What you need to know

• Gmail now shows a Copy Code button when an OTP or verification code arrives directly in your email inbox.
• The shortcut can appear inside the email and directly in the main Gmail inbox alongside the message preview.
• Google's new verification code shortcut is rolling out through the Gmail app on both Android and iOS.

Gmail now offers an easier way to copy verification codes directly from the app.

Android already makes it pretty easy to copy OTPs and verification codes when they arrive through the Messages app. But now, Google is bringing similar functionality to verification codes that land directly in your Gmail inbox.

The company is rolling out a new integration for the Gmail app on both Android and iOS that adds a small Copy Code shortcut whenever an OTP or verification code arrives.

Now, when an OTP lands in your inbox, Gmail shows a small card at the top of the email (below the subject line) containing the verification code alongside a Copy Code button. You can simply tap the button and paste the code wherever you need it, instead of manually typing it out or selecting and copying it from the email.

In addition to showing the shortcut inside the email, Gmail has also started displaying the Copy Code button directly in the main inbox alongside the email preview. That implementation doesn't seem to work every time just yet, but I've found the shortcut inside emails containing verification codes to appear much more consistently.

The feature has already started rolling out with the latest Gmail update on both Android and iOS. If you don't see it yet, it's worth updating the Gmail app to the latest available version.

Unlike the Messages app, though, Gmail's implementation doesn't directly integrate with Gboard for now, so you'll still need to open Gmail and manually copy the code. Nonetheless, it's a useful little upgrade that makes dealing with verification codes arriving through email much quicker.

Forget sharing a KitKat bar or a pizza; Nimble lets us share power banks by splitting them in half. If you're having trouble digesting this bit of info, you're not alone. If I hadn't been using the Nimble SHARWPOWER 10,000mAh power bank myself for a few weeks, I wouldn't have believed it either. But it's a real product, and it's well executed.

It's a wild concept, and once you've let the idea sit with you for a while, you might ask why do that when a multi-port power bank can easily be shared with extra cables. But there are some occasions that call for such a shareable battery pack.

It's not cheap, but it's one in a million

At $79.95, the Nimble SHAREWPOWER 10,000mAh power bank isn't an affordable purchase. It supports 35W PD wired charging in total and comes in four colorways: black, pink, white, and blue. It's a very small power bank that can easily fit in the palm of your hand, even when whole.

When split in half in what is called Share Mode, both halves are 5,000mAh batteries, and each comes with a built-in USB-C cable. So while this might be a pretty expensive 10,000mAh power bank compared to virtually every other option, its splitting act sets it aside from the rest.

Magnetic pins keep the two 5,000mAh halves together, and when you separate them, you reveal a folded USB-C connector inside. This is attached to the half that has the display indicating the battery percentage.

The other half has a proper USB-C cable that's tucked inside like a lanyard when the two halves are stuck together, which is called Stack Mode.

Each half also has one extra USB-C port, so you can actually charge four devices altogether when the batteries are split. The two halves support 20W PD each in Share Mode.

A truly and properly shareable power bank

This is such a fun little power bank, and you can tell how much thought was poured into its design once you start using it. Imagine a day out with your friends, and you need to share a battery pack; the other person can just walk away instead of leaving their phone with you.

Whether it's friends or family on a longer vacation or a short getaway with you, there is always that one person who refuses to bring their own charger or power bank along and usurps your battery pack. The Nimble SHAREPOWER helps you preserve half for yourself in such scenarios.

Even if someone hijacks one half of the SHAREPOWER power bank for the entirety of the trip or excursion, you don't need to be side by side or in close proximity all the time. You can go to the bathroom without leaving your phone behind or waiting in separate lines, since this product doesn't require two people to stay anchored to one power bank.

This is easily the best part of the power bank.

A great power bank for group trips and holidays

The Nimble SHAREPOWER addresses the main issue with sharing a multi-port power bank with others: you both need to be attached to the power bank and therefore must be close to each other for a while.

This is obviously problematic sometimes, especially when on holiday with lots of other people. Someone might need to go to reception while the other individual heads to the restaurant. One person might decide to skip an activity and stay behind. I've faced this issue myself as I'm always the designated tech person on holidays, and there's always one friend or another borrowing my power bank.

There have been times when I needed to go to a separate location as my friend, and we were both low on phone battery, in an unknown city, with all but one 5,000mAh power bank to share. One of us had to leave our phone with the other person until it fully charged, then meet up at a designated location later. Obviously, this was quite a risky move, but luckily we had other friends to accompany the phone-less person.

This illustrates the usefulness of the Nimble SHAREPOWER's ability to split into two independent halves that function as two separate 5,000mAh power banks in Share Mode. You don't even have to worry about bringing extra cables along. So if you're going on a trip with lots of other people, I highly recommend investing in one or two of these power banks.

I dabble in silly little puzzle-based Android games on the daily. Games that require sorting, untangling, or disassembling things systematically to beat a level are so soothing to my nervous system. They don't require much intellectual or emotional investment, so I can kill time on the train or while waiting at the dentist's.

Adding to a long list of quirky casual games, Meowdoku is my latest obsession. I don't know if you were being bombed with ads for the game like I was, but several friends told me they kept getting ads for it too. So, I took one for the team and gave in to the impulse.

I'm glad I did because this revamped version of sudoku turned out to be right up my alley.

The perfect cat-themed brain teaser to unwind

The game is built on the basic rules of Sudoku, but with no numbers. Instead, you get cats and colors. Just like Sudoku has a rule per column and row, Meowdoku has a similar principle: there can only be one cat per row or column.

There are other rules too: only one cat per color, and cats can't be in neighboring blocks.

Players build on these three cardinal rules and find all ten cats per level. You get three strikes for wrong cat placements, and then you've lost that level and must start over.

Some levels are easier than others, and sometimes you get one cat right at the beginning to help you out. You can also use limited hints, which can be earned back by watching ads or via the in-game reward system. Players can also participate in a daily challenge in addition to the usual levels.

I play sudoku on my phone regularly, and it's gotten a little too boring and predictable lately. Meowdoku is a fun take on sudoku, capturing the essence of the game perfectly. In fact, I have uninstalled the classic version of the game from my phone at this point!

I kept coming back to Meowdoku, despite the sheer number of ads after almost every level

I love cats, and I'm a big Sudoku fan, so it's no wonder that I love Meowdoku this much. What I despise about the app, however, is the unholy number of ads you need to watch.

Meowdoku bombards you with mandatory ads, one after almost every single level. And you know what's insane? There is no premium, ad-free version on Android. I would happily pay for an ad-free experience, but for some reason, the developer, Oakever Games, decided to skip that option.

I really hope they introduce an ad-free tier, because I'm not the only one going bonkers over Meowdoku. I came across YouTube videos, Facebook posts, Reddit threads, and even Instagram reels of people trying to find workarounds to rid themselves of the ad purgatory. Oakever Games has the opportunity to make a lot of money if they listen to what the people want.

Until then, I will be patiently grinding my teeth, sitting through the ads but refusing to stop playing the game, because I have a problem. Give the game a try and let me know if you think it's worth sitting through the ads.

