What you need to know

• Samsung has officially ended software support for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 after five years.
• Both foldables received four years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates, as Samsung originally promised.
• Samsung has removed both phones from its security update page, meaning they won't receive regular security patches anymore.

Samsung's foldable phones that launched in the summer of 2021 have officially reached the end of their software support cycle.

Most Samsung flagship smartphones today, including the Galaxy S26 Ultra and even 2024's Galaxy S24 Ultra, come with seven years of software support. But Samsung hasn't always offered updates for this long. Older flagships came with shorter support promises, and now the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 have officially reached the end of theirs.

As spotted by Android Authority, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 have received their final software updates. At launch, Samsung promised four years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates for both foldables, and the company has now fulfilled that promise. Samsung has also removed both devices from its security updates page.

This means Samsung won't be releasing any further regular software or security updates for these devices. The oldest foldables officially supported by the company are now the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4. Even those devices have moved to a quarterly update schedule, unlike newer Samsung phones that continue to receive monthly updates.

So, if you're still using a Galaxy Z Fold 3 or Galaxy Z Flip 3, your phone won't receive any new regular security patches from Samsung going forward. That means any new security vulnerabilities discovered from here on may remain unpatched on these devices.

If you're still holding onto one of these foldables, this might finally be the time to start thinking about an upgrade. Samsung recently introduced a completely new form factor with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, while its latest foldables also come with a much longer software support promise.

If you've managed to keep your Fold 3 or Flip 3 running for five years, one of Samsung's newer foldables should last you considerably longer.

What you need to know

• Samsung highlights achievements by its Galaxy Z8 series in 2026, stating the Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra sales are topping the Fold 7 by 30% with "high demand."
• While the Flip 8's sales are far lower, Samsung states the clamshell is succeeding as an entry into foldables, and it's also successfully getting users to switch to the Korean OEM.
• The company also highlights hardware changes in the series, such as the Fold 8's light 201g weight, the bigger 5,600mAh battery in the Fold 8 Ultra, and more.

Samsung is highlighting the achievements of the Galaxy Z8 series, as it notes higher sales and the "highest share of buyers" for one phone.

Today (Sept 8), Samsung published its official insights into the Galaxy Z8 series following the trio's launch this summer. Among its shopper analytics, Samsung states consumers have enjoyed the Galaxy Z Fold 8's "thin and light design for greater portability." Alternatively, consumers preferred the Fold 8 Ultra for its larger display. It seems the most common feedback Samsung received was that the Fold 8 Ultra's display reduced the need to carry a tablet.

As a result, Samsung observed "high demand" during the strong pre-order period for these foldables.

Together, the post states the Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra are outpacing the Fold 7's sales by 30%. Additionally, these book-style foldables account for 80% of all (current) foldable sales this year.

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 has seemed to fall by the wayside this year, but Samsung has excelled in other areas. According to its data, the Flip 8 has reportedly succeeded in getting consumers to switch from other brands. Samsung states 30% of Flip 8 buyers come from competing brands. What's more, "most of those buyers are first-time foldable owners."

Samsung goes down an interesting route. It states that the Flip 8 (or the Flip series in general) serves as a springboard for consumers new to foldables. With that in mind, there are reportedly "more than three times" the number of Z Flip users trading in for a Fold 8 or Fold 8 Ultra in 2026. These numbers are up compared to the Flip 7.

Samsung has observed positivity and growth for its foldables this year. Alongside its sales overview, it also detailed key engineering facts about the devices. The Galaxy Z Fold 8, for example, is just as thin as the Fold 7 (8.9mm); however, it's lighter at 201g. Flex Titanium is a technology Samsung uses for the Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra. The post states this tech utilizes Titanium Alloy Film, which is "one-third the width of a human hair."

The materials and structure used reportedly maintain foldable performance despite its thinness. What's more, the Fold 8 Ultra features a 5,000mAh battery (up from 4,400mAh last year) with greater heat-dissipation capabilities. Samsung says it increased this by 7% over the Fold 7.

Samsung's 2026 foldables

This isn't the first time we've heard about Samsung's foldable sales performance. Rumors started late in July, after Unpacked, that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales had skyrocketed. We were only in the pre-order phase, but that reportedly didn't stop websites overseas from crashing in the rush of consumers. Sites were crashing within 30 minutes after the product became available for pre-order. Additionally, reports said that shipping dates were delayed, as companies needed more inventory to meet demand.

We're now seeing the whole picture from Samsung. Sales have clearly turned positive for the company. While the Flip 8 has totalled far less than the Fold 8/Fold 8 Ultra, it's found success in another area that Samsung might feel satisfied with.

What you need to know

• Reports have appeared online, as users state the corner's of their Fold 8's display bends or "indents" when pressed.
• This most commonly occurs with the top right corner; however, there are others who haven't experienced this.
• Samsung provided an official statement, stating this is intentional to help avoid damage if thin, fine particles become stuck on the screen.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 consumers have noticed something strange with the device's screen, and it's caused a stir. Samsung has explained the situation, stating the reality is much better than it seems.

Tipster Lanzuk on Naver highlighted users experiencing the Galaxy Z Fold 8's screen bend or "indentation" (via SamMobile). Their post states that one side of the phone's display can be pressed "more severely than the other." They add that this most commonly happens in the upper right corner of the foldable. Lanzuk offered video evidence, showing the Fold 8's unfolded display nightmarishly bending when pressed.

The way it dips into the phone has startled consumers, forcing them to believe something is wrong. It's stirred quality control conversations online. The video highlights other corners without this indentation. Lanzuk says reports vary: some users experience at least one corner bending in when pressed, while others don't.

Samsung might have something to say about this, as a report by Business Post cites an official statement (via 9to5Google). According to Samsung, everything is normal. It adds, "We designed it so the display indents slightly to provide a cushioning effect and prevent damage." The sort of damage Samsung is looking to help users avoid involves very fine or thin particles, such as sand. It explained that if something were to get stuck on the display and it's then folded, it could cause damage.

The small bend or dip helps avoid damage, so you can remove the substance without worry.

Where the Fold 8 could go

It might help settle the rapidly beating hearts of consumers who've noticed their screen bend. It's not something pleasant to see, and the reactions are understandable.

Elsewhere, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has remained quite popular for Samsung since its launch. It's become so popular that rumors suggest the company could restart its "luxury foldable strategy" with the Fold 8. A "special edition" Galaxy Z Fold 8 could be on the horizon for the second half of 2026, with Thom Browne as a purported top contender. This would return the previous partnership that occurred with the Fold 5.

Samsung paired the device with a matching smartwatch, exclusive accessories, and a custom finish. While Thom Browne is a "top contender," Samsung could also look to Maison Margiela, which it previously worked with.

Android Central's Take

The tipster from Naver mentioned that many of these Fold 8 reports got started as September got rolling. Consumers from South Korea, as well as other international countries (like the U.S.) have reported similar findings. It's good that Samsung has been rather timely with a response. I'd freak out, too, if I pressed by screen and I saw it bend. I'd think something was wrong with it. Hopefully, this is the response people were looking for to settle their worries.

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.

What you need to know

• Nothing’s Community Review Program is back, giving selected fans early access to upcoming products before public launches.
• Participants must sign an NDA, respect embargoes, share first impressions, and publish detailed reviews and additional content.
• Applications close September 10, but spots aren’t guaranteed, and the program isn’t available to fans in India.

Nothing is giving its community another chance to test its upcoming products before anyone else. The company has reopened its Community Review Program, allowing select fans to get hands-on time with Nothing hardware and software before public launches.

The program offers select members early access to Nothing products, a direct line to the company, and an opportunity to help shape what it builds next, per the company's announcement. Nothing is particularly interested in applicants with experience in 3D animation, graphic design, music and sound production, and product reviews, but no skills are needed to apply. If you love technology, it's enough.

There are some strings attached, though. Because participants may handle unreleased products, they'll need to sign an NDA, follow Nothing's embargo dates, and maintain strict information security. They are also required to give their first impressions of the Nothing Community and social media, publish a full review after launch, and create additional content such as unboxings or product use cases.

It’s important to note that being chosen once does not place you on a permanent VIP list. Nothing's previous program terms made clear that participation for one product doesn't guarantee selection for future reviews, so every round is effectively another chance to get in.

Review devices are issued under the terms of the current program, so applicants should verify the latest conditions before applying. Nothing will also cover the associated shipping costs.

Applications are open until September 10, though selection isn't guaranteed. The program is also unavailable to fans in India.

Judging by past instances of this initiative, the brand does indeed implement user feedback. Earlier in 2024, Nothing had a public campaign called “The Community Edition Project” for the Nothing Phone 2a. Over several months, the company asked its community to submit designs for the phone's hardware, wallpapers, packaging, and marketing.

The winning hardware design had phosphorescent (glow-in-the-dark) elements on the back of the phone. Nothing actually constructed and sold this specific community-designed device.

Huawei's tri-fold Mate XT was a revelation last year; with an outward-facing hinge and a 10.2-inch panel that folds into a phone-sized 6.4 inches, it was a phenomenal showcase of foldable tech. Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold didn't feel quite that special, but I'll admit that the inward-folding hinge came with inherent benefits.

It looks like Huawei took notes, because the manufacturer switched to a similar inward-facing hinge with the Mate XT 2 Ultimate Design, which just debuted in China. As you'd imagine, this is a costly phone; the base model with 16GB of RAM and 256GB storage costs the equivalent of $2,945, and the high-end 16GB/2TB variant comes out closer to $4,500. You can buy the Pixel 11, 11 Pro XL, 11 Pro Fold, and the Pixel Watch 5 with that cash.

The Mate XT 2 has similar dimensions as its predecessor, and it retains the same 5,600mAh silicon battery. That means an ultra-thin 4.0mm silhouette when unfolded, going up to 12.3mm while folded. At 299g, it is still an absolute unit, but it gets IP58 and IP59 dust and water resistance this time. Oh, and the purple color looks absolutely gorgeous.

The biggest difference is the inward-folding G hinge, which should do a better job protecting the inner panels. Interestingly, Huawei is using a privacy screen that's similar to what Samsung did with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, where the contents on the screen will be hidden if you're viewing it at an off-axis.

Another upgrade is the Kirin 9050 Pro, which brings a slew of tweaks to the hardware. I'll have to get my hands on the Mate XT 2 to see what's changed this year, but I like that it has the latest connectivity. The outer 120Hz panel now goes up to 6.5 inches, with the inner panel the same 10.2-inch 90Hz OLED as last generation.

Cameras have also received a boost, with the Mate XT 2 touting a new 50MP LOFIC main camera, 50MP tele lens with 3.5x optical zoom, and a 40MP wide-angle lens. The tri-fold runs HarmonyOS 7.0 out of the box, with Huawei modernizing the UI.

At this point, Huawei hasn't detailed whether the Mate XT 2 Ultimate Design will launch globally, like its predecessor. With Samsung shelving the Z TriFold, it would be a win for Huawei to bring the foldable outside China, but we'll have to wait and see if that turns out to be the case.

What you need to know

• Samsung is alerting users about its preparations to shut down the Quick Measure and AR Doodle apps on December 31, 2026.
• While Samsung acknowledges "inconveniences" from this, it states that it's "committed" to returning these apps "with improved services" in the future.
• In July, Samsung officially axed its Messages app, which has been replaced by the Google Messages app.

Samsung is preparing to shut down two apps, and it's delivering warnings to users in preparation for what's to come.

Very early this morning (Sept 7), Tarun Vats on X noticed new warnings from Samsung about two apps that are being phased out. Samsung says that it will shut down the Quick Measure app on December 31, 2026. It adds, "After this date, new downloads and update support for the existing app will be discontinued. You may continue to use the app if it's already downloaded, but be aware that some features may not function properly."

The Quick Measure app currently works with Google's Wear OS. However, after this termination date from Samsung, it says app support will no longer be provided for new Wear OS versions. Quick Measure isn't the only app getting the boot. Users replying to Vats' thread on X mentioned Samsung's AR Doodle is also getting axed come December 31.

A similar warning to users was given for AR Doodle. The date remains the same; however, it swaps Wear OS for regular OS, as this app likely relies on Android/One UI updates. While Samsung recognizes that shutting down an app can cause "inconveniences," the news isn't all bad. Samsung says, "We are committed to returning with improved services in the future."

It's not clear if Quick Measure and AR Doodle will return upgraded, new, and improved. Or if we'll see brand-new variations that change these older systems.

Another app got shutdown this summer

If you're confused about "Quick Measure," we wouldn't blame you. Our earliest coverage dates back to 2021, when Samsung rolled out new features for its S Health app (yeah... S Health). That update coincided with the company's Gear Fit 2 launch. Quick Measure let users check their heart rate without launching the full app. Our coverage read, "Simply activate Quick Measure, and you'll now be able to place a finger on the heart rate sensor and wait for a reading."

