Latest from Android Central in Accessories

Best Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro cases

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 19:11:49 +0000

Google has lifted the veil on the Pixel 11 series, and it's a fun color story across the board. The good news is, the base and Pro models share dimensions once again, measuring 6.0 in (height) x 2.8 in (width) x 0.3 in (depth), so the best Google Pixel 11 cases and the best Google Pixel 11 Pro cases are one and the same.

You might have spotted many first and third-party cases for the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro being sold separately. Don't worry about that, because you can use cases for either phone on the other. This just makes the color range even wider, so go ham on these awesome cases!

Dress up your Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro in a sleek, sturdy number

Google Pixelsnap Case for Pixel 11 & Pixel 11 Pro

Best overall

Google offers perfectly-fitted Pixelsnap cases with colors to match each of the Pixel 11 and 11 Pro's colorways. The first-party Google Pixelsnap Case is drop-tested for everyday drop and scratch protection, and it has a soft lining inside too.

Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit for Pixel 11

Best clear

The Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit is my favorite clear case because it outlasts far more expensive alternatives, clearly delivering superb value for money. It adds reasonable drop-proofing and works with wireless charging and magnetic accessories.

Bellroy Leather Case with Pixelsnap for Pixel 11 & Pixel 11 Pro

Best leather

The slim Bellroy Leather Case is officially Pixelsnap-compatible and comes in a range of colors that match the colorways of the Pixel 11 and the Pixel 11 Pro's official colorways. The hot pink Azalea is the most striking look, with the leather elevating its sleekness.

Poetic Revolution for Pixel 11 & Pixel 11 Pro

Best rugged

I have literally thrown this phone case from the second floor and my Pixel still survived in the military-grade Poetic Revolution case. For heavy-duty options, this is hands down the best Pixel 11 & Pixel 11 Pro case, and affordable too!

TORRAS Q3 Spin for Google Pixel 11 Pro

Best with ring stand

There are many useful cases offered by TORRAS, but the brand's slim Q3 Spin for Google Pixel 11 Pro stands out as the best case with a ring-shaped stand that also acts as a spinning phone holder. The cherry on top is that the ring is magnetic too!

Thinborne Pixel 11 Case

Best thin

The Thinborne Pixel 11 Case is miraculously thin, measuring only 0.09mm wide and weighing just 0.73 ounces light. This thin 600D Aramid Fiber case comes in black, blue, and red, and supports magnetic accessories.

FNTCASE Google Pixel 11 Pro Translucent Matte Case

Best color range

FNTCASE makes the cheapest Pixel 11 and 11 Pro case that covers all the basics and costs below $15. Most enticingly, it comes in a crazy range of 13 colors, all of which have a translucent matte finish with a magnetic ring on the back.

Case-Mate Floral Gems with Magnet Pixel 11 Case

Most fashionable

Case-Mate's Floral Gems with Magnet Pixel 11 Case is both stylish and protective, promising up to 12ft of drop protection for your Pixel 11. It has a transparent body mostly, adorned with glitzy florals and a glittery magnetic ring.

OtterBox Google Pixel 11 & Pixel 11 Pro Defender Series Pro Case

Best slim and tough

OtterBox is a cult classic case brand when it comes to heavy-duty protection. The brand has finessed its craft, delivering us this nautical-looking slim tough case that delivers seven times military-grade drop-proofing, as well as magnetic support.

Back to the top ^

The Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro case drip is too good

Hats off to the first and third-party case makers for the Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro, because the sheer variety of cases available is phenomenal. There are hundreds more where these came from, but I have selected only the best pick of the crop, especially considering the small nature of the two Pixel 11 models.

No matter your budget or your priority, there's an excellent Pixel 11 case for you on this list. Whether you want a clear magnetic case or something made of high-grade leather, I've got you covered.

If you don't know how to choose the right Pixel 11 case, think of your budget, whether you want the case to be heavy or light, and if you need extras like a stand or ring. The best overall Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro case is easily Google's own Pixelsnap Case, as it matches the Pixel 11 colorways perfectly, is made of recycled plastic, has a soft lining inside, and has Pixelsnap support. Not to mention, Google promises everyday drop and scratch resistance. It's good enough for any Pixel 11 or 11 Pro owner.

There are plenty of epic alternatives if you don't want to go with a first-party pick, including both tough cases and slim cases. Sift through the categories and find the right pick for your needs from the picks I've listed in this guide. Happy hunting!

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 just got better at blocking noise and translating

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

What you need to know

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 now actively adjust noise cancellation in real time to counteract subtle shifts or seal slips during movement.
Audio settings like EQ adjustments (such as boosting bass) can now be toggled on demand using simple voice commands.
Tapping an earbud activates near real-time listening for over 70 languages, while your connected Pixel phone can broadcast your spoken response back in the target language.

Google’s new earbuds are leaving hardware updates behind in favor of smarter software tricks. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a, which debuted today alongside the Pixel 11 series, are receiving a set of hands-free features to make the earbuds much more adaptable for daily use starting this fall.

The big upgrade is Dynamic ANC, which addresses a surprisingly common issue with earbuds: your fit can change while you’re wearing them. The first-generation Pixel Buds Pro used the standard Silent Seal tech for active noise canceling.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 can now handle slight changes to the seal to keep noise cancelation stronger. That sounds like a useful extension of the Pro 2's existing ANC system, which Google says already cancels up to twice as much noise as the original Pixel Buds Pro.

Google is bringing Gemini closer to the controls, too. You can use your voice to change settings, like telling Google to turn up the bass without having to grab your phone.

Sleep tracking is getting a Pixel ecosystem boost. A Pixel Watch can detect when you’ve gone to sleep and pause playback, turn off touch controls, and mute notifications.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Live Translate is another major leap forward. Pressing the Buds switches you to listening mode so you can get the gist of more than 70 languages in near real time without handling your phone. You can also speak normally and have your Pixel phone say the translated response to the other person.

The hardware is still familiar. The Pro 2 is 27% smaller and 24% lighter than the original Pixel Buds Pro, and it comes with Google’s Tensor A1 chip and a redesigned fit.

Additionally, there's a new Olive finish. Orders will open August 12, with software features rolling out starting in September.

The Pixel Tag takes Google’s Find Hub network to the next level

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

What you need to know

The Pixel Tag debuts alongside the Pixel 11 series as Google’s first in-house Bluetooth tracker.
The thin, oval-shaped Pixel Tag weighs just 11.8g and carries an IP67 rating, but it lacks a built-in keyring hole.
Google taps its network of more than 1 billion Android devices to help locate lost items beyond Bluetooth range.
UWB and Bluetooth Channel Sounding provide distance and directional guidance, with UWB working up to 50 meters from the paired phone.

Google is finally stepping into the Bluetooth tracker race. The search giant has unveiled the Pixel Tag along with its Pixel 11 series at today’s Made by Google event.

The Pixel Tag combines the Find Hub network with Ultra Wideband and Bluetooth Channel Sounding. It’s a departure from the circular disk design of its competitors and takes a thin oval pebble-like shape in a color simply called "Fog." It weighs roughly 0.4 ounces and has an IP67 water and dust resistance rating.

However, there’s one very major design choice that could split opinions: there’s no dedicated keyring hole. Like the AirTag, you’ll need to purchase a separate case to attach it to your keys.

Software-wise, the Pixel Tag is tightly integrated with Google’s Find Hub network. It’s basically a more advanced Find My Device system that leverages a network of over a billion Android devices to create a crowdsourcing location network. It employs Fast Pair for quick setup.

The basics are familiar if you’ve been using a Bluetooth tracker. Attach the Pixel Tag to your keys, wallet, or luggage, then use the Find Hub app to find it on a map or trigger the built-in speaker to sound.

Google also lets you share a tag with up to 10 people, which could come in handy for shared keys, bags, or other household items. Setup is handled through Android’s Fast Pair and works with phones running Android 9 or newer.

(Image credit: Google)

Compatible Android phones can use Ultra Wideband and Bluetooth Channel Sounding for precision finding, providing distance and directional cues instead of making you wander around while listening for a beep. Channel Sounding requires Android 16 and Bluetooth 6.0, while UWB precision finding requires a compatible UWB-enabled Android device and works up to 50 meters away from the paired phone.

But what really makes the Pixel Tag stand out is the built-in button that lets you ring your phone in reverse. You don’t get that on the AirTag.

The Pixel Tag measures 28 x 46.1 x 5.4mm, weighs 11.8g with its battery, carries an IP67 rating, and uses a replaceable CR2032 cell rated for more than a year.

Google will sell the Pixel Tag for $29, or four for $99, starting November 11. It works with Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds, so Google’s greater device ecosystem can help you locate your stuff.

FDA cleared a huge Samsung Galaxy Buds feature to help you hear every moment

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:13:46 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung announced that its Hearing Aid feature for the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and 4 Pro has been FDA-cleared.
It states this will work alongside its Hearing Test, which lets users use "clinical-grade, pure-tone audiometry" to test their hearing and see clear results.
Samsung says Hearing Test and Hearing Aid will arrive on the Buds 3 Pro and 4 Pro in the U.S. and other approved markets in Q4 2026.

Samsung announces that a major accessibility feature for its Galaxy Buds has cleared a key governmental hurdle.

The company announced this morning (Aug 11) that its Hearing Aid feature for the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and 4 Pro has been FDA-cleared. Samsung says this enables the previously mentioned devices "to serve as an over-the-counter hearing aid for adults (18 or older) with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss."

For users, this means you'll have access to the Galaxy Buds' Hearing Test, alongside this Hearing Aid feature. Hearing Test is self-administered from the Galaxy Buds menu in your Settings. Samsung says it uses "clinical-grade, pure-tone audiometry" to test your hearing in each ear. Hearing Test is also said to highlight any "hearing deficits." Your Galaxy Buds will generate an "audiogram" that Samsung says mirrors what you'd receive from a professional test.

Once completed, your test will categorize your results in one of the following categories: mild, moderate, severe, or profound.

Your Galaxy Buds will then use your Hearing Test results to fine-tune its Hearing Aid feature. It might boost "high frequencies, surrounding whispers, or distant voices." The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and 4 Pro benefit from familiar true hearing aid features, such as "noise elimination and beamforming." Hearing Test and the Hearing Aid feature for the Buds 3 Pro and 4 Pro will arrive on Galaxy devices in Q4 2026 in the U.S. and other approved markets.

Hear the world around you

(Image credit: Samsung)

Samsung has continued to focus on the user's hearing health ever since its huge Health app update in June. In the spirit of being proactive, Samsung announced Hearing Health. It will leverage your Galaxy Watch, phone, and Buds to monitor the noise level around you. If loud noises are a constant, your Galaxy Watch would let you know and urge you to make changes. The idea is to help users better preserve their hearing for the long term.

This capability was announced for the revamped app, which includes a lot of new health features for current and upcoming Galaxy devices. For example, the Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 feature this new Hearing Health feature right out of the box. Samsung reiterates that users can keep tabs on their Hearing Health from the Health app, and now these new features are on the way for the Galaxy Buds to take things further.

Android Central's Take

Preserving your hearing is incredibly important. It's one of those things that if you lose it, it's hard to get back. This is even more important, given that we love earbuds. It's easy to pop those in and start listening while working, reading, or walking. But we've got to be conscious about our noise level. You never want those earbuds too loud. That's something we all learned when we were kids, right?

I took the best Bose and Sony earbuds to 3 noisy places to see which cancel out the most noise

bradypsnyder@gmail.com (Brady Snyder) — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 06:05:00 +0000

So, you need a pair of ANC earbuds. Recommendations usually start with the pairs that match your smartphone: AirPods, Pixel Buds, Galaxy Buds, OnePlus Buds, or Moto Buds. If you opt for a pair of ANC earbuds from a trusted audio brand instead, you're likely choosing between Sony and Bose. I've used both the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) for months, and they're the best of the best when it comes to active noise-cancellation power.

But there can only be one best. So, I decided to take the flagship Sony and Bose earbuds to three noisy places to see how each one cancels out unwanted sound. This isn't a lab test or a benchmark — it's a real-world showdown that reflects how the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) perform in everyday scenarios. While it was close, there was one pair of ANC earbuds I consistently preferred for its ANC power.

How the specs compare

(Image credit: @tshakaarmstrong)

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2) use eight onboard microphones — four per earbud — to cancel out sound. Bose is using new AI-powered algorithms for active noise cancellation, but we don't know the specifics. The Sony WF-1000XM6 also has eight microphones split evenly between the two earbuds. Sony uses a custom QN3e processor for noise cancelation, and it's said to be 3x faster than its predecessor.

For this test, I took the Bose and Sony earbuds to loud places and tested their ANC performance. I placed the earbuds in my ears and listened for active noise cancellation without any music playing. Then, I raised the volume to a modest 50% and started playing music to see how environmental noise is perceived at a comfortable listening level.

This test is purely gauging the earbuds' ANC chops. It ignores sound quality, battery life, call quality, and other features, but every detail is covered in our full reviews of the Sony WF-1000XM6 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2).

I wore Sony and Bose earbuds in a noisy coffee shop

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

The first place I took the Sony and Bose earbuds to was my local coffee shop. I'm regularly working from a cafe, and it's a great environment. Good vibes, superb lattes, and free Wi-Fi. The one problem every digital nomad has run into is the noise. Loud espresso machines, constant chatter, and noisy foot traffic can quickly lead to distractions. The obvious solution to this issue is a pair of ANC earbuds, and that's why I brought the WF-1000XM6 and the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2) along with me.

Active noise cancellation works best with consistent noise, which is why environments like a coffee shop can trip up ANC earbuds. Sudden bursts of loud conversation or intermittent machinery can pierce the ANC barrier. When I wore the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2) without music playing, most background noise and the radio music turned to silence. However, I could still hear laughter, the espresso machine screeching, and chairs sliding around.

I then switched to the WF-1000XM6, but Sony's earbuds struggled to cancel out the mid-frequency environmental noise. Without music playing through my earbuds, I could still hear the music from the overhead radio speakers and make out nearby conversations. Interestingly, the high-pitched sounds that broke through Bose's ANC bubble were suppressed by the Sony earbuds.

Starting to play music through each pair of earbuds at 50% volume made their flaws virtually indistinguishable. With music playing, the Sony WF-1000XM6 blocked out nearly all audible background noise. The same was mostly true of the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2), except for lighter tracks with strong vocals and minimal production.

In this test, I preferred the ANC power of the Bose earbuds. I really didn't like that the Sony earbuds did little to block out the chatter and background music in the coffee shop, which can be distracting.

I wore Sony and Bose earbuds under a rumbling AC unit

(Image credit: @tshakaarmstrong)

Your air conditioning unit might be producing the loudest sound in your home. I live in the Arizona desert, so my AC is running almost nonstop this time of year. Using a sound measurement tool, I recorded my AC's noise level to be 60 decibels. That's quite loud, so I sat right underneath my air conditioner and put the Bose and Sony earbuds in my ears. These low-frequency hums and rumbles coming from your AC unit pose a challenge for even the best ANC earbuds.

Both earbuds nearly canceled out the AC unit's loud noise, but the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2) did a better job. While the Sony WF-1000XM6 made the noise less irritating, it was still there. The Bose earbuds, by comparison, made the AC unit sound silent — even without music playing. After choosing a song and setting the volume at 50%, neither pair of earbuds had a problem blocking out the annoying rumble of my air conditioner.

In this test, the win goes to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2). Based on the results of the first two tests, it seems like the Sony WF-1000XM6 isn't quite as good at negating low- and mid-frequency sounds.

I wore Sony and Bose earbuds throughout a crowded shopping mall

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

For the final test, I took the Bose and Sony earbuds to the loudest place I could think of: a crowded shopping mall on a Friday night. I walked through a supermarket, a food court, and the concourse to get a feel for how each pair of earbuds responded to the noisy environments. Unlike the first two tests, which relied heavily on low- and mid-frequency background noise, the most challenging sounds to cancel out here were in the high-frequency range.

Sony's WF-1000XM6 earbuds actually did a better job blocking out the conversations and chatter around me in the wall, and I have a hunch as to why. There was so much talking going on that all the voices blended together into a kind of white noise the Sony buds easily canceled out. This could be why the WF-1000XM6 stopped voices in their tracks here, but didn't perform as well in the less-crowded coffee shop.

In the food court, the Sony earbuds' ability to block out higher-end sounds shined. The sizzle of frying pans and the clanking of utensils were mitigated by the WF-1000XM6, whereas they were much easier to hear through the Bose earbuds. Even at 50% volume, I could still hear some of those high-pitched noises while wearing the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2).

The two pairs of earbuds didn't stand a chance at canceling out the infrequent PA announcements in the food court, but this isn't surprising. Overall, the Sony earbuds won in the mall. The chatter all blending together, paired with the high-pitched nuisance sounds, gave the WF-1000XM6 the perfect environment to put its ANC strengths on display.

Verdict

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Looking back on my week of ANC testing both the Bose and Sony earbuds, the winner on paper seems clear. More often than not, the Bose earbuds canceled out noise better than the Sony earbuds. Still, I'm not ready to write off the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds. I actually enjoyed wearing them for active noise cancellation more than the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2), because the Sony earbuds are decidedly more comfortable.

They're smaller, and don't make as tight of a seal in your ear as the Bose earbuds. Perceived ANC power has as much to do with passive sound isolation as it does active algorithmic cancellation. The very reason the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2) performed well might also be the reason I wanted to pull them out of my ears during longer listening sessions. While I found the Bose earbuds canceled out more noise on most tests, I'd reach for the Sony earbuds for their comfort anyway.

Sony

WF-1000XM6

Best for comfort

The Sony WF-1000XM6 are excellent ANC earbuds, and cancel out a whole lot of noise. Their supreme comfort helps you enjoy long listening sessions with ANC active. However, the fit may not be as secure as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2).

Bose

QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2)

Most secure fit

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) do an excellent job of staying securely in your ears, creating a seal that helps with sound isolation. This improves ANC quality, but some users may find the characteristic uncomfortable after a while.

I drop-tested the best Pixel cases (and drove over the toughest) to see what "military grade" really means

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 20:28:19 +0000

As I leaned over the railing, heart pounding and hands shaking, I questioned how I ended up here. A flagship $699 phone in hand, ready to be hurled to its death. Let me explain.

I'm big on phone cases and test them for a living. One of the most common business tactics employed by case makers is to advertise their drop protection. Buzzwords like "impact absorption," "heavy-duty," and even "military grade" are thrown around all the time.

Do they actually mean anything? And what even is military grade? I decided to use my Pixel 8 as the sacrificial lamb and put four incredibly well-known and reputable brands to the test.

I wanted to bump these cases around and fling them from the heights the brands claim they can survive, going as far as driving over the toughest case that I found.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

The four cases I chose for this drop test are the Poetic Revolution, Dbrand Grip Case, Quad Lock MAG Case, and BURGA Tough Case. These cases range from mid-range to expensive pricing.

Poetic guarantees 20ft military-grade drop protection and full-body rugged defenses.

BURGA promises reliable, everyday protection against drops, bumps, and daily wear, which I'd say should be your average accidental phone drops from your hands.

Quad Lock promises the same everyday protection from its MAG Case.

Lastly, Dbrand assures us that the Grip Case has military-grade impact resistance, but provides no exact figures in terms of drop or impact resistance.

A tumble and roll in the sack to check scratch resistance

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

To start off, I grabbed a few heavy objects, random things like my power bank and keys, and chucked them in a bag along with the Pixel 8. I shook the bag like it owed me money and repeated the process with each case.

I won't lie, I was a little nervous about the pointy keys and power bank as they are pretty solid metal objects and I usually keep them in separate compartments of my bag to be safe. I was happy to learn that the scratch-proof claims are accurate, but obviously only the back of the phone is protected. Poetic was the only exception to this rule, as it comes with a built-in screen guard. I had a screen protector on, so there were no scratches on the screen with any of the other cases either.

In fact, the only trouble I had during this part of the test was taking off the darn tough cases. Poetic gave me the most trouble, and I ended up cracking a nail taking it off.

The real test — dropped face first onto tiled floors

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Finally, the fun part arrived. I decided to drop the tough cases offering everyday protection from 5ft onto hard tiled floors. This is actually more than the typical "military standard" of drop protection.

Expert case maker SUPCASE detailed this standard, where "the phone case undergoes 26 drops from a height of 4 feet onto a plywood surface laid over a concrete base with a steel backing" to qualify.

Each one of the four cases survived unscathed, so for the next test, I moved on to the toughest contender: Poetic.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Unlike BURGA, Dbrand, and Quad Lock, Poetic takes things a lot further and promises heavy-duty 20ft drop resistance, which is about two floors of an average building.

With a mighty heave-ho, I hurled the Pixel 8 in the Poetic Revolution case from the second floor of my parents' house.

The built-in screen guard stayed glued to the top of the phone even after such a terrible drop, but the case itself came off from the impact. However, the Pixel 8 still worked perfectly afterward, with not even a scratch or crack to be found.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

The only damage was a barely discernible dent in the camera bar in the front, but it did not interfere in the functional operation. The aesthetics of the phone were largely intact too.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Unbelievably, the phone was still working. The camera lenses didn't shatter. I could still take pictures and make calls.

I decided to test just how impregnable the Poetic Revolution phone case really is and maybe took things too far with the final challenge.

I drove over the Poetic Revolution heavy-duty phone case with a car

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

And for my last trick, I decided to literally run the Poetic Revolution case over with a car.

My heart was in my mouth as I watched my dad drive over the phone in his MPV that seats seven. I was hesitant before chucking the phone off the second floor, but this was even more frightening.

Once the deed was done, I picked up the phone and...

Hallelujah! The phone was still working! The touchscreen responded as it should, I took a few pictures, sent a voice note on WhatsApp, and watched some YouTube videos.

Sure, the phone was a little dusty, but I washed off the dirt. Everything was as it should be — until I took the case off and checked the backside of the Pixel.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

It hurt to see the bottom part of the glass back with spiderweb-like cracks spreading up. Clearly, the Poetic Revolution case has its limits. One must not drive over it with a car, but that's on me. Poetic never said you could.

I am still impressed that this was after multiple back-to-back drop tests, that too in the searing hot 45°C (or 113°F) Arabian summer. I can still use the Pixel 8 to do everything it needs to do. I even washed it with water, though I do not recommend you to do that with a cracked glass back.