It feels like I just reviewed the RayNeo Air 4 Pro, but the company is already back with another impressive new release aimed at the $300 price segment. The RayNeo GT is a much simpler name with notable design and spec boosts, making it a solid entry into what has become the most competitive price segment in smart glasses.

Despite the same $299 price as the RayNeo Air 4 Pro, the new GTs are 8g lighter and feature a new native 3DoF spatial tracking chip, plus the same Vision 4000 chipset that provides SDR-to-HDR conversion and a top-notch 3840Hz PWM dimming rate. Like all glasses in this segment, it sports a 47-degree FoV, but RayNeo has upgraded several parts of the experience that make it more competitive this time around.

That starts with three different IPD sizes to accommodate more people. I've been largely ok with RayNeo glasses in the past since my IPD is 64, but anyone with a wider IPD was out of luck if they didn't want to go cross-eyed. This time around, you can choose from small (63 and lower IPD), medium (64-67 IPD), and large (68+ IPD). You can also adjust the screen size within the glasses, which helps you better scale specific content. Neither feature is standard at this price range.

RayNeo GT is far more comfortable for me than any previous RayNeo glasses. The initial fit put the display too low for my eyes, but I just widened the nosepiece, and that perfectly centered the screen. That, plus the impressively low-flicker display, meant I could wear these for a long time without any discomfort. Plus, the included temple pads meant they didn't fatigue my ears or temples.

The new 3DoF tracking works incredibly well and lets you choose between steady, anchor, and follow (0DoF) modes with the click of the button on the top of the right temple. The 0DoF Follow mode is best if you want the most flicker-free experience, since any 3DoF or 6DoF mode introduces low-persistence flickering, also known as black frame insertion, which can easily cause headaches for anyone who is flicker-sensitive.

RayNeo also packed this one with native 10-bit displays and software support for 12-bit Dolby Vision content. You'll need to pair it with RayNeo's Pocket TV device, which is a dope little remote that turns your glasses into a full-fledged Google TV that fits in your pocket. It works perfectly as a streaming device, although it has significant limitations for offline downloads, so you're better off using your phone as a remote if you need offline playback.

I was also very impressed with the audio quality of the open-ear speakers. They don't ship with the sound tubes as the RayNeo Air 4 Pro did, but you can buy them separately if you want more direct audio to your ears. Still, I found the open-ear 4-speaker design to be impressively high quality and plenty loud without the sound tubes.

The biggest issue with RayNeo GT is that the lenses have no tinting and no electrochromic dimming, so while the micro-OLEDs are plenty bright, they can easily get drowned out by ambient lighting. This probably won't be an issue in a dim airplane, but likely will rear its ugly head everywhere else. Definitely order a glasses cover if you're picking up a pair.

All in all, these are a fantastic pair of glasses for the price and are among the most competitive I've yet seen from RayNeo. If you're looking for more customizable glasses, Xreal XBX A01+ are the ideal pair since they're designed to be modular.

Pokémon Sleep has been out for a few years, but I only got into it in the past year. And by coincidence, just as I logged a year's worth of sleep into the app, Google released a new Pokémon Sleep edition of the Fitbit Air as part of Pokémon's 30th Anniversary Celebration.

I've been using this special edition of the Fitbit Air to log my sleep in the Pokémon Sleep app, and it might be the best way to play the game. The wearable is lightweight, beautifully crafted, and tracks sleep quite reliably. If you're a Pokémon fan like myself, this might be the

Understanding the basics of Pokémon Sleep

When Pokémon Sleep first launched, I thought it was pretty pointless. I already track my sleep in apps like Google Health (then Fitbit), so why add yet another app? Two years later, something convinced me to finally try it, and boy, was I wrong about Pokémon Sleep.

Turns out, it's a great way to gamify your sleep! The game centers around a Snorlax that does nothing but sleep and eat, while attracting wild Pokémon to sleep around it. The more you sleep, the more points you get, which contribute to the Snorlax's Drowsy Power. The higher your Drowsy Power, the more Pokémon it attracts each day, and your sleep type (based on your sleep cycles) can influence the Pokémon it attracts, including rarer or shiny Pokémon.

You can "catch" these Pokémon by feeding them biscuits and maxing out their friendship points before they get full. It's both enticing and frustrating trying to "catch" certain Pokémon, each with its own attributes to help you throughout the game.

As you watch over this Snorlax, you have to feed it three times a day to build its strength and help it grow. You do this by curating a team of up to five Pokémon, all of which can collect berries and ingredients so you can make various dishes that contribute different amounts of strength. The Pokémon also have special skills that can help in different ways.

You can unlock additional skills and more ingredients, but it often requires careful planning. You have to consider things like a Pokémon's nature, its ingredient list, and other attributes that make it better for what you want. Thus, one Pikachu might be better than another and more worth the candies you collect to level up and evolve it.

Where the Fitbit Air fits

Pokemon Sleep offers a few ways to track your sleep, including the Google Health app. So you can track your sleep with a more traditional smartwatch like the Pixel Watch 5, but I often find them heavy, cumbersome, and uncomfortable to wear while you sleep. That's where the Fitbit Air comes in.

At roughly 12g with the band, it's incredibly lightweight, and it barely feels like I'm wearing anything. This makes it one of the most comfortable wearables I've used to track my sleep, and I recommend it for this alone.

And while there are some nice colors out there, the Special Edition Pokémon Sleep strap is my absolute favorite. It comes in a deep blue color that looks fantastic (it helps that my favorite color is blue) and even has a little sleeping Pikachu on it, which is a pretty nice touch.

As for the actual tracking, it's actually quite reliable. I often compare my results each morning to my Oura Ring and Garmin watch, and the duration, cycles, and other metrics are usually pretty on par. And of course, the Fitbit Air can do more than sleep tracking, since it's also a solid health and fitness wearable.

It also helps that battery life is quite good, easily lasting about a full week on a single charge. That means you don't have to worry about charging it before bed every night or when you wake up each morning.

Setting up the Fitbit Air to track your sleep in Pokémon Sleep

If you're just setting up Pokémon Sleep, you should be able to follow the setup process to get Google Health as your sleep source. You can only choose one, and your options include Google Health, Samsung Health (for Galaxy Watches), and Garmin Connect (for Garmin Watches).

If you're already using another source to track your sleep, changing it to Google Health is relatively easy.

1. From the main menu, tap Settings and More.

2. Under Smartwatch (Health Connect), tap Data Source.

3. Tap Google Health, then tap Change to confirm.

Note: You can also tap the Sync/Settings button in the field view to change your data source. Make sure you've already synced any past sleep data, since changing the data source will leave it unsynced.

If the Fitbit Air is already set up in the Google Health app, you're good to go and ready to catch 'em all while you catch some z's!

It didn't take me very long to fall in love with the app after finally deciding to check it out. It's a fun, low-effort way to catch and interact with Pokémon, while also motivating you to get more consistent sleep (something I definitely need to get better at).

The Fitbit Air with the Special Edition Pokémon Sleep band is available now on the Google Store for $129.