We've come a long way with heart rate tracking and the like related to cardiovascular health. Anyway, the last app shutdown from Samsung was its Messages app in July. Google Messages was reported to be the company's official replacement for users to text. However, consumers with Android 11 and under "are unaffected, and emergency calls still work after the shutdown."

What you need to know

• A major leak claims Motorola is developing a wide Razr Fold to compete with Samsung, Huawei, and more.
• The device could fit that small, passport-like design with an "easy-open" profile," a "bezel-less" cover display, and a dual lens horizontal camera bar.
• An anonymous source claims the phone could debut "in the coming months."

Wide foldables are quickly becoming a popular trend. Leaks from over the weekend claim Motorola could be the next brand to hop on that train.

Leaks revealed by Android Headlines, courtesy of an "anonymous source," suggest the design Motorola is going for. Its source allegedly provided a few sketches, which purportedly showcase the various design ideas for the wide Razr foldable. One thing rumors claim is that Motorola's foldable could feature an "easy-open" profile. Among theories of a crease-less display and "3D glass," the wide Razr foldable's frame "isn't flat."

The report states this decision could help make the device easier for consumers to open on the fly. This wide Razr Fold certainly fits the bill in these leaked illustrations. Offering that shorter (perhaps even stout) frame with rounded corners. "Motorola" will allegedly be inscribed on the hinge, visible when folded. Curiously, one illustration, depicting the phone's cover display, suggests it could be "bezel-less."

What's more, the device could feature a horizontal, protruding camera bar, similar to Google's Pixels. Its camera array hasn't been narrowed down, but there's speculation that it might offer dual lenses.

Android Headlines was reportedly told by the anonymous source that Motorola is preparing to launch this "Wide Razr Fold" (or whatever it'll be called) "in the coming months."

Moto's going wide

If anything, Moto's wide Razr Fold might feel closer to what Huawei did with the Pura V Max. The company's "horizontally wide" foldable featured that landscape camera bar. The device feels more like a passport, which Google has done with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8. Huawei's wide foldable this year features a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch cover screen. The current Moto rumors had nothing to say on this front, so we'll have to wait a while.

The idea of a wider foldable is something more and more people have become curious about. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 was incredibly popular for Samsung after a week of pre-orders. Consumers overseas crashed websites with their early orders 30 minutes after the phone went live. Shipping dates were also pushed back, since Samsung needed to manufacture more phones to meet demand.

Android Central's Take

Motorola got in on the "regular" fold (Moto Razr Fold) aesthetic earlier this year, and the phone looks pretty good. In fact, one of my colleagues said in their review that the phone gives Samsung a new reason to worry. Motorola made some good moves, but it's clear it wants to continue. Hopping on the wide-fold train is the next "best thing." We'll just have to see when/if the phone arrives. These sketches look nice, but they aren't enough for me yet.

What you need to know

• The TECNO Camon Slim 5G is here, and it's just 6.39mm thick while packing a hefty 6,000mAh battery.
• It features a curved "swan-neck" profile and five distinct finishes, including photochromic technology on the Neo Mondrian variant and a swirling Starry Night gradient on Van Gogh Blue.
• Despite its slim profile, it boasts MIL-STD-810 drop resistance, IP69K/IP69/IP68/IP66 water/dust ratings, and wet-hand touch functionality.

TECNO appears to be pretty serious about the whole “slim phone” thing. Its latest phone, the Camon Slim 5G, is a mere 6.39mm thin but packs a 6,000mAh battery, a 50MP Sony camera, and a number of AI features into its compact body.

The device also places a lot of emphasis on design. The Camon 50 series’ curved “swan-neck” profile is carried over from the Camon 50 series, but five finishes give the phone very different personalities: Burgundy Red, Neo Mondrian, Matisse Black, Van Gogh Blue, and Rebel Pink.

Some of those finishes are very interesting. Neo Mondrian uses photochromic technology to show colorful geometric blocks on UV light, while Van Gogh Blue has a patterned gradient coating to create a swirling effect based on The Starry Night. Matisse Black adds fluorescent green accents to a black fiberglass body, while Burgundy Red and Rebel Pink are a more traditional take on the artistic theme.

On the optics side, the 50MP Sony LYTIA 700C main camera features a 1/1.56-inch sensor, close-loop autofocus, and a triple stabilization system of OIS, EIS, and AI Shutter. TECNO’s Super-Zoom FlashSnap can automatically capture fast-moving moments with shutter speeds of up to 1/11236 seconds and 2x telephoto shooting.

You also get 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm portrait options supported by TECNO Universal Tone for skin-tone rendering. The optional Mag Badge adds a 1.73-inch AMOLED screen, remote shutter control up to 10 meters away, and selfie previews.

The AI toolkit is more than photo editing. The AI Snap Poster makes product graphics, AI Recording Notes turns lectures into organized notes, AI Class Schedule digitizes class schedules, and AI Healthy Eating calculates calories and nutrients from food images.

Again, thinness does not mean TECNO has ignored durability. IP69K/IP69/IP68/IP66 protection, MIL-STD-810 certification, and wet-touch features ensure the phone is protected from the elements.

The 6.78-inch 1.5K 144Hz AMOLED panel is capable of dealing with rain and even use through a waterproof case. It runs on the Dimensity 7300e 5G chip under the hood, with three major OS upgrades and five years of security updates promised.

The Camon Slim 5G is being rolled out in different markets, but TECNO has not yet announced local pricing. Selected markets will also get a three-month trial of Google AI Plus with 2TB storage.

What you need to know

• Meta AI glasses v28 update adds pedestrian navigation, Spatial Audio, expanded language support, and camera anti-tampering improvements.
• With hands-free walking directions, you can ask Meta to navigate to nearby destinations, with driving directions sent to your phone for farther trips.
• Spatial Audio makes listening richer and adds a more immersive layer to music and podcasts on supported Ray-Ban Meta glasses.

Meta has been steadily expanding what its AI glasses can do, and the latest v28 update adds several practical upgrades, including pedestrian navigation, Spatial Audio, and broader language support.

Perhaps the headline addition is pedestrian navigation. You can now ask the smart glasses to guide you on foot to nearby destinations using voice commands such as “Hey Meta, navigate to Times Square.” If you’re farther away, the glasses can send driving directions to your phone.

There’s also a new way to begin navigation from your phone: Find a destination in your mapping app, tap Share, and select Meta AI, and navigation will start on your connected glasses.

The update also broadens where walking directions work. Meta says it now offers walking directions in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, and some cities across the world.

Audio gets an upgrade as well. Now, Spatial Audio can make a more immersive version of the stereo sound you’re already getting, whether that’s music or a podcast. You can find this option in Settings > Audio > Spatial. It works with Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 Optics and the Meta Glasses collection.

Meta is also adding Mandarin Chinese (zh_CN) support across Device Controls, calls and messaging, media capture and music controls, Meta AI, and MMAI.

Finally, v28 has ongoing anti-tampering improvements to protect the cameras on the glasses.

Earlier firmware releases introduced features like Conversation Focus, which uses the microphones in the glasses to help users hear nearby voices better, and deeper Spotify integration. Similarly, on Reddit, the response is pragmatic, with users mostly praising the glasses for hands-free photos, calls, podcasts, and open-ear audio, while battery life and Meta AI’s limitations remain common complaints.

What you need to know

• Google rolls out two major updates for the Translate app to end the week, beginning with multitasking capabilities for Android.
• Android users can now continue translating speech in the background, giving them the freedom of opening other apps or locking their device.
• For iPhone users, Google says they now have support for real-time translations via earbuds or by holding their phone to their ears.

Google wants to end the week with an update for its Translate app across its supported devices. The company says Android users will find capabilities flexible enough for their day-to-day.

This morning (Sept 4), Google says its latest features rolling out for Android and iOS will assist users with translating over 70 languages in "near real-time." Users on Android reportedly hold live translation sessions that last "longer than five minutes." Google states the Translate app can now continue translating even while in the background. This lets users hop into other apps and multitask or lock their phone.

Google Translate will continue working, ready to reveal its translated content for you when you're ready. This is rolling out for Android users today. Google says it's preparing an update for Apple iOS users, but that is "coming soon."

If you have an iOS device, this late-week update brings translation capabilities through a connected earpiece. Android users received it in a previous update. Google Translate will deliver audio translation directly through your earbuds. However, if such a device isn't connected, Google says iOS users can hold their phone to their ear, as if on a call. Like the update for Android, iPhone users can expect this to begin appearing today (Sept 4).

The work continues

Google Translate isn't among the apps that always get major updates, but the company has been improving it little by little. In a similar vein to Duolingo, the Translate app added "streaks" for users practicing new languages. What's more, this earlier patch expanded the beta for Android's real-time translation support while wearing headphones. Gemini's been brought into the fold heavily for the translation app.

It's the AI's speech-to-speech capabilities that get the job done. Earlier this year, Google rolled out a huge Translate app update for iOS users for headphone support. The feature offers a few different modes: Listening, Conversation, and Text-only. "Listening" is for real-time translations. "Conversation" lets you speak in English and lets the person you're talking to hear it in their native tongue.

Android Central's Take

The usefulness of Google Translate has shot up considerably over the past few updates. They've been strung out, so there's quite a bit of time in between each one. Nevertheless, what Google's brought has been useful. It feels like the days of carrying around a Spanish-to-English dictionary are gone. You can rely on your phone; whether you're learning the language with guided practice or listening to its translations. Just take it with a grain of salt, sometimes. Not every translation is as accurate as I'd like it to be.

I like portable SSDs a lot, and I have one always on hand in my EDC tech bag. I look for two things in a portable drive: fast transfers, and long-term durability. I don't really think about the size or weight, as SSDs tend to be smaller and lighter than mechanical drives anyway.

But Lexar clearly felt like this was an area to focus on for its next SSD, the Muse. Dubbed the world's thinnest SSD, the Muse is 3.8mm at its thickest point, going down to just 1mm at the edges. Lexar says it used an "ultra-thin PCB architecture, high-density NAND stacking, and an integrated internal structure" to maximize the internal space.

The Muse has 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s writes and can handle ProRes content at 4K120, which is in line with most portable SSDs. What isn't usual is the connector; instead of a regular USB-C port like every other SSD, the Muse uses a proprietary PogoPin magnetic connection, and you'll need to use the bundled cable in the box to connect the drive to your phone.

Oh, and it doesn't have the requisite magnets built-in (obviously), so you'll need to put it in a magnetic carry sleeve to attach it to a phone. Lexar notes portable SSDs can add "bulk and cable clutter," so it created the Muse to deliver a more "considered approach." It doesn't quite feel that way when you consider that you have three things to manage when using the Muse: the SSD itself, the magnetic sleeve, and the proprietary cable, which will inevitably get left behind when you're out and about.

I just don't get the need to tech industry's obsession to make products thinner. A regular-sized portable SSD doesn't have these limitations, and if anything, I like using drives like the LaCie Rugged SSD4, which are chunky but can take an absolute beating. The Muse adds a layer of complexity you don't need in a storage device, and that's before you factor in overheating. With such a small size and a sealed chassis, where does the heat go? There doesn't seem to be any room to manage the heat that builds up in a drive, so it will likely get quite hot when moving data.

Anyway, the Muse is coming out in Q4 2026, and it will be sold in 512GB and 1TB variants. Lexar didn't share pricing details, but it is bound to be on the higher side. Don't want to wait that long to get a magnetic SSD? This is the one I use.

What you need to know

• GPT-6 Astra is the first OpenAI model to hit the "critical" cybersecurity threat level, but deployment is moving forward with significant safeguards in place.
• It is currently limited to defensive tasks like secure code review. Advanced capabilities like exploit creation are blocked for now, but trusted users in the Daybreak program will eventually get access to complex workflows.
• Astra drastically outperforms GPT-5.6 Sol, hitting a perfect 100% on ExploitBench and 42.4% on ExploitGym.

OpenAI just released GPT-6 Astra, and it’s the company's first model to reach the “critical” threat level in the company’s Preparedness Framework for cybersecurity. Despite these unprecedented security risks, OpenAI is moving ahead with the deployment.

That doesn't mean GPT-6 Astra is being rolled out as an unrestricted hacking tool. The version rolling out now will do defensive work such as secure code review and patching, but will not entertain more advanced requests like creating proof-of-concept exploits, OpenAI says.

The company adds that it intends to relax some of those restrictions with its Daybreak program for trusted users, ultimately supporting workflows such as vulnerability validation, malware analysis and detection engineering.

So, how did we arrive at this point? OpenAI had to severely lock down its development pipelines after the recent mess where rogue AI agents hacked the Hugging Face platform. Astra is a huge step up from GPT-5.6 Sol in capabilities.

