Phone & OS

Image: Samsung The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the latest flagship smartphone from the South Korean tech giant, and it has left a lasting impression on this reviewer. Despite its uninspired design, the device has a lot to offer, including a stunning display, improved camera, and a user-friendly interface. But is it worth the hefty price tag of $1,300? Design and Hardware The Galaxy S25 Ultra's design is reminiscent of its predecessors, with a few minor tweaks. The device features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, which is both vibrant and sharp. The phone's build quality is solid, with a durable glass back and a metal frame. However, the design is not particularly innovative, and the lack of color options is a letdown. The phone is available in black, gray, and a grayish-blue hue, which may not appeal to users who prefer more vibrant colors. One of the notable changes in the design is the curved corners, which provide a more comfortable grip. The phone also features a lighter ...

 Samsung has officially confirmed the rollout timeline of its One UI 7 software update, which is based on Android 15, for eligible smartphones. The company has announced that the upcoming Galaxy S series, expected to be launched on January 22, will be the first phones to launch with the stable version of One UI 7. One UI 7 Update to be Released by March According to Samsung, the stable version of One UI 7 will be sequentially rolled out to other existing Galaxy devices, including smartphones and tablets, by Q1 2025, which means that the update is expected to be completed by the end of March. The update will include user feedback obtained through the beta programs, the company said. Eligible Devices to Receive One UI 7 Update The Galaxy S24 series is expected to be the first handsets to be updated to One UI 7, based on previous years' trends. The One UI 7 Beta 3 version was rolled out for select Samsung Galaxy smartphone users earlier this month, introducing faster fingerprint recog...

  Google has officially released Android 15, the latest iteration of its popular mobile operating system, which is now rolling out to Pixel devices. This update brings several new features and enhancements, including improved security, redesigned interface elements, and enhanced user experience. Security Enhancements Android 15 introduces a new feature called Private space, which allows users to create a separate, secure environment for sensitive apps. This feature can be accessed through the app drawer or by searching for "Private space." Private space includes apps such as Camera, Chrome, Contacts, and Photos, and users can customize the lock settings to secure their data. Additionally, Android 15 enhances the security of Find My Device and other sensitive settings by requiring PIN, password, or biometric authentication. The operating system also includes enhanced factory reset protection, making it more difficult for thieves to reset devices without the owner...

  Image: Samsung In a move that is expected to bolster user satisfaction and device longevity, Samsung has announced that its newly launched Galaxy A16 5G model will receive six years of software updates. This decision is a significant departure from the standard practice in the mid-range smartphone market, where devices often receive updates for a shorter period. Moreover, Samsung has revealed that this six-year support window will not be limited to the Galaxy A16 5G alone. The company has stated that many of its future mid-range devices will also benefit from this extended support period, ensuring that newer models remain relevant and secure for an extended duration. This new policy reflects Samsung's commitment to its users and underscores the company's focus on enhancing the value proposition of its devices. However, it is worth noting that this extended support does not apply to older Samsung models, which will not be retroactively included in the six-year update policy. S...

  In a significant development, Google may be working on introducing extension support to the Chrome browser app for Android. This move could potentially bridge the gap between the mobile and desktop versions of the browser, offering users a more comprehensive browsing experience. Historically, Google has been hesitant to offer extension support on mobile versions of Chrome, with some reports suggesting that the company may be concerned about the impact of ad blockers, which are available as extensions. However, with the increasing demand for a more feature-rich mobile browsing experience, Google may be reevaluating its stance. According to recent reports, Google is developing a new version of Chrome for Android, aimed at "desktop" devices like Chromebooks. This new version, dubbed "Desktop Android," is expected to support browser extensions, a feature that has been absent from the mobile version of Chrome. The introduction of Desktop Android is part of Goog...

  Google has commenced the rollout of its Android Theft Protection features, designed to provide users with an additional layer of security in the event of device theft. This new functionality is aimed at safeguarding personal data and preventing unauthorized access to stolen devices. Theft Detection Lock The Theft Detection Lock feature utilizes a combination of device sensors, Wi-Fi, and smart device connections to detect when a device is being taken without the owner's consent. If the system determines that the device is being stolen, the screen will automatically lock, thereby preventing access to personal data. This feature is triggered when the device is in use and unlocked, and the screen can be locked up to twice a day. Offline Device Lock In the event that a thief attempts to disable internet connectivity to prevent location tracking, the Offline Device Lock feature will be triggered. This feature requires two conditions to be met: the device must be active...