What you need to know

• Google has apparently admitted that Gemini had escaped its testing environment and independently accessed systems belonging to three real companies.
• A misconfigured internet connection was the initial opening, while a matching company name added to the confusion.
• Gemini eventually stopped itself after recognizing that it was targeting real companies.
• Google initially kept the incident quiet, arguing that Gemini self-corrected and caused no damage.

Google's Gemini adds to the long list of AI models that have gone rogue.

We have already seen similar digital jailbreaks handled by OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta in third-party safety testing. Now, it’s been revealed that Google’s Gemini model escaped its containment area in May, hacking its way into systems at three real companies, all on its own.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the incident took place during a “capture the flag” exercise conducted by AI security firm Irregular. Gemini was intended to test a fictional company in a closed testing environment, but an unplanned internet connection gave it an escape. The fictional company also had a real business with the same name, creating another opening for confusion.

Once online, Gemini found its way into three real companies. In one case it just kept guessing passwords until it got through. In two others, it found working credentials stored in public repositories and used them to access protected systems.

It turns out that throughout the entire process, Gemini didn’t require any exotic movie-style exploits. It just combined elementary security vulnerabilities with the ability to search, decide, and persistently try, without a human directing each and every move.

Google said Gemini stopped when it realized the targets were real companies and did not cause damage. In fact, while Anthropic’s Claude 4.7 kept going during a similar incident, Gemini backed off on its own volition. The impacted organizations were informed, although Irregular says the known testing issues were corrected weeks later.

The search giant felt the incident didn't warrant a public announcement at the time because the AI self-corrected. But third-party researchers were not told until late July, and details are only now emerging after media inquiries pushed the issue.

As AI agents gain broader access to the internet and computers, companies will need to establish tighter boundaries around what those systems can reach and clearer rules for what happens when those boundaries fail.

I've used pretty much all foldables released in the last four years, so I know what this category has to offer. Whether it's the tri-folding Huawei Mate XT, creaseless Find N6, or the camera powerhouse that is the Vivo X Fold 5, Android foldables have come a long way.

But it took just an hour of using the iPhone Duo to understand just what Android brands need to do differently. With the iPhone Duo, Apple proved yet again that it doesn't need to chase industry trends, instead launching a product when it feels that the timing is ready. That's my biggest takeaway of the iPhone Duo — it doesn't feel like a tech demo at all, and is instead just as polished as the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

There are three things that particularly stood out about the iPhone Duo during my hands-on: design, inner panel, and software. I used the foldable at an Apple briefing in Mumbai, India, and my initial impression with the design is that it's better to hold than the product photos make you believe.

I went into the briefing with some apprehension, as I knew the iPhone Duo weighted 254g, which is 15g heavier than the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. As someone who's used Google's foldables extensively, I wasn't keen on another device that was bulky and cumbersome to hold and use. But you know what? That absolutely wasn't an issue with the iPhone Duo; Apple did a fabulous job with the weight distribution, and at no point did I feel like I was using a phone that weighs as much.

The design itself looks good, and I prefer the Night Sky model. The rounded edges make it very comfortable to hold the iPhone Duo, and I like the wider and shorter size — I can see why Android brands are now trying to emulate this design. Because of the positioning of the camera modules, there is some wobble when using the iPhone Duo folded on a table, but it isn't anywhere as extreme as the Z Fold 8. The sides have a glossy finish, which is mildly annoying, as they tend to pick up smudges without any effort.

Then there's the hinge; it has a smooth articulation and doesn't need much force to open. It closes with a satisfying click, and it stays unlocked in various positions, which is a definite plus point. What I like about it is the use of StandBy even when the iPhone Duo isn't charging, and it effortlessly doubles as the world's most expensive desk clock. That said, folding the device at a 90-degree angle makes it easy to put on a table and view content, with one half of the inner panel showing the video and the other half dedicated for controls.

Talking about the 7.6-inch OLED inner panel, this is where the iPhone Duo truly stands out. Apple is using a unique system where it layered panels of ultra-thin glass, and that has led to a creaseless inner screen. What is notable is that I didn't even feel the crease with the foldable fully flat, and this implementation is better than any Android foldable — including the Find N6, which comes closest to what Apple is doing. Also, while this isn't new on Android, I like that the inner panel has an under display camera, essentially making it invisible in day-to-day use.

What I like even better is the nano-texture coating. This is a matte coating over the inner panel that reduces glare, and it makes a huge difference in usability. You still get good brightness levels, and the matte coating makes the iPhone Duo a great choice to read books or view content on the go. Honestly, if Android brands take two things away from this foldable, it has to be the creaseless design and the matte coating.

On that note, the 5.4-inch OLED outer panel isn't as limiting as I initially imagined. You still get plenty of real estate, and it uses the same ratio as the inner screen, so there are no issues with content scaling. Both the inner and outer panels use LTPO tech, so if you're using things like StandBy, it won't consume much in the way of battery.

Another area where Apple nailed the brief is the software. The iPhone Duo has smooth animations when you open and navigate the interface, and UI elements are arranged intuitively. The taskbar is oriented to the right, you get split-screen multitasking similar to Android foldables. While there isn't a mode like ColorOS' floating windows — which lets you have up to four floating windows anywhere — you can easily maximize the real estate on the Duo.

There's plenty to like with the hardware as well. The iPhone Duo uses the same 2nm A20 Pro silicon as the iPhone 18 Pro, and it has similar thermal management. While I wasn't able to test this effectively (I'll do so once I get my review unit), a five-minute gaming session showed that the foldable has power to spare.

The introduction of the iPhone Duo serves as a much-needed catalyst to the entire foldable industry. Coming in at $1,999 and going on sale starting October 23, the foldable costs the same as the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and it is a genuine threat to Samsung and Google. While you'll end up paying closer to $2,700 to get the iPhone Duo outside of the U.S., I can see the foldable having plenty of takers — it is the most exciting iPhone I used in close to a decade.

What you need to know

• Leaked images of the ASUS Googlebook show a distinctive dark gray chassis, slim display bezels, a giant trackpad.
• We're also seeing a dedicated Google "G" key and a signature glowing, multicolored light bar on the lid.
• The physical hardware looks practical, packing two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, a headphone jack, and a fingerprint sensor.

Google’s first Googlebooks will be available for preorder on September 21, and a new set of ASUS images is giving us a much better look at what one of these new laptops will actually look like.

The ASUS model has a familiar laptop shape, but it’s clear Google is trying to give the new category a visual identity of its own. Leaked images from The Mac Observer reveal that the new Chromebook features a dark gray body, a large touchpad, thin display bezels, a dedicated Google "G" key, and a multicolor light bar on the lid.

There’s an ASUS logo at the bottom of that glowing strip and “Googlebook” branding on the palm rest.

The hardware looks refreshingly practical too. Side views show at least two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a headphone jack, giving users plenty of options for peripherals without immediately having to reach for a dongle. There’s also a fingerprint sensor and a keyboard that appears to have a reasonable amount of key travel.

From the leaked renders, it looks like ASUS is using active cooling on the inside with a fan and heat pipe visible. That implies this particular Googlebook could be aimed at heavier workloads than today’s average Chromebook, although the processor and other specs are unknown.