Massive performance leap

In OpenAI’s testing, the new model scored 100% on ExploitBench, compared to 78.5% for GPT-5.6 Sol. It also scored 42.4% on ExploitGym against 30.3% for its predecessor. More worrying, Astra uncovered and took advantage of two new zero-day vulnerabilities in the course of testing, which OpenAI says it is reporting to the appropriate maintainers.

OpenAI explains that GPT-6 Astra is built on improvements to pre-training, reinforcement learning, alignment, and computer use. It can run software, surf the web, write code, and complete multistep tasks. OpenAI says its OSWorld 2.0 testing shows it’s about 47% faster per task than GPT-5.6 Sol, while scoring 72.6% vs 65.7%.

The company says it has responded with stronger jailbreak resistance, broader monitoring, encrypted model checkpoints, tighter access controls, and misalignment monitoring across tool-using deployments. Astra also outperformed Sol in remaining within authorized boundaries.

But one big weakness that OpenAI does acknowledge is that it’s actually a lot harder to monitor. Internal testing indicated that GPT-6 can actively influence its own "chain of thought” reasoning to avoid leaving incriminating evidence. In adversarial situations, the model has even sandbagged its performance to fly under the radar and avoid internal monitors.

For developers, Astra costs $10 per million input tokens and $50 per million output tokens, with an accelerated API at twice the normal price. It’s rolling out now to a limited number of people before it’s available to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business and Enterprise users and the API and Amazon Bedrock.

What you need to know

• UGREEN announced its all-new cool, MagFlow wireless charging lineup.
• The lineup consists of the MagFlow Pro Magnetic Power Bank with a 10,000mAh cell, supporting Qi2 25W capabilities.
• Joining these charging capabilities in the 2-in-1 Foldable Magnetic charger and the 3-in-1 wireless charging stand.
• UGREEN states its MagFlow lineup is available today (Sept 3) on its website and Amazon.

If you were at Gillette Stadium this evening (Sept 3), you would've caught UGREEN's major reveal: the new MagFlow lineup.

UGREEN says it wants to solve a few problems consumers face daily. The MagFlow lineup aims to deliver a "high-power" wireless charging solution that's fast "without becoming uncomfortably hot." UGREEN's series is taking advantage of the latest technology, delivering Qi2 25W wireless charging, and the biggest stunner is the MagFlow Pro Magnetic Power Bank.

UGREEN's power bank features a hefty 10,000mAh cell. Charging quickly builds up heat, but to keep it cool, the power bank utilizes UGREEN's CryoPulse. Internally, there's a micro-pump that constantly whisks away heat, keeping the temperature comfortably under 18 degrees Fahrenheit. The Magnetic Power Bank also features a digital screen, which shows its charging power, battery level, cycle count, and cooling status.

UGREEN states the MagFlow Pro Magnetic Power Bank is available today for $149 on the company's official store and Amazon.

On-the-go or at home?

While consumers can attach the MagFlow power bank to their phone for quick charges, UGREEN continues the on-the-go idea with a pocket-sized charger.

The MagFlow 2-in-1 Foldable Magnetic wireless charger also features Qi2 25W charging capability. UGREEN says this product can double as a magnetic phone stand. Users can prop it up on a table, desk, or bedside. What's more, when it's folded, the 2-in-1 wireless charger fits in your pocket or travel bag.

Since 2-in-1 isn't enough, UGREEN took things further at Gillette Stadium this evening with its MagFlow Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Qi2 25W wireless charging stand. Similar to the Magnetic Power Bank, this magnetic charging stand features the company's CryoPulse TEC Active Cooling with an "ultra-quiet" 15dB fan. All of this cooling potential is because consumers can charge multiple devices at once. Temperatures are kept low, and keep reportedly charge an iPhone 17 Pro Max to 50% in under thirty minutes.

Consumers will find a display on the charging stand to keep them informed.

UGREEN states the 2-in-1 Foldable Magnetic charger is available today (Sept 3) for $59. The 3-in-1 charging stand starts at $159. Both devices join the 10,000mAh power bank on UGREEN's official website and Amazon.

What you need to know

• Ultrahuman announced that it has raised $70 million, thanks to investments from Qualcomm Ventures, Labcorp, Alpha Wave, and more.
• The company says these investments will help push its desires to create a world where human computing helps us and our health.
• Ultrahuman says it wants computational platforms that can understand the human body, delivering important, crucial pieces of actionable intel.

This afternoon (Sept 3), Ultrahuman announced another substantial investment from several companies. The announcement comes at a time when Ultrahuman wants to push the envelope for human computing.

A press release reveals that Ultrahuman has received $70 million in investment funding from Qualcomm Ventures, Labcorp, Alpha Wave, Blume, Nexus, Alteria, and more. As stated before, human computing is where Ultrahuman is placing its focus. Moreover, Ultrahuman states this investment will help it shift from "a wearable health company into a human-computer interface company built around the body."

Ultrahuman highlights several features daily users will know well: Jade AI, its smart rings, and M1/M2 Live continuous glucose monitoring. These features nail Ultrahuman's goal: systems that understand the state of the user's body. The company no longer wants features that "wait for human input." Through AI and newer computing systems, Ultrahuman wants more proactive, smart features that deliver true aid.

The company states the future of computing platforms should "understand the human body continuously... and turn those signals into intelligence that meaningfully improves a person’s life."

The company discussed how it's continued to evolve the smart ring form factor with science and computational platforms. Ultrahuman drew attention to Pulsomics, which was launched this year. This research platform aids its software and smart rings with the tools required to turn the body's complex signals and information into actionable intel for the user.

Power ahead with intel that means something

The investments Ultrahuman has received in September will help continue the work it's trying to complete. It says "development across sensing, AI, miniaturised electronics and health algorithms" will deepen and accelerate.

PowerPlugs are another major part of the Ultrahuman experience. The company describes it as a feature that brings "specialised health capabilities" to the platform. Take Ultrahuman and Les Mills' partnership from April. It brought workout sessions that rivaled what you'd find in a traditional studio right to your phone. The app would also take advantage of your biomarkers to understand key data, so you know when to push yourself and when to let off.

On the other hand, we have Ultrahuman's significant Emerald update from July. The "decision engine," otherwise known as the UltraSphere, felt like Ultrahuman's next step into this "human computing" world for our health. It can deliver over 60 "Next Best Action" suggestions to users using sleep, HRV, recovery, weather, location, and more.

What you need to know

• At IFA 2026, the Moto Watch Ultra was announced with Wear OS, a partnership with Polar for fitness, on a 46mm stainless steel body and a 1.5-inch OLED display.
• The continued Polar partnership adds various sleep features like "Serene" for breathing exercises and Nightly Recharge and Sleep Plus Stages for sleep score and more.
• The Moto Watch Ultra will be available on September 10 for $349.

That's not all Motorola has prepared this midweek. The Moto Watch Ultra was debuted at IFA 2026, expanding the company's wearable portfolio. The Watch Ultra uses Google's Wear OS, incorporating the Play Store and Moto's AI, Qira. However, the major highlight with the Moto Watch Ultra is Motorola's continued partnership with Polar.

Polar excels at wearable sports and fitness, and it's bringing that prowess to the Moto Watch Ultra. For its wellness features, the Watch Ultra sports "Serene." This breathing exercise mode delivers real-time "biofeedback" to help the user calm their breathing and reach a more optimal rhythm. Nightly Recharge and Sleep Plus Stages help users understand their recovery and sleep score.

If you're looking to get more active and track your progress, Polar's involvement brings a breadth of features. Consumers will find expected features like Activity Goal, Activity Score, and Active Intensity Zones. What's more, Smart Calories delivers an overview of your daily calories burned, alongside an Inactivity Alert and Energy Sources (metabolic insights).

The Moto Watch Ultra offers a 1.5-inch OLED display on a 46mm stainless steel body. Inside, you'll find Qualcomm's Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 SoC. The Watch Ultra is said to last two days with "active use" with its AOD (always-on display) disabled. Consumers can choose between the "breathable" silicone band (PANTONE Black Beauty or PANTONE Mountain View) or the leather strap (Black Beauty or Nuthatch).

Not bad

Elsewhere, Motorola highlights the "Running Coach." As it sounds, you can expect a guided experience for new and veteran runners (walking, too). The company states the Running Coach can help users struggling with pacing themselves. Other details include Google Wallet support, dual-band GPS, IP68, and 5ATM underwater protection.

At IFA 2026, Motorola confirmed that the Watch Ultra will be available on September 10, starting at $349 on motorola.com. Consumers will also find the device at Verizon on September 24. The Watch Ultra will expand to more places, such as T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, AT&T, Xfinity Mobile, and Consumer Cellular, "in the coming months."

Android Central's Take

I'm pleasantly surprised by the Moto Watch Ultra. Motorola already has what you'd consider a "basic" watch. It misses the Ultra tag. The design is fairly simple, very watch-like. The Watch Ultra feels cleaner to me. I also think the Polar partnership is a huge win for Motorola to continue with the device. I already think I hear my colleague Derrek Lee putting one on his wrist and heading outside.

What you need to know

• Motorola announced another addition to its Brilliant Collection with the Razr 2026 Swarovski Crystal Edition.
• The phone is clad in a Pantone Meteorite colorway with 35 Swarovski Crystals in Silver Night.
• The Swarovski Crystal Edition Razr 2026 will be available on September 10 for $899 at motorola.com and Amazon.

It's that time of the year again when Motorola looks to bedazzle and captivate consumers with Swarovski Crystals.

If you're looking for artistry and brilliance, Motorola announced the Razr 2026 will join the Brilliant Collection this year. This means that the Razr 2026 will receive a Swarovski Crystal Edition, combining a dazzling aesthetic with Motorola's tech. The company states the Razr 2026 features "35 hand-positioned Swarovski Crystals in Silver Night." These crystals are laid out across the entire back panel of the clamshell foldable. Additionally, you'll find a few more at the top of the cover display.

Motorola teases that there's a "32-facet Swarovski Crystal" embedded in the hinge of the Razr 2026.

Like stars in the night

Motorola takes this bedazzled Razr 2026 further with its choice of color: Pantone's Meteorite. This colorway is more of a deeper, darker black that Motorola says contrasts with the phone's crystals and shine. If you're looking to grab the latest addition to the Brilliant Collection, Motorola will provide a clear protective case.

Consumers can find the Swarovski Crystal Edition Razr 2026 on September 10 for $899. The post states it will be available on motorola.com and Amazon. On September 24, you can find it at Verizon. We've rounded up all the information about the Razr 2026, as well. A few important specs include a 6.9-inch internal display and a 3.9-inch cover display with a 50MP primary lens. Motorola highlights its 4,800mAh battery, which can reportedly deliver up to 36 hours.

Motorola continues to build on its streak of Swarovski Crystal Edition phones following its releases in 2025. The 35 crystals remain a constant; however, last year, the Moto Razr 2025 was featured in an icy Pantone Ice Melt. The foldable was joined by a crystal-studded Buds Loop in Ice Melt.

Android Central's Take

This might be my favorite crystal edition of the Razr. The Meteorite colorway with the crystals makes those additions stand out in a good way. It feels like looking into the night sky; stars are everywhere. As before, the foldable remains the same, bringing users the same specs they'd expect from the standard, non-special edition phone. The wait's not long now if you're looking for it.

What you need to know

• Qualcomm continues to tease its next Snapdragon debut with the Adreno Neural Fusion GPU.
• The company says this chip utilizes AI-drive rendering tech, placing stronger resolution and frame generation directly into the graphics pipeline.
• What's more, the GPU adds the Adreno HPM, which helps move larger chunks of data for rendering at a time, effectively saving more battery power.
• Snapdragon Summit 2026 takes place from September 22-24

Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit is coming up later this month, and the company is teasing its graphical improvements.

Qualcomm sent a press release this morning (Sept 2) detailing the Adreno Neural Fusion GPU. If you thought this wouldn't involve AI, think again. Qualcomm says Neural Fusion is an "AI-driven rendering technology that combines neural processing, AI super resolution, and frame generation into a unified graphics pipeline." For context, Qualcomm says it's looking to deliver what consumers want from mobile gaming: console-like graphics, strong frame rates, and better battery life.

This is important because Qualcomm states its Adreno Neural Fusion GPU nails all three of these desires, and consistently, too. The post credits this GPU power to the chip's new Adreno Matrix Cores. This reportedly brings its AI rendering engine into the graphics pipeline, giving developers the exact tools they need to bump up the graphics for your phone. Lower latency is another positive in this change.

Helping that lower latency is the Adreno HPM (High Performance Memory), which feeds more data to the GPU for rendering, thanks to a "dedicated optimized cache of 18MB."

Many of these changes help Qualcomm hit that last point: better gaming battery life. With the Neural Fusion GPU capable of moving more data at a time, it's effectively moving a lot less, which doesn't eat up your battery. Then, you have its AI models playing more closely to the graphical unit.