It charges fine, the screen works, the cameras are functional, the mic records properly, and the speakers sound as they should. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules are operating normally too.

All my ruthless drop testing proved that a good case can save your phone from disaster. The bottom line is, always get a good quality phone case. Those drop protection numbers clearly are not marketing slop. Just make sure it's a reliable brand like Poetic, not some off brand knockoff, so you can trust that the brand actually drop tested their case.

I put this NAS through 2,500 hours of testing and 50TB of writes — it's the only one I trust with my data

harish.jonnalagadda@futurenet.com (Harish Jonnalagadda) — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:11:00 +0000

As I write this, I have 78 devices connected to my home network, including phones, tablets, Windows machines, Android TVs, way too many Govee lights, and other smart home tech. The most important device, however, is my network-attached storage (NAS) system; it houses all my data, acts as my media and music server, and essentially runs my smart home.

So when it comes to selecting a new NAS, I'm exacting in my needs. I'm still using the 100TB home server I set up two years ago with the DiskStation DS1823xs+, but I wanted a new NAS solely as a media server, and there was an obvious choice: UGREEN's DXP4800 Pro.

I tested the DXP4800 Pro when it came out, and it became clear to me that it is a powerful Plex NAS. After the review, I slotted in two 24TB Seagate Exos X24 along with two 22TB IronWolf Pro NAS HDDs, and began transferring media and installing all the utilities and services I rely on every day.

How I tested the DXP4800 Pro

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

After three and a half months of extensive testing — totaling well over 2,500 hours of use — streaming 4K Plex content on well over a dozen devices, and writing 54TB of data to the drives, I can state with confidence that the DXP4800 Pro is the best all-round media server you can buy in 2026. I'll go into plenty of detail about how I tested the NAS over the last three months, but before I get started, here's a high-level overview of the hardware.

The DXP4800 Pro is a 4-bay NAS with the best internals in its class. It's powered by an Intel Core i3-1315U and has hardware transcoding (ideal for Plex and Jellyfin), 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and a 2.5 Gigabit connection, 8GB of memory, a 128GB built-in SSD, and two NVMe M.2 SSD slots. The Intel Core i3-1315U platform is a solid choice for NAS servers, and it's no surprise that most manufacturers are using it in their enthusiast models. The DXP4800 Pro is available for $719 on Amazon, and you can also buy it on UGREEN's site.

Putting the DXP4800 Pro through its paces

I started testing the DXP4800 Pro by installing UGOS Pro, UGREEN's web-based software. It has come a long way in the last 12 months and is now at a point where you don’t feel like you’re missing out on any of the basics. After installation, I created a storage pool with the four drives; I recommend using a mirrored configuration if you’re looking to set up a NAS, as that way you’ll maintain data integrity should a drive fail. As I had this data in at least two other locations (I’m obsessive about storage), I just went with JBOD.

(Image credit: Future)

Then came setting up all the services I use, and this constituted the bulk of the testing. I installed Plex and Jellyfin to manage media, an instance of Roon to manage my music library, Immich to handle photos, and Tailscale to access the NAS remotely. While Jellyfin and Home Assistant are listed in UGREEN’s app store, they’re installed as containers anyway, so I just relied on Docker to install everything. It’s easier to manage, and I get better insights into how much system resources each service is using.

I prefer installing utilities like Plex and Jellyfin via Docker. I find these instances more stable, and I get the flexibility to make any configuration changes I need. On that note, the 8GB of pre-installed memory makes a big difference. Even with eight services running 24/7 within containers, I had 3.2GB of usable RAM left, with enough headroom to run a VM by allocating 2GB of memory.

That said, I subsequently installed a 16GB DRAM module, boosting the memory to 24GB and giving me much better headroom to work with VMs and other containers. Even if you don't want to go this route, know that the built-in 8GB of memory is more than adequate for most homelab hobby projects.

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

I took ten days to move the data to the DXP4800 Pro, transferring over 54TB in that time. I was conservative in this regard, as I didn’t want to transfer the entire dataset in one go, and I used rsync to move each category — photos, music, documents, and media — individually. A big chunk of that was my music production library that includes VST instruments and their associated media.

I connected the DS1823xs+ to the DXP4800 Pro using a 10GbE switch to take full advantage of the 10GbE connectivity available on both servers, and I was able to saturate the NAS HDDs' bandwidth quite easily. I got close to the 280MB/s maximum bandwidth of the Exos X24 and IronWolf Pro drives, and I saw aggregate transfers hit as high as 580MB/s — both NAS systems could easily handle six times that bandwidth, so this wasn't a problem at all. This was while moving bigger files; images and documents generally transferred at a much more modest average of around 120MB/s.

Thermal management can become an issue with sustained file transfers, and thankfully, it didn’t prove to be a problem on the DXP4800 Pro. The 140mm fan was effective at moving heat away from the internals, and the drives didn’t exceed 48 degrees Celsius.

What I like about Seagate's NAS HDDs is that they’re designed to run 24/7, and they come with unique features like vibration resistance, which is necessary in a NAS system.

But more than anything else, it’s long-term reliability that matters. While the drives I used in the DXP4800 Pro have now clocked just under 3,000 hours (I still count that as almost new), I've had several IronWolf Pro HDDs in the last decade that have clocked over 50,000 hours of usage, and I haven’t run into any issues with any of these drives yet (thankfully).

(Image credit: Future)

After the data transfer came the real test: media streaming. I used Plex predominantly, and the DXP4800 Pro delivered three high-bitrate 4K transcodes simultaneously, which is no small feat. Hardware-assisted transcoding via the built-in Intel Quick Sync platform is limited to Plex Pass users, and if you have older client devices like an early-gen iPad, this feature will come in handy.

However, most newer devices have the requisite media containers and codecs to play media files, so you don't actually need to transcode content most of the time — outside of testing how the NAS holds up in this area, I only had to rely on direct play. That said, if your video is encoded using H.265 and you have a TV or streamer that can't handle the codec, it will need to be transcoded to H.264 to play on the client device, and all of this is done automatically.

The verdict is clear

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

After playing dozens of hours of footage via Plex and Jellyfin over the last three months, it became clear that the DXP4800 Pro is the best 4-bay Plex NAS.

I did notice higher-than-usual power draw in general, with the NAS idling at 24—28W, going up to 60W when the drives are in use, and exceeding 85W under load. There is plenty of headroom, though, given that you get a 150W power brick, so this is not a problem as such. Averaged over three months, the power usage was well within the limits of a powerful 4-bay server, so I didn't worry about it too much.

Overall, the DXP4800 Pro is without a doubt one of the best 4-bay NAS servers around. The combination of powerful hardware and UGREEN's sensible software choices gives it a leg up over its rivals, and after extensive testing, it has consistently proven to be reliable, which is what I look for the most in a media server.

Ugreen

DXP4800 Pro

The DXP4800 Pro does everything I want in a Plex NAS, and if you need a new media server, this is the one I recommend.

Can you use Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra?

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 18:47:42 +0000

Can you use Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra?

Best answer: No you cannot use Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Though they might look very similar in shape and size, minor differences in the camera module and hinge make this impossible.

A more in-depth explanation about the incompatibility of older cases with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

When you hold the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the last-gen Galaxy Z Fold 7 in your hand, or look at pictures of them next to each other, it is very reasonable to think they could share cases. After all, their dimensions are nearly identical, even on paper.

Here's a comparison of the measurements of the two large-form foldable devices.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Dimensions	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Folded	158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm	158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9mm
Unfolded	158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm	158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2mm

Looking at the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, the numbers hint at potential backward compatibility of cases. After all, the measurements match almost perfectly.

When folded, both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Z Fold 8 Ultra measure 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm, and when unfolded, they're almost identical too, 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2mm and 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm. Even their displays have the same sizes, 8 inches internally and 6.5 inches externally.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

So what gives? Why can't you use the phone cases for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 on the Z Fold 8 Ultra? Well, if you can't tell from the pictures, the raised unit housing the camera lenses does not match, differing in sizing and placement.

The second difference hindering backward compatibility of cases between the two Z Fold models is the hinge. Because of these two small but important discrepancies between the two Z Fold devices, you cannot use cases for either foldable on the other.

It's hard to say whether these were functional design changes, or alterations that were made to warrant purchasing new phone cases so Samsung could make more money. Regardless, if you've taken advantage of the excellent Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra preorder deals and are waiting for your new foldable, be sure to check out the best Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases to go with it too.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

The true Z Fold successor

Unlike its wider counterpart, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the true successor to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It has similar dimensions, a robust IP rating, incredibly powerful hardware under the hood, and almost no crease to speak of. If you want a slim and tall foldable, this is the one to get. Just don't forget to buy device specific cases for it, since older Fold 7 cases are incompatible with it.

Never lost: rumors claim a 'Pixel Tag' is on the way from Google to keep tabs on your stuff

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 11:53:00 +0000

What you need to know

An alleged rendering of an oblong "Google Pixel Tag" has surfaced, showing a tracker in all white with a "loud speaker."
Rumors claim there isn't a place to mount the tracker, meaning consumers will have to slip it into their bags or wallets.
There's still a lot that's unknown about the tracker; however, there's speculation that Google could debut it at its Pixel 11 reveal event in August.

A rumor taking us into the weekend suggests Google is working on a tracker to finally enter competition with some big-name brands.

A render of the alleged "Google Pixel Tag" was posted by 9to5Google, who state the name has started circulating across various online sources. According to the publication, the Pixel Tag could feature an oblong shape (rounded corners, not quite like a football), and Google's classic "G" icon in the center. What's more, the post claims there aren't any "mounting mechanisms" on the tag.

This gives the impression that consumers would pop this into their bag and go. One of the sources where the Pixel Tag has leaked is a Slovenian retailer. The folks at 9to5 snagged the tag's alleged description, which says the Pixel Tag is a "smart tracker that helps you quickly and reliably locate your lost items." As you might expect, this would work over the Find My Device (Find Hub) network.

The tag's description highlights items we're used to attaching smart trackers to: wallets, keys, and luggage. What's more, the Pixel Tag will reportedly feature a "loud speaker" to help users quickly pinpoint its location.

A Pixel tracker

(Image credit: 9to5Google)

Android Central's Take

As far as trackers go, it doesn't look too bad. It's simple. That's pretty much all you can expect from a device like this. If, as the rumors say, this is preparing to launch alongside the Pixel 11, it'd be smart. "Here's the new Pixel 11 series! Grab a tracker so you don't lose you stuff, too!" I feel like I can already hear the keynote.

One of the immediate comparisons we can make with the Pixel Tag is the Moto Tag 2 or even Apple's alternative. The Moto Tag 2 debuted at the end of June, and it was probably the biggest upgrade Motorola's announcements had to offer. The Tag 2 offers Bluetooth 6.0 and UWB support. Additionally, Google Find Hub was fully integrated with the tracker, alongside a whopping 500 days of battery life on a replaceable CR2032 battery.

Seeing how the Moto Tag 2 shapes up has us wondering about the true form of the Pixel Tag 2. There's still a lot that's under wraps. Rumors assume Google could have a reveal on the way that lines up with the Pixel 11, but nothing's certain. If true, then that means we'll have the Pixel Glow and this Pixel Tag to wow us during the Made by Google event on August 12. Google teased the Pixel 11 Pro recently, showing off Pixel Glow: an LED indicator that sits beside the phone's cameras in the camera bar.

Rumors suggest Gemini would have a heavy presence here, offering bright indicators for various happenings from alerts to order tracking.

CMF by Nothing's first OWS earbuds, the Clip Pro, are going to shake up August

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 18:28:15 +0000

What you need to know

CMF announced the Clip Pro, a set of OWS (open-wearable stereo) earbuds, that will launch on August 4 at 9 am EDT (6 am PDT).
Interested consumers can sign up at nothing.tech in preparation for the launch event.
CMF is no stranger to audio devices, as it's developed the Headphone Pro and the Buds 2 Plus in recent history.

The teasers continue for CMF's next product, but now there's a date we can attach to it.

This morning (July 31), CMF by Nothing shared the details of its next product launch: the Clip Pro. The company states the Clip Pro will be its first "OWS" earbuds. These are open-wearable stereo earbuds for the "open" market. Devices like this will sit outside of your ear canal. Traditionally, devices will have a silicone tip that you slide in, but these, since they're outside, might feel more comfortable while you're outside or exercising.

CMF states the Clip Pro will launch on August 4 at 9 AM EDT (6 am PDT). We can expect these buds to clip onto our ears, funneling high-quality sound into our ears. CMF is still keeping the full design under wraps; however, its announcement teaser shows off a bit of its body.

The company says anyone who wants to be kept up-to-date about the launch can sign up.

No stranger to audio

Clip Pro. 4 August. pic.twitter.com/ig2yi2xfJiJuly 31, 2026

CMF had a bit of interesting news last year when Nothing spun it off as an independent entity. Headquartered in India, a joint venture with Optiemus saw a $100 million investment and the creation of 1,800 jobs. As always, CMF will continue to focus on budget devices under $200. The company's Clip Pro will likely sit under that line, too. Also, CMF is used to developing audio devices, though OWS will be its first.

The company announced the Headphones Pro a few days after its spin-off was announced. These are over-ear headphones for $99 with a roller for ANC/volume, an Energy Slider to control bass and treble, and a shortcut button. CMF highlighted the Headphone Pro's strong battery with 100 hours of life with ANC disabled. What's more, it claims users can get four hours of audio after five minutes of charging.

If you're looking for a more "traditional" earbud, there's the CMF Buds 2 Plus.

Android Central's Take

Open earbuds sound interesting, but never interesting enough for me to grab a pair. I' sure it's probably easier on your ears. There's always been that thing growing up about not leaving earbuds in for too long. So, I can see comfortability with open buds, as well as better ear health. Nothing's launches are always good to keep an eye on, and CMF is no different.

Our favorite last-gen Sony headphones are $150 OFF during Best Buy's Back to School sale

Zachary David — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:21:08 +0000

As part of its back-to-school sale, Best Buy has launched a $150 discount on the Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones, marking a certified good deal for those who don't mind going last-gen.

Despite being older than the top-rated Sony WH-1000XM6, the WH-1000XM5 headphones include nearly identical hardware, albeit at a substantially lower price and with regular price drops like this. They feature a powerful sound profile with advanced active noise cancellation (ANC), impressively long battery life with fast charging, as well as a range of other features like multi-point connection. The current deal is available for all four of the device's colors, which include Black, Blue, Silver, and Smoky Pink.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones: ~~$398.00~~ $248.00 at Best Buy

End of summer back-to-school deals are going live left and right, including a $150 discount on these powerful last-gen wireless headphones at Best Buy. While they may not be the latest-gen version of Sony's top noise-cancelling headphones, they still hold up in 2026, offering plenty of high-quality listening modes that most casual users will find mind-blowing.View Deal

See our TOP 20+ deals from Best Buy's Back to School sale

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a powerful pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones with comfortable ear cups and a battery life that can handle long periods of listening; you're looking for headphones for around $250 but you still want to get a high-quality pair with access to high-res listening codecs; you're looking for headphones with high-quality microphones for video conferencing, phone calls, and easy-to-use voice commands.

❌Skip this deal if: you need headphones with a dust and water resistance rating for concern-free outdoor excursions in a variety of weather conditions; you're not looking for industry-leading audio quality and you'd prefer to go with something even more affordable than these, even at this discounted rate; you'd prefer a smaller overall design that's easy to stow for optimal portability.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 may be our top pick for the best headphones on the market today, but they're not that different from their predecessor. The Sony XM5 offer super comfortable speaker cups, up to 30 hours of battery life, and fast charging that can replenish up to 3 hours' worth of battery life in just 3 minutes. Built with eight different mics, these sport a powerful ANC suite, and crystal-clear audio for phone and video calls.

While they aren't known for being very collapsible or easy to stow, the WH-1000XM5 headphones do still come with a carrying case that can at least protect them when transported in a backpack or other bag.

Wait—Samsung's Ballie isn't gone? Its app UI might've leaked

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:56:00 +0000

What you need to know

A rumor claims to have discovered early "design illustrations" for a Ballie app from Samsung.
The illustrations lay out Samsung's supposed plans for an app, showing battery, location, status icons, as well as a "Streaming" button for the robot's built-in camera.
It's unclear if this means that Samsung hasn't completely abandoned Ballie, as the last report said the company "delayed" Ballie to figure out "its place in the home" and to likely handle that intense price point.

This certainly wasn't on our bingo card. A leak has surfaced online, offering a glimpse of what could be Samsung's companion app UI for its smart home assistant, Ballie.

Earlier today (July 30), SammyGuru posted a series of alleged "UI design sketches" for what would be Samsung Ballie's companion app. The illustrations give us a good look at the app's main screen. Taking up the center is Ballie's circular frame with its battery percentage, location, and an "Error"/"Ready" icon. There's a chance this could be used in scenarios when the device gets stuck, since it rolls around. If everything's all green, users can likely launch Ballie.

There is a hard-to-miss "Streaming" button. Earlier info about Ballie suggested it would feature a camera. There's a chance this app could let users see what Ballie sees in real-time. "Home Monitoring" seems to be quite an important aspect of this app and of Ballie as a smart home assistant. According to the post, the "monitoring" aspect could involve a setup process in which Ballie maps out its routes, maps out your home for navigational purposes.

Taking another look at the initial icons: battery, location, Error/Ready icon, Home Monitoring might play more of a role than we think. This app could give users every ounce of information they need to view their home, understand where Ballie is, and handle any scenarios that might occur.

Oh, Ballie, Ballie

(Image credit: SammyGuru)

Android Central's Take

I never would've thought that Ballie would make a "return" via app design drawings. This isn't even a real app (yet?). Ballie looked cool. By that, I mean it reminds me of sci-fi movies where there's a robot that rolls around, quips, and beeps. I know that sounds like R2-D2. Maybe Samsung delaying it was the right call. You see that suspected price? A $2,000 price tag? I don't think I know anyone who would splurge on something like that for a little yellow ball.

This is quite surprising. The last time we heard anything about Ballie was when a report suggested Samsung delayed it to "find its place in the home." It gave the impression that Samsung was questioning the right place for Ballie within the home. The company reportedly expressed "caution" about the AI companion. Other concerns, such as a potential high price point and whether consumers would truly engage with Ballie or not, ranked high on its list of worries.

Speculation claimed Ballie could cost consumers ~$2,000, and with everything going on in the world, that might've been too steep a price. Samsung hadn't officially said anything about Ballie. This report was in July, and nothing more has come of the little rolling robot. However, if we want to get real, Ballie was first introduced at CES 2020. Samsung was said to have a "human-centric vision" for robots, and Ballie was the start of it. The company said Ballie "understands you, supports you, and reacts to your needs."

Its built-in camera would be its "eye" into your life, your home, and your needs. There was an announcement that saw Google and Samsung working together to bring Gemini into Ballie for enhanced AI support.

Samsung could finally build Galaxy Buds with ear hooks for workouts

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:36:00 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung's first open-ear Galaxy Buds may finally be on the way, with a secure ear-hook design aimed at fitness enthusiasts.
Leaked renders show a major design shift, ditching Samsung's traditional stem and bean-shaped earbuds for a workout-friendly fit.
Expected features include USB-C charging, water and dust resistance, and possibly active noise cancellation.

Samsung may finally be delivering what fitness lovers have been asking for years: a set of Galaxy Buds built to stay put during workouts. Newly leaked images hint at the company’s first open earbuds, offering our best look yet at what might be Samsung’s take on the rising open-ear trend.

Beats and Shokz, among others, have long ruled the open earbuds segment with secure wraparound ear hooks, but Samsung has stuck with traditional stems and compact bean shapes. Now, fresh graphics discovered by SamMobile reveal a pair of earbuds with a distinctive ear-hook design that wraps around the outer ear. The buds are codenamed "Buds Canal 5."

The overall shape is very similar to products like Anker’s Soundcore workout earbuds or Shokz’s OpenFit buds. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about Samsung’s open-ear earbuds efforts. Previous leaks have pointed to a clip-on design, under the code name “Galaxy Buds Able,” that will reportedly use bone conduction technology.

However, the latest hardware renders suggest Samsung is considering a different design. These earbuds are closer to traditional open-ear styles that direct sound into your ears while leaving the ear canal open. Users could also expect modern essentials like a USB-C charging case, dust and water resistance, and likely active noise cancellation.

(Image credit: SamMobile)

The branding is still a bit of a mystery as well. Earlier leaks suggested that Samsung’s clip-on earbuds could launch as the Galaxy Buds Able, while more recent leaks have indicated the name Galaxy Buds On. Similarly, if the product is released to the public, Samsung may rename the Buds Canal 5.

Regardless of what Samsung ultimately calls them, the model number SM-U600 and repeated software references indicate the earbuds are a real product rather than an abandoned prototype. Multiple reports suggest that the earbuds have faced several delays.

If these leaks are true, Samsung is gearing up to enter a market already packed with the best workout earbuds and headphones.

Android Central's Take

Open-ear designs are smart if you want to be aware of your surroundings while you’re running, riding your bike, or commuting. That said, Samsung can’t afford to be late to the party with a “me too” product. Sony, Shokz, and Bose have already been here for a while, so good sound and a comfortable fit won't be enough on their own. If these are to stand out from the competition, Samsung will have to provide a compelling reason for people to pick them up rather than just a familiar logo on the charging case.

I used DJI's Osmo Pocket 4P for a month, and it is now my go-to video camera

harish.jonnalagadda@futurenet.com (Harish Jonnalagadda) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:21:14 +0000

My main phone is the Find X9 Ultra, and my wife is using the Vivo X300 Ultra, so when we go on vacation, we just use our phones to take photos and videos. It's just convenient, and this year's flagships do a magnificent job in this regard.

But I generally prefer using a dedicated device to take photos. In the past, that used to be Sony's RX100 cameras, but I wanted something even smaller, and one that took better videos. That's where the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P comes into the picture; I have several friends in the industry who swear by their Osmo Pocket, and I wanted to see how good it is for myself.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

So ahead of its global launch, I got the Osmo Pocket 4P along with a whole lot of accessories, and I used it extensively while attending a destination wedding in Bali, Indonesia. It didn't take long to understand the usefulness of the Pocket 4P; the gimbal system makes shooting videos significantly easier, and there's an immediate difference in stabilization versus what you'd get while shooting handheld with your phone.