Googlebook is Google’s new premium laptop class that blends Android tech with the familiar desktop feel and Gemini features like Magic Pointer, Create My Widget, Cast My Apps, and Quick Access. ASUS is one of five launch partners, alongside Acer, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.

The big missing pieces are price, exact specs, shipping dates, and whether this ASUS model will be available on September 21. Those answers should be coming soon, as Googlebook moves from leaked hardware to something you can actually order.

What you need to know

• Motorola teased its upcoming Signature 27 successor to the original Signature that debuted at CES 2026.
• The company states there will be surprises ahead at Snapdragon Summit, as it teases work with Qualcomm.
• Qualcomm states we can expect to see "Dual 8 Elites" at Snapdragon Summit on September 22, and this is a chip that would mark a change from the O.G. Signature's midrange SoC.

Motorola started teasing its upcoming Signature 27 on social media, and what it has to say is so interesting that we're not sure what to think.

The company posted a short clip about the device on X this morning (Sept. 18), and it's got us thinking flagship in a big way. The video starts off saying, "Every material. Obsessed." We see the phone in what looks like a moss green before an artisan takes a knife to a long stretch of leather (or fabric). This is where things get interesting. Motorola confirms the name of the device—Signature 27—alongside a date: September 22, 2026.

This is important. Motorola's post reads, "There’s more to discover with Motorola and Snapdragon." Qualcomm's annual Snapdragon Summit is set for September 22-24. If Motorola and Qualcomm have come together for something regarding Snapdragon, and at this event no less, perhaps we're looking at a true flagship chip for the Signature 27.

Motorola's teaser was brief, but it's given us enough to think about.

For context, the Motorola Signature launched at CES 2026 in January. It's a premium, "ultra-thin" phone from Moto with a 6.8-inch screen. The Signature stood out to us as one of Motorola's best flagships. However, the phone features one tiny little drawback: its chip is for midrange phones. The Signature features Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. The chip, while good, offers flagship-level performance for affordable phones.

It misses the robust strength you'd get from the Elite Gen 5. Motorola's current Signature 27 teasers have us excited—for two reasons, mind you.

Going flagship

Mid-August held Qualcomm's teasers for what we can expect from the Snapdragon Summit this year. The company said we can expect "Dual 8 Elites" this year. Rumors claim the company is working on an 8 Elite Gen 6 and a Gen 6 Pro. Qualcomm's summer teaser mentioned connectivity enhancements and "advanced camera functionality."

What's more, "immersive gaming experiences" were mentioned. The major upgrades Qualcomm has planned are headed to both its 8 Elites this year. Its teaser was brief, but it gave us enough to think about heading into September. Now that we're here, we've got Dual 8 Elites on the mind and Moto's Signature 27.

A flagship chip could definitely solidify its premium ambitions for the Signature 27. The original was good and gave that premium/flagship feel we enjoy, but it could've been more. Hopefully, if what we're thinking is true, Motorola will reach for a flagship Elite from Qualcomm to put the cherry on top.

What you need to know

• Honor highlights an IDC report on the Q2 2026 Android tablet market in EMEA, in which the market dipped by 10.5% YoY.
• Honor surged ahead with positive growth in Q2, with a 25.3% YoY increase.
• The brand's latest tablet, the MagicPad 4, brought a better OLED display that pushed boundaries and focused on PWM dimming in a way that its competitors do not.

There's been a lot of speculation about the state of tablets. Honor's coming forward to end the week with market data that silences those whispers.

This morning (Sept. 18), Honor directed us to an IDC report about the state of the Android tablet market in EMEA for Q2 2026. It's worth mentioning what's already evident: the Android tablet market (unit shipments) in EMEA dropped by 10.5% YoY (year-over-year), down to 5.9 million units. While Samsung still holds the majority of the tablets shipped despite this fall, it's Honor that's silencing the crowd.

According to the IDC report, Honor experienced a massive 25.3% YoY increase in Android tablet shipments. This was the strongest recorded growth for Android. So we're clear, EMEA consists of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Honor highlights a statement by IDC's senior research manager, Daniel Goncalves, who pointed out the brand's "established presence."

Goncalves said, "Many of these recent challengers to Samsung’s dominance in the Android tablet space, such as Honor, have leveraged their established presence in the smartphone market to expand into tablets." It's also worth noting that the only other Android brand to see growth in Q2 was Xiaomi, but at a lower 3.4% YoY.

Hold on, tablets still have a chance

Honor's most recent tablet is the MagicPad 4, and it features a display that pushes boundaries. The old, tired LCD panel Honor used in 2025 has been replaced by a much brighter and more vibrant OLED screen. What's more, my colleague Nicholas Sutrich marveled at what Honor did with it: the company provided 5,320Hz PWM dimming. This is a significant step in the right direction, and something Sutrich notes other companies tend to ignore.

We often tend to ignore tablets. Look at the state of the phone market. We have foldables that can double as tablets. In Q2, the phone market saw another dip, and it's unlikely that it will recover in any major way. The market fell by 4%, thanks to the ongoing memory crisis. Samsung and Apple were key players that saw modest increases—2$ and 4%, respectively. The market is expected to continue to fall even into the holiday season.

Android Central's Take

I also struggle with the idea of a tablet. I like the idea of one, but to go and get one seems... unwise. I have my phone. I can do everything I want on it, and if I need a larger screen, I have my PC. It's a strange situation to find myself in because I used to have a tablet before. I used it in tandem with my computer—not my phone. I guess things have switched around in that regard.

There are a ton of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 deals on the web right now. Whether you're looking for a trade-in opportunity or a straight discount on an unlocked phone, stiff competition in the foldable space means there has never been a better time to pick up one of these innovative devices. That said, if you're looking for a different type of deal, Mint Mobile has you covered.

Bundle the purchase of the new Galaxy Z Flip 8 with one year of the unlimited plan and you'll get $200 off the phone and 50% off the wireless, knocking your total payment down to $1,180 (or $99 per month using affirm). Considering that the retail cost of the Z Flip 8 usually starts at $1,200, you're essentially getting a FREE year of unlimited T-Mobile-powered wireless, courtesy of Mint Mobile. And hey, there's a little $20 discount in there too.

Mint Mobile's unlimited plan gives you unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mobile's legendary 5G network, plus you get a free mobile hotspot and calls to Mexico, Canada, and the UK. It's not the most comprehensive unlimited plan I've ever used, but if you like to keep things simple, this deal presents an easy way to avoid paying your phone bill for an entire year.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is worth the price of entry too, coming complete with a foldable clamshell design, two gorgeous AMOLED displays, and the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset for powerful performance. The phone also comes equipped with 12GB of RAM, an upgraded 4,300mAh battery, and a thinner and lighter build than ever before.

Sure, this deal isn't for everyone. Some folks may miss the premium features offered by some unlimited plans, while others might be looking for a trade-in opportunity to could make the Galaxy Z Flip 8 even cheaper upfront. But if you have the cash lying around and you want to score a year of wireless and a great flip phone in one fell swoop, now's your chance.

The iPhone 18 lineup finally went on sale today, but that simply means that the Samsung Galaxy S26 deals are about to get even more competitive. Add a line with the Experience More OR Experience Beyond plans and T-Mobile will slash $1,100 off the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, dropping the price down to just $5.56 per month for 36 months. No trade-in required!