Qualcomm will undoubtedly show off the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chips in greater detail during its Summit from September 22-24.

What we've been waiting on?

Qualcomm's teasers will likely continue until its Summit in a few weeks. The latest major teaser we got spurred excitement. Qualcomm highlighted "Dual 8 Elites" on approach for 2026. Our eyes are looking at that long-rumored Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 "Pro." Qualcomm hasn't said anything yet, so do with that information what you will (it is rumored, after all). What the company has said is that its Dual 8 Elites will bring "better connectivity, camera functionality, and graphics for games."

What's interesting about those "Pro" rumors is that not everyone's phone could see it. While yes, these Snapdragon chips are reserved for flagships, the Pro could only seek out Ultra devices—the Galaxy S27 Ultra would fit that bill. We still have a while until Snapdragon Summit 2026 in Maui, Hawaii.

Android Central's Take

I believe it was Android Authority's coverage that likens what Qualcomm's doing with the Neural Fusion to Nvidia's DLSS 5. If you're a gamer or you've kept up with gaming in general, this hasn't sat well with people. DLSS 5 "enhances" your graphics through AI, but from the examples out there, people aren't convinced the original artists' intent remains. I hope Qualcomm's AI doesn't do that. And if it does, can I turn it off? I'm all for incredible gaming performance on phones, but not if the game doesn't look as intended.

What you need to know

• Lumus is expanding its partnership with Quanta this week, which brings a licensing agreement between the two companies for next-gen waveguides.
• Lumus states Quanta will manufacture its next-gen waveguides: the Z-30 2.0, A-Lens 30 (30-degree FOV), and A-Lens 50 (50-degree FOV).
• The company was at CES 2026 where it stated it's future for waveguides for AR glasses will be "thinner, lighter, and easier to produce."

This morning (Sept 1), Lumus, a developer of waveguides for several big-name brands, announced a major partnership expansion.

In a press release, Lumus announced that it has expanded its partnership with Quanta Computing. This expansion sees the two companies reaching a licensing agreement "to manufacture three new geometric waveguides for AR glasses." The post states Lumus is developing three new waveguides: the Z-30 2.0, A-Lens 30 (30-degree FOV), and A-Lens 50 (50-degree FOV).

Thanks to the new licensing agreement, Quanta will handle manufacturing. What we can expect from the Z-30 2.0 is a 30-degree FOV "in a thinner, lighter optical engine." Lumus adds that its latest technology increases the display's brightness, alongside direct prescription lens bonding. The two new A-Lens waveguides (30 and 50) are Lumus' "lower-cost" production solutions.

The next-gen A-Lens waveguides are reportedly cutting down the weight and thickness by 50%. However, Lumus states it maintained its image quality and efficiency with this upgrade. This is an ongoing trend that Lumus is trying to introduce into this advancing world of AR glasses. Trimming down waveguide weight and thickness is key, but so is image quality, brightness, and cost.

Earlier today, Lumus' CEO, Ari Grobman, said, "Our relationship with Quanta has always been built around solving the practical challenges of bringing advanced AR optics into mass production. This agreement allows us to bring our next generation of lower-cost waveguides into manufacturing with a partner that understands both the technology and the production requirements behind it."

Here comes the future, and Lumus is leading it

As mentioned before, Lumus creates waveguides for several brands, even for Meta and its Ray-Ban Display Glasses. Earlier this year, Meta announced that it was doubling the production of its Ray-Ban glasses to meet demand. This was something Lumus echoed in its press release this morning. The demand for smart glasses continues to rise, but there's room for improvement. Its work to reduce the weight and thickness of its waveguides for AR glasses is one such upgrade.

Additionally, the lower-production-cost A-Lenses are designed to help bring more products to consumers. We'll have to see how things pan out going forward.

On a related note, Lumus was at CES 2026. This major tech event is where the company first stated what its plans were for the future of AR glasses. Lumus said, "That's the future for us—making these waveguides thinner, lighter, and easier to produce." Its announcement today further echoes that sentiment.

What you need to know

• Gemini can now remember where you left important items, even without a tracker.
• You can tell Gemini where you stashed an item or snap a quick photo, and it logs the detail directly to Find Hub.
• Then, ask Gemini where your item is later, or view all saved locations in Find Hub's new memory tab.

Google’s September Android Drop is introducing a handy upgrade to Find Hub that allows Gemini to remember where you left important items, even if those items don’t have a tracker attached.

With the latest change, you can tell Gemini where you put an item instead of using a Bluetooth tracker to find it later. For example, you could say, “Hey Google, remember in Find Hub that I put my passport in my bedroom drawer” and optionally attach a photo for additional context.

Gemini then saves that information in a dedicated “remembered items” tab in Find Hub so you can easily get back to it again by just asking where it is.

This feature plugs a hole in Google’s current tracking setup. While Find Hub is ideal for tagged belongings, there are plenty of things you routinely misplace — such as passports, spare keys, documents, or other small essentials — that aren’t worth attaching a tracker to. This new feature essentially provides a lightweight memory layer for those items.

The feature will be rolled out to Android 16 and newer devices in countries where Gemini and Find Hub are supported. Google says it will be available soon.

This is just one part of the September Android Drop, which also includes enhancements such as Motion Assist to help alleviate motion sickness and new upgrades to Google Messages.

However, for those of us who spend far too much time looking for lost items, this new Gemini feature may be the most impactful update of them all.

What you need to know

• Google Messages gets two standout updates, including Custom Chat themes and Google Keep integration as part of the September Android Drop.
• You can tap the plus button to add a Keep note, letting everyone view, edit, and contribute without leaving the conversation.
• Personalize individual chats using curated wallpaper collections (like Animals, Landscapes, or Space) or your own gallery photos.

Google's September Android Drop is here, and while there’s a lot to go over, two features for Google Messages are stealing the spotlight: custom chat themes and seamless Google Keep integration.

Beginning today, you will be able to bring a Keep note directly into a Google Messages conversation by tapping the plus button. This lets everyone in the chat view, edit, and add to shared notes, whether you're building a grocery list or planning a vacation.

The idea appears to be to turn your Messages conversations into the place where plans are actually made. This might be particularly handy for group chats, where information can get lost in the flood of messages.

Google is also rolling out Chat theme, which lets you set different backgrounds and color treatments for individual conversations. Google has curated collections of wallpapers to choose from — including Animals, Landscapes, Space, and more — or you can upload your own photo from your gallery.

Google recommends everything from a latte theme for a coffee buddy to a beach photo for a vacation group chat. Messages automatically matches the chat bubble colors. This is much more than the simple “Change colors” option we saw back in 2024. It’s rolling out now in Google Messages.

Remember, these customizations are just for you, so that beach photo you set for the vacation chat isn’t going to show up on anyone else’s phone.

Google actually announced these custom backgrounds and themes a few days ago, in a post to the Google Messages Community, so the September Android Drop is another confirmation that the feature is coming.

Expect to see both features become more prominent as Google pushes the September Android Drop to supported devices.

What you need to know

• For September's Android Drop, Google is introducing "Motion Assist," a feature to help users suffering from motion sickness while using their phone in a vehicle.
• On the Accessibility front, Gemini Live can help users find items or read fine print with "Guided Vision," delivering audio descriptions to guide users.
• Google states Motion Assist will rollout on Android 17 devices, while Guided Vision prepares a debut on Android 9 and newer.

It's September, and right on time is Google with the latest Android Drop. This month, the company is focusing on the accessibility and comfort of Android with two major updates.

Google's press release details a laundry list of new features for September; however, we're focusing on two items: Motion Sickness and Guided Vision. If you've ever tried using your phone while riding shotgun in a car, you might've put it down. Motion Sickness could affect anyone, but Google is rolling out "Motion Assist" this month to help. According to Google, Motion Assist "adds a subtle bubble overlay to your screen that moves with the vehicle."

The post states these bubbles will bridge the gap between "what your eyes see and the movement of your ride." Users can start it via the Quick Settings tile, or they can set it to automatically turn on when you're in a moving vehicle. These moving bubbles will appear on the sides of your phone to help reduce motion sickness. The automatic option states Motion Assist will activate if it detects the user in a car, bus, or train.

What's more, users will find a few customization options to make Motion Assist theirs.

A point to Accessibility

Google states Motion Assist will roll out on phones running Android 17.

The second major update is Guided Vision. The post states this feature relies on Gemini Live, meaning users will have to share their camera with the AI. After sharing, Gemini Live will provide audio descriptions of what's in front of you. Google says the AI can help with "reading fine print on a food label, ordering from a menu in a low-lit restaurant, or locating household objects." In one example, Gemini Live guides a user to a seasoning they're looking for on a shelf.

If the subject leaves your frame, Gemini Live will guide you back so it can help you appropriately.

Guided Vision is rolling out "soon" to phones running Android 9 or newer where Gemini is available. Once it arrives, users can add Guided Vision to their Accessibility shortcuts or launch it via the TalkBack menu.

Android Central's Take

I will always prefer updates like this over some "new thing" for AI. While one of these features relies on Google's AI, this is the direction I like seeing it go. A direction where it's incredibly helpful to people who may have trouble seeing or what have you. Tech should make life easier. We've got enough to worry about as it is.

What you need to know

• The Google TV Streamer has jumped from $100 to $150 at the Google Store and Best Buy.
• Retailers including Amazon may still have older stock at the original price, but supplies could disappear quickly.
• The Nest lineup also gets across-the-board markups, with all five Nest cameras and doorbells seeing price increases of $20 to $50.

If you've been holding off on picking up Google’s smart home hardware, your hesitation just got a lot more expensive. The tech giant has quietly increased prices across its streaming and security hardware lineup.

The Google TV Streamer arrived in 2024 for $100, replacing Chromecast as Google’s flagship streaming box. It was also pretty easy to find below that price, with holiday discounts knocking a few bucks off. Now, Google has quietly bumped up the device’s price by $50 to $150, as spotted by 9to5Google.

The new price is already appearing at Google Store and Best Buy, though some retailers are still selling remaining stock for $100. For example, not all listings have been refreshed by Amazon yet. If you are fast enough, you may be able to pick up older stock at launch prices before it is cycled out.

Google mentions increased component costs, with the Streamer’s 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage making memory costs a likely factor behind the increase. Other recent Google hardware has already been under the same broader cost pressures.

The Nest lineup is taking a hit, too. Google has increased the price of all five of its currently available cameras and doorbells by $20 to $50. The battery-powered Nest Cam is now $200, up from $180, while the second-generation wired Nest Cam Outdoor jumps from $150 to $200.

The third-generation wired Nest Cam Indoor rises to $130 from $100. Both the wired and battery Nest Doorbells now cost $200, up from $180.

Interestingly, the Nest Cam with Floodlight bundle is still priced at $280, and the Nest Hub, thermostats, and the new Google Home Speaker remain unchanged for now.

These changes went into effect August 31, Google says, and with component costs still a big part of hardware pricing, it may be a lot harder to find these older launch prices.

What you need to know

• Android 17 QPR2 has officially hit Platform Stability with Beta 4, meaning APIs are locked and the update is in its final stretch focused entirely on system polish and bug fixes.
• Google fixed several Pixel pain points, including overheating, unexpected reboots, gesture navigation, battery-limit charging, Recents, Bluetooth audio, and screen-recording issues.
• Hardware support gets attention, too, with fixes for USB-C XR mirroring, 3D smart-glasses displays, and low-light Face Unlock.

Google’s Android 17 QPR2 beta cycle is moving into its final stretch. Beta 1 was released on July 20, with Beta 2 following on 3 August and Beta 3 only 11 days later. Now, Beta 4 has arrived with a long list of fixes, and more importantly, Android 17 QPR2 has reached Platform Stability.

That milestone means Google has locked the API surface for the release, giving developers a much more stable target for testing apps ahead of the update reaching users more broadly. QPR2 is a pretty small SDK update that has no planned behavior changes, so this build is much more about polish, stability, and fixing things that could make a Pixel frustrating to use.

Critical bug fixes

And there are a lot of things to fix. As per the changelog, Beta 4 resolves a bug in thermal management that could cause overheating and reboots. Another solution is for the 80% battery limit feature that takes way too long to finish charging the last 2%. Google has also fixed broken gesture navigation and a transparent status bar that could appear after full-screen video with specific display-cutout settings enabled.

You'll see that polish in everyday Pixel features as well. The search in the app drawer may stop accepting text input. Bluetooth call audio may be routed incorrectly through the phone speaker. The Recents screen may freeze or visually clip app cards. Google also fixed a bug with screen-recording audio that could cause microphones to be unavailable to apps such as Gboard and Gemini until a reboot.

There’s some interesting hardware cleanup, too. Beta 4 brings back screen mirroring for USB-C XR glasses and fixes blank screens in 3D mode for connected smart glasses. It also solved Face Unlock issues in low-light conditions that would take users straight to a PIN.

