'desktop-class' graphics—I hope it's true

What you need to know

• Arm revealed the work put into empowering its new Mali G2-Ultra NX GPU, which is said to bring "desktop-class" graphics to phones.
• Arm states it's leaning on an AI-native Mali GPU with a Neural Accelerator and more to handle demanding graphics, while maintaining smooth frame rates for mobile gamers.
• Qualcomm also teased its upcoming Adreno GPU for the next Snapdragon chips, stating it will also lean on AI to help with graphics rendering and frame rate generation.

Arm is highlighting what mobile users can expect from its next GPU. It states everything it's worked to implement is due to growing user demands for "richer visuals" and better frame rates.

Arm revealed the Mali G2-Ultra NX GPU in a newsroom post this week. According to its data, Arm says mobile users want a few things: "They want richer visuals, smoother frame rates, and increasingly immersive experiences." However, there are certain challenges it reportedly needs to overcome to help consumers (and developers, too). The Mali G2-Ultra NX is purportedly the answer to everyone's problems.

Arm states it built the GPU for "neural graphics." This is an AI-native Mali GPU—its first-ever—which brings the Neural Accelerator into shader cores. This reportedly aids better teamwork between the graphics and computing workloads. What's more, performance is said to increase. Arm states its Neural Accelerator helps the GPU "handle increasingly demanding scenes more efficiently." This would give developers creating more pleasing visuals more room without the cost of reduced frame rates.

Arm's third-generation ray tracing technology will also assist the graphics department. The Mali G2-Ultra NX support for this ray tracing software will facilitate advancements in shadows, complex lighting, reflections, and more. At a hardware level, Arm states devices with Opacity Micromaps support can produce "richer foliage, more detailed fabrics, layered surfaces, and more."

Better graphics are nothing without smooth frame rates. Arm says "architectural improvements" in the GPU can support longer gaming sessions at "up to" 120FPS.

AI comes to the aid of mobile graphics?

We've been hearing about AI's involvement with mobile phone graphics since earlier this month. Qualcomm highlighted its Adreno "Neural Fusion" GPU, stating that it will lean on AI to upgrade mobile gaming graphics. The chip reportedly utilizes AI-driven rendering tech. This new tech will put better gaming resolution and frame generation in the graphics pipeline.

Console-like graphics were a major detail for Qualcomm in that announcement. The company claims its new chip, coupled with AI, will reduce the work the chip needs to do to produce the graphics mobile users have been asking for. All of this is en route to the Dual 8 Elites from Qualcomm during the Snapdragon Summit from September 22-24.

Amazon is slashing prices on its Fire tablet lineup — including 50% off the Fire HD 10

TL;DR: Amazon just dropped a bunch of Fire tablet deals for kids and adults alike, but they're selling out fast.

Tablets are nearly as essential as smartphones in this day and age, but finding a good deal on one of these devices can be a challenge. Fortunately, if you're in the market for a new couch companion, you're in luck: Amazon is slashing prices on several models from its popular Fire line of tablets, including 50% off the Fire HD 10, which is my personal favorite.

Amazon Fire tablets aren't exactly beasts of performance, but they're great tools if you need a reliable device for streaming, casual gaming, or surfing the web. Indeed, these tablets are all about simplicity, with bright displays, great battery life, and an approachable price tag. What else could you need?

• See the full list of deals at Amazon today

Amazon Fire HD 10 32GB: $154.99 $76.99 at Amazon

The Fire HD 10 is the Amazon tablet that I'd recommend for most people in 2026. The device boasts a lovely 10.1-inch 1080p display that's perfect for streaming and video calls, plus you get Dolby Atmos support with stereo speakers, expandable storage to 1TB, and up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Grab the Amazon Fire HD 10 with 32GB of onboard storage right now and you'll score a whopping 50% off your purchase. This particular model comes with lockscreen ads, but you can upgrade to the ad-free version (with 64GB of storage) for $119.99. View Deal

Amazon Fire HD 8 64GB: $129.99 $84.99 at Amazon

If you need something a bit smaller and more portable, the Amazon Fire HD 8 is a great choice. This tablet features an 8-inch HD display with an ultra-thin design, 64GB of onboard storage (expandable up to 1TB), and a 13-hour battery straight out of the box.