The Osmo Pocket 4P has an added advantage: a secondary camera with 3x zoom. The dual-lens pocket gimbal camera has a new f/2.0 1-inch 20mm CMOS main sensor with LOFIC — similar to the Xiaomi 17 Ultra — and 17 stops of dynamic range, alongside an f/1.8 60mm lens with 3x optical zoom. The secondary lens gives the Pocket 4P much greater versatility, and it is a decent enough differentiator even against the standard Pocket 4.

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

There are three features that stood out the most in my month of testing the Osmo Pocket 4P: image and video quality, how stable it is in challenging situations (like walking around on a beach while shooting video), and just how easy it is to use. You don't need to wade through a dozen settings to get started: just hit the power button, choose the orientation, and shoot.

Video is obviously the main focus, and the Osmo Pocket 4P takes stunning 4K content, going up to 4K240. It shoots 10-bit D-Log 2 color profile, and the quality of the HDR footage in general is much better than I imagined. It did pretty well in low-light situations as well, but the thing that stood out the most is the 3-aixs stabilization — there's no hint that you're using a handheld shooter in the resultant videos. More than anything else, this is where the Osmo Pocket 4P has a clear advantage over phones, and it's no wonder that both OPPO and Vivo are set to be making products to rival DJI.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

It does a decent job taking photos as well, with the 37MP images coming out with plenty of detail and accurate color rendition. Another thing I like is the tracking mode; this makes it easy to shoot moving subjects. There's a dedicated low-light shooting mode as well, and with 103GB of built-in storage, you can easily record a few hours of footage without any accessories. There's a MicroSD slot as well (thankfully), and I used Lexar's excellent 2TB MicroSD card with the Pocket 4P.

The 5D joystick makes it effortless to pan around while shooting videos, and there's a dedicated button to switch between the 1x and 3x lenses. The 2-inch OLED panel does a great job as a viewfinder, and the Pocket 4P is astonishingly light considering what it has to offer. It's just 230g, and the small size means you can use it just about anywhere.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Battery life is decent enough, and a 20-minute charge gives you three hours of runtime. Oh, and a new update adds automatic footage transfer to your iPhone, provided you're using the iPhone 16 and above. I would've liked a similar feature with Android devices as well, but that isn't available just yet.

The standard edition of the Pocket 4P costs £529/€599, and then there's a vlog combo that retails at £605/€689. There's no U.S. pricing, because this device isn't available in the region.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

The vlog combo is the one I'm using, and if you're eyeing this camera, it is the bundle I'd suggest buying. It comes with the Pocket 4P, a mini tripod, fill light, DJI Mic Mini 2 transmitter and windscreens, a remote viewfinder and shutter button, two carrying bags, and all the associated charging cables. Honestly, it's a lot of stuff, and even after a month, I didn't use all the accessories yet.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Overall, I liked the Osmo Pocket 4P a lot more than I imagined. It's easy to take anywhere, takes great photos and videos, and has a ton of extensibility. If you need a portable camera with a built-in gimbal to use outdoors and the versatility of a 3x lens, the Osmo Pocket 4P gets my recommendation.

DJI

Osmo Pocket 4P

Thanks to a new 3x tele lens, the Osmo Pocket 4P has much better versatility than its predecessors, and it is the portable gimbal camera to beat in 2026.

EBO Max review: The AI-powered family robot that gets smarter over time (and my cat adores)

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:52:00 +0000

Enabot's cutesy robots on wheels are always fun contraptions, but the most perplexing thing about them is their animal magnetism. Cats can't seem to get enough of them, as witnessed not just by me but by my colleagues as well. I genuinely wonder if Enabot rubs catnip on their robots at the factory level before shipping them out.

This is perfect, however, because Enabot's smart family robots are primarily advertised as pet companions, with a secondary focus on family companionship and home surveillance. It's an all-in-one security camera on wheels that monitors your beloved family members, whether two-legged or four.

The EBO Max isn't cheap

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Enabot launched the EBO Max family bot on March 31, 2026. Priced at $599.99, it is the second most expensive such robot offered by the brand. You can also buy a EBO Max Style Pack for $29.99 that has four cosmetic add-ons, including deer antlers and rabbit ears.

The EBO Max comes with a charging dock, a 32GB SD card pre-inserted into the robot, an adapter, and a resetting pin in the box.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

The EBO Max is a mid-sized robot, a lot smaller and more compact than the larger EBO X, but slightly larger than the EBO Air models. The charging dock is significantly smaller and slimmer than the EBO X and other models.

Just like other Enabot robots, you can easily take off the wheel tracks of the EBO Max for cleaning. The entire bottom unit with the wheel tracks slides off with a few clicks. This is also where the memory card slot is located.

Enabot EBO Max specs
Category	Enabot EBO Max
Camera	8MP, 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, 131° FOV, night vision
Memory	64GB local storage (47GB available), expandable up to 256GB via memory card
Comms	Speaker, microphone
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 2.4G, 5G
Navigation	V-SLAM Navigation
Speed	20cm/s-60cm/s
Obstacle height	≤12mm
Climbing slope	≤15°
Battery and charging	2,500mAh, 4–6hrs standby/video recording, up to 3hrs continuous movement, 3-4hrs charge time
Hardware	PC+ABS, brushed gear motor, 53dB operating noise
Dimensions	129 x 127 x 117 mm, 750g

What can this robot do?

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Before setting the EBO Max up, it was really important to let my cat sniff the robot to his heart's content. This helped ease him into a new element in the house, as cats tend to hate change and can be very nervous around moving objects.

Once he was happy with the smell and familiarized himself with it, I set up the EBO Max charging dock and turned it on. My cat was more curious than afraid, and he even started cuddling with the bot right away.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Initial setup involves the EBO HOME app, which immediately gives you a comprehensive walkthrough of the robot's capabilities. This is helpful because there's a lot to learn and explore in the app, which is the robot's main control center.

The EBO Max bot can use V-SLAM Navigation to map out your house. It can recognize family members once you've registered their faces and voiceprints, and once those are saved, you can set up voice calling settings for those members. If a fall is detected, you can select certain family members to be notified.

You can change the style and color of the "eyes" of the EBO Max robot, which are incredibly expressive. They follow you around, almost in a sentient manner, which can be cute and human-like — but also really creepy at 3 AM. There is a sound localization feature that makes the robot turn to you when it hears your voice. Thankfully, the bot can be scheduled to "close its eyes" during your chosen "Do Not Disturb" hours.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Because the EBO Max has two-way comms, family members can even receive voice calls when fall detection is triggered. You can take this one step further with activity detection, so if no movement is detected for your selected number of days, you and your chosen family members will be notified.

The robot can be scheduled to patrol and play or monitor people and/or pets at home during your selected hours, and you can set it to smartly patrol the house on your chosen route once the house is mapped. Additionally, you can adjust event recording settings to automatically record photos and videos of interactions. When the EBO Max runs low on battery, it returns to the charging dock on its own.

The EBO Max can be remotely controlled via the app as it has Wi-Fi. It sports an 8MP camera with a 4K resolution, a wide 131° field of view, and night vision, so the image quality is very crisp and clear in diverse lighting scenarios.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

You can queue actions and sounds, individually or together, when playing with children or pets. There are plenty of cat and dog sounds, as well as many movements, including some of the best actions from other EBO bots, like the figure-eight dance from the EBO X.

Everything from the robot's movement speed and the audio and call volume settings can be adjusted too. There's no manual mic and video shut-off button or shutter, though, which is a bit of a privacy oversight.

However, the "Do Not Disturb" mode can be used as an alternative. You can set the robot's active "wake up" hours, and even choose to have the screen (or the "eyes" of the bot) automatically shut off during your selected DND nighttime hours.

Because of course there's AI

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

The EBO Max family bot has a wide array of useful AI features. You start by saying "EBO EBO" to initiate conversations or give instructions, all in natural language. You can use the "EBO EBO, follow me" command to make the robot leave the charging dock and follow you around the house.

Other features include setting timers, reminders, or alarms; asking about the weather; asking the robot to find a certain family member; and more.

You can change the AI voice tone or clone your voice to be used as the robot's voice using the Pet Parrot feature. So, the EBO Max can read your text when you send it to the robot.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Enabot gave the EBO Max family bot an AI-powered brain, so it literally learns from all the information it absorbs and gets smarter the longer you use it. This adaptive behavior means the bot remembers patterns and perceives its surroundings, and it can even role-play depending on the role you assign it.

You can also assign more complex commands. For example, you could say, "I'm going on holiday for two days starting tomorrow. Patrol the house three times a day and alert me of any unusual activity. Record a video of any movement," and the EBO Max robot will do just that.

Eventually, it can even distinguish memories and learn about your habits, hobbies, preferences, and daily home life. This can be helpful for questions like "Did Grandma take her morning medicine yesterday?" or similar scenarios.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Using the AI functions sometimes causes the robot to run a little hot, and the AI also hangs or glitches at times, especially after being asked a few questions simultaneously. Also, when you're using an AI feature, this prevents you from queuing movements or animal sounds when remotely controlling the robot.

Unfortunately, there is no smart home integration with Gemini or Alexa, so you miss out on automations and options like playing music or switching on your TV. There is also no Bluetooth speaker mode. I find both features incredibly useful on the EBO X, so this was a bummer.

Should you buy the Enabot EBO Max?

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

In many ways, this is the smartest robot Enabot has ever made, although it's missing smart home integration and some refinement. Native Matter support would've made this a monumental leap in the smart home world.

Once the EBO Max builds memories and learns enough, and with the help of firmware updates, I truly believe the small hiccups will iron themselves out. Enabot is very good with updates — I got one as soon as I installed the EBO Max robot.

At $599, the EBO Max is a lot cheaper than the $999 EBO X, which includes Alexa and physical shut-off buttons for the mic and the camera. So getting a large portion of its features and an AI-powered brain that gets wiser over time, all for $400 cheaper, is a bargain if you ask me.

If you need a smart home camera that can follow and monitor your loved ones or even keep your kids and cats entertained, EBO Max is an outstanding family robot for you.

Enabot

EBO Max

Smart-maxxing

The Enabot EBO Max is an AI-powered family robot with crystal-clear cameras, loudspeakers, a clear mic, and plenty of handy features. The EBO Max can grow to be a member of your household, a bot that monitors the well-being of your family, keeps them company, and entertains your pets, all while patrolling the house every night and alerting you to suspicious activity.

The Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro series has a mind-blowing feature you have to hear to believe

klpmediallc@gmail.com (Tshaka Armstrong) — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 16:57:00 +0000

This year, Soundcore brings both subtle improvements and awe-inspiring upgrades that every pair of earbuds on the market should be replicating. And I don’t say that lightly. While still not market-leading, they’ve even improved their weakest point: active noise-canceling strength.

Overall, I’ve been completely floored by what Soundcore has been able to accomplish, so let’s get to it, and I’ll tell you why the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max are more than just an upgrade over the 5; they’re a “must-have.”

Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro specs
Categories	Liberty 5 Pro	Liberty 5 Pro Max
Conectivity	Bluetooth® 6.1, Multipoint support for up to 3 devices	Bluetooth® 6.1, Multipoint support for up to 3 devices
Case	0.96 TFT Touch screen	1.78" AMOLED screen, Screen wallpaper, AI recording/transcriptions/face-to-face translations
Drive units	9.2mm Wool-Paper Diaphragm Drivers	9.2mm Wool-Paper Diaphragm Drivers
Codec support	SBC, AAC, LDAC	SBC, AAC, LDAC
Dolby Atmos support	Yes	Yes
Battery life	Up to 6.5 hours (ANC on), 28 hours with case Up to 4 hours, 17 hours all features on	Up to 6.5 hours (ANC on), 28 hours with case Up to 4 hours, 17 hours all features on
Charging	Wireless & USB-C, 1 hr for earbuds, 3 hrs for case + earbuds full charge; 5 mins charging for up to 4 hrs playtime	Wireless & USB-C, 1 hr for earbuds, 3 hrs for case + earbuds full charge; 5 mins charging for up to 4 hrs playtime
Durability	IP55	IP55
App support	Android, iOS	Android, iOS
Audio tuning	8-band EQ (app), HearID 5.0 for personalized sound	8-band EQ (app), HearID 5.0 for personalized sound
Microphone	8 mics + 2 VPU + AI Large Model	8 mics + 2 VPU + AI Large Model
Colors	Midnight Black, Pearl White, Pearl Blue, Rose Gold	Titanium Gold, Midnight Black

Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro vs Pro Max: Visual differences

Liberty 5 Pro Max (L), Liberty 5 Pro (R) (Image credit: @tshakaarmstrong)

I started my review period with the pricier, new Liberty 5 Pro Max, but I’ve been using both Pro models interchangeably. Both new cases' lids slide up like the Liberty 5, and now they have external “smart displays.” Though the dimensions of both new Pro models are similar, the Pro Max is taller and brighter, thanks to its 1.78-inch AMOLED smart display (the Pro’s is .96 inches).

(Image credit: @tshakaarmstrong)

Both displays are responsive and easy to read in direct sunlight. The Pro Max allows you to upload wallpaper, both stills and animations, which display on the screen when it’s awake. Using the case, swiping left or right lets you control ANC modes, EQ, and playback. Swiping up from the bottom gives you access to all the apps, and swiping down from the top brings up quick-access shortcuts for various settings. All of that without pulling out your phone.

The only downside is that while the case is pocketable for a 6 ’ 215lb man like me (it fits in my pants coin pocket), it will be large for others with smaller frames when you compare it to the Pixel Buds or Galaxy Buds 3 Pro cases (see comparison in the gallery above).

Liberty 5 Pro Max (L), Liberty 5 Pro (Center), Liberty 5 (R) (Image credit: @tshakaarmstrong)

This year, the new Liberty 5 Pro models have been redesigned so they’re no longer stem-style earbuds; instead, they have an earbud with a “surfboard” sitting over the backside. And, like some surfboards, the new models have rear fins which come in three different sizes, including the one already installed.

The fins, along with plenty of eartip options, made it easy to get the right fit. And it’s a locked-in fit that feels as secure as my favorite gym earbuds, the Powerbeats Fit!

Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max with earfin removed (Image credit: @tshakaarmstrong)

When placing the earbuds in my ears, the idea is to twist slightly to get the earfins to lock in. Not doing that, they have a looser fit, but they still feel quite secure, and that’s how I’ve worn them most of the time. For the gym, I just twist and lock in, and they’re great!

Generally, I hate the fit of oval-shaped eartips and have not found them comfortable across quite a few earbuds I’ve tested over the years, but with the Liberty 5 Pro models, they feel just right.

Mind-blowing, record-setting call quality

According to Soundcore, the new Liberty 5 Pro models earned a Guinness World Records title for the clarity of their calls, and after my testing, I believe them! The most fascinating aspect of my time with the Pro and Pro Max has been the call quality enabled by the new Anker Thus AI audio chip embedded in the earbuds.

One day during my 45-minute commute home, I gave my friend a call using an iPhone 16 Pro Max with the Liberty 5 Pro connected. He’s a broadcast engineer who intimately knows the ins and outs of audio and video.

We chatted the entire time I was driving, and when I made it home, I asked him where he thought I was calling him from. He told me it sounded like I was in a quiet room and my voice sounded great.

The audio meter on the Voice Recorder app is flat, despite having the literal sound of an airplane blasting at the reviewer. (Image credit: @tshakaarmstrong)

I recorded myself talking using the Voice Recorder app on a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra while playing 80dB of airplane cabin and urban traffic noise. I thought I was in the Twilight Zone when I played that audio back because not only was there not even the slightest hint that 80dB of noise was literally blasting in my face from less than two feet away, My voice was still clear, though very slightly muddy, but it didn’t sound like I was underwater, and there were no dropouts from the AI being overwhelmed.

While recording, I intentionally stopped talking to see how the new Anker Thus AI chip handled background noise when I was silent, and the audio waveform was completely flat (as pictured above), detecting no sound despite 80dB of noise!

These are easily the best earbuds I’ve used for phone calls in years. Jabra was my previous champ, along with AirPods, Technics AZ100, and a couple others, but nothing has come close to achieving exactly what Anker Soundcore has.

The Anker Thus AI chip powers some very useful features and upgrades

(Image credit: @tshakaarmstrong)

The Anker Thus AI chip enables more than just what I believe to be market-leading call quality. The Pro Max’s case is Bluetooth-enabled and connects directly to your phone, letting you use it as a microphone and speaker for translating conversations. I used this functionality a few times, and it works well.

The AI Note Taker feature is really good! It works much like Otter AI or Zoom call transcription, in that it recognizes individual speakers and does so well (see image below). The only time it gets confused about who is speaking is when people speak over each other.

(Image credit: @tshakaarmstrong)

The Anker Thus chip also enables highly responsive voice commands that control many functions without an internet connection, like Sony and Samsung’s flagship earbuds (see above). The only thing I found a bit hit-or-miss was voice chat with the Soundcore personal assistant, Anka.

You can chat with it and ask it to do things, but I found more complex “asks” to be a bit less reliable than the excellent offline voice commands.

The rest of the experience: The highs and lows

(Image credit: @tshakaarmstrong)

Listening to the chaotic Jazz romp “Moanin’” performed by Charles Mingus and crew, the Liberty 5 Pro Max did an admirable job of not turning the most chaotic moments of the song into a pot of mashed potatoes, handling the chaotic mix better than the venerable Sony WF-1000XM6.

The only area lacking was the high frequencies in the pop and hip-hop genres. Listening to Jamiroquai’s “Starchild,” his vocals are clear, and while definitely not buried in the mix, highs feel a bit subdued.

Top-end smoothness is a treat when listening to various genres of rock music. System of a Down’s “Toxicity” is delightful, and nothing ever came across even remotely sibilant.

You’re definitely getting popular, low-end-emphasized tuning out of both Pros, but thanks to features like HearID and their excellent choice of sound EQ’ing options, you really can effectively tune the audio frequencies to your liking.

(Image credit: @tshakaarmstrong)

ANC is also noticeably improved. Mid-range noise, like voices in the background, and higher-frequency sounds, like the clank of weight plates in the gym, are noticeably softened compared to the Liberty 5. With the improved ANC activated, LDAC HiRes enabled, and AI functionality, I still found myself getting around 6 hours of battery with the ‘buds.

The only place I found noise controls lacking at this price point was in the ability to quickly attenuate unexpected loud noises, such as dropping a weight or a pan, while in Transparency mode. My Powerbeats Fit immediately mutes unexpected loud noises, but the Liberty 5 Pro doesn’t respond fast enough.

A noteworthy upgrade

(Image credit: @tshakaarmstrong)

While the ANC is improved but not a market leader, the microphones absolutely are now, and that begs the question: Liberty 5 Pro Max or Sony WF-1000XM6? Market-leading active noise canceling or market-leading call quality?

For most people, the audio quality when listening to music or movies is close enough that it isn’t a major point of contention between the two, but it’s very easy to recommend the Liberty 5 Pro series to you because they’re that good, and they’re roughly $100 cheaper than Sony’s flagship. In this economy, that means a lot!

Soundcore

Liberty 5 Pro Max

Record-setting silence and smarts!

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max sounds great, has much improved ANC over even the Liberty 5, and does some neat things like Face-to-Face translation using its case as a speaker and microphone. A great pair of earbuds for people on the go!

Soundcore

Liberty 5 Pro

Record-setting silence!

Anker's Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro comes with record-setting background noise cancelling for calls, smart offline voice controls and so many more AI-enhanced features, thanks to the new Anker Thus AI Chip. If you don't need the AI note-taking of the Pro model, this is the one to take a look at and it's easy to recommend.

Gemini gets better memory: smart home update refines automations and more

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 11:17:00 +0000

What you need to know

Google is rolling out several smart home updates, including one for Gemini that expands its "conversational memory" to 15 minutes.
Gemini Live arrives on first-gen Home Mini and Nest Hub devices, alongside improved Automation guidance and smart lock alerts for removed users.
Recent updates for Google Home include Pet Memory for Gemini and Suggested Automations.

Google is rolling into the weekend with a few updates to its smart home systems that you should check your devices for.

Gemini for Home's early access is getting a few refinements this week. Google states Gemini Live is now available on first-gen speakers and displays. The patch notes list first-gen Home Mini and Nest Hubs as devices receiving Gemini Live this week. Keep in mind that only Google Home Premium subscribers can access this. On a related note, Gemini's memory is getting stronger.

Google says the AI's "conversational memory" now lasts for 15 minutes. This will be present "across the entire Gemini for Home experience." Users can follow up on something they've previously asked Gemini to do, so long as it's within those 15 minutes. Automations in the Home app will provide clearer "saving guidance." Google explains that the app will inform users if they're trying to save an automation with conditions but no starter.

Improved controls and labels for smart blinds and window coverings in Automations are included, alongside smart lock "security actions disclaimers." If users remove someone's access from their locks, the app will tell you that their passcodes "need to be changed or removed."

A July 2026 update is rolling out for Nest Cameras. This applies to the wired, third-gen Nest Cam Indoor, Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, 2nd-gen), and the Nest Doorbell (wired, third-gen). Additionally, Google now supports more of Walmart's Onn cameras: Outdoor Plug-In and Outdoor Floodlight Hardwired. Bug fixes make up the remainder of these updates, and you can view them in full.

The Home is looking smarter

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Android Central's Take

You'd imagine that bringing AI and smart devices into the home would make life easier. It's touched on that, but Google acknowledges that there's more work to be done. Users reporting problems and offering feedback helps a bunch, too. Giving Gemini better memory is a highlight for me. Imagine if I told it to turn the lights on in one room, but then changed my mind. I don't have to restart the entire conversation from scratch now.

This conversational memory update for Gemini reminds us of the Continued Conversations patch from April. Asking the AI to do something is common with so many smart devices to control. What can get frustrating is having to repeat yourself to a computer. Continued Conversations aims to solve that. Google said this highly requested feature helps Gemini "remember" what's going on. It helps make the experience seamless, which is another area Google's been working on.