Android 17 QPR2 is also beefing up the protection against call-forwarding scams by limiting some USSD-based forwarding commands and requiring confirmation when users manually dial them.

Positive user feedback

Reddit users who own Pixels are giving surprisingly positive early feedback. One Pixel 9a owner called Beta 4 the most stable QPR2 build yet, with the lag gone and performance noticeably improved. Another Pixel 8 owner said that the phone now feels "fast."

Beta 4 isn’t perfect, though. Some testers complained about oversized text and a lower display resolution after installing the update, though one user said a reboot fixed everything. At least one tester also states that a Bluetooth routing issue for incoming calls has persisted across all four QPR2 betas, with them having to manually select the Bluetooth audio source.

Beta 4 is rolling out to a wide range of Pixel phones and tablets, with Pixel 11 support listed as “coming soon” for now. Some early beta testers on Reddit said a download of about 671MB on a Pixel 9 Pro XL, with a few rollout quirks and some confusion on the update screen.

If you're already a Pixel owner and are enrolled in the beta, you'll get the update over the air. Just know that if you leave the program after installing Beta 4, it can wipe your data.

What you need to know

• Instagram is changing its "AI creator" label to "AI-generated profile" to give users better clarity over whether or not the content (and person) they're viewing is real.
• The platform states there will be restrictions and limits imposed on profiles that do not adhere to this label.
• Instagram already has its AI Info option, which lets users know if something on the platform was made with AI, such as photos and videos.

Instagram is tightening the screws around AI content on its platform this week. Specifically, the app is bringing more clarity for users when a profile is deemed to be nothing but AI.

This morning (Aug 31), Instagram announced that it is changing its "AI creator" label to "AI-generated profile." It states this change was made to "make it more clear to people when a profile features an AI-generated person rather than a human." Here's the thing: if someone is running an AI-generated account, meaning the person users see isn't real, they will face limits. Instagram says these limits will be imposed on their accounts' reach, meaning their views and interactions will suffer.

These "unlabeled accounts" can make things right by adding the new AI-generated profile label to their account. Additionally, they can appeal the decision if there was a mistake.

Instagram has made these decisions due to user feedback. It states users "don’t like seeing a profile that seems human, only to find out later that the person featured is AI-generated." If something was made with AI, users want to know flat out, not after the fact. If a profile/account has always used the "AI creator" label, nothing necessarily changes. The "AI-generated profile" label will simply continue. However, the post states that if a user utilizes AI tools as part of their "creative process," the AI-generated profile label doesn't apply.

Instagram says this change is a part of an ongoing process. Things may continue to change over time.

Changes continue for Instagram

AI has arrived on Instagram in a myriad of ways over the past few years. On one hand, we have warning labels that the content you're viewing was made by AI, such as photos. Then, we have Instagram's mistakes, where users have seen the app mistakenly call their friends AI in a messaging glitch. Regardless, it's safe to assume that more AI-related features for transparency will continue. The post acknowledges that generative AI tools spread, but users want to know if what they're seeing is real or fantasy.

On the flip side, Meta was involved in a $16 billion settlement over the addictive nature of its social media platforms: Facebook and Instagram. This settlement focuses on younger users, as the case highlighted a "nationwide mental health crisis" that's been "fueled" by these addictive apps. As a result, Meta will need to roll out changes for younger user accounts to help cut down their exposure.

Such changes will involve daily usage limits, age restrictions for content, and more.

Android Central's Take

It feels like you're always on guard online now. Not that you weren't before, but it's for a different reason today. Now you're wondering, "was... was this made by a computer and not a person?" "Is this person real?" It's kind of weird. It almost feels like we're walking into a sci-fi story where the AI starts learning and evolving and taking over. No? I watch too many movies, I know.

What you need to know

• Google Pixel 11 Pro users on Reddit have started voicing problems with the device's recording capabilities when Video Boost is active.
• A report states statis bursts every "five seconds" emerge in recordings when this enhancement feature is active, completely ruining the end-product.
• A Google support team member has responded, curious to learn more; however, users have discovered an at-home fix for this problem.

It's the end of August, and we're all unpacking our Pixel 11 phones, but some users say there's already an issue. Reports highlight a video enhancement feature that's working in reverse.

Over the past week, reports on the Pixel Phones subreddit have emerged, highlighting a problem with Video Boost on the Pixel 11 Pro (via 9to5Google). The original poster (OP) said that after recording, they noticed "static bursts" in the audio "every five seconds." The report specifies that this has only occurred with videos recorded with Video Boost enabled.

The OP followed up with a better example, showing how egregious these static bursts are every few seconds. Users entered the thread. Some say they've encountered the same problem when Video Boost is active. Another questioned the OP, wondering about their video quality. The user was recording in FHD at 6fps, not 4K. However, another recording at 4K displayed signs of these disruptive static bursts.

Users lamented the problem, stating it's disheartening to have such a problem on top of the phone's price. The OP considered returning their device, but they stuck with it and reportedly found a fix. They say, "I went in and cleared the cache on the camera app and turned off zoom audio. No static on the videos tonight." One user found no issues at 30fps, but toggling 60fps on and off seemed to help.

Interestingly, Google is aware of the problem—or at least, the issues users have voiced. A member of the Google product support team for Pixels responded, inquiring for more information.

Video Boost is designed to help users record better videos. It works by submitting your recording to Google's Cloud services to "enhance it" before returning to your phone. When Google first introduced this for the Pixel 8 Pro, it seemed like a straightforward process. However, there appears to be some disconnect between the Pixel 11 Pro and Video Boost's original purpose. With Google chiming in, hopefully it'll look into a more permanent solution that doesn't involve extra steps from users.

These early issues are frustrating, as they're souring an otherwise well-received Pixel 11 launch. While Google has integrated some useful hardware upgrades, the company's also raised the bar significantly for Pixel AI. Of course, these are optional tools, so the final judgement is up to the end-user.

What you need to know

• The Galaxy S27 Ultra could replace its 3x and 5x telephoto cameras with a single new 4x f/1.9 zoom camera.
• The rumored 4x telephoto camera would match the native optical zoom of the iPhone 17 Pro.
• Leaked CAD renders appear to show room for only one telephoto camera alongside the Galaxy S27 Ultra's main sensors.

A new leak may have revealed the new zoom camera Samsung is planning for the Galaxy S27 Ultra.

The Galaxy S27 Ultra is finally starting to take shape. We recently saw CAD renders of the Galaxy S27 Ultra that revealed a redesigned camera module with an iPhone 17 Pro-like horizontal camera plateau. Another leak also suggested that Samsung might finally increase the battery capacity on its upcoming flagship.

Now, the same leaker who claimed Samsung is working on self-healing display glass for the Galaxy S27 Ultra has shared on X that the phone could feature a new 4x telephoto camera with an f/1.9 aperture.

Until now, Samsung has used two different zoom cameras on its recent Ultra flagships, traditionally offering a combination of 3x and 5x telephoto lenses. But with the Galaxy S27 Ultra, it looks like Samsung could be changing that strategy.

The company will reportedly switch to a single telephoto camera offering 4x optical zoom. Interestingly, that's also the zoom level Apple offers on the iPhone 17 Pro.

The recently leaked CAD renders also appear to leave room for only one telephoto camera inside the pill-shaped module next to the two main cameras on the horizontal camera plateau, so that could be where this new 4x camera sits.

The leaker hasn't revealed the megapixel count or any other specifications of the new sensor just yet. But with the Galaxy S27 Ultra still around six months away, we expect to learn much more about the camera setup as we get closer to launch.

Of course, there's still plenty of time for Samsung to change things before the hardware is finalized. But between the redesigned camera module, rumored larger battery, self-healing display glass, and now this new 4x telephoto camera, we're finally starting to get a clearer picture of the direction Samsung could be taking with the Galaxy S27 Ultra

What you need to know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What you need to know

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consistency is key

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

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

What you need to know

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

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

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

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

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

Taking inspiration

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

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

Android Central's Take

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

What you need to know

• Meta's latest smart glasses update stops video recording if someone covers the capture LED after filming begins.
• The update closes a loophole that previously allowed users to start recording first and then cover the LED afterward.
• Meta says several businesses offering capture LED tampering services have already shut down following its changes.

Meta has started rolling out another update for its AI glasses that closes yet another loophole that allowed users to record discreetly while keeping the capture LED covered.

Earlier this year, Meta took several major steps to address privacy concerns surrounding its smart glasses. The company rolled out a mandatory update for its Ray-Ban Meta, Oakley Meta, and Meta AI glasses that prevented the camera from recording if the capture LED had been tampered with or covered.

Meta said the change was designed to make sure people around the wearer can clearly tell whenever the glasses are capturing photos or videos.

Now, the company is rolling out another update that closes a loophole in that system. Meta VP Alex Himel shared on Threads that the new update will stop video recording if someone covers the capture LED after recording has already started.

Until now, users could apparently get around Meta's protection by starting a recording while the LED was visible and then covering it afterward. With the latest update, doing that will automatically stop the recording.

Himel added that Meta will continue rolling out updates like this to make sure the capture LED can "reliably alert bystanders" whenever photos or videos are being captured and saved to someone's gallery.

Meta also claims that its efforts against LED tampering are already having a deterrent effect. According to the company, several businesses that previously offered services to disable or cover the capture LED on Meta's smart glasses have already shut down.

In fact, the company has also launched an awareness campaign explaining what the capture LED actually means. With AI glasses quickly becoming a much bigger product category, Meta says not everyone is familiar with the light or knows when someone is recording. The company now seems to be heavily marketing these new privacy protections in an effort to build back some of that trust.

In addition to these changes, Meta says it has removed accounts from its platforms that engaged in this behavior, alongside posts that provided instructions or advertised services for tampering with the capture LED.

Honestly, it's pretty sad that things have reached this point. In my opinion, protections against something as obvious as covering the recording light should have been built into these glasses from the beginning. But nonetheless, Meta is finally closing these loopholes, and hopefully, it makes discreet recording with its smart glasses much harder going forward.

What you need to know

• Viture has collaborated with S-Game, the developer studio behind Phantom Blade Zero, for the "Phantom Beast" XR glasses that combine Chinese wuxia with "kungfupunk" designs.
• The collector's edition offers a selection of collectibles for consumers, such as a map in the shape of a scroll.
• Consumers can pre-order the Phantom Beast XR glasses for $599 ahead of its October 29 launch.

Viture announced its collaboration with S-Game, the gaming studio behind Phantom Blade Zero. Together, the two have made a version of the Phantom Beast XR glasses that live up to the sharp edge the game breathes life into.

This collaboration marks the first time Viture has collaborated with a Chinese gaming studio; however, it's the second collab overall, following the Cyberpunk 2077 Luma Cyber. Consumers can pre-order the Viture x Phantom Blade Zero: Phantom Beast XR glasses for $599 at viture.com or the IGN Store. The glasses will launch on October 29. Consumers will find a pair of red and black XR lenses, embodying a traditional Chinese wuxia and punk fantasy aesthetic.

Viture says the XR glasses feature "exclusive artwork, engravings, and iconography pulled from the game’s blade-forward visual identity..." All of this is laid on top of Viture's regular Beast product. The lenses' temples are another talking point. Viture says they were modeled after the Soul's blade, frozen mid-draw. What's more, there's a neck lanyard with traditional wuxia patterning and martial arts-inspired pads.

If you're pre-ordering, the collector's package you'll receive is packed full of goodies. Viture says the packaging doubles as a shelf display. Not only is it covered in artwork, but the game's character, Soul, is present, as he readies his blade. Viture and S-Game are also including "a 12.5cm Mó Sanguine blade replica, a game-art card brick, a sticker sheet, and a lens cloth" in the collector's box.

If you pre-order (or purchase) your glasses before November 5, you will receive a collectible map in the form of a scroll.

The carrying case for the Phantom Beast is shaped like a scabbard. The press release states the "triangular metal drawer wrapped in textured black leather, it opens the way the game’s blades do — sliding, not flipping." The inside of the case is crimson, and its texture mirrors that of a blade in sunlight.

A screen that immerses you

As previously stated, the Phantom Beast is essentially a special version laid on top of Viture's natural Beast XR glasses. With that in mind, consumers will experience Sony Micro-OLED panels on a 174” (at 4m) virtual screen. Its refresh rate is rather smooth at 120Hz. The display is paired with VisionPair 3DoF spatial tracking and HARMAN AudioEFX spatial sound. Another key difference is the OSD menu. Viture says it's been reskinned to fit Phantom Blade Zero's in-game UI.