This T-Mobile deal is particularly compelling because, unlike some offers, it will still give you the full discount when you sign up for the mid-tier Experience More plan. That means you aren't stuck paying for the carrier's pricey Experience Beyond plan.

For comparison, Expensive More will only net you a $930 discount when you buy the iPhone 18 Pro Max at T-Mobile, while signing up for the Experience Beyond plan could land you $1,200 off the Apple device. In other words, unless you want to pay for T-Mobile's most-expensive wireless plan, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra deal is the better value.

• See my guide to the best Galaxy S26 deals of September 2026

The most powerful phone in Samsung's 2026 flagship lineup, the Galaxy S26 Ultra boasts a gorgeous 6.9-inch AMOLED display with embedded S Pen stylus, while under the hood you get the incredible Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset with 12GB of RAM and seven years of guaranteed OS/security updates.

Charging speeds have been improved here as well, plus you get all of the latest AI-boosted software features from Galaxy AI (if you're into that kind of thing). The Galaxy S26 Ultra has also stolen a lot of headlines for its new Privacy Display, a unique design feature that prevents prying eyes from looking at your phone's screen at a side angle.

Indeed, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is going to be the Ultra's biggest competition as we head into the fall sale season, but how do these two phones compare? I'll start by saying that both premium flagships are impressive, with huge gorgeous screens, powerful performance, and steep price tags to match.

With a direct comparison, you'll find that, although the two phones are nearly identical in size, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is considerably lighter than the 18 Pro. The Samsung phone also has more unique features than the iPhone, while the 18 Pro Max is likely superior when it comes to battery life and video recording.

Ultimately, for many folks, the final decision is going to come down to which device will land you the better deal. If you've been eyeing T-Mobile's mid-tier Experience More plan, the answer is clear.

Fall's Big Deal Days sale at Amazon isn't quite here yet, but the retailer is already offering some great smartwatch deals ahead of the event. As one example, Amazon is already offering the 2023 Garmin Venu 3 at a 35% discount, along with a bunch of other early price drops for the upcoming sale.

The Garmin Venu 3 is a 2023 release, but it still includes a 14-day battery life, accurate health sensors, and a bright, good-looking display that still holds up quite well in 2026. It's not as bright or powerful as the newer Venu 4, but the differences are marginal enough to justify going with the lower-priced option here.

This particular discount is for the 45mm configuration of the watch. If you're more keen on the smaller 41mm version, or the 45mm in white, Amazon is also offering similar price drops on those, so it might be worth clicking around a bit.

• Prime Big Deal Days returns Oct 6-7: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: you want a fitness watch with a long-lasting battery, features like GPS, HR monitoring, sleep data, and more; you have a budget of around $300 for an Android smartwatch; you need a watch with a useful, easy-to-read display.

❌Skip this deal if: you'd rather upgrade to the newer Venu 4 for its updated aesthetic, accuracy, dual-band GPS, and the latest training tools; you need a watch with an LTE-capable configuration; you prefer to get wearables with support for newer technology, such as Garmin's new Health Status app.

The Garmin Venu 3 is a solid pick for those who aren't concerned with dual-band GPS, though our tests confirmed that it still offered fairly accurate tracking capabilities back in 2023. It also offers a more discreet and versatile design than many of Garmin's watches, in my opinion, making it a solid affordable option that won't look or feel clunky on your wrist.

Garmin says the watch will net users up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, and the 1.4-inch AMOLED display on the 45mm is large and vibrant, without sacrificing battery. In any case, if you're a new or intermediate athlete who is ready to upgrade from an even older device, this deal might be one worth considering.

What you need to know

• Samsung is officially ending its long-standing OneDrive integration on September 30 in favor of direct Google Photos backup inside Samsung Gallery.
• Starting with Gallery app update 15.9.01.7, you can link your backup by tapping Menu > Settings > Sync photos and videos and connecting a personal Google account.
• You can selectively sync specific local folders (like Screenshots or Camera) or toggle off main camera roll uploads entirely.

I’ve been using OneDrive integration with Samsung Gallery for years, so seeing that setup disappear in a few weeks feels a bit strange. It was one of those Galaxy features I hardly ever thought of. I'd just take a picture, let Gallery back it up, and move on with my life. Now Samsung is giving that job to Google Photos, and frankly I’m more intrigued than irritated.

Samsung has already started rolling out the Google Photos integration with the latest Gallery app update, version 15.9.01.7, as per Ice Universe on X. Once you open the app, you may see a new “Sync photos and videos” option to connect your Google account and backup photos and videos without leaving Samsung Gallery.

The move comes as Samsung’s more than decade-long partnership with Microsoft winds down. OneDrive integration has been part of the Galaxy experience for years, allowing users to automatically upload their Gallery content to Microsoft’s cloud in a convenient way. But that arrangement officially ends September 30, after which Samsung Gallery won’t provide the same direct OneDrive sync.

Google Photos makes more sense to me simply because I already have a Google account on my Galaxy phone. That means I can use Samsung Gallery as my daily photo app and let Google handle the cloud backup.

How to enable Samsung Gallery Cloud Sync with Google

• Open the Samsung Gallery app on your Galaxy phone or tablet device.
• Tap Menu in the bottom-right corner, then tap Settings.
• Tap Sync photos and videos.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to choose your Google Account.
• Grant Samsung permission to sync your photos and videos with Google.

The feature, however, is only available on Android 13 or later, a compatible Samsung device, and a personal Google account.

Synced albums also let you have some control over what gets backed up. You can select specific device folders like Camera, Screenshots, or Downloads, and even disable syncing of the main camera roll while still syncing other folders. You can disable syncing for individual local albums, but if Gallery Cloud Sync is enabled, Samsung Gallery will behave as a read-only cloud gallery. It will display synced media but will not upload any new photos from that device.

There's one caveat: don't expect Samsung Gallery to become a full Google Photos browser. Google's documentation says the integration is meant for backing up photos and videos, not for browsing your entire Google Photos library within Gallery.

If you’d rather not use the new Google Photos sync, Samsung makes it easy to switch off. Open Samsung Gallery > Menu > Settings, then turn off Sync photos and videos. This prevents new backups, and photos already backed up to your Google account remain accessible in Google Photos.

What you need to know

• Google has launched Android Bench 2.0 to test AI models on complex Android development tasks that can take days.
• The new benchmark includes tasks like upgrading dependencies, adding major features, and building Android apps from scratch.
• GPT-6 Astra currently leads Google's new benchmark with a 28% pass rate, while Gemini 3.8 Flash scored just 8%.

Google has announced Android Bench 2.0, an updated version of its benchmark for evaluating how well large language models (LLMs) and AI agents handle complex Android development tasks.

Earlier this year, Google introduced the first version of Android Bench to measure how AI models perform on real-world Android development work. The company has now updated the benchmark with Android Bench 2.0, which is designed to evaluate models and agents against more complex tasks that better reflect actual software development.

One of the biggest additions is what Google calls long-horizon tasks (LHTs). These are significantly more complex development jobs that could take a human engineer several days or even a week to complete.