In a significant departure from its traditional release schedule, Google's mid-range Pixel 9a is rumored to launch as early as March 2025, the earliest release date in the lineup's history. This development comes on the heels of the Pixel 9 series' early launch in August, which was released over two months before the usual October expectation and ahead of Android 15's debut. According to a report by Android Headlines, citing multiple sources, the Pixel 9a will be available for pre-order in mid-March 2025. This revised schedule aligns with the rest of the Pixel 9 series and may explain the recent surge in leaks and prototype sightings. The report also references earlier CAD-based renders of the Pixel 9a as evidence of the altered schedule. Google's mid-range Pixel series has historically had a volatile release schedule. The initial Pixel 3a was released at Google I/O in May 2019, while the Pixel 4a was delayed until August due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pi...

A recent report suggests that the Google Phone app, the default dialer app on most Android devices, is set to receive a visual overhaul in its incoming call user interface (UI). According to a Reddit post, which was subsequently spotted by Android Authority, the updated UI will feature dedicated accept and reject buttons, deviating from the current draggable accept or reject button. This change is expected to provide a more streamlined and intuitive experience for users, aligning with the design language of other Android OEMs, such as Samsung, and even Apple's iPhone dialer. The updated UI, which has been reportedly rolled out with Google Phone version 145.0.672690850, features a green "Answer" button on the right, accompanied by a quick "Message" toggle, and a red "Decline" button on the left. While this change is a significant departure from the existing call UI, its rollout appears to be limited, with only a select few able to experience it after up...

In a significant update, the YouTube Music web app has introduced a queue syncing feature, allowing users to seamlessly transition between devices while listening to music. This new functionality enables the web client to retain the queue even after tab closures and relaunches, ensuring a consistent listening experience. Historically, closing the YouTube Music website would reset the miniplayer and Up Next queue, forcing users to restart their music playback from the beginning. However, with this update, the Progressive Web App (PWA) now remembers the last played song and queue, allowing users to quickly resume playback from where they left off. Furthermore, the YouTube Music web app now syncs with the mobile app, pulling the latest queue from the user's phone. This means that if a user is listening to music on their phone and then switches to the web app, the queue will be automatically updated to reflect the current playback on their mobile device. However, it's worth...

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a highly anticipated device in the tech industry, has been found to have a slower charging speed compared to its counterparts in the Pixel series. Despite its sleek design and advanced features, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's charging capabilities have been confirmed by Google to be limited to a maximum rate of 21W over a wired cable. This slower charging speed puts the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at the bottom of the list among Google's current flagship devices, including the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, which boast faster charging speeds of 27W and 37W, respectively. The Pixel 8a, Google's most affordable device, charges at an even slower rate of 18W. The slower wired charging speed is further compounded by the device's limited wireless charging capabilities. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is restricted to a maximum Qi wireless charging speed of 7.5W, which is significantly slower than the wireless charging speeds of other devices in the market. Additionally, the device i...

Recent listings on the 3C certification website have confirmed the charging speed revealed Samsung's upcoming flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus, have had their charging speeds revealed through a recent 3C listing. The certification authority listed the SM-S9360 and SM-9310 models, which correspond to the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus, respectively. According to the listing, the Galaxy S25 will support up to 45W (15V, 3A) charging, while the Galaxy S25 Plus will support 25W (9V, 2.77A) charging. It is worth noting that the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which has not yet appeared on the 3C listing, is also expected to support 45W charging. However, the battery capacity of the Galaxy S25 series is not expected to increase, with earlier leaks suggesting that the battery capacity will remain the same as the previous generation. Samsung's decision to stick with 45W charging on its flagship phones is likely due to the company's prioritization of product reliability. While some of Sa...

YouTube has officially confirmed the introduction of ads on paused videos, a move that has been met with widespread criticism from users. The new ad placement, which was first spotted by users last week, displays advertisements on the pause screen, shrinking the paused video to a smaller size. According to a statement from YouTube's communications manager, Oluwa Falodun, the platform has "widely rolled out Pause ads to all advertisers" following a successful experiment with picture-in-picture (PIP) mid-roll ads in August. The PIP ads allowed videos to continue playing in a smaller window while an ad was displayed, and it appears that this concept has been adapted for paused content. Users have taken to social media to express their frustration with the new ad placement, with many calling it "ridiculous" and "disruptive." Some have even threatened to install ad blockers or switch to alternative platforms. YouTube has defended the move, stating that the ...

Google Chrome, the world's most popular web browser, is set to introduce a significant design improvement by adopting a bottom address bar, similar to Samsung Internet. This feature, which has been available on Samsung's browser for some time, allows users to switch the address bar to the bottom of their smartphone screen, enhancing one-handed usage and accessibility. According to a report by Android Police, Google is planning to offer this feature as an option on smartphones and tablets, with a related flag already spotted in Chromium Gerrit changes. This feature, previously tested by Google in 2020 under the name "Duet UI," was discontinued but is now set to make a comeback. The introduction of a bottom address bar is particularly useful for modern smartphones, which are often too tall for comfortable one-handed use. By relocating the address bar to the bottom, users will find it easier to navigate and interact with the browser. Key Takeaways Google Chrome is set to...