Once you unpack it, you can customize your viewing with five different modes, including a 32:9 panoramic aspect ratio designed for PC gaming, per Viture. Moreover, the Phantom Beast offers USB-C connectivity for "plug-and-play" support for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Steam Deck. If you're looking to play Phantom Blade Zero, Viture and S-Game had this to say:

"Phantom Blade Zero players on PlayStation need VITURE’s Pro Mobile Dock, which extends support to PS5, PS4, Switch, Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, as well as other HDMI devices; players can also connect Phantom Beast to Switch and Switch 2 with the Mobile Dock Mini. VITURE is the only XR glasses manufacturer with Switch 2 support."

What you need to know

• Rakuten Kobo is bringing its e-readers to stores for the first time, and it's doing so with 500 Best Buy shops across the U.S.
• Consumers can shop the Kobo Clara Colour, Clara BW, Libra Colour, Kobo Stylus 2, and Kobo Remote.
• Online availability for these Rakuten Kobo products remains on kobo.com, Staples, Target, and more.

If you've ever wanted to physically shop Rakuten Kobo products, you're getting your wish. Today (Aug 27), Rakuten unveiled its newest partnership with a major retailer across the U.S.

A press release states Rakuten Kobo e-reader products are heading to 500 Best Buy stores across the U.S. This will be the first time that consumers can shop in stores for Rakuten Kobo products. Previously, as the company highlights in its post, consumers could only shop online for these e-readers.

To complement the retailer expansion, Rakuten Kobo's CEO, Michael Tamblyn, said, "Many readers want to be able to pick up a device, see the screen, and feel it in their hands before they commit. With Kobo eReaders now available at Best Buy, more American customers can do just that."

Coming to Best Buy stores will be the Rakuten Kobo Clara Colour and Kobo Clara BW. Both devices are "compact and waterproof." What's more, consumers can shop the expansive Kobo Libra Colour. Rounding out Rakuten Kobo's retail expansion are the Kobo Stylus 2 and the Kobo Remote accessories. While it's nice to actually see and envision how these tablets would look in your hands in a cozy chair, Rakuten Kobo says there's more to experience.

After purchasing, the post states each e-reader provides access to the Kobo Store and Kobo Plus. The former lets you shop for new books to read, while the latter is a subscription service. Kobo Plus offers a selection of packages with "support for a wide range of eBook formats, and an industry-leading experience for borrowing eBooks directly from local public libraries with Libby and OverDrive."

More e-readers hit Best Buy

We covered Rakuten Kobo's launch of the Libra Colour and Clara Colour. These tablets feature E Ink's Kaledio 3 module screens with stronger processing and improved battery capacities. The Libra Colour, which is what consumers can find in-store at Best Buy, features a 7-inch display, 32GB of storage, and full support for the Kobo Stylus 2. Another highlight of the Libra Colour is its ergonomic design.

Rakuten Kobo worked on its form factor with comfort in mind for longer reading sessions. If you enjoy reading a physical book, the Libra Colour might give you those same vibes—it's just digital.

For all consumers interested in Rakuten Kobo e-readers, or those curious if their store has any, you can check on Best Buy today. If you prefer the online route, Rakuten Kobo says you can still find its e-readers on kobo.com, Staples, Target, and more.

What you need to know

• Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 FE with a 6.7-inch display, and One UI 9 (Android 17), beating the rest of the Galaxy S26 series to the newest software.
• While the display remains the same to the S25 FE, the battery is also similar, arriving at 4,900mAh with 45W wired charging.
• The S26 FE features a 50MP main lens, and Samsung equipped it with the flagship series' Nightography and My FanCam from its latest foldables.
• Consumers can find the Galaxy S26 FE for $699 starting on September 3 at "select carriers" before a wider market debut on September 4.

This morning (Aug 27), Samsung fully unveiled the Galaxy S26 FE, and this slightly more affordable phone is bringing the latest software before its flagship siblings.

In a press release, Samsung states the Galaxy S26 FE runs One UI 9 (Android 17) out of the box before the flagship S26 series. According to Samsung, One UI 9 brings more "intuitive" Galaxy AI features. Consumers will recognize several features, such as Google's Circle to Search, Samsung's Now Nudge, and Now Brief. Now Nudge suggests actions you can take above your keyboard. Now Brief is more personalized, displaying quick weather insights or wellness insights daily.

Something you can immerse your eyeballs in is the S26 FE's 6.7-inch AMOLED display, like its predecessor. Samsung states the screen can reach a maximum 120Hz refresh rate. Internally, the phone is equipped with the company's Exynos 2500 SoC. This was Samsung's 2025 chip that debuted a month before its foldables. It said it upgraded the chip with "powerful" AI capabilities and CPU performance.

What's also remained the same between the S26 FE and the S25 FE is the battery. The latest model offers a 4,900mAh cell with 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging.

Samsung carved out space for the Galaxy S26 FE's camera features. The device offers the following rear cameras: a 50MP main lens, 12MP ultra-wide camera, and an 8MP telephoto. The selfie lens arrives at 12MP.

Consumers will find Super Steady and the flagship series' Nightography available for the S26 FE. The former helps capture fast-moving subjects so everything looks smooth in playback. Nightography is Samsung's night mode for capturing "clear shots in low light." One camera feature the S26 FE has received that Samsung's latest foldables have is "My FanCam."

Imagine going to a concert and wanting to capture your favorite member fully without any distraction. Samsung says My FanCam can focus on a singular subject, "intelligently reframing video as the scene moves, so users can turn dynamic moments into social-ready content with less manual editing." Photo Assist helps freshen up your images after the fact, while Gemini Omni lets users create quick photos based on content in their Gallery.

If you're considering the Galaxy S26 FE, Samsung says it has committed to seven years of software updates (security patches, too). What if you're switching from iOS to Android? Samsung highlights the upgrades to Smart Switch, which makes it easier for users to swap from an iPhone to a Galaxy S26 FE by scanning a QR code. Users can wirelessly transfer their files over Wi-Fi, including passwords, passkeys, call history, and more.

Samsung Care is an option for consumers when purchasing the device, as well as a 6-month free trial of Google AI Pro.

The Galaxy S26 FE will be available on September 3 for "select carriers." On September 4, consumers can find it at samsung.com, carriers, and retailers across the U.S. for $699. The S26 FE can be found in Pistachio, Blueberry, and Graphite with the following RAM/storage options: 8/126GB and 8/256GB.

What you need to know

• The Fitbit Air now comes in a Pokémon Sleep Special Edition with a Sleeping Pikachu strap.
• The special edition tracker keeps its lightweight design, week-long battery, 50-meter water resistance, optical heart-rate sensor, and skin-temperature monitoring.
• Overnight sleep and naps sync automatically with Pokémon Sleep through Health Connect on Android or Apple Health on iOS.
• Sleep Score boosts Snorlax’s Strength to create “Drowsy Power,” with higher scores unlocking rarer Pokémon sleep styles.

The Fitbit Air made its quiet debut earlier this year as Google's lightest wearable yet, but today it’s getting a colorful makeover that will make it much harder to ignore. Google has announced the Fitbit Air Special Edition Pokémon Sleep that turns your morning grogginess into in-game gains.

If you’ve been MIA since the Air landed in early 2026, here’s the TL;DR: It's the screen-free tracker that weighs just 12 grams total. As Derrek Lee put it in his review for Android Central, this thing is forgettable in the best way. You put it on and forget it’s there, which is the whole point if you’re trying to get some quality sleep. The week-long battery is a lovely touch as well.

The Pokémon Sleep edition retains all the things that make the Air so good — the 50-meter water resistance, the optical heart rate sensor, and the skin temperature monitoring — but swaps out the strap for one with a sleeping Pikachu.

What’s interesting about this slight makeover is what happens when you plug your Fitbit Air into the Pokémon Sleep app. Your overnight sleep and daytime naps are auto-synced through Health Connect on Android or Apple Health on iOS, importing your sleep duration stats straight into the game.

When you wake up, Pokémon with sleep types similar to yours gather around Snorlax, and your Sleep Score multiplies Snorlax's Strength to generate "Drowsy Power." The higher that number, the rarer the sleep styles you'll discover.

Under the hood is Google Health’s sleep tracking, which now uses machine learning algorithms that are 15% more accurate at picking up sleep stages, naps, and those pesky overnight interruptions. With every purchase, you get a three-month trial to Google Health Premium, which gives you access to the AI-powered Health Coach that analyzes your trends and offers personalized tips.

Preorders for the Fitbit Air Special Edition Pokémon Sleep start today at the Google Store and Target, with shipping beginning September 15. It's limited to the U.S. and Japan, so if you’ve been waiting for a reason to finally track your sleep, your Pikachu-themed excuse just arrived.

What you need to know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What you need to know

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

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

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

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

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

Fixing some struggles

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

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

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

What you need to know

• Motorola has detailed the new features coming to its phones with the upcoming Android 17 software update.
• Android 17 will bring stackable widgets, themed icons, Live Updates, and AI-powered notification summaries.
• More than 50 Motorola phones are confirmed to receive Android 17, including recent Razr and Edge models.

We finally know what features Motorola is bringing to its phones with the Android 17 update.

Now that Google has rolled out Android 17 for Pixel phones, more brands are starting to detail their own updates. We recently saw Nothing showcase Nothing OS 5.0 based on Android 17, and now Motorola has revealed some of the features coming to its devices.

As detailed on Motorola India's support page, the Android 17 update will bring changes to the home screen and notifications, alongside several new security features. One of the biggest additions is stackable widgets, which will let users combine multiple widgets into a single block on the home screen. Users will also be able to use themed icons and hide labels from Quick Settings tiles.

In terms of notifications, Motorola is finally adding support for Live Updates, alongside notification summaries that can condense longer notifications into a single sentence for quicker reading.

Motorola also says eligible devices will use machine learning models to identify low-priority notifications and bundle them into a separate quiet section under silent notifications.

You can check out Motorola's full Android 17 changelog below:

Home screen and quick settings improvements

Stackable widgets

You can now stack widgets, combining multiple widgets into a single block on your home screen. Instead of taking up several grids on your home screen for your weather, calendar, battery and music player, stack them and swipe the stack to switch between them.

Themed icons

You can now use an icon theme that coordinates with your overall theme. Touch & hold a blank space on your Home screen, then tap Home settings > Themed icons.

Hide quick setting labels when using Classic style

If you're using Classic style for quick settings, you can now hide labels on the settings tiles. Hiding them frees up screen space if you already recognise the icons.

Improved notifications

Live updates

Live updates let apps to display real-time, ongoing data. Instead of sending multiple notifications, an app can now continuously update a single live snippet in your status bar or notifications. You can turn these on or off.

Notification summaries

You can now peek at your notifications for a one-sentence summary of a lengthy group chat or a rapid-fire thread from messaging apps (like WhatsApp or Messages).

Organised notifications

Your phone now organises your notifications to separate your personal messages from clutter and automated alerts. It uses machine learning to screen lower-priority notifications and bundles them into separate, quiet folders under the Silent section of your notifications.

New settings

Enhanced HDR brightness control

When you view HDR content – like an Ultra HDR photo in Google Photos, a HDR video on YouTube or an HDR feed on Instagram – your phone's display automatically sets brightness to its highest limits to make the highlights pop.

You can now limit this brightness to a more comfortable level by adjusting the intensity of Enhanced HDR brightness or turning it off to force HDR photos and videos to play at a normal brightness level.

New sharing features in Connected devices

There are two new ways to share in Settings > Connected devices:

To share a photo or file with one other person, use Tap to Share by placing your phones together. To share with a reusable group, use Quick Drop to send photos or files to friends or a team simultaneously.

Other improvements

Android system upgrades add more than new features. Using the latest Android update provides other improvements such as:

Enhanced security and protection to defend against evolving threats like malware, phishing and data breaches.

App compatibility with newer apps, which often require the latest Android version to function correctly.

Performance improvements that optimise your phone's operating system for smoother performance, better stability and, in some cases, longer battery life.

Bug fixes and stability enhancements to resolve known issues and improve overall reliability and stability

There are a few other changes coming as well. As highlighted in a report by FoneArena, Motorola's Android 17 update will bring improvements to cross-platform Quick Share, although that still doesn't include AirDrop compatibility with iPhones. You can also expect features like Audio Sharing, a refreshed Quick Settings panel, and improved HDR brightness management.

Motorola has already confirmed that Android 17 will roll out to more than 50 devices, including several recent Razr and Edge models. You can check out the full list of Motorola phones getting Android 17 right here.

What you need to know

• Counterpoint Research published its report concerning the top 10 best-selling phones globally for Q2, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra surprised the results.
• The Galaxy S26 Ultra, a premium phone, topped the charts for Android, marking the first time such a device has done so.
• While Samsung and Apple dominated the top 10 in Q2 2026, Apple's iPhone 17 was number one.

Research data is taking a look back at individual phone performance for Q2 2026. The discovery? A premium phone topped Android's charts for the very first time.