Gemini would keep its mic open for a few extra seconds, in case there's something to add. This memory upgrade takes this concept and expands on it. Even after Gemini closes its mic, you can still follow up, and it'll (hopefully) remember your conversation from two minutes ago. Pet Memory was another recent patch for Gemini that lets users customize how the AI recognizes their fur babies.

Instead of the generic sentences (i.e., "dog is walking in the living room), users can let the AI know the little one's name.

Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:10:39 +0000

The best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases add robust shock-proofing, prevent the hinge from getting damaged, and add useful extras like a magnetic ring, screen protection, a phone holder, and a stand. Depending on the price, weight, and thinness, you can easily find a stellar Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra that has a few or all of those features.

Read all about the best Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases that match your requirement. I have rounded up the most reliable options right here in this guide.

Level up your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's impact protection with these cases

Thinborne Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Case

Best overall

There isn't a single case that is thinner, lighter, or better made than the Thinborne Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Case. Constructed with premium-grade 600D aramid fiber, this sleek case has magnets and is insanely thin. It comes in black, navy blue, and maroon.

TORRAS Magnetic Shockproof Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Case

Best matte

Thickly protected spine? Check. Magnets? Check. Clear matte back to appreciate your Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra? Check. This slim case from TORRAS has a lot to offer, and it adds four times military-grade shock-proofing to boot!

SUPCASE UB Stand Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Case Clear

Best clear

The SUPCASE UB Stand Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Case Clear isn't as bulky as the brand's other heavy-duty cases, but it still features hinge protection, military-grade drop resistance, a ring-shaped stand on the back, and MagSafe support.

Dbrand Grip Case for Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

Best designs

The Dbrand Grip Case for Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra comes in a diverse variety of designs, including ones that glow in the dark! You can choose from magnetic and non-magnetic options of this grippy case that has scored sides.

Spigen Air Fit Pro MagFit for Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

Best cheap

Almost every single Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra case costs about $100 or so, but not the $30 Spigen Air Fit Pro MagFit. This slim, tough case is magnetic, comes in two green and black, and has thickly raised protective edges, especially around the camera unit.

TORRAS Q3 VegSkin Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Case

Best all-inclusive

The TORRAS Q3 VegSkin Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Case has a really classy, vegan leather finish. The camera has raised edges for drop protection, there's a spinning magnetic ring stand, and two glass screen protectors are provided in the box.

Back to the top ^

Incredible Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases exist, but most of them are priced around the $100 mark

From cases that glow in the dark and have grippy sides to cases that have kickstands and really powerful magnets, the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases don't fall short of our expectations. They do, however, almost all cost an arm and a leg to acquire. Fortunately, brands like Spigen exist, making affordable Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases priced around $30 instead of $100.

If you want to stick with the cheapest option, you will be pleasantly surprised by how well it functions. The Spigen Air Fit Pro Magfit comes in two colors, black and green, and it is slim enough to allow wireless charging. It still adds military-grade drop-proofing and has incredibly strong N55 magnets inside. You also get dependable hinge protection, all for a really reasonable price.

When money isn't an object, however, you can close your eyes and pick any of the wonderful Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases that the most premium brands have to offer. Thinborne is my go-to brand in that case, as the brand uses aerospace-grade 600D aramid fiber to build its cases. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Case comes in three colors, black, red, and blue, and is magnetic. Measuring just 0.04 inches thin, and weighing just 0.8 ounces, you'll forget it's on your Z Fold 8 Ultra. Of course, it doesn't add rugged drop-proofing, but my colleague actually dropped his phone on the tiled marble floor with the Thinborne case on and was shocked at how it was unscathed. So if you have about $90 to spare, you too can enjoy this marvelous case on your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 screen protectors

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:09:47 +0000

The rumored Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide turned out to just be called the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, now with much wider screens. This square-shaped foldable has two very lovely displays, both of which could use the help of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 screen protectors to reinforce drop proofing. One slip of the hand and your very expensive book-style foldable could shatter badly, so don't take risk. Whether its durable glass you prefer or flexible plastic, these screen guards have it all.

These Galaxy Z Fold 8 screen protectors are the very best of what's available

Ferilinso 3 Pack Inside Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 with Back Camera Lens Protectors

Best overall

The Ferilinso 3 Pack Inside Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a steal. For just $20, you get a trio of military-grade 9H tempered glass front screen protectors, flexible films for the inner screen, glass camera lens guards, and two frames.

ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass XTR5 for Galaxy Z Fold 8

Best premium

The ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass XTR5 is made using unique, proprietary technologies that make it 11 times stronger than regular screen protectors and filters blue light emissions. It comes with a lifetime replacement warranty and screen repair guarantee.

Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Optik Pro for Galaxy Z Fold 8

Best camera lens guard

Spigen's Glas.tR EZ Fit Optik Pro for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 includes two pieces of robust tempered glass camera lens protectors. The kit also has cleaning tools and a fantastic installation frame, one that automatically aligns the protector perfectly.

Diacube Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Paperfeel Anti-Glare Matte Screen Protector

Best matte

Need an anti-reflective Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 screen protector? The Diacube Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Paperfeel Anti-Glare Matte Screen Protector is perfect for you. It has two sets of three self-healing paper-like films, three for per screen.

Ringke Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Screen Protector

Easiest installation

Ringke promises a failsafe, perfect alignment with its Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Screen Protector two-pack. The Korean accessory maker's scratch-proof 9H tempered glass protector has an anti-fingerprint oleophobic coating and a case-friendly design.

Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Pro for Galaxy Z Fold 8

Best case-friendly

The Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Pro two-pack of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 screen protectors features two case-friendly 9H tempered glass screen protectors that add decent impact absorption to the Z Fold 8's external screen.

Back to the top ^

Picking the right Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 screen protector made easy

The best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 screen protectors come with user-friendly installation frames, multiple pieces of screen guards, and cleaning tools to make your life easy. It's not necessary to change the internal foldable display's screen protector, so you don't have to prioritize it, but it sure helps to have a spare ready to go just in case.

For an all-inclusive package that leaves nothing out without bankrupting you, the Ferilinso 3 Pack Inside Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 with Back Camera Lens Protectors is the best option. This $20 purchase will buy you a trio of 9H tempered glass screen protectors with military-grade shatter-proofing for your Fold 8's cover display. The kit also includes three tempered glass camera lens protectors and three flexible films for the Fold's internal display. Ferilinso provides two installation frames, one for each display.

If you don't like glossy finishes, then you can opt for a matte, paper-like screen protector instead. The Diacube Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Paperfeel Anti-Glare Matte Screen Protector three-pack includes three screen guards for each of the Fold's dual displays. All six matte films are anti-reflective and able to self-heal from minor abrasions. Diacube provides one installation frame and a cleaning kit as well, and the entire set is priced below $20.

Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra screen protectors

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:49:42 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the true successor to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, with its similar aspect ratios, screen sizes, and triple camera array. As with any smartphone, it is best practice to always reinforce the display with a sturdy screen protectors. And because foldables are more fragile, with moving parts and dual screens, the need for the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra screen protectors is even more important.

Protectors to prevent screen shatters, cracks, and abrasions

Ferilinso 3 Pack Inside Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra with Back and Camera Lens Protectors

Best overall

Get everything you need in one comprehensive Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra screen protector kit: three 9H tempered glass units for the front, three flexible films for the inside, and three more glass camera lens guards, as well as cleaning and installation tools.

BENKS GlassWarrior AR Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

Best upgrade pick

The BENKS GlassWarrior AR Screen Protector set includes a 9H tempered glass protector for the Fold 8 Ultra with an oleophobic layer to repel dirt, fingerprints, and liquids. This highly durable protector comes with a frame and cleaning kit.

Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Optik Pro for Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

Best lens protector

The Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Optik Pro for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is a tempered glass camera lens protector set with an installation tool, cleaning tools, and two units of the protector. It's not the cheapest, but the quality is definitely worth it.

Milomdoi 6 in 1 Privacy Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

Best privacy

The Milomdoi 6 in 1 Privacy Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is a very popular kit because of its affordability and decent quality. This is the privacy version that comes with two frames, two lens guards, and four screen protectors.

TOCOL Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Privacy Screen Protector

Best privacy for front screen

Don't want the Milomdoi 6-in-1 kit because you don't need so many screen guards? No problem. Just get the two-pack TOCOL Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Privacy Screen Protector with two 9H+ military-grade shatter-proof tempered glass protectors.

Diacube 3+3 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Paperfeel Anti-Glare Matte Screen Protector

Best matte

The Diacube 3+3 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Paperfeel Anti-Glare Matte Screen Protector includes three pieces per display, each of which has a matte, anti-glare finish that tried to imitate a paper-like feel and has self-healing properties.

Back to the top ^

A buyer's guide to picking the right Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra screen protectors

The best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra screen protectors will differ from person to person. Some folks like to be minimal with their shopping, opting for a single screen protector for the front. Others like to get multi-packs and have plenty of extras to spare in the future. It's also important to remember that Samsung does not recommend users to replace the internal folding screen's factory-installed screen guard at home, and not until it starts peeling off, which also factors into your decision.

Regardless of how you want to go about choosing a screen protector for your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, I suggest getting an all-inclusive kit with multiple spare. It makes more sense to get it done with initially, so you don't have to repurchase later, and you're always prepared in case of emergencies. Ferilinso has a fantastic package that checks those boxes, giving you three 9H tempered glass screen protectors for the 6.5-inch front display, three flexible plastic films for the internal 8-inch display, and three more glass screen protectors for the camera lenses. Ferilinso also includes cleaning tools like wipes and a squeegee, as well as two installation frames.

If you want to stick with a front screen protector alone, there are several great options in different price segments. The BENKS GlassWarrior AR Screen Protector is a high-quality aluminum-lithium 9H tempered glass with an anti-reflective finish and case-friendly curved edges. It repels fingerprints, smudges, dust, and any other solid or liquid particles. Although it's on the pricey side, I have used and found the BENKS tempered glass to be of dependable quality.

Best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 screen protectors

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:30:01 +0000

Investing in the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 screen protectors is like having an extra life in a video game; if you screw up, you can always start over with max health. Dropping your expensive new Flip 8 on a hard surface will definitely shatter the display. And if it's unfolded, both the screens could crack in one fell swoop. Why take the risk? Just get a sturdy tempered glass screen protector for the cover display and a flexible film for the internal foldable display, and you'll have an insurance policy to rely on.

To that end, here are all the best Galaxy Z Flip 8 screen protectors that you can choose. I have also included camera lens protectors, so you can reinforce them as well.

These are your best screen protector options for the Galaxy Z Flip 8

Ferilinso 3 Pack Inside Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 with 9H Tempered Glass Back and Camera Lens Protectors

Best overall

Ferilinso includes three pieces of front, inner, and camera lens protectors in this exhaustive kit, including cleaning, alignment, and installation tools. The non-folding front screen guard is made of 9H tempered glass with military-grade shatter-proofing.

Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit for Galaxy Z Flip 8

Best installation

The Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit two-pack of 9H tempered glass screen protectors for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 comes with one of the best installation frames. It aligns automatically, includes a comprehensive cleaning kit, and has a spare to go.

ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass XTR5 for Galaxy Z Flip 8

Best premium

The InvisibleShield Glass XTR5 for Galaxy Z Flip 8 is ZAGG's most advanced screen protector yet, using graphene-infused Hexiom Impact Technology for enhanced durability and Eyesafe CPF60 blue light filters. You get a lifetime replacement warranty.

Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Optik Pro for Galaxy Z Flip 8

Best for camera lens

Don't forget about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8's camera lenses while you're at it. This two-pack includes two pieces of full coverage camera lens protectors made of the same shatter-proof tempered glass as the Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit for the front screen.

Natbok 2+2 Pack Soft Flexible TPU Film Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

Best budget-friendly

The under-$10 Natbok 2+2 Pack Soft Flexible TPU Film Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the cheapest set of decent screen guards for the Flip 8. You get an assistive installation tool in addition to two inner and two outer screen protectors.

Ferilinso 2 Pack Inside Privacy Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 with Back and Camera Lens Protectors

Best privacy

Ferilinso also offers a darkened version of its two-pack of Galaxy Z Flip 8 screen protectors for the more privacy focused individuals. Apart from two sets of privacy screen guards for both displays, it also has one set of dual camera lens protectors.

Back to the top ^

How to select the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 screen protector

The best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 screen protectors are shatter-proof, fit well, come with installation frames, and have at least one spare set in the box. Fortunately, most of them are quite reasonably priced, apart from the most premium of the lot.

Ferilinso is an affordable, well-liked brand that consistently puts out good quality screen protectors for all the best flagship smartphones. The Ferilinso 3 Pack Inside Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 with 9H Tempered Glass Back and Camera Lens Protectors is one of the most comprehensive kits available for the Z Flip 8. You get everything you need: three military-grade shatter-proof 9H tempered glass screen protectors for the cover display, three flexible films for the internal screen, and three sturdy camera lens protectors made of tempered glass as well. All the screen guards have an oleophobic nano-coating on top, so they repel solids and liquids alike, including dirt particles, oil residue, and fingerprints. The set even has an alignment tool for perfect at-home installation. All of that for just $15 is an outstanding deal!

If you to opt for more premium brands, Spigen and ZAGG are excellent options. Spigen is more affordable, giving you two front screen protectors made of tempered glass and an easy-to-use frame at $17.

ZAGG, on the other hand, is in a class of its own with its, with its premium-grade InvisibleShield Glass XTR5 made of graphene-infused Hexiom Impact Technology and Eyesafe CPF60 technology that filters blue light emissions. Spending $59.99 on a single front screen protector might sound insane, but it comes with a lifetime replacement warranty and a screen repair guarantee covering up to $250 worth of repairs. Since Samsung does not recommend replacing your Z Flip 8's internal screen protector, it would make sense to just get something for the external display.

Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 cases

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:26:38 +0000

The cat's out of the bag: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is, in fact, just called the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. The book-style foldable has a very wide aspect ration. With the help of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 cases, you can make it easier to grip and prop up, and add robust impact-proofing too.

Whether you're looking for something magnetic or a heavy-duty case that can withstand any amount of battering, it's all available. All the very best cases in every category are listed right here.

The best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 cases are all right here

Thinborne Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide Case

Best overall

The fantastic Thinborne case now comes in three colors. Built with aerospace-grade 600D aramid fiber, this magnetic Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 case only measures 0.04 inches thin and weighs just 0.8 ounces light.

PITAKA Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Edge Case

Best functionality

PITAKA's Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Edge Case comes in the brand's signature woven pattern. Available in four colors, this sleek case features magnetic support, raised edges around the camera unit, and a tempered glass screen protector.

FNTCASE Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Translucent Matte Case

Best affordable

Not interested in spending around $100 on a phone case? The FNTCASE Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Translucent Matte Case costs below $30, but it still adds hinge protection, a magnetic ring, a screen protector, and military-grade drop-proofing.

SUPCASE UB Grip Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Case with Stand

Best rugged

SUPCASE has a massive fan following for good reason. The brand's rugged UB Grip case is tougher than nails, adding military-grade impact resistance, shock absorption, and bonuses like a stand, built-in screen guard, ring holder, and hinge protection.

VRS DESIGN Terra Guard Modern for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8

Best simple

Jazzy phone cases aren't for everyone. The slim but tough VRS DESIGN Terra Guard Modern for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 keeps it simple. This plain, black case has a soft matte finish, comes with a screen protector, and supports magnetic accessories.

Poetic Spartan for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Case

Best clear

The Poetic Spartan for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Case is a scratch and drop resistant case that has a clear back and raised bezels all around. It also has a magnetic ring embedded in the back and a kickstand tucked away inside the reinforced hinge.

Back to the top ^

Choose a Galaxy Z Fold 8 cases that matches your needs and fits your budget

There are hundreds of Galaxy Z Fold 8 cases out there, but choosing the right one means identifying your needs and then matching that with something reliable. I have been testing cases, screen protectors, and accessories for many years, which is why you can rely on my expertise when hunting for the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 cases.

Thinborne is a Texas-based brand that has a fantastic reputation. The company isn't very big, but they are stringent with their quality control. This is why the Thinborne Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide Case is easily the ultimate case for your wide-screened Z Fold 8. The only complaint you will ever have is its price, because its high cost is the only drawback to choosing this case. It is exceedingly thin, has strong magnets inside, and weighs barely anything. Thinborne added two more colors, so the case now comes in black, red, and blue. If you can afford it, this is the optimal Galaxy Z Fold 8 case.

Now if you want to set your sights to a lower price bracket, there are still plenty of decent options with reasonable drop-proofing and handy add-ons like a magnetic ring. The FNTCASE Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Translucent Matte Case only costs $27, but that pricing isn't indicative of the quality. I have tested many cases from the brand and found them to perform really well. It comes in pink, blue, and black, and you can also get a clear variant but that has a glossy finish. FNTCASE promises military-grade shock-proofing, and the Fold 8's spine has been thickly reinforced.

Best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 cases

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:32:00 +0000

The Flip 8 is slimmer and lighter than ever, so be sure to grab one or two of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 cases. You don't want to take away from the thinness or lightness of such a compact foldable, so be sure to grab a sturdy, scratch-proof phone case that isn't bulky or heavy. I have rounded up the best options available right here for your perusal, be it hinge protection you're looking for or extras like magnetic Qi2 support.

Protective phone cases for your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

Thinborne Galaxy Z Flip 8 Aramid Fiber Magnetic Case

Best overall

Thinborne continues to be the hero of the people with its fantastic, impossibly thin Aramid Fiber Magnetic Case for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8. Equipped with a magnetic ring, it supports all Qi2 accessories, even wireless charging ones.

Spigen Ultra Hybrid Pro MagFit for Galaxy Z Flip 8 in Neo One

Coolest design

Spigen Ultra Hybrid Pro MagFit for Galaxy Z Flip 8 in Neo One sports the coolest design ever, plus it supports magnetic accessories. It's a see-through case with an x-ray of the insides of the Flip 8 sitting on the back.

Cresee Magnetic Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 Case

Best clear

Cresee Magnetic Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 Case is super affordable and thin TPU case with a hard back. It adds scratch protection and a magnetic ring to your Flip 8, but don't expect robust drop-proofing from this lightweight clear case.

FNTCASE Galaxy Z Flip 8 Case 360 Spin Magnetic Stand

Best built-in grip

The FNTCASE Galaxy Z Flip 8 Case 360 Spin Magnetic Stand features thickly reinforced hinge protection and a magnetic ring-shaped stand that rotates 360 degrees. Because the built-in ring stand has N52 magnets inside, you can still use magnetic accessories.

PITAKA Galaxy Z Flip 8 Back Case

Best camera protection

The PITAKA Galaxy Z Flip 8 Back Case features a woven, aramid fiber build with an upgraded camera protection design. The raised bezels around the lenses don't bulk up the Flip 8 as much because of the ultra-thin design of the case.

Poetic Spartan for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

Best heavy-duty

Available in one see-through and two opaque colors, the Poetic Spartan for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 features 20ft military-grade drop protection. It is a magnetic case with a stand built in the reinforced hinge, built-in screen protection, and a magnetic ring.

Spigen Nano Pop MagFit for Galaxy Z Flip 8

Best color combo

The Spigen Nano Pop MagFit for Galaxy Z Flip 8 holds a cult classic status. The blue and yellow Blueberry Navy colorway in particular is extremely popular. The Nano Pop MagFit case for the Flip 8 is slim, impact-proof, and magnetic, all for a reasonable price.

Back to the top ^

Breaking down how to pick the right case for your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

There are hundreds of phone cases out there, but only a few of them qualify as the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 cases. A stalwart case for a foldable needs to allow for uninterrupted folding and unfolding, and it can't be too thick either. People buy foldables like the Flip 8 for the lightness and thinness, after all, and a thick case takes that away.

Thinborne continues to be the gift that keeps on giving. This Texas-based brand always delivers on every vital front: slimness, lightness, and handiness. The Thinborne Galaxy Z Flip 8 Aramid Fiber Magnetic Case is a marvel, measuring just 0.04 inches thin and weighing just 15.9 grams. It is almost like having a Dbrand skin on instead of a phone case. What's harder to believe is that Thinborne somehow embedded powerful magnets inside this aerospace-grade 600D aramid fiber case. The ultra-premium build does have one unfortunate consequence: it makes the case insanely expensive.

If you don't want to spend $80 on the Thinborne case, you still have plenty of excellent Z Flip 8 cases to choose from. However, none of them get as thin as the Thinborne case.

Spigen is one of the top smartphone case manufacturers in the world. For the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8, I recommend two of Spigen's classic models: the Ultra Hybrid Pro MagFit and Nano Pop MagFit. Both are slim, magnetic, and add reasonable shock absorption, and they are priced affordably as well. If you want to be able to admire the color of your Galaxy Z Flip 8, I recommend the see-through Spigen Ultra Hybrid Pro MagFit.

Don't need a 300W charging station? These 4 features will change your mind

harish.jonnalagadda@futurenet.com (Harish Jonnalagadda) — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:15:30 +0000

Charging devices can get out of hand, particularly if you have a few phones, notebooks, tablets, and accessories. You can just use the charger that comes in the box with the phone (which in itself is vanishingly rare these days), but a much better choice is to get a dedicated charging station. Going this route will allow you to charge all of your devices at once, and you get much more power than with a single charger — I use UGREEN's Nexode 500W charging station, and its six ports allow me to charge all of my tech with ease.

Cuktech is a Chinese charging brand that's slowly gaining momentum; I use its 15 Ultra power bank and 140W charger daily, and its products are just as reliable as UGREEN and Anker. The brand is now making charging stations, and I've been testing the 300W 30 Ultra for the better part of a month now. The 30 Ultra retails for $159 on Amazon, and while that is costly, you are getting a charger that can easily charge up to five devices at once. To put this into context, the Nexode 500W that I use in my office costs $199.

If you're not quite sure about what you get with a charging station, these are four things I liked the most about the Cuktech 30 Ultra after a month of testing.

The Cuktech 30 Ultra has all the ports you need

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Obviously, the biggest reason for buying a GaN charging station is to be able to charge several devices at once. The 30 Ultra has three USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a DC connector on the side that lets you connect to notebooks.

The charger also gets a wedge-style stand that angles it on a desk, and this makes the accessing the ports a little better.