Google says the first version of Android Bench, along with many other early AI coding benchmarks, focused primarily on smaller, incremental changes. Android Bench 2.0 is designed to raise that bar with tasks such as upgrading dependencies, adding major new features, and even building Android apps from scratch.

With Android Bench 2.0, Google has changed how models are graded. Rather than relying entirely on a binary pass-or-fail system, Android Bench 2.0 uses "continuous scoring." The company says this provides a more "meaningful indication" of how well a model performed, even when it wasn't able to fully complete a task.

Google has already tested several of the latest AI models using the new benchmark, including Gemini 3.8 Flash, GPT-6 Astra, Claude Fable 5.1, GPT-5.6 Sol, and Claude Opus 5, among others. According to the results, GPT-6 Astra currently sits at the top of the benchmark with a 28% pass rate. Gemini 3.8 Flash, meanwhile, scored just 8%.

Google says testing models against the LHT dataset should give it a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, while also providing developers with more practical guidance about which models are better suited for different Android development tasks.

The updated Android Bench 2.0 leaderboard is available now, and Google says it plans to continue expanding it with more models and results over time.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 to Pixel testers, solving several issues, such as an unexpected reboot problem.
• The company is also fixing another Bluetooth problem; however, this one involves a bug when changing device type.
• Beta 4 at the end of August marked QPR2 entering Platform Stability, meaning we're headed down the final stretch toward launch.

Get your Pixels ready. Google is rolling out another beta for its next quarterly Android 17 update.

The company detailed everything enrolled testers will find on Reddit. If you're looking for the update, you might find one of two build numbers. Google states users with a Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Fold, or Pixel Tablet will download vCP41.260828.005.A6. If you have any other eligible Pixel device, you will find vCP41.260828.004.A8. The company is fixing a few problems users have reported throughout QPR2's testing.

One fix is coming in for a system instability issue. The patch notes state this fix should solve the "unexpected device reboots during continuous UI scrolling in media-heavy applications." Another fix aims to solve an issue with the Pixel's side buttons for volume control. Users noticed that while casting media, pressing these buttons wouldn't surface the volume slider UI. Google states a fix for this issue is rolling out.

Additionally, enhanced HDR was stuck for several users on the Issue Tracker. Google says its fix should solve the issue of the feature "remaining enabled despite being turned off in user settings."

The remainder of the patch notes is as follows:

• Changing a Bluetooth device type in settings failed to update its icon visually
• Fixed a text-rendering issue that caused unexpected background highlights to appear when typing in search fields, and resolved a navigation routing issue that prevented Private Space from unlocking correctly
• Launching Google Wallet via the power button shortcut caused the touchscreen to become unresponsive
• Camera crashes during panorama processing
• Bluetooth audio experiences noise and distortion after completing or answering a call

The Final Stretch

Beta 5 is fixing up some lingering issues, but it was QPR2 Beta 4 that we were really excited about. The end of August saw Android 17 QPR2 enter the Platform Stability phase. This is a standard milestone for Google's software development. It locks in the OS' APIs, ushering it down the final stretch. We're starting to wrap things up, but there's still work to do—for everyone.

Similarly, Google was fixing quite a few bugs last month. Pixel Bluetooth is apparently still giving it some trouble. In August, Google fixed a Bluetooth call audio issue that saw user calls getting erroneously put through the phone's speaker. Other issues included a broken gesture problem and strange UI freezing.

What you need to know

• An overseas report claims the Galaxy Z Fold 8 saw a 10% increase in sales following the iPhone Duo.
• It was alleged that consumers were interested in seeing pricing details and more before deciding on a device, among other factors.
• The Galaxy Z Fold 8 was already incredibly popular for Samsung, shattering pre-order records and exceeding the Fold 8 Ultra and Flip 8

It's just over a week since Apple's main event where it debuted the iPhone Duo, its first foldable phone. Trends have shifted since then, and it's Samsung that's seeing an uptick in Fold 8 sales.

The Chosun (Korean) reported that Apple's event provided a noteworthy boost in Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales following the iPhone Duo's debut (via GSMArena). This appears to be the result of consumers "waiting and seeing," as the publication notes. According to the report, Samsung observed a 10% boost in Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales following the iPhone Duo reveal.

There might've been a few deciding factors that consumers were waiting out. The report highlights the price difference between the two phones as one of them. That price might be minimal in the U.S. (the iPhone Duo is $100 more), but in South Korea, there's a one million won difference. What's more, the report acknowledges that there is no 1TB option for the Fold 8; however, if consumers wanted the 2TB iPhone Duo, they'd have to pay five million won (by comparison, the Fold 8 starts at 2.2 million won).

These two factors were cited as the deciding factors for Korean consumers when choosing between the Fold 8 and the iPhone Duo. The publication went on to highlight one more factor: actually receiving the phone. Consumers can more readily go out and purchase a Fold 8. But the iPhone Duo isn't set to appear until October. In the U.S., Apple said pre-orders begin October 16, but its market debut isn't until October 23.

The Fold 8's pretty popular

It was nice finally seeing Apple's long-awaited foldable debut. Shortly after the event, Android Central's Harish Jonnalagadda was quick with his two cents about it. While an appealing phone, there were some glaring differences between it and the competition. Comparing the iPhone Duo's weight was highlighted. Both Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Google's Pixel 11 Pro Fold are lighter (it's 53g heavier than the Fold 8).

Elsewhere, Samsung and, yes, Duolingo, chirped Apple on social media during the event. It's probably safe to say Samsung wasn't too impressed. It said, "Making us wait? Fine. We'll be over here, folding 3 ways." The company even said the iPhone Duo's bedside clock mode was "giving groundhog day." Then we have Duolingo—completely unhinged. Its post read, "They named a phone after me and made it bend over," accompanied by its mascot's—you get the idea.

Getting back on topic, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 was already incredibly popular following its debut. After a week of pre-orders, the Fold 8 shattered expectations with its high volume. Inventory sold out online, and the Fold 8 far outpaced the Fold 8 Ultra and Flip 8.

Android Central's Take

I'm sure this is the case for a lot of people. The "waiting and see" approach is how to stay smart in a market that demands a lot from your wallet. But also, Samsung and Apple are major competitors. People might grab one phone one year and then the other the next. It's a constant flow. An ever-shifting reality we live in. However, it speaks a little more volume on Samsung's end. Clearly, people were on the fence and wanted to see. But after seeing, they still opted for Samsung. That's good for now. I want to know if it'll stick, though.

What you need to know

• Ultrahuman and HealthEx partner to bring the HealthEx PowerPlug for $4.99/mo or $45.99/yr in the app.
• HealthEx brings your official medical records into the app, and Ultrahuman's biomarkers/Ring data is placed alongside it for better insights into your wellbeing.
• Ultrahuman states this PowerPlug will also generate a "Visit Pack" full of data that's listed with your records to make your next visit more insightful.

Medical records are often a tricky obstacle to navigate. This week, Ultrahuman announced a partnership that streamlines appointments, tests, and even surgeries.

This morning (Sept. 17), Ultrahuman announced a partnership with HealthEx in a press release, bringing the HealthEx PowerPlug to its app. The company states the PowerPlug will "combine a member’s medical records with continuous biomarkers" from its smart ring "in a secure, transparent, and consented manner." This will roll out over the week; however, Ultrahuman shared details on how this new PowerPlug will work.