This week, Counterpoint Research published its research into the global best-selling phones for Q2 2026, and one device was a surprise (via 9to5Google). The Galaxy S26 Ultra turned heads this past quarter, as the device claimed the top spot in the best-selling Android phone sector. Counterpoint cites its senior analyst, Harshit Rastogi, who said the S26 Ultra's performance "marks the first time an ultra-premium Android device has led Android sales in a June quarter."

Rastogi highlighted the Ultra phone's Q2 performance over Q1 2026. Considering Samsung's first Galaxy Unpacked this year, sales "shifted more into Q2." What's more, research shows that the S26 Ultra not only outperformed the S25 Ultra, but it also accounted for "more than half of the series' sales" this year. While this is a first for Android, Samsung isn't at the top of the global best-selling phone list in Q2.

That belongs to Apple's iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 Pro Max followed up in second, then it's the 17 Pro. The Galaxy S26 Ultra sits in fourth place, with the more expected Android leader, the Galaxy A07 (a mid-range phone), in fifth. Compared to this time last year, Apple and Samsung dominate the top 10 best-selling phones. In Q2 2025, Xiaomi snuck into the eighth spot, but not this time.

Counterpoint adds that Apple and Samsung total 26% of the global smartphone sales, a 2% increase YoY.

A downward trend

Samsung and Apple's positive Q2 2026 was highlighted in another research report published by Omdia in July. It noted a 2% and 4% increase, respectively, for the companies. Omdia reported that the global smartphone market dipped 4% in Q2, placing the blame on the memory crisis. The current outlook on the smartphone market isn't a pleasant one. According to Omdia's projections, the market may continue to drop into Q3, then Q4.

This would be significant, considering the holiday season is when the market tends to rise. In its report, Runar Bjorhovde, principal analyst at Omdia, said the "sharpest volume decline" is expected in the two upcoming quarters. "Contrained memory chip" supply and the issues that accompany it could sour a time when there are multiple device launches, festivities, and sales.

What you need to know

• Meta has reportedly reached a $16 billion settlement with 29 states involving claims that its social media platforms "harmed young users."
• Not only have Facebook and Instagram reportedly "fueled" a nationwide mental health crisis, but the addictive nature does not help.
• Following the settlement, Meta will need to roll out changes to its platforms to reduce the addictive nature for younger users with usage limits and more.

Lawsuits have been filed against Meta in several states over the past few months over how its social media platform addict children. Another has been settled, pushing Meta to shell out over $16 billion.

A major settlement such as this isn't the only thing Meta is forced to do. Following coverage by Reuters, Meta will also need to make sweeping changes to how younger audiences interact with its platforms. For context, this $16.68 billion settlement involved claims from 29 states. Each state claimed that Meta's social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram) "harmed young users."

Specifically, these platforms reportedly "fueled a nationwide youth mental health crisis." Meta has continued to disagree with these allegations. Regardless, to reduce the "addictive nature" of its platforms for younger users, Meta will restrict nighttime use of Facebook and Instagram. Meta will also beef up its defenses to keep kids away from "age-restricted" content, while introducing a new daily usage limit.

The addictive or potentially mentally harmful sides of social media were the highlights behind these claims. However, Reuters mentions another side of these claims that also makes up this $16 billion settlement: child privacy. According to the post, the 29 states claim Meta "violated the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act" by collecting data from kids without consent.

What's more, Meta allegedly used this data to train its AI systems. It should only be a matter of time before we see the result of this settlement hit Facebook and Instagram for youth accounts.

A prevoius case

This has been a long-standing issue for Meta over the past few months. In March, we highlighted CNBC's coverage of a Los Angeles case involving YouTube and Meta's "negligence." The trial concerned Kaley (otherwise known as K.G.M.), a young woman who said she had become "addicted" to social media as a child. According to K.G.M., this addiction led to severe mental health issues as she got older. K.G.M. is now 20 years old.

In their argument, K.G.M. said the "infinite scrolling" aspect of social media is where the addiction begins. Additionally, the case in Los Angeles highlighted the influx of notifications one would receive from these platforms, which didn't help. Meta disagreed with the claims, as it's done in the recent settlement involving 29 states. The company also leaned on K.G.M.'s therapists to say that none of these claims were "the cause" of her mental health issues.

What you need to know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What you need to know

• Samsung is reportedly rolling out One UI 9 Beta 6 to enrolled Galaxy S26 users in South Korea, India, the U.K., Germany, and Poland.
• The update is just under 1GB, and features a small selection of fixes for display errors and Expert RAW.
• Funnily enough, One UI 9.5 rumors have surfaced online, despite One UI 9 still not available for stable users.

It's been almost two weeks since the last One UI 9 beta, and now a sixth edition is rolling out to enrolled Galaxy S26 users. All we're wondering about is a stable launch.

Earlier this morning (Aug 25), Samsung started rolling out One UI 9 Beta 6 to enrolled Galaxy S26 series users (via SamMobile). Samsung is only fixing a handful of problems its devices have experienced, but users will still have to download an 851MB file. According to its patch notes, Beta 6 is fixing a "display error" with the Now Brief widget. Similarly, the notes highlight another pair of display errors being fixed: one for the Home Screen and another for the camera widget.

What's more, the changelog details a fix for an issue where "images are saved differently at specific focal lengths when shooting with Expert RAW 24MP."

On X, tipster Tarun Vats states One UI 9 Beta 6 is rolling out in South Korea, India, the U.K., Germany, and Poland. Any enrolled testers in the U.S. should begin seeing it as the week progresses. Vats states Beta 6 lacks any new features for Galaxy S26 users. It seems like, once again, Galaxy S26 users are treated to a beta full of bug fixes and nothing new.

The one thing many are waiting on is a stable launch of One UI 9, and there's still no telling when that could be.

Still a One UI 9 waiting room

A couple of weeks ago, Samsung rolled out One UI 9 Beta 5 to Galaxy S26 users. This patch was larger, rolling in at 1.1GB. However, it consisted mostly of bug fixes (and there was a long list of them). Beta 5 also included the August 2026 security update, so that was a welcome addition to testers. While another beta was fine, what shone brighter earlier this month were One U 9.5 rumors. A tipster on social media claimed that a test build for One UI 9.5 for the Galaxy S26 was discovered.

Additional rumors quickly surfaced, as Samsung could chase a familiar UI redesign for its next major release. Samsung's One UI could take after Apple's Liquid Glass for "visual depth" across multiple elements. Taking after Apple seems to be the running trend for Samsung as of late. What's more, App Lock was reported for One UI 9.5, meaning users could lock apps behind biometrics, a password, and more.

What you need to know

• GrapheneOS announced in a Mastodon thread that it is planning to roll out its software on regular, next-gen Motorola phones in 2027.
• The company says a lot of work is being done on its end and Motorola's to ensure this happens next year.
• GrapheneOS states it also plans to support Moto's next-gen foldables (Razr Fold, Razr Ultra) after it hits slab phones.
• Motorola announced a partnership with GrapheneOS during MWC 2026 to bring a more secure, private OS to consumers.

GrapheneOS is an Android alternative that is much more security/privacy-focused. For this reason, many have awaited updates from GrapheneOS about Motorola phones, which it has now provided.

This week, GrapheneOS posted a lengthy thread on Mastodon about its partnership with Motorola and when those consumers can find its software (via GSMArena). According to its thread, GrapheneOS expects to have everything ready for Motorola's phone launches in 2027. A few moving parts need to align for this to work properly. GrapheneOS states that Motorola is "doing a large portion of the work" to port its software onto its phones.

It's been stated that this privacy-focused version of Android should arrive on "non-folding devices" first, per its partnership with Motorola. However, GrapheneOS says it's working to bring the experience to foldables, such as future Razr Folds and Razr Ultras. What's more, the thread highlights Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon chips. These SoCs have "more mature support for MTE" (memory tagging) and "secure element support."

This should help GrapheneOS arrive smoothly on Motorola's phones next year. The company responded to a comment, clarifying that future iterations of the Moto Signature, Razr Fold, and Razr Ultra should support GrapheneOS. The post says "current generation Motorola devices don't meet our requirements." So anyone looking forward to the software should keep their eye on 2027 reveals.

The thread quickly mentions that GrapheneOS support is headed to Google's Pixel 11 series, too.

A more secure phone

It's been a few months since we've had this conversation about Motorola and GrapheneOS. During MWC 2026, the House of Moto Indigo announcement was shored up by an exciting GrapheneOS partnership reveal. The partnership would involve Motorola's "security expertise, real‑world user insights, and Lenovo’s ThinkShield solutions." The prime focus here is user security/privacy, and Motorola stated that it was beginning a joint research project with GrapheneOS for this reason.

The company teased that more information would become available in the future, which we're seeing now via a Mastodon thread. This is a huge development from Motorola that will likely put a spotlight on it moving into 2027.

What you need to know

• New Galaxy S27 Ultra renders show Samsung moving away from its familiar vertical camera design.
• The Galaxy S27 Ultra could feature a horizontal camera plateau that looks similar to the iPhone 17 Pro.
• Samsung is expected to finally add native Qi2 magnets, enabling MagSafe-compatible accessories without a case.
• The redesign could also make room for a larger battery, while Samsung may finally ditch the old 10MP 3x camera.

Newly leaked renders of the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra have now given us our best look yet at what the device could look like in real life.

It was recently reported that Samsung is cooking up a major redesign for the Galaxy S27 Ultra next year. The leak suggested Samsung is planning to move away from the vertical camera layout we've seen for years in favor of a horizontal camera plateau, similar to the iPhone 17 Pro series.

And now, new renders from OnLeaks in collaboration with Android Headlines give us a much better look at that design.

As you can see in the renders, Samsung is indeed moving away from its familiar vertical camera layout. Instead, the Galaxy S27 Ultra features a large horizontal camera plateau across the back, with two prominent camera lenses on the left and a vertical pill-shaped section next to them housing the remaining sensors and LED flash.

And honestly, it's pretty hard to look at these renders and not see the similarities with Apple's latest iPhones. The Galaxy S27 Ultra definitely seems to take some design inspiration from the iPhone 17 Pro lineup.

Alongside the renders, the publication has also shared the alleged dimensions of the device, which reportedly measure around 163.76 x 78.25 x 7.97mm. That's pretty close to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, so despite the major camera redesign, the overall size of the phone shouldn't change dramatically. The report also suggests Samsung may finally ditch the aging 10MP 3x telephoto camera.

One benefit of the new design could be native Qi2 support. The Galaxy S27 Ultra's new design should allow Samsung to finally integrate the Qi2 Magnetic Power Profile directly into the phone, meaning you'll be able to attach Qi2 and MagSafe accessories without needing a magnetic case.

That said, it remains to be seen whether Samsung actually takes advantage of the extra space and adds native Qi2 support this time around. The redesigned internals could also reportedly give Samsung more room for a larger battery, although we don't have concrete details about the capacity just yet.

What do you think of the Galaxy S27 Ultra's new look now that we've seen these renders? Do you like the redesign, or does it look a little too much like an iPhone? Let us know in the comments.

What you need to know

• The Garmin Fenix 9's AMOLED screen is twice as bright as the Fenix 8, with sapphire glass, leakproof buttons, and 40-meter dive resistance.
• The Fenix 9 Pro features Garmin’s first titanium Fenix case, which uses nano-molding to combine metal and plastic, reducing thickness while keeping the watch lightweight.
• Navigation is noticeably faster: 50% more RAM and a new map engine make map panning up to 30% faster, while 64GB storage doubles map capacity and holds up to 7,000 songs.

Garmin is giving its flagship adventure watch a serious refresh with the Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro, building on the Fenix 8 with brighter displays, faster maps, new training insights, and a more capable phone-free experience. The Fenix 9's AMOLED panel is twice as bright as its predecessor, and Garmin has included a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, leakproof buttons, and 40-meter dive resistance.

The bigger technical jump comes from what Garmin changed underneath. The Fenix 9 has 50% more RAM than the Fenix 8 and a new map engine that makes panning up to 30% faster. A new perspective view adds more map detail at different distances, and 64GB of storage gives you double the map capacity and room for up to 7,000 songs.

Garmin is also expanding its rucking tools, with support for changing pack weight mid-activity, GORUCK workouts, and targets based on up to 100kg of carried weight.

When it comes to training, the new stamina zones and a stamina curve allow you to track how endurance improves with fitness and training history, providing more information on pacing for athletes. With compatible equipment, indoor rowers also get VO2 Max and power-curve insights.

And then there’s the Fenix 9 Pro. The watch is the first to feature Garmin’s titanium Fenix case, made using nano-molding technology that combines metal and plastic at the molecular scale. Garmin says the approach keeps the watch lightweight while reducing its overall thickness.

On the software side, both watches introduce Garmin Epic to group multi-day workouts into single shareable stories.