Grab the 64GB configuration with lockscreen ads and Amazon will knock a straight 35% off the purchase price. You can also order the ad-free version for a 31% discount. View Deal

Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro 64GB: $169.99 $94.99 at Amazon

The Fire HD 8 Kids Pro takes the foundation of the standard Amazon Fire HD 8 and adds a rugged, kid-friendly case, a bunch of customizable parental controls, and a six-month subscription to Amazon Kids Plus. Grab the 64GB version of the tablet and you'll score a straight 44% discount, no strings attached. View Deal

Which Amazon Fire tablet should you buy?

It depends on how you plan you use your tablet. If you need something compact and portable for road trips or long flights, look no further than the Fire HD 8. If, on the other hand, you enjoy large screens for streaming, gaming, or reading, the Amazon Fire HD 10 is likely the better choice.

Regardless of the cheap Android tablet you buy, you can rest easy knowing that you're getting an Amazon tablet with great battery life, fast performance, and a price that won't break your budget.

Motorola Signature 27 teaser suggests the phone is finally US-bound

What you need to know

• A briefly leaked website teaser suggests the Motorola Signature 27 will finally bring the lineup to the U.S. market.
• The original Signature had a 3x telephoto, while the new teaser might spark speculation about a possible periscope camera upgrade.
• Motorola quickly pulled the teaser and has not officially announced pricing, final hardware specs, or a firm launch date.

Motorola’s Signature series is still a fairly new experiment for the company, but the first model immediately stood out with its slim 7mm body, soft-touch finish, and premium design. The catch was that it's not available to U.S. buyers. This could change with the next Motorola Signature model.

As spotted by a Reddit user, Motorola briefly posted a teaser for the Signature 27 on its U.S. website, complete with a registration form for customers interested in updates (via Android Authority). The pop-up displayed a close-up of the rear camera alongside the words “Signature 27” and “A new perspective is coming.” Motorola has since taken down the teaser.

The U.S. appearance is the biggest hint here. The first Signature never officially made it stateside, so placing the next-generation model right in front of U.S. visitors is a strong indication that the company is at least considering a launch in the United States.

The camera teaser could be even more interesting. The Signature originally had a 3x telephoto camera. The new image is an unusual focus on one camera. This could fuel speculation that Motorola might upgrade the telephoto system, perhaps to a 5x periscope lens. That’s not confirmed yet, so treat this as an educated guess.

(Image credit: sasa_petrovic / Reddit)

The teaser is said to have also popped up on Motorola’s European site, and a Swarovski-branded edition could also be on the way, following the crystal-covered treatment given to the original Signature.

If the Signature 27 arrives in early 2027, it will be a straight fight in the ultra-thin category against the iPhone Air and the rumored Samsung Galaxy S27 Edge.

Motorola has not yet announced a price, specs, or launch date. However, since the original Signature was released in early 2026, Motorola may only have a few months to finalize the details.

Gemini's Daily Brief drops its subscription fee — here's what you get

What you need to know

• You no longer need a Google AI Plus, Pro, or Ultra subscription to access Gemini's Daily Brief feature.
• Daily Brief pulls useful information from Gmail, Google Calendar, connected apps, and past Gemini chats to create a personalized rundown.
• Free access is currently US-only and is being introduced gradually. Users also need Personal Intelligence, Memory, and Google Workspace integration enabled.

Google is rolling out Gemini’s Daily Brief to free users in the U.S., removing one of the biggest hurdles to a feature that’s supposed to make the AI assistant genuinely helpful every morning.

Once tied to a paid Google AI subscription, Daily Brief is now a daily digest of what needs to be done for eligible personal accounts without the need for Plus, Pro, or Ultra.

Introduced back at I/O 2026, Daily Brief is your proactive AI assistant that works for you while you sleep. It taps into Gemini’s Personal Intelligence to scan your Gmail, Google Calendar, connected apps, and past Gemini chats. This gives you a nicely organized morning briefing that will send you off to a running start.

You can tick off tasks, start a Gemini chat about an item, or tell Google if a certain suggestion was helpful. Gemini Live can also deliver the brief when you say, “What’s my daily brief?” Google also sends a morning notification.

(Image credit: Google)

There are a few catches. For now, the free rollout is only for users in the U.S., and Google is rolling out access gradually, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see the feature right away.

You'll also need a personal Google account with Personal Intelligence, Memory, and Google Workspace integration enabled. Daily Brief is available via the Gemini mobile apps and on the web.