When it comes to USB-C, you get 140W over the USB PD 3.1 protocol with the USB-C1 and C2 ports, and the best part is that both ports can deliver 140W at once. This means you can effortlessly charge two MacBooks simultaneously with the 30 Ultra, and that's a big advantage.

The USB-C3 port goes up to 33W, and the USB-A port hits 18W. Cuktech bundles a 240W USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, and you can use it to charge just about any gadget.

It has (almost) all mainstream charging protocols

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Most charging stations just get USB PD and leave it at that, so it's great to see Cuktech add a lot of additional charging protocols. That includes Xiaomi's 120W charging standard, and I tested it with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Xiaomi 17T Pro to confirm. You also get 100W USB PD with PPS, Qualcomm's QC3.0 and QC2.0, and Huawei's fast charging standard.

The only standard missing is OPPO's VOOC, and I wasn't able to charge my Find X9 Ultra to its potential. That said, the phone goes up to 50W over USB PD, and this proved to be handy with the charger.

You get a dedicated DC port

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

It's the versatility with the DC connector that gives the 30 Ultra an edge over other charging stations. This port goes up to 300W, so you can easily charge power-hungry gaming notebooks without too much of a hassle. You get a smattering of connectors that you can use with the DC port, but note that these will only work when you connect to a notebook.

There's a built-in LCD panel

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

While most chargers come with a built-in panel these days — I like the ChargeView 140W because of this — Cuktech took it to the next level with the 30 Ultra charging station. It gets a bigger 1.83-inch panel, and it shows real-time charging details, a power curve, and even how much current is going out of a cable.

It's a valuable addition if you've connected several gadgets to the charging station and want to see just how fast individual devices are charging.

Overall, I really liked using the 30 Ultra; Cuktech nailed the design and the port selection, and having two USB-C ports with 140W power is a welcome move. The addition of a DC port is great as well, and the 1.83-inch panel is a nifty inclusion that lets you see in real-time how fast connected devices are charging. If you need a way to declutter your desk with a single charger, the 30 Ultra is a good choice in 2026.

Cuktech

30 Ultra 300W Charging Station

The 30 Ultra makes it easier to charge several devices at once, and the selection of ports and charging standards means you can plug in all of your devices at once.

3 reasons why this 140W GaN charger took over my desk

harish.jonnalagadda@futurenet.com (Harish Jonnalagadda) — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:05:12 +0000

I use several chargers throughout the house, and I still rely on the 500W Nexode as my go-to charging station in the office. As good as it is, the charging station is bulky, so I don't use it on my desk. I instead prefer a smaller charger that still gives me the flexibility to charge up to four devices at once, and in recent months, I used Baseus' excellent Nomos 2, which also has a Qi 2.2 mat.

That was before Satechi rolled out its latest GaN charger. The ChargeView 140W is a 4-port charger that's roughly the same size as a regular 140W wall charger, but you get four charging ports in total, and Satechi even managed to fit a tiny panel onto it that shows real-time charging details. The best part is that it costs just $99 on Amazon, which is similar to other 140W chargers I used in recent months. Here are three reasons why the ChargeView 140W is now my go-to desk charger.

The ChargeView 140W is the smallest 4-port charger I used

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

For me, the number one consideration for a desk charger is the size, and the ChargeView 140W nails the brief. It is smaller than other 4-port charging stations I used, and if anything, it's even smaller than a travel charger.

I also like that it has four USB-C ports; most 4-port chargers include a USB-A port, and while I can understand the reasoning behind that, I don't need the port on a desk charger, so just having a multitude of USB-C ports is highly convenient — at least in my use.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Satechi also includes a stand that lets you orient the ChargeView 140W horizontally or vertically. I used it horizontally, and the stand makes accessing the USB-C ports just a tad more convenient. The charger itself is made out of plastic, and I didn't see any issues with build quality whatsoever.

It has USB 3.2 AVS and goes up to 140W

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

The ChargeView 140W does a solid job charging four devices at once, and the C1/C2 ports have the ability to charge devices up to 140W. The USB-C1 port uses the latest USB PD 3.2 AVS standard to adjust voltage in minute increments, and it makes a difference while charging the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air.

The USB-C2 port uses the standard USB PD 3.1 profile, and it also goes up to 140W. The C3 and C4 ports go up to a maximum of 40W individually, and these are better-suited for charging handheld consoles and accessories. Like all other GaN chargers, the ChargeView 140W does a good job intelligently managing the power budget based on the number of ports in use. Here's a look at how the power delivering is affected based on number of devices connected:

Satechi

I used the ChargeView 140W with my Find X9 Ultra, iPad Pro M4, iPhone 17 Pro, and a dozen accessories over the course of the last month. It did just as reliable a job as other GaN chargers I used, and the smaller size and availability of four USB-C ports makes it a long-term addition to my desk.

You get an LCD panel that shows real-time charging info

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

It isn't that long ago that brands started adding LCD panels to their chargers to show charging details, and I like this feature a lot. The ChargeView 140W has a tiny panel of its own, and it is a great way to see how fast a connected device is charging.

What I like about this is that you can charge the orientation of the panel based on the charger's configuration. So if you're using it vertically, a long press of the button located at the top switches the orientation. It's a small addition, but it's one that makes a noticeable difference.

On the whole, the ChargeView 140W is a great addition to Satechi's charging portfolio, and if you need a reliable desk charger with the ability to charge four devices at once, I'd suggest getting this one.

Satechi

ChargeView 140W Desktop Charger

The ChargeView 140W is a diminutive 140W GaN charger that effortlessly charges all your tech. It uses the latest USB PD standard, doesn't take up much room at all, and you don't have to pay a premium.

I tested ddHiFi's new entry-level IEMs, and they're ridiculously good

harish.jonnalagadda@futurenet.com (Harish Jonnalagadda) — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 04:19:09 +0000

The budget IEM category has countless choices, and it's the entry-level where things are particularly interesting. ddHiFi is a well-known Chinese outfit, and its latest collaboration with India's Headphone Zone has resulted in the Skyfall and Iris, two IEMs that target the same category.

The Iris has a 10mm dynamic driver and costs ₹2,699 ($28), and the Skyfall has the same 10mm driver alongside a BA driver, and it comes in at ₹3,699 ($38). Both usually cost ₹300 ($3) more, but with Headphone Zone having a sale, now is the best time to get your hands on either if you're interested.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

I've used both IEMs interchangeably over the course of the last month, and I tested both with my Fiio M21. I'll get to the sound in a little but, but before that, I want to highlight the design. The Iris has a green hue that looks great, and the Skyfall has a bold blue design that makes it stand out.

Both IEMs have a 3D-printed shell, and the design is definitely a plus point; you don't usually see this kind of build quality in in the entry-level. I like the see-through design as it does a great job highlighting the drivers and the connectors housed within the shell. This is even more evident on the Skyfall, as you can easily make out the dedicated BA driver.

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Either shell is on the larger side, but I didn't see any issues when it comes to usability. The sound nozzle on the Iris is a smidgen bigger than that of the Skyfall, but this didn't prove to be a problem.

You get a decent selection of ear tips with the IEMs, and the Iris has a 3.5mm cable, with the Skyfall bundling a 4.4mm balanced cable. The default cable is good enough, and the braided cable has a nylon sheath that gives it a little better durability.

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Both IEMs sound great in their own right. They have detailed bass, a clean mid-range that allows vocals to shine, and good treble extension without coming across as bright. I like the Skyfall a little better in this area; the addition of a BA driver leads to better detail in the mid-range and a livelier overall sound, and in my testing, I preferred it to the Iris. You also get better much sub-bass energy, lending itself very well to mainstream music.

That isn't to say that the Iris is bad by any measure — it has standout vocal presentation, and if that's what you need, the Iris will be better-suited to your needs.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

If you're unable to decide between the two and just need a recommend, I'd suggest going with the Skyfall. It costs a little bit more, but you're getting a more engaging sound, and a balanced cable. I also like the blue hue a little better, and I think it's a good all-rounder at just ₹3,699.

The best open-ear earbuds just dropped 33% back to their lowest price EVER at Amazon

Zachary David — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 13:05:00 +0000

It's not always easy to find good open-ear earbud deals, at least when compared with those of traditional earbuds. For that reason, it's exciting to see Amazon cut our favorite open-ear earbuds, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds, back down to their lowest price ever. The deal represents a 33% price drop, marking $100 in savings and bringing their price down to just $199.

We love the Bose Ultra Open earbuds for a number of reasons, but especially for their powerful immersive sound setting, their minimal, sleek design, fast charging speeds, and a relatively long battery life.

While they don't come with multipoint connection or wireless charging, the Bose Ultra Open are still head and shoulders above other competitors in overall quality and design. At $199, they're still a little more pricey than others, but $100 off feels like it could be all the justification you need if you're already in the market.

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: ~~$299.00~~ $199.00 at Amazon

Bose's Ultra Open earbuds have dropped to this price before at Amazon, with the retailer cutting 33% off the price tag to bring them to just $199. In addition to featuring a sleek, likable design, the Ultra Opens are also available at this discounted price in a wide range of colors, including Black, Lunar Blue, Desert Gold, Midnight Violet, Driftwood Sand, Moonstone Blue, and several others still.View Deal

✅Recommended if: you want the best open-ear earbuds on the market and your budget is around $199; you want a pair of open-ear earbuds that won't compromise on immersive, high-quality audio; you like having easy-to-use button controls for playback, volume, answering calls, and more on your earbuds; you need something with a minimal, comfortable fit that can be worn and used for long periods of time.

❌Skip this deal if: you aren't looking for open-ear earbuds and would rather spend this amount of money on higher-quality, fully in-ear devices; you need something that offers more than 4 hours of battery when spatial, immersive, or other modes are engaged; you prefer a pair of earbuds with a higher dust and water resistance rating than IPX4.

The Bose Ultra Open earbuds are a certifiably great pair of open-ear buds, featuring a mind-blowing immersive mode and a solid stereo audio mode, a charging case, and a minimal, comfortable design. Bose says they'll get users up to 4 hours of playtime in immersive mode or up to 7 in stereo mode, while the case can offer up to 48 hours of with intermittent charges.

Apple accessories like this Mophie travel charging kit make me jealous as a Google Pixel user

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 11:57:00 +0000

As a Google Pixel user, I have a wide variety of Qi2 and Pixelsnap accessories to choose from, made by both first- and third-party sellers. But sometimes, I come across products like the Mophie Roam 3-in-1 Travel Charger that are made for Apple, and stare at them longingly.

Although they can be very expensive, accessories for the Apple ecosystem are well-designed and feature-rich. Most multipurpose chargers for iPhones include Apple Watch chargers, which is a rare find for Pixel users. Whether it's a charging dock or a portable charger, it's hard to find officially certified accessories for Google that support the Pixel Watch.

The Mophie Roam 3-in-1 Travel Charger is a modern kit with 3 wireless charging pads

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

The Mophie Roam 3-in-1 Travel Charger is an all-in-one charging package. It features three wireless charging pads: a 25W pad to charge your iPhone, a 7.5W pad for the Apple Watch, and a third 5W pad for AirPods.

Mophie developed the StealthCharge Technology featured in the Roam 3-in-1 Travel Charger specifically for iPhones. It makes for a quiet, aerated charging pad that dissipates heat without fans or coolants.

Both the iPhone and Apple Watch charging pads fold open and closed, so you can use them as stands if you wish. This also makes it easy to pack the kit into a smaller form factor once you're done using it.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

It's a MagSafe and Qi 2.2-certified kit, but the first two pads can also be used with non-Apple devices. But the Apple Watch charger is obviously not compatible with any other smartwatch.

Mophie curated this kit for travel, so it has a small footprint and comes with everything you need to power the 3-in-1 wireless charger, all in a sleek, minimalist pouch. It has several compartments so nothing moves around or gets entangled mid-travel.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

The leather pouch is small enough to neatly fit in any backpack, carry-on luggage, or small suitcase. A 40W USB-C charger with U.S. prongs and a 1.5m USB-C to USB-C cable are included in the box, along with three separate prongs for the U.K., Europe, and Australia.

You can squeeze all the accessories in, but it's really only designed to hold one or two of the included global prongs.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Mophie also includes a handy ferrite bead in the kit. When attached to a USB cable, a ferrite bead — sometimes also called a ferrite ring, choke, or core — acts as an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield, preventing unwanted RF signals from being transmitted to and from a device.

The Mophie Roam 3-in-1 Travel Charger is a luxury product with a high-end build quality

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

The Mophie Roam 3-in-1 Travel Charger set comes in two colors: Black and Cream. It retails for $149.95 at Apple or Mophie.

This is the 2026 iteration, the fourth generation of this kit from Mophie, with updated charging speeds all around. Older-gen variants are more widely available and come in some fun colorways like a cherry blossom print. The older-gen kits have slower charging speeds, but most of them still retail for the same price.

Overall, I love how the Mophie Roam 3-in-1 Travel Charger is the perfect portable charging kit for an avid Apple user. It supplies the fastest wireless charging speeds to six generations of iPhones, as well as every single Apple Watch and AirPods iteration.

I wish Mophie made a similar kit for the latest Pixel hardware, certified by Google for official Pixelsnap support. There isn't a single similar product available for Google Pixel users.

Even if accessory makers were able to make a universal travel charging kit with wireless charging pass for Pixel phones and Pixel Buds, the Pixel Watch would still make it hard. Since the chargers of all Pixel Watch iterations are not compatible with each other, this complicates things.

If you're an Apple user, this is the most comprehensive travel kit for all your gear.

Mophie

Roam 3-in-1 Travel Charger

Charge it all on the go

The Mophie Roam 3-in-1 Travel Charger includes fast wireless charging pads for iPhones, Apple Watches, and Airpods. The set includes a wall adapter, a cable, a ferrite choker, and several international prongs, making it the perfect travel kit for an Apple user.

Amazon just dropped a bunch of great UGREEN NAS deals — including a hefty discount on the 'best starter NAS' we've tested

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:51:24 +0000

It's no secret that storage devices are getting more and more expensive, which has led some users to switch to NAS for all of their file management needs. NAS servers haven't been quite as affected by the 2026 memory shortage as other devices, which means you can still find some pretty exceptional deals if you know where to look.

UGREEN is a rising star in the NAS space, and unlike popular models from brands like TerraMaster and Synology, UGREEN's NAS servers for home tend to get discounted on a fairly regular basis. Case in point: at this very moment, Amazon is slashing prices on a bunch of the brand's best devices, making now a perfect time to invest in one of these versatile storage solutions.

My top UGREEN NAS deal

UGREEN DH4300 Plus 4-Bay NAS: ~~$439.99~~ $373.99 at Amazon

We called the UGREEN DH4300 Plus the "best starter NAS for most people", and it isn't hard to see why. This device is easy to set up and use, with a ton of handy software features, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, and up to 32TB of capacity for each of the four bays (128TB total).

You also get 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, plenty of ports including HDMI, and some AI-boosted software tricks straight out of the box. The DH4300 might be the last storage device you ever need to buy, and it's currently 15% off at Amazon. View Deal

See the full list of deals at Amazon

More deals from Amazon's UGREEN NAS sale

UGREEN

DXP2800 2-Bay NAS

UGREEN

DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay NAS

UGREEN

DH2300 2-Bay NAS

UGREEN

DXP6800 Plus 6-Bay NAS

UGREEN

DXP8800 Plus 8-Bay NAS

UGREEN

DXP2800 NAS & US3000 12,000mah Battery Supply Bundle

More NAS deals: Amazon | Newegg | Best Buy | Walmart

I thought Marshall could do no wrong — until I tried its latest mid-range headphones and disliked this one major thing

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:44:31 +0000

Marshall just launched brand-new over-ear headphones for the affordable price segment on May 19, 2026. The Marshall Milton ANC headphones retail for $229.99, walking headfirst into a starkly competitive neck of the woods: budget wireless headphones.

The Milton ANC have been getting overwhelmingly positive reviews everywhere I look online, which I don't fully understand. Audio quality-wise, the pair does a fantastic job, right on the money. But the entire wear experience is destroyed by what I feel are the smallest ear cups in the world.

This is a very subjective experience, so you be the judge of whether my hands-on experience is relevant to you. If you have the ears of a child, you can skip the review and go ahead and buy them. Otherwise, read on, my friend.

Initial setup and customization is a breeze

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

The Marshall Milton ANC connect via Bluetooth, but you can also use the included 3.5mm audio jack to the USB-C port to plug them into your smartphone manually. This does, however, prevent app usage.

Marshall Milton ANC specifications
Category	Marshall Milton ANC
Drivers	32mm, dynamic
Codecs	SBC, AAC(MPEG-2), LC3, LDAC
ANC	Yes, adaptive, customizable
Controls	Control knob, M-button
Connectivity	Bluetooth 6.0 (10m range), Bluetooth Auracast, USB-C to 3.5mm
Battery life	50hrs with ANC, 80hrs without ANC
Charging	Quick charging, 2hrs for full charge, 15m charge gives 9.5hrs of playback
Weight	200g

First-time installation and setup is easy breezy. Turn the headphones on, enable Bluetooth on your phone, and almost immediately, a connection request pops up thanks to Google Fast Pair. After that, you can even add the Milton ANC to your Google Find Hub or Apple Find My Device.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Then you open the Marshall app to customize ANC, the dynamic equalizer, M-button settings, power-off timer settings, soundstage options, and more.

There is a dedicated Auracast broadcast section to tune in to nearby broadcasts. Noise cancellation can be switched between three modes: ANC on, ANC off, and a transparent mode. The ANC mode allows you to adjust the level of noise cancellation with greater granularity.

Unlike the Marshall Monitor III ANC, there is no dedicated ANC button. The M-button can be customized to toggle that while doubling as the Spotify Tap trigger. You also don't get auto pause/play when you take the Milton ANC on and off your head.

The physics of the Marshall Milton ANC headphones

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Marshall advertises the Milton ANC as extremely lightweight, portable, and comfortable headphones with better airflow than other Marshall headphones.

These are quite bendy, and they only weigh 200g, so half of those claims are true. You can fold both ear cups and stow the Milton ANC headphones away in small spaces. They even fit in a handbag, or oversized baggy pant pockets. But the prongs that extend from each ear cup stick out at odd angles when folded.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

My biggest issue (and only major complaint) with the Marshall Milton ANC is the square ear cups. I have so many questions for Marshall. Why are the ear cups so small? Are they built for Lilliputians, because what in the Whoville is going on?

I do not have big ears by any measure, so I can't imagine others with even larger ears than mine having a positive wearing experience with these. It felt like I was wearing children's headphones with these on.

And why square? I know a lot of over-ear headphones do have boxy ear cups, but the size and shape make for a bad combination. I had to position the Milton ANC ear cups just right, but I still felt they didn't fully or ergonomically cover my ears. Not to mention, I have plenty of piercings in each ear, including helix and tragus piercings, so that added to the discomfort.

Should you buy the Marshall Milton ANC headphones?

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

To me, the Marshall Milton ANC headphones are proof that a brand can do everything right, but if the design isn't truly ergonomic or inclusive, it's not worth buying.

Even at the full retail price, the Marshall Monitor III ANC headphones are better than the Milton ANC. However, you can currently get these $380 headphones on Amazon for $229.99 — the same price as the Milton ANC.

So tell me, if one can find good deals on the Monitor III ANC, why would anyone buy the Milton ANC? Unless you have really tiny ears, I suggest you go for the bigger, better headphones.

Marshall Milton ANC

One fatal mistake

The Marshall Milton ANC headphones sound lovely, and the features are nearly flagship-level. My one and only qualm with them is the size and shape of the ear cups; they are far too square and small to be comfortable.

The Muse 300 is a desktop DAC that's unlike anything I used before

harish.jonnalagadda@futurenet.com (Harish Jonnalagadda) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 08:54:44 +0000

Most DACs largely look the same and don't really stand out in anything other than their tonal characteristics. That's why I enjoy using the Fiio K17 and K19; these DACs don't look like a regular black box, and the styling makes them look great on a desk.

The Muse 300 is now aiming to do the same, but this desktop DAC is taking things to a new level: it has a 5-inch panel, three distinct sound modes, a built-in OS, and a unique UI. Muse HiFi is a recent entrant in this category, and the brand has released six DACs until now. The Muse 300 is its most ambitious effort yet, and it's now being crowdsourced for $379, a $60 discount from its eventual retail price of $439.

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Obviously, design plays a big part here, so let's start there. The Muse 300 is a sizeable chunk of metal, and there's nothing subtle about the angular design — it's meant to stand out. It doesn't look like a DAC at all, and that's because you just have the 5-inch panel and a control knob up front; the 6.3mm and 4.4mm connectors are located to the right. I prefer this design as it lets me plug in a headset and not have the cable jutting out the front, and it looks cleaner on my desk.

The control wheel has built-in lighting, and it has excellent tactility. Honestly, the design and build quality make the Muse 300 feel like a high-end DAC, and it holds its own against the likes of the K19, which costs four times as much.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

A big selling point for the Muse 300 is the OS, and it enables three distinct audio modes: Balanced, Tube Amplifier, and ACG. The Balanced mode has a neutral soundstage — similar to most DACs — and the Tube Amplifier mode switches to a warm profile that's great for casual listening. The ACG is a unique addition that leads to a bright sound with fast transients, and it's the one I'd suggest if you're gaming.

What's unique about the Muse 300 is that it has dedicated physical circuits with each mode instead of just relying on EQ, and it makes a noticeable difference. I tested the DAC with the Meze 99 Classics v2, Audeze LCD-S20, and the MM-500.

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

The Balanced mode is the one I used for analytical testing, and the Muse 300 proved its worth by delivering a clean sound with great dynamics. It allowed the MM-500 to shine, but it's the Tube Amplifier that I enjoyed using the most — it just has a warmth and liveliness to the sound that just makes listening to music that much more enjoyable, and it made me want to get a dedicated tube amp. You don't quite get the same amount of definition in this mode, but it is the one that I enjoyed using the most.