Ultrahuman members will need to verify their identity to activate HealthEx's capabilities. This will automatically locate your health records from places you've received care before. Ultrahuman states HealthEx has nationwide reach, thanks to the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA).

Additionally, users can choose which care sites the HealthEx PowerPlug accesses. This is done via your consent, and you can stop sharing any records at any time.

Priyanka Agarwal, M.D., MBA, co-founder and CEO of HealthEx, said, "When members choose to connect the two through HealthEx, they arrive at their next appointment with the most complete health picture, helping them arrive better prepared for that conversation."

Getting down to brass tacks, the HealthEx PowerPlug aims to place your entire medical history in one convenient place for you and your doctor.

Ultrahuman states this new feature "maps 532 conditions" based on your medications and procedures. Incorporating your biomarkers only enhances its usefulness. Your previous diagnosis and new medications will be displayed alongside the daily measurements your Ultrahuman Ring captures of your heart. Your resting heart rate, heart rate variability, skin temperature, and deep sleep are all factored in.

If a follow-up has been missed, or a condition/medication record hasn't been checked, the HealthEx PowerPlug will surface it for your attention. Users can bring this up as a question during their next doctor's visit. Additionally, Ultrahuman highlights its "Visit Pack."

This is a collection of your medication information—a "doctor-ready summary"—tied to your wearable data. The company states, "The PowerPlug also flags questions and tests to raise with their doctor based on their reports."

Take care

Research states the average doctor's visit lasts ~15 minutes. What's more, the information about your health is typically scattered. This PowerPlug with HealthEx aims to make that process a little less strenuous.

The HealthEx PowerPlug has started rolling out today (Sept. 17) for users in the U.S. Users can access this PowerPlug from the Ultrahuman PowerPlugs tab in the Ultrahuman app. However, it costs $4.99/mo or $45.99/yr. If you're interested in viewing your "longitudinal health history," Ultrahuman states this is free through HealthEx Wallet.

Ultrahuman and HealthEx plan to do more following the PowerPlug's debut. Vitamin D, GLP-1, and Respiratory Health should arrive sometime in the future.

Amazon's 48-hour Big Deal Days sale kicks off on October 6th, but the retailer has wasted no time in dropping some of its Garmin watch deals early. Whether you want the sleek Venu 3S or the ready-for-anything Garmin Instinct 3 Solar, you don't need to wait for October Prime Day to score a great deal on some of the best fitness watches around.

Garmin has been a leading manufacturer of fitness watches for years, providing wearable solutions for every level of athlete and every budget under the sun. These smartwatches are tough and reliable, full of premium features like AMOLED displays, military-grade durability ratings, and all of the health and fitness tracking features you could ever need.

The early Prime Day deals even extend to the Venu 4, which is our favorite Garmin watch on the market today. Will prices drop even further when Amazon's sale begins in earnest? It's hard to say, but if you need a new fitness smartwatch ASAP, you can rest easy knowing that you scored a great deal weeks before everyone else.

• Prime Big Deal Days returns Oct 6th-7th: see the full list of early deals

What is the best Garmin watch?

We consider the Garmin Venu 4 to be the best overall Garmin watch for most people in 2026. While it may not be for the world's most advanced fitness device, the watch is an impressive all-rounder, covering most of the bases for beginners and experienced athletes alike. You get a bright OLED display with 5ATM water resistance, while the case and bezels are constructed from durable stainless steel and reinforced polymer materials.

Moreover, the Venu 4 comes equipped with a bounty of premium software features under the hood, including multi-band GPS and NFC support in addition to accurate tracking for heart rate, ECG, SpO2, and beyond. The watch also comes with Garmin-exclusive features like Body Battery and Evening Report, plus you get a built-in flashlight, dozens of pre-installed sports modes, and up to 12 days of battery life on a single charge. The Venu 4 is Garmin's 'everything but the kitchen sink' watch, and for most athletes, that's a very good thing.

These days, buying a cheap Android phone doesn't have to feel like a downgrade, particularly when you pair the device with a great deal on wireless. For a limited time, Metro by T-Mobile will give you a FREE Samsung Galaxy A17 when you pair the purchase of the budget device with any 5G Unlimited plan starting at just $40 per month. No trade-in is required, and all taxes and fees are included in the price.

Sure, there are plenty of carrier deals that will land you a free Samsung phone, but few offers are this affordable or straightforward. The only catch is that, since it's a prepaid carrier, Metro by T-Mobile's service could be deprioritized if you use over 35GB per month. That means that heavy data users may have to deal with slower speeds if the network is congested. Otherwise, if you simply want unlimited wireless and a solid Samsung phone for as little hassle as possible, this Metro by T-Mobile deal deserves your immediate attention.

All of the wireless plans included in Metro by T-Mobile's promotion provide unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mobile's vast 5G network, plus you get a five-year price guarantee and access to exclusive weekly discounts via T-Mobile Tuesdays.

Upgrade to one of Metro's higher-level unlimited plans and you'll get all of the perks mentioned above along with benefits like mobile hotspot data, Google One memberships, and more. Even if you go with Metro's top-tier Unlimited Premium 5G Data plan, you'll never pay more than $60 per month, all taxes and fees included.

The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G, for its part, is a $200 phone that punches well above its weight class, introducing an upgraded camera system, 6.7-inch AMOLED display, and a large 5,000mAh battery. You even get six years of guaranteed software updates, which is a rarity for a device in this price range.

Samsung's A series has spent years proving that you don't need to spend and arm and a leg to enjoy the complete Galaxy experience. Sure, it may not be the most powerful phone on the market (and Metro's data plan may not be the most comprehensive), but if you simply want cheap, reliable wireless and a phone that you can count on for years to come, this carrier deal shouldn't be overlooked.

What you need to know

• Snap revealed its upcoming SPECS smart glasses in full this midweek, stating they are available for pre-order for $2,196 in the U.S. ahead of a late fall launch.
• SPECS browser lets users stream content from HBO Max and YouTube, as well as music from Spotify and educational content.
• The glasses offer in-display real-time translation with subtitles and directions while walking in big cities, with Tripadvisor for finding food and landmarks.
• The Snap SPECS are preparing to launch in the U.S., U.K., and France.

Snap's new smart glasses, SPECS, are finally here. For the time being, pre-orders are open, but Snap is getting candid about everything in its human-centric computing glasses.

Snap announced an "all-new experience" coming to the growing world of smart glasses with SPECS. These glasses are reportedly "built around how you interact with the world, and the AI-native operating system is designed to help you get things done through natural interactions using your hands and voice." To get us going, Snap says SPECS are designed for work and play—and we're starting with play.

The SPECS browser lets users stream content from YouTube, HBO Max, and more on a virtual 115-inch display, placed roughly 10 ft away. Thanks to an HBO Max partnership, Snap says it's bringing the world of Harry Potter to SPECS in time for the HBO Original Series Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, premiering on Christmas. Elsewhere, work with the NBA and WNBA will bring "interactive basketball experiences" to SPECS users.