The Pro’s AMOLED models go up to 3,000 nits, and the 51mm model uses a 1.5-inch display without a bigger case. Selected models also have solar charging like most fan-favorite Garmin watches, a green flashlight mode, and inReach connectivity for calls, messaging, LiveTrack, location sharing, weather updates, and SOS assistance.

The Fenix 9 starts at $1,000 and the Fenix 9 Pro at $1,100. Both are available in 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes, with battery life up to 29 days for the Fenix 9 and 31 days for the largest AMOLED Pro. Solar versions can last 57 days.

What you need to know

• Qualcomm's next-generation Oryon CPU will reach clock speeds of up to a whopping 5GHz.
• The new Oryon CPU uses a fully custom design, giving Qualcomm greater control over performance and efficiency.
• Qualcomm's new FlexCache lets CPU cores dynamically share cache, helping improve gaming and multitasking performance.
• Qualcomm is expected to unveil two new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipsets at its Snapdragon Summit in September.

Ahead of the Snapdragon Summit next month, Qualcomm has shared more details about its next-generation Oryon CPU, sharing that it will be capable of reaching a whopping 5GHz clock speed.

Smartphone chipsets have become ridiculously powerful over the past few years. Apple continues to push its A-series chips forward, while Qualcomm's Snapdragon flagships have steadily brought desktop-level performance to Android phones.

Of course, we can't say the same about everyone (looking at you, Tensor G6). Now, Qualcomm looks ready to push things even further with its next-generation Oryon CPU.

Qualcomm hasn't revealed its full next-generation Snapdragon platform just yet, but says the new Oryon CPU uses a fully custom design, with the company controlling everything from the microarchitecture to the entire CPU subsystem. According to Qualcomm, that level of control is one of the reasons it can push clock speeds all the way up to 5GHz.

But Qualcomm says higher clock speeds aren't the only reason for the performance gains. The company is also focusing heavily on IPC (instructions per clock), which determines how much work the CPU can complete per clock cycle. Improvements here should translate into better performance across everyday tasks, from opening apps and browsing the web to more demanding workloads.

Qualcomm has also introduced Oryon FlexCache, a new cache architecture that allows different CPU cores to access the same dynamically allocated cache pool. Instead of assigning a fixed amount of cache to individual cores, FlexCache allows the Prime cores to access the entire available pool whenever a workload needs it.

The company says this should particularly help with workloads that constantly move between different CPU cores. In gaming, for example, better access to local cache could help stabilize frame rates and reduce stutters, while the same architecture should also help with heavier multitasking.

Qualcomm still hasn't revealed the complete details of its next Snapdragon flagship platform. The company has already teased that we'll see two Snapdragon 8 Elite chips at Snapdragon Summit 2026, though, so we should learn much more about both chipsets soon.

Snapdragon Summit 2026 is scheduled to take place from September 22 through September 24 in Hawaii.

What you need to know

• Samsung and Corning are reportedly developing self-healing display glass for the upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra.
• The new Gorilla Armor could recover from everyday micro-scratches instead of focusing purely on scratch resistance.
• Self-healing tech isn't entirely new, but the Galaxy S27 Ultra could bring it to a flagship phone's front display.
• The Galaxy S27 Ultra is also rumored to feature a major redesign with an iPhone 17 Pro-like horizontal camera plateau.

Rumors and leaks surrounding the Samsung Galaxy S27 series are starting to pick up, and the latest one claims Samsung could be working on a self-healing display for the Galaxy S27 Ultra.

Samsung already introduced a major display upgrade with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, adding its Privacy Display technology that prevents people around you from easily seeing what's on your screen. With the Galaxy S27 Ultra, though, Samsung could be preparing another major upgrade, this time allowing the display to recover from minor scratches on its own.

According to leaker Schrödinger on X, Samsung and Corning are reportedly working on a new self-healing surface for the next generation of Gorilla Armor. The goal, according to the post, is to create a display that can recover from a certain level of everyday micro-scratches over time.

Instead of simply making the glass harder and more scratch-resistant, Samsung and Corning could take a different approach. According to the leak, the surface itself may be slightly softer than the tempered glass we're used to, but would gain the ability to recover from smaller scratches on its own.

If the technology works as intended, Samsung could essentially move Gorilla Armor from focusing purely on scratch resistance to scratch recovery.

The leaker doesn't reveal much more about how the technology works or how far along Samsung and Corning are in its development. However, the feature is explicitly said to be intended for the Galaxy S27 Ultra, meaning we could potentially see it debut within the next six months.

This wouldn't be the first time we've seen self-healing technology on a smartphone. More than a decade ago, LG introduced the LG G Flex 2 with a self-healing back panel that could recover from smaller scratches. But we haven't really seen the idea make its way to the front display of a mainstream flagship, which could make Samsung's implementation particularly interesting.

There have been a few other Galaxy S27 Ultra leaks recently as well, including one suggesting a major redesign that looks eerily similar to Apple's iPhone 17 Pro lineup. Samsung could reportedly ditch its familiar vertical camera arrangement for a horizontal camera plateau stretching across the back, with two large camera lenses on the left and a pill-shaped module next to them.

Of course, nothing is set in stone just yet. The Galaxy S27 Ultra is still months away, and plenty could change before launch. But with leaks now starting to pick up, we're finally getting a better idea of what Samsung might have planned for its next flagship.

What you need to know

• PocketBook is ditching its classic wider designs for a tall, 5.84-inch e-reader that fits in your pocket.
• The PocketBook Q features a 5.84-inch E Ink Carta 1300 display with 788 × 1576 resolution and 300 DPI, packed into a 154 × 75.8 × 6.5mm body weighing just 130g.
• It has physical page-turn buttons that pair with a Linux-based OS that skips notifications, feeds, and scrolling-focused apps.

PocketBook is stepping away from the classic, wider reader designs that we typically see across its lineup. The Swiss brand is announcing the PocketBook Q, a small device that ditches traditional ebook proportions for a tall, phone-like shape.

The PocketBook Q is set to debut at IFA 2026 in Berlin, shrinking everything down to a 5.84-inch E Ink Carta 1300 screen — that's 788 × 1576 resolution at a crisp 300 DPI — packed into a body measuring 154mm x 75.8mm x 6.5mm and weighing just 130g. For reference, that's lighter than the 131g PocketBook Mini of 2013 and thinner than just about any e-reader the company ever made.

Inside is a RockChip RK3566 processor, 1GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, and a 1550mAh battery that PocketBook says will see you through well over a month of reading. The storage, in particular, is double what is on offer in the PocketBook Era, giving the tiny reader plenty of space for e-books, comics, and audio without making the device any bigger.

So why the phone format? The company is actually pushing the one-handed use. There are actual page-turn buttons on the side, so it feels more like flipping a page than swiping a screen.

The Linux-based OS is simple: no notifications, no feeds, and no apps to keep you scrolling. There are only books, audiobooks, and a text-to-speech feature that reads any text file aloud using natural-sounding voices.

PocketBook says the e-reader’s adaptive SMARTlight adjusts brightness and color temperature throughout the day.

The Q supports 25 ebook formats natively — EPUB, PDF, MOBI, AZW, CBR, you name it — and Adobe DRM and LCP for library borrowing via the pre-installed PocketBook x Libby app. It features dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 for headphones, and USB-C with OTG support. It has an IPX4 water resistance, so it’ll survive a splash, though you probably shouldn't take it swimming.

Do people want an e-reader in the shape of a phone? PocketBook is betting the answer is yes — enough to price it at €175/$235 and release it this fall.

What you need to know

• Shokz debuted a pair of earbuds early this week: the OpenFit Air2 and the OpenRun Air 2.
• The OpenFit Air 2 is the brand's latest open-ear model, featuring a lighter weight, smaller charging case, improved patented drivers and algorithm for strong audio.
• The OpenRun Air 2 is lighter than previous models with comfortable ear hooks and a neckband for stability.
• Shokz says consumers can find these earbuds on August 27, starting at $129.

If you've been eager to get running or working out, but dreading the lack of appropriate earbuds, Shokz has a dual launch that could help. The company has unveiled two products: the OpenFit Air 2 and OpenRun Air 2.

This morning (Aug 24), Shokz published a press release detailing the launch of the OpenFit Air 2 and the OpenRun Air 2. Each pair focuses on the brand's open-ear and bone conduction-style devices. To make working out comfortable, the OpenFit Air 2 is the company's "lightest OpenFit" product at 7.2g. What's more, Shokz says it's redesigned the charging case to make it ~10.5% smaller, while also making it lighter.

If you're out, Shokz highlights the OpenFit Air 2's eight-hour battery life. If you have the case, it can provide up to 36 hours of charge. However, if you're short on time, a quick 10-minute charge is said to provide up to three hours of listening.

The OpenFit Air 2 features Shokz's Bassphere driver and OpenBass 2.0 algorithm, which offer "more dynamic sound in a compact design." Technically speaking, Shokz's new buds feature a 30-degree angled speaker. Since this is an open-ear product, the OpenFit Air 2 will direct sound into your ear for a "natural listening experience." This works in tandem with DirectPitch tech to make sure your audio remains private to you, and there's no leakage.

Grabbing your phone, Shokz says consumers can download its app (Shokz App) to personalize your earbuds' sound with custom EQ profiles and four preset EQ modes. Sweat and water resistance help make the OpenFit Air 2 hold its own while you're exercising.

The OpenFit Air 2 starts at $129; available in black, white, and Ice Blue on August 27.

OpenRun Air 2

The OpenRun Air 2 is the company's latest bone conduction entry this year. Similar to the OpenFit Air 2, this product is 9% smaller, with a weight of 26.4g. Shokz highlights the Run's lighter and lower-profile approach compared to past versions. Of course, being a pair of bone conduction earbuds, the OpenRun Air 2 features unibody ear hooks and a neckband. Shokz says these should help facilitate better stability.

On the other hand, we have PremiumPitch 3.0 to help the OpenRun Air 2's bone conduction driver. According to the post, this upgraded driver is an "all-metal, dual-coil, dual-reed structure engineered to deliver richer bass, greater vocal detail, and a more balanced listening experience than OpenRun."

Consumers will receive 10 hours of listening on a full charge with the OpenRun Air 2. A quick five-minute charge in its case is said to deliver up to two hours of listening. If you're missing physical buttons, the OpenRun Air 2 provides a few. Shokz says these buttons offer "precise" listening control, alongside a microphone with AI-powered noise reduction software for calls. Users can also download the Shokz App for the OpenRun Air 2 for similar custom EQ profiles and modes like the OpenFit Air 2.

On August 27, consumers can find the OpenRun Air 2 for $129 in black and Ice Blue. Additionally, Shokz has made this product available in Standard and Mini sizes.

What you need to know

• Samsung may revive its luxury foldable strategy with a Galaxy Z Fold 8 special edition planned for the second half of 2026.
• Thom Browne is reportedly a top contender, potentially bringing back a partnership that last appeared with the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
• Availability will likely be limited, with select-market launches and a substantial price premium over the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Samsung has never treated its foldables as just another smartphone. Over the years, the company has collaborated with fashion labels like Thom Browne and Maison Margiela to give its Galaxy Z lineup a more exclusive edge. That approach could be making a comeback with the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

According to reliable tipster Lanzuk on Naver Blog, Samsung is working on a luxury-brand collaboration for the Z Fold 8, with a special edition reportedly aimed at the second half of 2026. Samsung hasn’t confirmed any partnership, but Thom Browne is one of the leading candidates.

That would make sense, considering the companies’ history. Samsung has previously launched Thom Browne editions of the original Galaxy Z Flip, Z Fold 2, Z Fold 3, and Z Fold 5. These weren’t just simple reskins, either. They were available with custom hardware finishes (pebble gray, matte white, and even a sleek black suit-inspired design for the Z Fold 5), along with deep software customizations that extended even to the packaging and accessories like watches and S Pens. The last two generations of Folds missed this treatment, but it looks like the runways are clearing for a return.

Samsung’s last Thom Browne release is a good hint of how things might go. The Z Fold 5 edition wasn't simply a different paint job: Samsung included a matching Galaxy Watch 6 and exclusive accessories, hinting at how these collaborations can transform a phone launch into a broader lifestyle package.

Of course, Thom Browne is not the only option available. Samsung has previously partnered with Maison Margiela on the Z Flip 4 and Z Flip 5, so the tech giant could easily opt for another collaborator or someone entirely new. The gray-and-stripe look has become a collector's hallmark, and given how much previous bundles commanded eye-watering prices — the Z Fold 2 Thom Browne Edition retailed for $3,299 and still trades at a premium on secondary markets — it’s safe to say the Z Fold 8 luxury edition won’t be a budget-friendly affair.

Whoever it is, expect the usual limited quantities, rollout in select markets, and a price tag that's a significant jump from the standard model. The Fold 8 is on a roll, so a designer drop would be the perfect way to keep it in the limelight. We should hear more concrete details over the coming weeks.