The Muse 300 features ESS' ES9039 Ultra DAC chip alongside a Qualcomm QCC3095 Bluetooth 5.4 modem. It does 32-bit/384kHz PCM decoding alongside DSD256, has a 129dB SNR and low distortion of 0.0006% THD+N.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

The built-in amp delivers 1.1W of power at 32 ohms via 6.3mm, and 2.2W of power at 32 ohms over the balanced 4.4mm connector. There's good connectivity at the rear, with the DAC offering USB, Bluetooth, optical, and coaxial, in addition to XLR and RCA line out. The only annoyance is that the Muse 300 uses USB-B instead of a standard USB-C port. You'll need an external 12V/5A power brick to drive the DAC, and it's bundled in the box.

The 5-inch IPS panel has a resolution of 854 x 480, and it's driven by Muse OS. The OS lives on a 32-bit MCU, and is designed exclusively for audio playback and user interface. There's a lot to like in the UI, and while it is barebones, it doesn't have any lag, and you get all the usual settings. It doesn't have any additional features — like the ability to install apps — so you will need to use one of the inputs to play music.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

After a month of use, the Muse 300 proved to be a revelation. It has the design and build quality of a high-end DAC, and it's clear that Muse HiFi paid a lot of attention to the tuning of the sound with each mode. The idea of Muse OS is interesting in its own right, and I want to see how it evolves over the years. The DAC has enough power to drive demanding headsets, and on the whole, it's a great all-round choice in the sub-$500 category — I didn't think I would enjoy using the DAC as much as I did.

These AI earbuds made my meetings much more productive - here's how

harish.jonnalagadda@futurenet.com (Harish Jonnalagadda) — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:00:52 +0000

I attend a lot of product briefings and meetings, and that's particularly true now as we're once again heading into phone silly season. Normally, I just attend the briefing, take notes, and write up any salient points. If I'm conducting an interview — like the one about Arm's neural gaming tech — I usually record the audio and transcribe manually. That's what takes the most amount of time, and in the last six months, I used an AI-assisted solution: Viaim's RecDot earbuds.

Now, there's no shortage of AI-assisted audio-to-text transcribing services available, and you can do it on your phone as well; this is one of the things I use the most on my Pixel 10 Pro XL. Viaim is one of many brands that are positioning AI-based products to do this automatically. I used Plaud Note in the past to do something similar, but I like the idea of the Viaim RecDot better as it isn't another thing I have to carry.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

The versatility of having earbuds that record calls and meetings and automatically transcribe audio is a big deal, and it made a noticeable difference in my daily use. My favorite feature is Instant Summaries, which provides insights and key takeaways from hours-long meetings; this saved me a decent chunk of time.

A pretty cool addition is FlashRecord, a feature that records conversations up to four hours locally on the buds without needing your phone. You can also record when you're not wearing the buds by pressing a button on the case. There's also an AI-assisted translation feature, and it provides real-time translations. The RecDot did a decent job with Hindi to English translations, but it didn't hold up anywhere as well with Telugu (my native language) to English. That said, the buds have the ability to translate between 78 languages, and that's a cool use case if you're traveling abroad.

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

The RecDot earbuds are available for $199, and while that's quite a lot of cash, you are getting decent earbuds even outside of the AI features. The buds have a standard design with a lengthy stalk, and they don't really stand out. They have a glossy coat and the shell nuzzles into the ear comfortably, and I didn't see any fatigue even with extended use. At 4.8g, each bud is light enough that you won't even notice it.

There are other niceties; the RecDot gets IP55 dust and water resistance, and sound quality from the 11mm dynamic driver is much better than I imagined; it's not going to overthrow Bose or Sony, but it's clear that Viaim paid attention to the audio tuning. You get a boosted low-end that makes listening to most modern music that much more enjoyable, and while there isn't much extension to the treble, the overall tonal characteristics are decent. You get Qi charging, Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and the buds connect to two devices at once.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

There's pretty good noise isolation too, and the RecDot did a reasonable job tuning out ambient sounds in my immediate vicinity. Again, while they weren't as effective as my Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 earbuds, they're good enough that I wouldn't mind using the buds while working at a cafe. You don't get AptX codecs, but there's LHDC, which made a difference while using with my Find X9 Ultra and X9 Pro.

The Viaim app is what you'll be using to generate summaries and transcribe audio, and it's decent enough. I had issues where it crashed while using it on the Find X9 Ultra, but I didn't run into problems on the iPhone 17 Pro, so that's what I used predominantly with the buds. The UI itself is easy to navigate, and you get all the notes and transcribed text easily accessible.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

On the whole, Viaim did a good job with the RecDot, and if you attend a lot of meetings and need an easy way to transcribe and summarize key takeaways, these earbuds are a great option.

Viaim RecDot

The RecDot uses AI to good effect, delivering actionable insights from meetings and lectures. The earbuds are pretty good in their own right, and you get decent audio quality and a lot of the extras that are standard in this category.

WiiM Sound is the smart speaker upgrade I've been waiting for

harish.jonnalagadda@futurenet.com (Harish Jonnalagadda) — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:02:57 +0000

Hardwired

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

In Hardwired, AC Senior Editor Harish Jonnalagadda delves into all things hardware, including phones, audio products, storage servers, and networking gear.

WiiM has consistently delivered great products over the last two years, and while it started out with amps, it is branching out into home audio, and that's exciting. The WiiM Amp Ultra sits at the center of my home theater system, and it does a great job paired to my Wharfedale Linton. I use the WiiM Pro Plus daily, and it continues to be the ideal way to connect older stereo gear to the internet. Similarly, the WiiM Sub Pro is an interesting addition that ties in really well with existing stereo systems if you need to add a subwoofer.

Then there's the WiiM Sound. I've been using it for the last six months, and it has proven to be the perfect smart speaker. It sounds much better than the Nest Audio, the stereo sound is much more detailed than the Sonos Era 100, and its connectivity is unmatched. There are plenty of other features that I'll get into below, but if you need a great-sounding stereo speaker with Google Assistant and Alexa integration, this is the one I'd get in 2026. And coming in at $299, it doesn't cost much more than the equivalent Sonos while giving you so much more.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

While convenience is always high up on the list when considering a smart speaker, I care about sound quality above all else, and the WiiM Sound does well in this area. The speaker has a 4-inch woofer alongside two 1-inch silk-dome tweeters, and it delivers 100W of sound with plenty of detail. I would've liked a bit more rumble to the bass, but it is tightly controlled, and the mids are clean, with vocals shining through. Audio quality is better than what you get with Amazon, Google, and Sonos in this category.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Where the Sound truly stands out is the connectivity. It has Google Cast, Spotify Connect, DLNA, Tidal Connect, and Roon Ready integration. Additionally, you can easily connect it existing multi-room audio systems if you use Google Cast or Alexa.

You can get two units and create a true stereo pair, and if you need a 2.1 system that has much better bass, you can connect it to the $449 WiiM Sub Pro like I did. Rounding out the connectivity, you get Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm aux in, and Ethernet, so there isn't much missing anything in this area.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

This flexibility is a key selling point of WiiM products in general, and with the brand rolling out a soundbar — dubbed the WiiM Bar — soon, you can use the Sound as a rear surround or center channel in a home theater configuration. The Sound has 24-bit/192 kHz playback, and combined with Roon integration, you get the easiest way to stream your local music library — that's how I've been using it in the last six months.

The WiiM Sound connects via the WiiM Home app, and it has a modern interface with an exhaustive amount of customizability. It does a great job bringing together all of your media streaming platforms, and it's just a joy to use. Setting it up takes just a matter of minutes, and if you don't like the way it sounds, you can easily tweak the EQ.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Design is another area where WiiM is doing the right things; the Sound has a modern aesthetic that resembles the HomePod 2, but it includes a 1.8-inch panel up front that lets you control the speaker without pulling out your phone. I use it as a clock, but you can customize it to show album art, and you can change the settings. There's also a top portion with playback controls.

There's a $229 WiiM Sound Lite as well, and the only difference is that it doesn't have the front panel, and you don't get the Bluetooth WiiM Voice Remote 2 Lite. If you're looking to maximize value, the Sound Lite is the one I'd buy.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

I have a half-dozen WiiM products at this point, and a big reason why I use the brand's audio gear is because of the connectivity and easy configurability. Value also plays a big part, and while the Sound costs $299, you're getting a feature-set that far exceeds what other products deliver in this category. If anything, the only feature omission is AirPlay; this was an issue on the Amp Ultra as well.

Outside of that, the WiiM Sound does everything I want in a smart speaker. It looks great, connects to every music platform and digital assistant I use, has decent sound, and is highly configurable. If you're looking to get a new Cast-enabled speaker or want something to extend your multi-room audio setup, the WiiM Sound should be your go-to choice.

WiiM

Sound

The WiiM Sound is the ideal smart speaker in 2026; it has Google Cast and Alexa, you get good built-in sound, and you can extend it with a subwoofer.

I tested the best party speaker of 2026: this is the Marshall Bromley 450

harish.jonnalagadda@futurenet.com (Harish Jonnalagadda) — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 06:30:49 +0000

I always enjoyed using Marshall's Bluetooth speakers; I bought a Stanmore 11 years ago, and it's still going strong. The Emberton III is my go-to choice for portability, and its small design combined with great sound and water-resistant chassis makes it ideal for use anywhere.

And then there's the Bromley 450. I've been using the portable Bluetooth speaker for just over a month now, and it is a powerhouse: it weighs 24lb, has two woofer units and four audio drivers that produce a 360-degree sound, comes with Auracast, and has RCA as well as XLR connectors that lets you easily start a karaoke party.

Basically, the Bromley 450 has everything you need to get a party started, and it is more powerful than most home-focused Bluetooth speakers I used, including the likes of the Stanmore. There's a price attached to all of this: the Bromley 450 costs $746 on Amazon as of writing. There are plenty of other speakers like the $279 Tribit StormBox Blast 2 (which I like a lot), but the Bromley 450 is in an entirely different league altogether.

There's also the small matter of the design; the Bromley 450 looks like an old-school Marshall amp, and that alone makes it worthy of consideration. Instead of a regular review, I'm going to highlight four things I liked the most about the Bromley 450, so let's dive in.

The Bromley 450 is the loudest Bluetooth speaker I used yet

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

The sheer size of the Bromley 450 has allowed Marshall to slot in a total of six driver units, and this leads to wall-rattling sound. This is designed to be a party speaker, and it absolutely nails the brief; even with the volume at 50%, the sound is loud enough to fill a decent-sized room, and crank it any higher than 80%, and you'll have the neighbors at your door.

It's not just the loudness either — the Bromley 450 sounds pretty great in its own right. The speaker has two 90W woofer units alongside four 55W drivers and two passive radiators, and you get a classic Marshall sound: engaging low-end with a lot of energy, clean mids that make guitar riffs stand out, and a soaring treble.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

The orientation of the drivers means you get 360-degree sound, and it makes a big difference, particularly if you're looking for a party speaker.

Of course, like most Marshall speakers, you have full control over the tonality of the sound. There are physical controls to adjust the volume, bass, and treble, and the app allows you granular control over the equalizer.

Lastly, you can daisy-chain two Bromley 450 units; the speaker has aux in and out, and this makes it easier to connect two units to double the sound.

It connects to just about everything

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

The Bromley 450 has the best connectivity of any portable Bluetooth speaker around — it connects to just about everything. It uses Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast, and it connects to two devices at once. I didn't see any issues with range in my testing, and it maintained a steady signal even at 30ft.

Where it stands out is the inputs; you get 3.5mm aux in and out, USB-C, RCA, and the ability to connect two instruments via XLR. You can easily hook up an XLR mic as well, and it's this versatility that makes it stand out. I predominantly tested the Bromley 450 with Bluetooth — I paired it with my Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra — but I also used it with RCA by plugging in my WiiM Pro Plus, and connected it to my Teenage Engineering OP-1 field synthesizer via 3.5mm.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Oh, and you can easily charge your phone with the speaker — the USB-C port charges at up to 15W. While it isn't as fast as a dedicated power bank, it's still nifty to have, and I like that Marshall included the feature.

This speaker is built for all-nighters — and it charges your phone

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Marshall did all the right things when it comes to battery tech. The Bromley 450 uses an LiFePO4 battery that has better longevity than the standard lithium-ion batteries in most speakers.

The best part about the battery is that it is removable, and this gives the Bromley 450 a definite edge over other Bluetooth speakers. You can basically switch out the battery should it degrade down the line, and honestly, it's refreshing to see a manufacturer provide this in 2026. The battery itself doubles as a power bank, and it has USB-C.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

It also makes charging effortless; I only had to charge the speaker once, and in that instance, I just took out the battery and connected it to a 100W USB PD charger. The Bromley 450 comes with a standard AC connector, but I found it much easier to just take out the battery and use USB-C instead. It takes over three hours to fully charge the battery, but there's fast charging that gives you six hours of music playback with just a 20-minute charge.

And when it comes to battery life, the Bromley 450 easily lasted over 40 hours with the volume set to 50%. This is a speaker that just doesn't quit, and it can easily handle all-night parties.

It has an iconic design that grabs attention

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

A big selling point of Marshall products is the classic design, and the Bromley 450 is its best showing yet. It has a domineering presence that immediately stands out, and the Marshall logo with the grille are all reminiscent of the brand's vintage amps.

Build quality is excellent, the edges are reinforced, and it gets IP55 dust and water resistance, making it ideal for pool parties. There's a carrying handle on the left that makes it easy to lug the Bromley 450 around, but there's no getting around the fact that this is an absolute unit.

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

I also like the physical controls; you get knobs to adjust the volume, bass, treble, a delightful power button, toggle to switch between connection modes, and knobs to adjust the volume of connected instruments, and add effects. It's just plain cool, and there's built-in lighting as well, with three effects. The lighting isn't distracting, and it makes the Bromley 450 that much more enjoyable to use.

Overall, the Bromley 450 is an absolute beast of a Bluetooth speaker. It gets louder than anything else I used in this category, it has the best design, connectivity, and battery life. You are paying quite a lot, but after a month of use, I can say with some confidence that it's worth it.

Marshall

Bromley 450

There's no doubt in my mind that the Bromley 450 is the ultimate portable party speaker. It has wall-rattling sound, connects to everything, lasts an entire week, and looks cool.

Storage keeps getting more expensive, but these new Amazon deals should lessen the blow — just in time for Back to School

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:04:12 +0000

External storage devices just keep getting more expensive, which is why every discount is worth considering nowadays, no matter how small. Fortunately, Amazon has just dropped a bunch of storage discounts that aren't small, even if they're not quite to pre-2026 standards.

Whether you want a sturdy Samsung SSD, an all-in-one NAS server, or a compact flash drive to throw into your pocket, there is no shortage of storage discounts to check out at Amazon today.

Indeed, these prices can still be a bummer if you're accustomed to how things were before the current RAM crisis, but if you need more storage for your tech today, this is about as good as it gets. In fact, since prices are continuing to go up for these devices, unless you want to wait another year (at least) to upgrade your storage, I'd jump on these deals while you can.

See the full list of deals at Amazon

Fight the global memory shortage with these Back to School storage deals

Samsung

T9 Portable SSD (4TB)

Samsung

T7 Portable SSD (4TB)

Samsung

SSD 9100 Pro (2TB)

OSCOO

External Hard Drive (1TB)

ORICO

Magnetic External SSD (1TB)

Lexar

D70e (1TB) Portable SSD

TEARMOS

256GB Storage Stick

UGREEN

DH2300 2-Bay Desktop NAS

UGREEN

DXP2800 2-Bay NAS

Why are storage devices so expensive right now?

Storage devices (such as SSDs, HDDs, and DRAM) are getting more expensive because of a global memory shortage caused primarily by the rise of AI data centers. The rapid growth of AI technology has led to a huge demand for memory products, which means there's less supply for consumers. Some devices have seen price increases of 200% or more, so it's important to take advantage of deals whenever you can.

When will the memory shortage end?

No one knows for sure, although most projections have stated that the global RAM shortage will last through 2027 at minimum. Our sister site Tom's Hardware has even reported that the memory crisis will be "even worse" in 2027 than it is this year. In other words, if you need to invest in an external storage device, I'd do it sooner rather than later.

AULUMU made the most innovative magnetic phone stand I've seen in a while

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:51:00 +0000

Gadget Weekly

(Image credit: Android Central)

Join Namerah Saud Fatmi as she explores the cool, quirky, and sometimes downright odd world of smartphone accessories, gadgets, and other nerdy toys every week.

Phone grips and stands are a dime a dozen, and making your mark in the industry at the level of brands like PopSockets is challenging.

Enter AULUMU. This award-winning Chinese brand aims to "reimagine urban tech accessories" with its futuristic, almost cyberpunk aesthetic. The brand launched its innovative G09 Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand in January 2026, followed by a see-through version, the G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand, in May 2026.

I have been testing the G09 Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand for a month, and it is a breath of fresh air, something truly innovative in the phone accessories segment.

Puzzling at first, genius once you figure it out

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

AULUMU sent me the Ghost Transparent version of the G09 stand in Yellow. This version costs $39.98 and comes in Yellow, Orange, Translucent White, and Translucent Gray. Meanwhile, the regular opaque variant costs $45.98 and comes in Black and Silver.

AULUMU includes an adhesive magnetic adapter ring in the box, as well as a very helpful manual with easy-to-follow diagrams. Without the manual, I was very lost and couldn't make head or tail of the stand.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

The AULUMU G09 Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand is a 3-axis magnetic stand with dual-sided magnetic attachments. These two main sides slide open on a tight hinge, so depending on the angle you set the stand at, it stays put. It's confusing when described with words, but the pictures provide much-needed context.

Twist it, turn it, bend it, fold it

The AULUMU G09 stand can be contorted into countless angles. Since it's a magnetic accessory, you can rotate it on the back of the phone too. The N52 magnets embedded within the stand are very strong.

This makes for a highly adjustable phone stand that weighs only 39g (35g for the opaque variant) and isn't too bulky. Whether in portrait mode or landscape mode, you can find an angle that works for you. Here are some of the many configurations I tried out.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

It also has a removable silicone finger strap, so you don't have to take the AULUMU G09 Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand off. It can stay at the back of your phone, replacing your PopSocket or whatever grip you've been using.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

You can easily use the stand with a MagSafe or Qi2 magnetic case on your phone, though that will naturally thicken up your smartphone setup.

Stacks on stacks

One of the many advantages of the double-sided magnets is that you can stack magnetic accessories on top of the G09 stand. So if you really prefer a grip with a popping top, you could just add it to the AULUMU G09 Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

You can take this even further by using the double-sided magnetic arm or attachment to stick your phone to a metal surface.

And because of the circular shape on both sides of the stand, you can literally hang your phone from the handles or knobs, too. This configuration makes the G09 stand look like a pair of handcuffs, but it works, so I won't knock it.

The AULUMU G09 stand innovates in a meaningful way and is definitely worth the buy

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

AULUMU might be writing up a steep bill, but the G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand definitely feels worth the $40. It combines so many functions into one, so I think it really offers fantastic value for money.

The G09 stand takes some time to figure out, though, so you'll have to keep the instruction manual with you the first few days. But once you get used to it, it's really good fun to use.

I think the only real question here is whether you should get the costlier opaque version of the G09 Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand. At 35g, it's only 4g lighter than the Ghost Transparent variant. Is that worth $6 more? Personally, I don't think so. Besides, the see-through design comes in more exciting colorways anyway.

AULUMU

G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand

Cyberpunk tech for all

The AULUMU G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand comes in a mix of fun colors, has a magnetic adapter ring in the box, and can bend and twist in unimaginable ways. It's an excellent phone stand overall.

AULUMU

G09 Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand

Lightweight build

The opaque version of the G09 Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand weighs 4g lighter than the Ghost Transparent iteration. You get all the same perks otherwise, as this is exactly the same innovative product.

Samsung may be ready to end the long wait for the Galaxy SmartTag 3

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 19:54:38 +0000

What you need to know

Galaxy SmartTag 3 may launch in September alongside the Galaxy S26 FE.
Reliable tipster Roland Quandt leaked the release window on Bluesky, though actual hardware specs and design details remain completely under wraps.
SmartTag 2 is due for an upgrade, with its Bluetooth 5.3 hardware and SmartThings Find network now trailing Apple's Find My ecosystem.

Samsung might finally be preparing to refresh one of its most forgotten Galaxy accessories. The Galaxy SmartTag 3 could be released as early as September, according to a new leak, finally ending a wait of nearly three years since the SmartTag 2 arrived in 2023.

The rumor comes from well-known leaker Roland Quandt, who shared on Bluesky that the SmartTag 3 is coming soon with the Galaxy S26 FE. If that timeline holds up, Samsung would likely announce both devices together at its expected September launch event for the Fan Edition phone. That’s all we know so far. The design and hardware of the tracker are still a mystery.

Even with so few details, there's plenty of room for Samsung to improve its item tracker. The existing SmartTag 2 still runs on Bluetooth 5.3 and is only compatible with Samsung’s own SmartThings Find ecosystem. That network has expanded over the years but still lags behind Apple’s Find My network in the sheer number of devices helping to find lost items.

A third-generation SmartTag could be the right time for Samsung to modernize the experience. An upgrade to a newer Bluetooth standard seems like an obvious step, and there are hopes the company could also expand the reach and effectiveness of SmartThings Find. Smarter crowdsourced tracking could help the SmartTag line become more competitive against the leading Bluetooth trackers like Apple’s AirTag and Google’s Find Hub-compatible trackers.

But for now, it's all based on a single leak, and Samsung has not confirmed the product exists. If the report is on the money, September may bring not only another Fan Edition phone but also Samsung’s first new Bluetooth tracker in years. The big question is whether the SmartTag 3 will simply play catch-up or give Galaxy users a compelling reason to stay in Samsung’s ecosystem.

Android Central's Take

If this rumor is true, Samsung has a real chance to make the SmartTag lineup relevant. A spec bump alone won’t cut it in 2026, especially when rivals have been busy improving their tracking networks and user experience for the last few years. I’d like to see Samsung spend more time making SmartThings Find actually reliable when it matters. A tracker is only as good as the network behind it.

DuRoBo's Moodi just brought competition to Boox's weirdest accessory

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:11:23 +0000

What you need to know

DuRoBo announced the Moodi: a wireless page-turner that is compatible with a "wide range" of e-readers, tablets, and phones.
DuRoBo says the Moodi is designed to reduce the strain users experience when reading with a device over longer periods.
The Moodi offers a selection of swappable emoji caps with deliver a gentle, satisfying clicking experience in the palm of your hand.
The Moodi is available on Amazon U.S. for $30.99.