According to a recent report by Android Headlines, Google is expected to roll out the stable Android 15 build for compatible Pixel devices on October 15. This would mark a departure from the company's usual Monday release schedule, as October 14 is a holiday in the US (Columbus Day). If accurate, this would mean that Android 15's stable build will land for the public nearly 45 days after its source code went live on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) in early September. This delay is the longest in the operating system's history, with the previous maximum being a 15-day delay with Android 12's over-the-air (OTA) update for Pixel phones. The report does not provide insight into Google's delay in releasing Android 15's stable build to Pixel devices, despite pushing the operating system's source code to AOSP in early September. However, Android expert Mishaal Rahman previously suggested that the extra time would allow Google to squash more bugs and improve ...

Google Chrome, the world's most popular web browser, has announced a new feature that will automatically sync tab groups across all devices connected to a user's Google account. This means that users will no longer need to manually sync their tab groups, making it easier to access and manage their tabs across different devices. What are Tab Groups? Tab groups are a feature in Google Chrome that allows users to organize their tabs into customizable groups, making it easier to manage multiple tabs and reduce clutter. Users can create groups based on specific topics, projects, or tasks, and easily switch between them. How Does Automatic Tab Group Syncing Work? The new feature will automatically sync tab groups across all devices connected to a user's Google account, regardless of the operating system (Android, iOS/iPadOS, macOS, and Windows). This means that if a user creates a tab group on their desktop, the same group will be available on their phone or tablet, without the n...

Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy A16 5G in December, and recent promotional materials have revealed some impressive specifications and features. The Galaxy A16 5G will sport a 6.7-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1080x2340 pixels, a 90 Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 800 nits. Depending on the region, the device will be powered by either the Exynos 1330 SoC or the Dimensity 6300 chipset, paired with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. One of the most notable aspects of the Galaxy A16 5G is its software support. Samsung promises six major Android updates and six years of security patches, a commitment that is unprecedented for a device in this price range. This extensive update policy is expected to be a significant selling point, setting the Galaxy A16 5G apart from its competitors. The device also features an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, a 5,000 mAh battery, and will be available in Light Green, Blue Black, and Gold. The Gala...

A significant step towards enhanced messaging security has been taken with the announcement of RCS encryption support, paving the way for a more secure and private communication experience for both Android and iPhone users. This development, detailed in a recent 9to5Google article, marks a crucial advancement in the evolution of Rich Communication Services (RCS) and its potential to replace traditional SMS messaging. The article highlights the growing trend of RCS adoption across various platforms, with the integration of end-to-end encryption as a key factor in its widespread acceptance. This feature, which ensures secure communication by encrypting messages between sender and recipient, offers a crucial level of privacy and protection against unauthorized access. With RCS encryption becoming a reality, users can now anticipate a more secure messaging experience across different devices and operating systems. This development is particularly relevant in today's digital landscape w...

In the latest development from Google, the tech giant is reportedly testing a new feature in the beta version of Android 15 that could significantly enhance user experience across multiple devices. According to recent findings in the Android 15 beta code, Google is working on a feature to sync notifications seamlessly across devices connected to the same Google account. This feature, unearthed through an analysis of the beta release's codebase, suggests that users might soon be able to view and interact with notifications received on one device on any of their other connected devices. This capability aims to address one of the common frustrations for users who manage multiple devices, ensuring that they do not miss important notifications regardless of which device they are using at the moment. The integration of such a feature aligns with Google's ongoing efforts to create a more unified and seamless ecosystem, similar to what Apple has achieved with its Continuity features am...

Image for representational purpose only A recent leak has disclosed the codenames for Google's upcoming Pixel 10 series, providing insight into the company's naming conventions for its next-generation devices. According to the leak, the codenames for the Pixel 10 series are as follows: Pixel 10: Frankel Pixel 10 Pro: Blazer Pixel 10 Pro XL: Mustang Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Rango Additionally, the codename for the Pixel 9a, which is expected to be announced at Google I/O in May, has been confirmed as Tegu. The leak also suggests that Google will continue to offer a smaller flagship phone option, similar to the Pixel 9 Pro, which has been well-received by consumers. This is in contrast to other manufacturers, such as Apple, which has discontinued its compact flagship phone option, and Sony, which offers a compact phone but with compromised specs. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are notable for being identical in terms of specs, with the only differences being screen size and battery...