Beyond the feature's expansion, the company is said to be working on audio Daily Briefs and potentially bringing the feature to the Android lock screen. For now, giving Daily Brief away for free gives more users a reason to let Gemini do the morning catch-up.

OPPO is putting three 200MP cameras on its next flagship phone

What you need to know

• The OPPO Find X10 Pro Max will feature three 200MP rear sensors, making it the first phone with a setup like this.
• OPPO is once again working with Hasselblad to push the phone’s imaging capabilities further.
• The 200MP main camera reportedly combines an f/1.5 aperture, CIPA 6.5-level stabilization, and DeepPix tech for better challenging-light performance.

OPPO's Find X10 Pro Max is set to launch in China this month, and the company has just confirmed that it’ll come with what could be the most absurd camera array we’ve ever seen on a smartphone. The headline? Not one, not two, but three 200MP sensors around the back. Yes, you read that correctly.

OPPO's Find series product lead, Zhuo Shijie, didn't mince words on Weibo either, calling this the "most powerful" (machine translated) device in its class this year. That’s a bold statement, but the hardware might actually live up to it.

Apparently, this is the world’s first triple 200MP camera system, developed in partnership with Hasselblad, again. The main shooter is rumored to use Samsung’s new ISOCELL HPC sensor (1/1.3-inch) and comes with an f/1.5 aperture, CIPA 6.5-level stabilization, and new DeepPix tech that pushes dynamic range to 17EV. This means it could handle tricky lighting much better than typical high-res sensors.

Perhaps the bigger flex here is the 200MP ultrawide. This is the first time a sensor this big has been slapped on an ultrawide. You get a 124-degree field of view and f/2.2 aperture, with OPPO claiming 102% more light captured versus the last generation.

The 200MP periscope telephoto is also no slouch, with a 70mm focal length, f/2.1 aperture, and CIPA 7.5 stabilization, which is better than the main camera. It also does a 10cm telephoto macro.

All three lenses are tipped to shoot in 8K for videos, and it’s apparently the only phone that supports full-focal-length 8K Log capture.

The OPPO Find X10 series is expected to launch with ColorOS 17 based on Android 17 around September 17. There are also rumors of a Dimensity 9600 Pro chip, a 6.78-inch 2K LTPO OLED with 144 Hz refresh, and a massive 8,000mAh battery.

Meanwhile, the standard Find X10 will presumably get dual 200MP cameras, so the Pro Max is clearly the one for photography obsessives.

My favorite last-gen Sony headphones are STILL 50% off after Amazon's Labor Day sale — but how long will it last?

Labor Day has come to an end, but there are still a surprising number of leftover tech deals if you know where to look. Case in point: even though its holiday sale has has ended, Amazon is still slashing 50% off the Sony WH-1000XM5, a pair of flagship cans that once topped our list of the best wireless headphones that money can buy.

Sure, these noise-cancelling headphones have since been supplanted by the newer Sony WH-1000XM6, but if you want to enjoy a premium listening experience for cheap, going with the last-gen XM5 is one of the best ways to do so, particularly when you slap on a record-smashing discount. You can thank me later.

Sony WH-1000XM5: $399.99 $198 at Amazon

The Labor Day sale may be over, but Amazon is still carving a straight 50% off the price of the Sony WH-1000XM5, knocking these legendary headphones down to just shy of 200 bucks. The deal can't last much longer, however, so don't wait too long to make your move. View Deal

Despite their last-gen status, the Sony WH-1000XM5 continue to impress as some of the best noise-cancelling headphones that money can buy. You get powerful active noise cancellation (ANC) straight out of the box along with the excellent sound quality that Sony is famous for, plus the cans boast a comfortable fit, a ton of customizable EQ settings (with 10 presets), and up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge.

The headphones also come with four built-in microphones for voice calls, while multipoint connection means that you can connect your Sony XM5 to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. Your purchase will even come with a free carrying case, which, considering the rigid construction of the XM5, is a nice bonus.

Sure, the Sony WH-1000XM6 technically offer a better experience, with longer battery life, a new QN3 processor, and a flexible build, but I'm not sure these upgrades are worth the steep price tag.

Indeed, if you want the flagship Sony audio experience for less than $200, this discount is one of the best headphone deals on the web. This Labor Day deal could end at any moment, however, so I'd either buy now or prepare to wait until Black Friday season rolls around in a few months. The choice is yours.