There are accessories of all kinds in the tech world, and DuRoBo is bringing competition to a surprising device.

DuRoBo shared details about the launch of Moodi: a wireless, Bluetooth page-turning remote that uses cute (swappable) emoji caps. DuRoBo is the company behind the Krono ePaper Focus Hub. This remote is said to "make long reading sessions more comfortable and more enjoyable." Usually, users are holding their device, using their thumb or finger to turn the page.

DuRoBo says its Moodi is designed to "reduce the strain" typically experienced during longer reading sessions. With its small form, the Moodi offers a "soft, springy" and satisfying rebound when pressing its buttons. The Moodi offers three modes: Reading, Multimedia, and Browsing. For Reading, consumers can hold the Moodi in one hand and enjoy the gentle, tactile button presses to turn the page.

The Multimedia Mode brings easy play, pause, or track-skipping controls for audiobooks, music, and podcasts. The Browsing option is centered around browsing posts online.

With a 90mAh battery inside the ergonomic frame, the Moodi can reportedly last "for weeks" on a single charge. Additionally, its built-in lanyard helps keep it comfortably (and safely) around your wrist for maximum chill potential. What's more, the swappable emoji caps are a highlight for the Moodi, giving consumers options such as "meh, cheeky, drowsy, hype, vibin’ and goofy."

DuRoBo's Moodi is available on Amazon for $30.99 in the U.S. The company adds that the Moodi is compatible with a "wide range" of e-readers, tablets, and smartphones.

Reading should be chill

DuRoBo

What's interesting is that when my colleague Nicholas Sutrich brought this up, he also mentioned that Boox has a similar product. You might know Boox better for its pocketable e-readers; however, it also has a small, tappable page-turner. Boox's version is called Tappy, and takes on a different shape than what DuRoBo is doing with Moodi. Either way, it's intriguing to see competition enter a device like this.

DuRoBo showed off its Krono during CES 2026, and it was arguably the event's most interesting e-reader. According to Sutrich, the Krono is off to a good start with a minimalistic, phone-sized e-reader vibe going on. DuRoBo also made the experience much simpler than others, but Sutrich said, "I'd also like to see some more options for the existing functions."

Android Central's Take

As I said at the top of the article, this wireless page-turning device might be weird in a good way. I can almost imagine the satisfying click feeling DuRoBo is going for. If you're a PC gamer or know someone who is, and they have a fancy-looking keyboard, ask them why. I can almost guarantee that it's because of the sound. A mechanical keyboard that sounds good is like half the reason why I have the keyboard I do. Also, what DuRoBo is doing with this small page-turner sounds like maximum chill reading time.

Gemini won't cut you off as much, and its reliability improved in Google Home

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:54:44 +0000

What you need to know

Google posted the patch notes for an early July update that's rolling out better reliability, improved sports interactions, and visual refreshes for Gemini.
The Home app gives better light control for two Walmart onn products, while also delivering "Suggested Automations" for users.
In June, Google brought Pet Memory to users, improving how their smart home products perceive their pets walking around their home with personalized alerts.

Google's streak of smart home patches continues in July with key updates for the Home app and Gemini.

Gemini for Home is still in early access; however, that's not stopping Google from rolling out better assistance and conversational capabilities this week. Google announced improved visual layouts for weather forecasts and general knowledge answers from Gemini on smart displays. What's more, sports lovers are getting "more accurate and up-to-date" answers.

With the FIFA World Cup still going on, entering the quarterfinals round today (July 9), users receiving the patch can ask Gemini about schedules, team standings, and more. The other Gemini-centric update concerns "Continued Conversations." Google says it's making its AI "more reliable" with its responses to your follow-up questions and rapid-fire commands.

Outside of the AI scope, the Google Home is rolling out an important update for user automations. With v4.20, users are getting "Suggested Automations." We've heard about automation suggestions a few times in the past. Users will soon find "ready-made automations tailored to real-life tasks like home security, morning routines, or energy savings." Google states these suggestions can be found at the top of your Automations tab or below your scheduled automations.

A light button arrives in the app for onn Outdoor Camera Plug-in and onn Floodlight Camera Hardwired devices. While in camera view, users can toggle the light on and off for these devices. Additionally, older Nest cameras are receiving improvements to the setup process.

We've resolved a problem that could cause your camera live stream to fail to refresh or resume after unlocking your mobile device
We've optimized the camera live view to prevent slow performance during extended viewing sessions
We've corrected the status display of smart door locks to ensure they are never shown with incorrect offline icons
We've corrected an issue where the Face Match setup flow could abruptly exit during brief network interruptions
We've resolved a fan control flickering issue when manually toggling your thermostat fan on and off
We've resolved a crash that could occur when rotating your screen while organizing your favorite tiles
We've resolved a visual issue where offline doorbell camera previews showed an unintended black border on Google TV

Reliable AI

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Continued Conversations was a significant update for Gemini earlier this year. The purpose was to give Gemini better memory for conversations that haven't concluded. Users can converse with the AI, and it will keep its mic open for a few extra seconds in case there's more to add. The original update brought the core of this feature, and now Google is making the AI more reliable in this space.

In June, Pet Memory arrived for user smart home cameras. With Ask Home, users can ensure the AI knows their pet's name and type. Alerts that come through will be more accurate in this sense, as Google Home will say "Bandit is in the living room," instead of "dog is walking."

Android Central's Take

Anytime I see anything remotely related to sports, it has my attention. Beyond that, Gemini's reliability has been called into question before, and it's nice to see Google working on that. If Gemini is slow or causing you to repeat what you've said, that'd just cause headaches. No one wants that.

'Galaxy Buds On' could be the name of Samsung's rumored 'clip-on' earbuds

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:27:00 +0000

What you need to know

Rumors claim that Samsung's previously rumored open-ear or "clip-on" earbuds, the Galaxy Buds Able, have changed names to "Galaxy Buds On."
However, a leak from another source claims "Galaxy Able" might remain, as the title was discovered in the Wearable app's code with the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.
Earlier this year, Galaxy Buds Able were rumored to be earbuds that rely on bone conduction for producing sound with

Rumors have surfaced again about a set of "bone conduction" earbuds that Samsung is developing.

Tipster evowizz on X posted a short claim about a unique pair of earbuds Samsung allegedly has in the works (via SamMobile). Their post claims that the previously rumored "Galaxy Buds Able" title has been replaced with "Galaxy Buds On." The publication adds that they bear the model number SM-U600 internally for Samsung.

The number reportedly swaps "R" for "U," the latter of which is typically used to identify new earbuds from the brand.

The situation progresses with another round of leaks from SammyGuru. According to its post, the publication discovered "Galaxy Able" listed in Samsung's Wearables app code beneath the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. What's more, the post highlights a "samsung.accessory" string that may suggest full integration for the buds across Samsung's software. This has speculation leaning to one side, but nothing's confirmed yet.

Now and then, rumors will conflict like this. It's best to take what's been said here with a grain of salt for the time being.

Audio shifts

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

To make sense of this, we'll have to walk things back to April when rumors of "bone conduction" earbuds surfaced. At the time, the name "Galaxy Buds Able" led the way with an open-ear or "clip-on" design. It was said that these earbuds would clip onto a person's ear, sending vibrations through their bones to produce sound. Clearly, this is a departure from earbuds we're used to seeing and using that sit in-ear (or even traditional open-earbuds.

The model number that SamMobile mentioned in this recent leak was cited before. Prior reports added that the "U" is typically reserved for U.S. product releases, but this model number changes things. The vibrancy or richness of audio has also been called into question. If these buds rely on bone conduction and not more traditional methods, their bass could suffer as a result.

Android Central's Take

These buds already sounded interesting before, but the idea isn't that wild or unique to Samsung. Other brands have gone this route before, and could be seen as another earbud alternative, like anything else on the market. I'm still holding back, since there's nothing else about these buds. No hardware specifications, no charging case, nothing. For now, I'll wait.

These two portable Samsung SSDs are up to 31% off at Amazon — that's 1TB of storage for as little as $0.20 per gig!

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:25:20 +0000

The global storage shortage isn't going away any time soon, but that doesn't mean you can find some good SSD deals if you know where to look. The Samsung T7 and T9 portable SSDs are two of my favorite storage devices for file management on the go, and Amazon is currently slashing up to 31% off the 1TB versions for a limited time.

Samsung T9 Portable SSD (1TB): ~~$287.99~~ $199.99 at Amazon

The T9 is a powerful storage device with read/write transfer speeds of up to 2,000MB/s, making it perfect for 4K video editing and large file management while traveling. Its rubberized exterior has also been drop-proof tested for up to 9.8 feet, while regular firmware updates and AES 256-bit encryption ensure that your files always stay safe wherever you are.

Grab this portable storage device from Amazon today and you'll score a straight 31% off your purchase! View Deal

Samsung T7 Portable SSD (1TB): ~~$274.99~~ $219.99 at Amazon

If you're looking for something more sleek and casual, the Samsung T7 is a great pick for everyday use. You get transfer speeds of up to 1,050Mb/s with USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology, high-end thermal control, and shock resistance from up to six feet in height. Order this approachable SSD from Amazon and you'll save 20% today. View Deal

Both of these Samsung storage solutions are durable and travel-ready, with lightning-fast transfer speeds, Dynamic Thermal Guard to prevent overheating, and high-end AES 256-bit hardware encryption straight out of the box. They're also small enough to toss into a bag or coat pocket.

That being said, the Samsung T9 is easily the better value here, offering faster transfer speeds of up to 2,000MB/s and a more durable design than the T7. I often recommend the Samsung T7 since it's usually a bit more affordable than its rubberized counterpart, but this leftover Prime Day deal has actually dropped the 1TB T9 to only $199.99, which is a full $20 cheaper than the T7's current price.

Still, if you prefer something sleek and you don't mind slower speeds, the T7 remains a solid pick. Both SSDs are impressive options if you need external storage while traveling this summer, and this Amazon deal has made them more approachable than they've been in a while (barring last month's Prime Day discounts, of course). Given how expensive storage devices are these days, every penny counts.

Nothing's new Ear 3a can record calls and save what you're listening to

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:30:00 +0000

What you need to know

Nothing Ear 3a introduces Audio Snapshot with onboard storage.
The earbuds can also record phone calls and meetings.
New 12mm drivers, 45dB ANC, and Hi-Res Audio support are included.
Pricing starts at just $99.

Nothing makes some of the best wireless earbuds on the market, and the company today unveiled its latest pair, the Ear 3a, with a new feature that feels particularly relevant in the AI era.

The headline feature of the Nothing Ear 3a is built-in storage of 32MB. Nothing says this lets users record what it calls Audio Snapshots, essentially allowing you to save whatever is being heard through the earbuds at any given moment. The feature captures audio from both before and after the trigger gesture, creating an "audio screenshot" without you ever having to pull out your phone.

Recordings automatically sync to the companion app, where you can replay, edit, share, and transcribe them.

(Image credit: Nothing)

The storage also enables call and meeting recording directly on the earbuds. Users can start recording with a simple gesture and capture conversations for up to two hours. With privacy in mind, other participants are notified whenever a call or meeting is being recorded.

On the audio side, the Ear 3a gets a new 12mm dynamic driver designed to deliver stronger bass and improved detail. The earbuds also support Hi-Res Audio Wireless at up to 24-bit/96kHz and an 8-band equalizer that you can customize right in the app.

There are ANC upgrades as well. The Ear 3a now offers up to 45dB of wideband ANC, with Nothing claiming a 17.1% improvement in overall noise cancellation coverage compared to the previous generation.

In terms of design, they'll look familiar to anyone who's used Nothing's earbuds before. The case keeps the brand's signature transparent-ish aesthetic, while the earbuds themselves come in four colors: Black, White, Yellow, and a new Pink finish.

The Nothing Ear 3a are priced at $99, putting them in direct competition with the Google Pixel Buds 2a and the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE.

Android Central's Take

I've stopped getting excited about ANC improvements and bigger drivers at this point. But built-in storage that records and transcribes what you're hearing? That's something I'd genuinely use every day, especially when my attention span is basically non-existent at this point.

I created Harry Potter style moving portraits with the Homture Magic Frame

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:05:00 +0000

Gadget Weekly

(Image credit: Android Central)

Join Namerah Saud Fatmi as she explores the cool, quirky, and sometimes downright odd world of smartphone accessories, gadgets, and other nerdy toys every week.

Bringing pictures to life takes a whole new meaning with the Homture Magic Frame. This enchanting digital photo frame is loaded with AI goodies and smart sensors, making your still shots move dynamically.

What truly makes this a magical experience is the motion sensor detection. The frame only triggers movement in your static photos once it detects motion nearby. And that is exactly why it feels like a Harry Potter style moving portrait — it literally senses movement and reacts!

The Homture Magic Frame can be set up as a gift or for personal use

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Priced at $139.99, the latest Homture Magic Frame version was launched in October 2025. The 10.1-inch frame has a Full HD+ (1920x1200) resolution, 64GB of local storage, a one-year warranty, and a 30-day return period. There is a stand built into the back that can be used both horizontally and vertically, and a proprietary power cord is included in the box.

The Homture Magic Frame can be set up for your own use or as a gift for someone else to use and own. This can be done by scanning the QR code on the box, or by sending a digital gift code if it's a long-distance present.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

The Homture Magic Frame uses Wi-Fi to connect to the Android or iOS app. Once the frame is paired with your phone, you can add photos from your smartphone's gallery to the Magic Frame.

It is a fairly straightforward setup process that requires you to simply follow the steps indicated on the Magic Frame once you turn it on. The setup process takes about five minutes, including time to install the Homture app on your phone.

The moving photos are AI-powered

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

The moving pictures are created by using the AI Magic feature within the Homture app. You can select which photos you want to bring to life and what actions you would like them to do. For example, I created an AI Moment of my cat waving at me. Every time I step near the frame, my cat waves hello!

The sensor isn't perfect, and sometimes it doesn't detect movement. To address this, you can tweak the motion detection settings in the frame's Settings menu and choose from high, medium, or no trigger probability options to make the dynamic photos move more or less frequently.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

Once these "AI Moments" are created, you can send them to the frame. There are several options within the app, such as the ability to show a certain picture or AI Moment immediately, add and delete pictures from the frame, hide pictures, like pictures, and download pictures. So if the frame is a gift, the recipient can add, remove, or download whatever pictures you loaded for them beforehand.

It is certainly cool, but is it worth spending money on?

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

One big drawback is that the Homture Magic Frame requires AI credit points to create these dynamic portraits. Each moving photo or AI Moment consumes 100 points. You get a 2,000-point card for free with the frame, which translates into 20 AI-generated videos or AI Moments.

AI credit points can be topped up later as well, with 500 credits priced at $4.99, 1,000 credits selling for $9.99, and 2,000 credits going for $19.99. Prices vary per region.

As much as I also wish for Alexa or Google Home integration, that would likely just drive up the price of the smart frame even more.

With the right curation of photos and videos, the Homture Magic Frame can be the most thoughtful gift ever. At its current price, it is a reasonable purchase, cheaper than many alternatives. Just be careful about how you spend your free 2,000 credits so you don't need to purchase any for a while.

Homture Magic Frame

Magical memories

The Homture Magic Frame brings your static photos to life with its AI Moments feature. The screen is a lovely 10.1-inch Full HD+ and the smart frame is super easy to set up. If you're looking for a sentimental gift idea, this is the perfect pick.

You can upgrade your TV's sound quality with the new Google Home Speaker surround sound option. Here's how

Nicholas Sutrich — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 07:53:00 +0000

Many cinephiles have amazing home theater setups with projectors, reclining and rumbling seats, multi-channel surround sound systems, and probably even a built-in popcorn maker in their theater room. While that's great for people who want to spend a lot of time setting up all the pieces to the home theater puzzle, plenty of people don't have the technical know-how, time, or money for such an endeavor.

Thankfully, Google is making a simple home theater setup with its new Google Home Speaker, which lets you quickly pair your speakers with your Google TV Streamer for a quick surround sound system without all the wires or wall anchors. This is a great option for anyone with less space to work with, or even just as a temporary solution for any reason.

The best smart speakers from Sonos and Amazon have had this capability for quite a while, but Google is finally joining the crowd with its latest speaker, the 2026 Google Home Speaker.

What's it like using a Google Home Speaker with a TV?

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The 2026 Google Home Speaker upgrades the Nest Mini and Google Home Mini audio experience with a taller design and larger audio components, delivering significantly better bass and sound quality. It also uses 360-degree drivers, which can help create a virtual surround sound system with two speakers.

Traditional surround sound systems typically require you to hook up an amplifier and run wires for speakers that you'd normally mount on a wall or ceiling. Lots of people (including me) opt for soundbars for this reason: they usually connect to your TV, include a subwoofer, and sometimes add a second set of speakers for the rear channels.

All of these solutions generally require running audio wires, whereas a Google Home Speaker only requires a power cable. While the Google Home Speaker is the easiest solution in this set of options, it also comes with some caveats.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Compared to a traditional surround sound system or a soundbar, the Google Home Speaker won't have the booming bass of home theater systems, since it doesn't include a dedicated subwoofer. That might be better in a community housing situation (like an apartment), or in smaller living spaces.

While you can pair two Google Home Speakers with a Google TV Streamer, this only provides stereo sound with virtual surround options. It's not a true surround sound system since it doesn't have three or more speakers, so the overall quality and immersiveness of a traditional surround sound system will be missing.

That being said, this is a great option for simplicity's sake, to save space, and to reduce setup time, especially if you're not a person who enjoys running cables. If you pair only one Google Home Speaker with your TV, I recommend placing it under the TV or on a shelf at the front of your room. With two speakers, you have a bit more freedom to place them around the room.

Pairing a Google Home Speaker with your TV

(Image credit: Android Central)

To get started, you'll need at least one Google Home Speaker (two is best), plus a Google TV Streamer. I'll assume for this guide that you've already plugged in and set up your Google Home Speaker for regular use. If you haven't, go ahead and do that, then follow along with the guide:

1. On your Google TV Streamer, press the Home button, then select the Quick Settings option at the top of the screen.

2. On the pop-up window, select Audio output from the list of tiles.

3. In the audio output window, select Connect another device.

4. In the Remotes & Accessories section, select Google speakers from the list, then select Getting started.

(Image credit: Android Central)

5. A list of Google Home Speakers on your account will appear in the next window. Select all the speakers you want to use for TV audio output, then click Next.

6. Once setup is complete, all connected Google Home Speakers should appear in the Google speakers section of the Remotes & Accessories menu.

(Image credit: Android Central)

Now that youre Google Home Speakers and Google TV Streamer are connected, they will automatically connect and be used any time your Google TV Streamer is powered on.

Fixing audio latency issues with a Google Home Speaker and Google TV Streamer

Sometimes, when using wireless audio, you'll find that the image on the TV doesn't match the audio coming from your speakers. This is more than just annoying, as it makes it difficult to watch anything. Thankfully, Google has a simple built-in tool to fix this problem:

1. On your Google TV Streamer, press the Home button, then select the Quick Settings option at the top of the screen.

2. On the pop-up window, select All settings at the top.

3. Select the Remotes & Accessories section.

4. Select the Google speakers option.

(Image credit: Android Central)

5. Select the offending speaker from the list, then select Audio video sync.

6. Follow the on-screen instructions to adjust the audio latency to match the audio with the bouncing ball.

(Image credit: Android Central)

Using an older Google Home or Nest speaker as a surround sound system

If you're not willing to shell out $200 for a pair of new Google Home Speakers (and I can't blame you for that), your existing Nest or Google Home speakers can serve a similar function, but it'll likely require a bit more tweaking.

All Google Home and Nest speakers support Bluetooth, so you can pair them with your TV or preferred streaming device to enjoy higher-quality audio than the TV can provide. Bluetooth could have quality, range, and audio latency issues, but let's get things set up first before we assume those things:

1. Open the Google Home app on your phone.

2. Select All devices from the list (it's the 4-square grid icon).

3. Find your speaker in the list and tap it.

4. Tap the settings cog at the top of the screen.

5. Select Audio from the list.

(Image credit: Android Central)

6. Select Paired Bluetooth devices.

7. Tap Enable pairing mode at the bottom, then select the speaker from the audio section of your TV or streaming device.

(Image credit: Android Central)

Since every TV or streaming device is different, I can't walk you through how to find the audio section on those, but it's likely under system settings, audio, then Bluetooth or wireless audio. If you need to adjust audio latency, your TV or streaming device should have options for it in the same section.

Whichever method you use, Google Home and Nest speakers are a great way to add higher-fidelity audio to a TV without running wires, which can make a big difference in your TV experience.

Google Home Speaker (2026) vs. Nest Mini: Taller or smaller?

Nicholas Sutrich — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 19:19:48 +0000

Google

Home Speaker

The best for audio quality

Google is taking a two-pronged approach for its latest smart speaker. It's both a "speaker first" and simultaneously the first speaker "built for Gemini." With better audio quality and better local AI processing, this is the speaker for the future.

Pros

Lovely design and construction
Speaker quality is downright impressive
Can be used as TV surround sound speakers
Understands complex requests without a problem
Deep integration into Google Home ecosystem
A Thread border router with Matter support

Cons

USB-C cable is hard-wired
Some responses are very slow

Google

Nest Mini

The anywhere speaker

Nest Mini was designed to give you instant access to Google Assistant anywhere in your home, and it doubles as an impressive little speaker that can be easily mounted on any wall. Unfortunately, it's both out of date and no longer for sale, and many Gemini commands can be quite slow.

Pros

Excellent value (if you can still find one)
Built-in mounting hole on the back
Diminutive size

Cons

Slow Assistant/Gemini responses
Sound quality isn't great (especially bass)
Proprietary barrel plug power connector

Google's Nest Mini speaker was announced alongside the Pixel 4, which should give you a good idea of how old the speaker is at this point. While smart home speakers were never designed to be updated annually the way phones are, the Nest Mini's hardware is showing its age in the Gemini era. Most commands take a notable amount of time to process, and since the audio quality was never top-tier to begin with, it's likely you're considering an upgrade by this point, anyway.

That's where the Google Home Speaker comes in. Google has dropped the Nest name for its latest speaker, going all-in on Gemini integration and a powerful new speaker system. At $99, it's twice the price of the Nest Mini when it launched, and while it's certainly an excellent upgrade for every Nest Mini owner, there might still be a few reasons to keep that Nest Mini in the right room.

Google Home Speaker (2026) vs. Nest Mini: Design

(Image credit: Android Central)

My favorite Nest Mini feature was, undoubtedly, the mounting hole on the back. This ingenious little dimple lets it be hung on any wall, discreetly adding a speaker to any room you want. Whether you had the cord hanging freely (as in the picture above) or you got more professional with it and hid it, the Nest Mini was a great addition to any room.

The Google Home Speaker doesn't have this mounting hole, so it's not easy to hang on a wall, but it's a great addition to any shelf or nightstand thanks to its homey texture and colors. It uses a similar textile look to the Nest Mini, plus the same LED volume adjustment buttons on top and a thick rubber nonstick pad on the bottom to keep it from sliding or being bumped around.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

You'll also find a hardware mute switch on the bottom of both speakers, so you can feel confident in your privacy if you just want these to act as speakers (and not a Gemini-powered assistant).

While talking to the Nest Mini, an array of LEDs lights up on top to let you know it's listening or processing a command. The Google Home Speaker spruces this up a bit with an LED ring on the bottom, which features a unique glow that's more obvious than the Nest Mini, which is particularly important since it tends to blend in well with decor on shelves.

(Image credit: Android Central)

Both speakers feature poor choices for power cabling, which is more than just annoying. The Nest Mini featured a proprietary barrel plug, which meant you needed to buy a new charger if something happened to it. The Google Home Speaker uses a USB-C charging brick, but the cable is hardwired into the speaker, so you'll likely have to buy a whole new one if something happens to this one.

Both wires are about the same length (~6.5 ft), and since they're either proprietary or non-replaceable, you'll have to choose a location close to an outlet or extension cord.

Google Home Speaker (2026) vs. Nest Mini: Sound quality and connectivity

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Although Nest Mini's sound quality was an improvement over the original Google Home Mini speaker, neither model offered stellar sound. They were simply too small for that. The Google Home Speaker substantially upgrades the audio quality this time around, and it does so without drastically altering the speaker's footprint.

That's because, while the Google Home Speaker is about twice as high as the Nest Mini speaker (42mm vs 86mm), it's also about the same diameter (96mm vs 106mm). That's a very easy size to stuff into a bookshelf or a similarly small space (as evidenced in the photo above).

The Google Home Speaker also features an omnidirectional 58mm full-range audio driver, delivering 360-degree audio that sounds great no matter where the "front" of the speaker is. Nest Mini features a similar 360-degree design, but the 40mm driver and substantially lighter weight (181g vs 408g) mean the Google Home Speaker's bass quality simply sounds better.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Both speakers support the Google Cast protocol and multi-room speaker capability, so you can cast nearly any audio source to them, but the Google Home Speaker supports Google's new surround sound mode. That lets you connect multiple Google Home speakers to your Google TV streamer for surround sound while watching TV, giving you a great way to ditch the soundbar (or an older wired audio system) for something chicer.

The Google Home Speaker also supports faster wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi 6 (Nest Mini is Wi-Fi 5), better Bluetooth quality via Bluetooth 5.4 (vs Bluetooth 5.0 on Nest Mini), and full support as a Thread hub for Matter connectivity.

That last part ensures that the Google Home Speaker is a better choice for smart home connectivity, as it allows newer smart home devices to connect through a local Thread network for faster local commands.

Google Home Speaker (2026) vs. Nest Mini: AI capabilties and specs

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Nest Mini was launched as a mostly cloud-centric computing device, often offloading even the most basic commands to Google Assistant in the cloud. Over time, as Google has migrated many commands to Gemini, Nest Mini has started to feel slower and slower.

The Google Home Speaker was built to help fix this problem, but it doesn't do it quite as well as I had hoped. The newer 2.0GHz CPU with a built-in NPU is designed to process more tasks and commands locally, but my experience with the speaker has shown that Google still offloads many commands to the cloud.

Google Home Speaker (2026) vs Nest Mini specs
Category	Google Home Speaker	Nest Mini
Speaker	Omni-directional 58mm full-range driver	360-degree sound with 40mm driver
Microphone	3 far-field mics, hardware mute switch	3 far-field mics, hardware mute switch
Dimensions	86.6mm/3.4in high x 107mm/4.2in diameter	42mm/1.65in high x 98mm/3.85mm diameter
Weight	396g	181g
Power adapter	30W USB-C PC/PPS charger	15W barrel plug adapter
RAM	1GB LPDDR4	1GB RAM
Storage	4GB EMMC	4GB EMMC
Processor	Quad-core A55 2.0 GHz with NPU	Quad-core A53 1.4Ghz with ML hardware engine
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, Thread 1.3 border router (2.4GHz), Matter, Google Cast	Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, Google Cast
Colors	Globally: Hazel, Porcelain U.S. exclusive: Jade, Berry	Chalk, Charcoal, Coral, Sky

This results in a speaker that executes many commands fast (and some near instantly), but some commands are still absurdly slow. Even simple commands, like setting a timer, might take 20 seconds or more to execute if something goes awry. While this is likely just a bug happening with the Google Home Speaker at launch, it still shows that Google isn't keeping as many commands local as I'd like.

Since both devices support Gemini, there's no functional difference in these speakers' ability to use Google's AI-powered assistant. The difference is mainly down to speed, something I hope Google will continue to improve and tweak in the new speaker with future software updates.

Google Home Speaker (2026) vs. Nest Mini: Which should you buy?

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

While newer isn't always better (especially when it's double the price), Google no longer sells the Nest Mini. You could always pick up a second-hand unit on eBay and try your luck, especially if you just want a little speaker to hang on a wall.

Otherwise, the Google Home Speaker is an easy choice. It's got substantially better audio quality, support for Matter and Thread, Wi-Fi 6, newer Bluetooth for better audio quality, surround sound support with Google TV Streamers, and a better processor for faster smart home and Gemini queries.

I upgraded to the new Google Home Speaker for the AI, but I'm keeping it for the sound

Nicholas Sutrich — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 12:05:00 +0000

Google is relaunching its smart speaker ecosystem for the "Gemini era," as it has stated so many times with recent products. While I'm not fully convinced this new speaker is a truly revolutionary Gemini-powered speaker when compared to existing Google and Nest speakers, the overall quality of the Google Home Speaker is a great value for $99.

Whether you're looking for a new music-playing speaker that understands basic commands or want an extra speaker to enhance your smart home, this is a solid choice with some annoying software issues that will hopefully be cleared up in the near future.

Google Home Speaker price, availability, and specs

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The 2026 Google Home Speaker is the first smart speaker from Google that's designed "from the ground up for Gemini." It's the first Google speaker to include a proper NPU for AI processing, an upgrade over ML processors in the past few Nest releases. It retails for $99 and comes in two colors globally — Hazel and Porcelain — while U.S. customers can also choose from Berry or Jade varieties. My review unit is Jade.

Google includes 6 months of Google Home Premium for free (a $60 value) when you purchase a Google Home Speaker before September 30, 2026.

Google Home Speaker (2026) specs
Catrgory	Google Home Speaker
Speaker	Omni-directional 58mm full-range driver
Microphone	3 far-field mics, hardware mute switch
Dimensions	86.6mm/3.4in high x 107mm/4.2in diameter
Weight	396g
Power adapter	30W USB-C PC/PPS charger
RAM	1GB LPDDR4
Storage	4GB EMMC
Processor	Quad-core A55 2.0 GHz with NPU
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, Thread 1.3 border router (2.4GHz), Matter
Colors	Globally: Hazel, Porcelain U.S. exclusive: Jade, Berry

Mostly the right priorities

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

For the past few years, Google has used the Nest brand name for its smart speakers, but I've rarely called them that. Whether it's the Nest Mini or one of the Nest Hub smart displays, my household always refers to them audibly as the Google speaker or the Google display.

Because of that, I think it makes a lot more sense to keep using the Google name as the proper brand, and I know I'm not the only person who calls their smart speaker "Google" something or other. Thankfully, Google rectified the name without ruining the excellent design and the sort of feng shui character of the Nest line of smart speakers.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The 2026 speaker is still clad in homey fabric that looks graceful and unobtrusive on a shelf. It's the ideal size between the tiny Nest Mini and the gargantuan Google Home Max speaker, with appropriately sized audio components. It's even got a cute little glowing light underneath that makes it feel more like you're talking to a smart little robot than mumbling into a speaker.

But I don't understand why Google speakers seem to almost always have some weird issue with the power cables. Earlier models used barrel plugs and proprietary chargers, creating unnecessary e-waste. This model uses a standard 30W Google USB-C charger, but the cable is hardwired into the speaker, meaning you'll either have to splice it when it eventually breaks or toss the speaker and buy a new one. Dumb.

Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central

Since it's slightly smaller than the Nest Audio speaker (yes, there have been a lot of options over the years), the audio quality won't be quite as good, but the Google Home Speaker's advantage is that its speaker is omnidirectional. Depending on how you want to mount it, this could make a big difference.

You can also use the Google Home Speaker in conjunction with a Google TV Streamer to create a surround sound setup, which is a great feature I'm glad Google finally adopted from Amazon Echo and Fire TV devices.

I'm not exactly an audiophile and don't care much about top-notch sound, so I found these speakers ideal, as they're a notable upgrade over the Nest Minis I have around the house. Nest Audio fans should stick with those unless they have issues with using Gemini.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

And while "built for Gemini" should be the actual upgrade for the Google Home Speaker over any other Nest or Google speaker, my experience with it has been extremely inconsistent. If I ask it to turn the lights on or off, check my cameras, or even what the weather will be like next week, responses generally take about 1 second to process. This is much faster than the other Google speakers in my house, for the most part.

But some commands are bizarrely slow. Setting a timer, for example, often takes 20-25 seconds of processing time before I receive an "OK, setting a timer" response. Asking it to add bananas to my grocery list also takes 5-10 seconds. This bizarre behavior persists through reboots, so I don't know what to make of it. Clearly, the speaker isn't doing as much local processing for simple commands like this as I had hoped. Google is aware of the issues (as I'm not the only one experiencing them), and I will update this review if they are resolved.

This is particularly annoying because all of the other features I've used over the past week have been great. Gemini allows you to chain multiple commands together or even express complex commands, while Assistant can only do one at a time. For example, you can ask it to "turn off all lights except for the bedroom light," a command I issue nightly as I tuck in for reading time.

Android Central

This isn't particularly unique to this new speaker since Gemini has been rolled out to even the oldest 2016 Google Home speaker (which is still in operation in my house), but this speaker is certainly going to be supported for years to come, while those older speakers will eventually receive an end-of-life update.

At some point, Google had locked down several features behind the annoying Voice Match feature. I don't want to use Voice Match, but I (and others in my house) do want to check my calendar, and Google finally allows users to do that on its smart speakers.

This speaker also seems to actually understand commands, including simple ones like "stop" when a timer is going off, while I swear half my other speakers ignore my commands half the time. Maybe time will also turn this one into a pretty paperweight, but it's pretty great for the time being.

Should you buy it?

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The 2026 Google Home Speaker is a generally good little product that delivers great audio quality in a compelling design, with a virtual assistant that seems to actually understand you. Processing time is strangely lengthy for some simple commands (like setting a timer), but this is almost certainly a bug rather than a product defect.

If Google can reduce processing time for some commands, this will be my go-to speaker recommendation for the future. Gemini has been excellent for smart home commands in my experience, and far more understanding of every other type of command than Assistant has been for the past half-decade, and that's really all I want out of a smart speaker, anyway.

Google Home Speaker has a problem: users report incredibly slow response times

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:11:00 +0000

What you need to know

Google Home Speaker users have reported a glaring issue: their device's assistance has become incredibly sluggish.
Other users have experienced the same; however, this latency problem appears to affect more than the Home Speaker, as other Nest devices struggle, too.
Google has responded to this thread, stating a fix is being worked on "ASAP."

Google's latest smart speaker got off to a fast start, but users are reporting anything but good news, as problems emerge.

Earlier this week, reports surfaced on the Google Home subreddit from a user with a Home Speaker (via Android Police). The root of their report is that their Home Speaker has weirdly become sluggish. They say that the "First day all was smooth... the second day every single question (even 'hello') needs at least 30s of answer time." Troubleshooting provided no such relief from this issue.

Users started flowing into the thread, stating that others with the Home Speaker are having the same problem. The publication spotted another thread from a user that blows this problem wide open. It's not just a Home Speaker issue, but rather a Google smart home issue that's affecting a range of its products. The user says, "Everything is timing out."

They add that their smart home devices are all struggling with delayed or sluggish response times. Resetting has seemingly offered no aid in solving the issue. One user said, "Definitely noticed this since the update. Especially for simpler tasks which used to be snappier, eg turn on the light, change to warm white, set 50%." A subsequent report says they haven't noticed anything timed out, but rather their streamed content (like music) is stopping midway.

Google has become aware of this smart home problem. A community member says the company is "working on a fix ASAP." There's no clear timeframe for when we could see this, so users will have to tough it out as best as possible.

Updates were made to do the opposite

(Image credit: Google)

Android Central's Take

It's a bit strange to see issues surface for something Google has tried to make faster. It's like being caught in the strangest whirlwind. An update will likely be required to solve this problem, the only thing is when will we see it?

It's interesting to see users bring up the fact that the Home Speaker "used to be" snappy with its response times for mundane tasks. Google rolled out an update for Gemini's home assistance in March, quickening its responses by ~30% to ~40%. This patch reduced the latency between the user giving the task and Gemini responding to it/following it.

Google's smart speakers were brought into the spotlight a week ago, as the company fixed a long-standing SiriusXM radio problem. Users had been receiving errors with SiriusXM on their smart speaker, stating, "I looked for that, but it either isn't available or can't be played right now." SiriusXM would work via the user's phone, just not on Google's smart home devices. All is seemingly well now after Google's patch.

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are among the most versatile earbuds I've ever tested — and now they're 50% OFF at Best Buy

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:39:58 +0000

Deals on wireless earbuds are hardly uncommon, but finding a discount that drops 50% off one of my favorite models? That's when I really start paying attention. This week only, Best Buy's 4th of July sale is carving half off the Momentum 4 True Wireless earbuds by Sennheiser, knocking the price of the top-rated buds down to only $149.99.

These are some of the best wireless earbuds we've ever tested, with Sennheiser's famously versatile sound profile, some powerful active noise cancellation (ANC), and a comprehensive suite of handy customization features. The Momentum 4 earbuds may be a few years old at this point, but slap on a 50% discount and they become an absolute steal.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: ~~$299.99~~ $149.99 at Best Buy

If you listen to all kinds of music, you need some versatile earbuds that always sound great, regardless of genre. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are those earbuds, coming complete with loads of customization features, ANC, and more. Grab a pair of these buds during Best Buy's 4th of July sale and you'll get a straight 50% slashed off your purchase. View Deal

Best Buy's 4th of July sale is LIVE: see the full list of deals

We gave the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 a near-perfect review back in 2024, and it isn't hard to see why. The earbuds sound great right out of the box, with support for plenty of hi-res audio codecs (including SBC, aptX Adaptive/Lossless, and AAC), plus you get ANC, wireless charging support, and up to 30 hours of battery life when you use the included charging case.

Speaking of the charging case, that's one of the best parts of the package here, sporting a high-quality tweed finish that feels like pure luxury next to the plastic stuff we usually have to deal with. The Sennheiser Smart Control app also lets you fine-tune the sound from your earbuds directly from your smartphone, letting you experiment with a variety of EQ settings, ANC transparency modes, and more.

Now, let's be real: given their age, I would no longer buy these earbuds at full price. There are plenty of newer noise-cancelling earbuds by companies like Bose or Sony that will do the job better in 2026. But now that the Momentum True Wireless 4 are sitting with a 50% discount at Best Buy, the prospect of buying some last-gen buds is more appealing than ever before. These Sennheiser buds have stood the test of time, and for $150, they're an incredible bargain.

Motorola gives its earbuds a luxury twist, but the Moto Tag 2 might be the bigger upgrade

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000

What you need to know

Motorola's new Moto Tag 2 arrives in North America with Bluetooth 6.0, UWB support, Google Find Hub integration, and over 500 days of battery life.
It adds Find My Phone, remote camera controls, location sharing, IP68 durability, privacy protections, and support for third-party accessories.
The Moto Buds 2 Plus are getting new looks with Swarovski-studded Brilliant Collection and new Pantone color options while keeping the same hardware.

Motorola’s connected ecosystem is getting a little boost, but only one of its latest accessories is actually new. The company is bringing the all-new Moto Tag 2, an upgraded Bluetooth tracker that includes newer wireless technology, longer battery life, and tighter integration with Google's Find Hub network, to North America along with fresh color options for the Moto Buds 2 Plus.

In North America, the Moto Buds 2 Plus are available in the eye-catching Brilliant Collection, which pairs a PANTONE Violet Indigo finish with Swarovski crystals, or a more understated PANTONE Cool White. There is also a Canadian PANTONE Silhouette option available.

The Brilliant Collection includes 12 Swarovski crystals embedded in each earbud, plus another 41 hand-placed crystals around the Motorola logo on the charging case.

Motorola

The styling is new, but the hardware is the same. The Moto Buds 2 Plus still have Sound by Bose tuning, dual 11mm dynamic drivers with Knowles balanced armature drivers, Hi-Res Audio support, Spatial Audio on compatible Motorola phones, and Dynamic Active Noise Cancellation. Transparency Mode and six microphones with CrystalTalk AI also return to enhance calls and keep users aware of their surroundings when necessary.

Motorola hasn't skimped on features, either. Bluetooth 6.0, dual-device connectivity with auto-switching, wear detection, customizable EQ, Bass Boost, low-latency Gaming Mode, Audio Share, Fit Test, and Motorola AI integrations are still present on compatible devices.

Battery life is rated at up to nine hours on the earbuds alone, or up to 40 hours with the charging case, with a quick 10-minute top-up delivering up to two hours of listening. The earbuds also boast an IP54 rating, while the charging case comes with an IPX2 splash resistance rating.

Pricing hasn’t changed much either. The Swarovski Brilliant Collection edition is priced at $200 in the US, while the PANTONE Cool White version is $150. Availability begins June 30 through Motorola’s online stores.

Android Central's Take

The Moto Buds 2 Plus has a lot of meaningful upgrades beyond the flashy Swarovski crystals, and the Moto Tag 2 finally catches up to newer Android tracking features. That said, I can't help but feel Motorola is trying a bit too hard to convince us that crystals belong on earbuds. I’d prefer companies to spend more time on pushing battery life, smarter software, and better ecosystem features than dressing up gadgets like fashion accessories.

The bigger announcement is the Moto Tag 2. Motorola's new Bluetooth tracker includes Bluetooth 6.0 with Channel Sounding and supports Ultra Wideband (UWB) on compatible Android phones, helping you locate lost items more accurately.

It also works with Google’s Find Hub network, so Android users can find tagged items through the crowdsourced network of devices.

Motorola is also emphasizing practicality. The Moto Tag 2 runs for more than 500 days on a user-replaceable CR2032 battery, carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and works with Android 9 and newer devices.

(Image credit: Motorola)

In addition to basic item tracking, it has Find My Phone, remote camera controls, location sharing, unwanted tracking alerts, and end-to-end encryption and works with third-party accessories. Those additions make it more versatile and address growing privacy concerns around Bluetooth trackers.

After 25W, Qi2 chases 50W wireless charging with the WPC at Xiaomi HQ

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:17:00 +0000

What you need to know

Recently, the World Power Consortium held a Qi Off-Cycle meeting at Xiaomi's HQ in Beijing, China.
Xiaomi and several more companies were there to discuss a new Qi2 charging standard: 50W.
The major talks have concluded, but there's more work to be done, and it's been reported that Qi2 50W might not debut until 2028.

Times are changing, and it looks like the World Power Consortium (WPC) wants to upgrade Qi2 to match what consumers are looking for.

It was reported by ITHome (Chinese) that the WPC's Qi Off-Cycle meeting at Xiaomi's HQ in Beijing, China, was to discuss the future of the wireless charging standard (via 9to5Google). Specifically, Xiaomi is spearheading the future of Qi2 by chasing a 50W charging standard. The publication reports that Xiaomi is focused primarily on "small inductance, low voltage, high power solutions" (machine-translated). Each of these is said to directly influence safety/charging efficiency, coil module loss, and more.

In short, what this new 50W direction wants to solve is "high-powered wireless charging."

The publication states that the meeting featured Xiaomi, as well as "over 20 companies" that have been working alongside it and the WPC to advance the Qi2 wireless standard. The companies met in Beijing to talk about Qi2's 50W "interoperability verification" and to highlight the prototype testing stage. These companies have been encouraged to continue working together to push 50W through, so the market (and consumers) can see it in their future phones.

However, there's nothing official just yet. Right now, what Xiaomi and its partners have been working on is just the groundwork. It's been reported that following Xiaomi's partnerships with domestic companies, Qi2 50W could be a reality by 2028.

25W was almost a year ago

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Android Central's Take

It's all about giving users options, right? But if you see that wired charging is still the best route, why would you even look or think about a wireless charger? Xiaomi and its partners and other companies involved with the WPC and Qi2 see this issue and are actively working to solve it. It's pretty clear that this will take some time, but it's probably worth it.

Let's not forget that in July 2025, the WPC announced Qi2 v2.2.1. The version numbers equates to the wireless charging we have today: 25W. The WPC highlighted this new version as being "more powerful" than the original Qi2. A primary critique from consumers about wireless charging is its speeds. They're slow. The latest 25W version aimed to solve that, but it hasn't quite nailed that yet.

Charging speeds were previously stuck at 15W, and now they're 25W. However, if Xiaomi has anything to say about it, things won't stay there for long. It's not satisfied with 25W charging, and consumers aren't either. At the time, iPhones were among the first to bring this to its consumers, with Android makers adopting it soon after. There's a chance we'll see a similar occurrence whenever Qi2 50W arrives.

The WPC was also confident that even more Android phones would see Qi2, and that's thanks to Google and Samsung.