Watching sports or shows and movies isn't all the SPECS is good for. Snap says you can also listen to your favorite tunes with Spotify. Additionally, learning is made easier with an "interactive recreation" of the Apollo 11 moon mission.

For your day-to-day, Snap says SPECS offers several AR experiences. With "Translation," you'll find real-time, in-display subtitles (supports 60 languages). "Navigation" provides similar assistance, and Tripadvisor helps users find places to eat, landmarks, and more. The Shopify Catalog is another feature that brings 3D products right into your vision, placeable in the space around you.

"Connected Lens" is a feature that lets two SPECS users "share digital experiences in the same physical space." What's more, since Snap is the parent company of Snapchat, you'll find an experience that fits the smart glasses space. Privacy is another aspect that Snap states it takes seriously. It says its glasses do not record the world around you, nor do they constantly capture and save audio.

There's even more to unpack about the Snap SPECS. For now, you can pre-order the glasses for $2,195 with a $200 refundable deposit at SPECS.com. Shipping is expected to begin later this fall in the U.S., the U.K., and France.

However, if you're feeling hesitant, you can look forward to a trip to Los Angeles on October 1 and visit SPECS First Look at Westfield Century City. Hands-on demos and a meet-and-greet with the SPECS team will await you there. Snap adds that the SPECS glasses have been equipped with a new Charging Case with Cellular. Sold separately, this provides "four additional charges and offers cellular connectivity through participating wireless carriers."

To get this done in the U.S., Snap partnered with Verizon for a Connected Case bundle at $2,395. It adds, "Verizon will offer eligible customers financing options, including a 36 month payment plan. Connected Wearable data plans are available from $10/month for Verizon customers and from $20/month for non-Verizon customers."

AI that anticipates

AI is a feature that ties the Snap SPECS together. According to the post, SPECS Intelligence is an "anticipatory" AI platform that "builds an understanding of your goals, priorities, relationships, and routines from the apps and tools you choose." The point of SPECS Intelligence is not only to help you reach your goals, but to know and be proactive about your assistance.

Snap states that this AI platform was built to "anticipate when help would be useful and surface relevant information and actions at the right moment." This would replace the need for users to constantly have to prompt the AI to do something or fetch something. This platform is useful with your connected data and the physical world. Snap states SPECS Intelligence can bring "relevant information" directly into view while outside.

SPECS Intelligence will work with iPhone, Mac, and, of course, the glasses. Beginning today (Sept. 16), users can download the iOS SPECS app and try SPECS Intelligence. There is also a waitlist that you can join for the AI platform within the app "for invitation-only early access to the fuller SPECS Intelligence experience on Mac."

What you need to know

• Meta is reportedly developing Luna smart glasses without a camera, with a launch possible as soon as next month.
• Luna will reportedly feature six microphones, six speakers, and a dedicated button for quickly accessing Meta AI.
• Meta is also developing Phoenix AR glasses with virtual workspaces and movie screens, reportedly coming in 2027.

Meta is reportedly preparing to enter a slightly different category of the smart glasses market with a new pair that doesn't have any cameras.

Smart glasses have faced plenty of scrutiny over the past few months, and privacy has always been one of the biggest concerns surrounding models with built-in cameras. Meta has taken several steps recently to prevent users from tampering with the capture LED and secretly recording people, but the privacy concerns and perception around camera-equipped smart glasses still remain.

Now, it looks like Meta is preparing an alternative for people who want smart glasses without the camera. According to a report from The Information, Meta is developing a new pair of camera-free smart glasses and could begin shipping them as soon as next month.

The new model will reportedly be called Luna and could be unveiled at the Connect developer conference next week. The glasses are expected to be available in two designs, called Clubmaster and Burbank.

While Luna won't have a camera, it will still pack plenty of hardware for accessing Meta AI. The glasses will reportedly feature six microphones and six speakers aimed at the user's ears. This will allow users to talk directly with Meta's AI chatbot without pulling out their phone.

The glasses are also expected to retain a dedicated button on the side for quick access to Meta AI.

Removing the camera will reportedly allow Meta to slim down Luna considerably. The new model is expected to look and feel much closer to a conventional pair of glasses, which could make them more appealing to people who don't necessarily want the bulk or privacy concerns that come with camera-equipped smart glasses.

Luna isn't the only new pair of glasses Meta is reportedly working on, though. The company is also developing its own augmented reality glasses, reportedly called Phoenix.

Meta is reportedly preparing a major demo of Phoenix that could show us a different way of video calling. The glasses will reportedly be capable of displaying virtual workspaces and large virtual movie screens. Phoenix is still further away, though, with the AR glasses currently expected to arrive sometime in 2027.

Two years ago, I had the privilege of going hands-on with Meta Orion glasses. It was the first time I'd used a pair of AR glasses that didn't feel like a massively compromised experience, and while they weren't quite ready for prime time, I knew a proper consumer version wasn't far off.

Sure enough, Meta debuted Ray-Ban Display glasses at last year's Meta Connect show in September. They're not quite the full vision Orion showed me was possible, but they made the right concessions to deliver good-looking frames at a good price.

Now, a year later, I'm asking the question: have they been worth it, and should you buy them, or should you wait for the next big release?

What can Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses do?

Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses retail for $799 and are available at stores like Best Buy, where you can stop in and try a pair on. These support a narrow prescription range, so be sure to get your prescription filled when you order, since the lenses can't be easily swapped out after ordering.

Ray-Ban Display glasses feature a display in the right lens only to reduce weight and battery use. This is a full-color display and doesn't have the warping or light bleed found in similar glasses like Even Realities G2 or MemoMind One. The sophisticated lenses and displays are a hallmark of Meta's glasses and a major difference from the competition.

I spoke with Lumus, the manufacturer of the waveguide displays Meta uses, to better understand how the tech works. In a nutshell, these full-color optics are built for privacy and clarity. People cannot see your display, even if they put their face right up to the outside of your glasses.

Meta's software is also substantially more robust and mature than any other smart glasses platform I've used to date. It integrates directly with popular fitness services like Garmin and Strava, and supports all of Meta's apps and services, like WhatsApp and Instagram.

Viewing Instagram feeds on the display is novel, though it's a bit visually tiring since the display is in only one lens. You'll never have an issue seeing things since the display gets so bright (yes, even in direct sunlight), but the monocular vision can be very jarring for some tasks.

Reading messages, navigating, checking notifications, and controlling music are all perfect examples of how this hardware shines. Even taking pictures with the built-in viewfinder feels like a major step-up from Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses, which have no display and can only give you audio feedback.

Like those glasses, Ray-Ban Display also has built-in microphones and speakers and can do everything those can do (plus more). The camera quality is excellent, and you can even zoom in using the camera viewfinder, which isn't something supported on non-display Meta AI glasses.

Updates and apps make all the difference

When Meta launched Ray-Ban Display last year, it very much felt like a beta product. The glasses had tons of promise, but the vision clearly wasn't complete. It didn't even ship with the handwriting recognition feature that Mark Zuckerberg proudly showed off on stage at last year's Connect.

One year later, Display not only has that and every other promised feature, but it also sports some fresh features Meta didn't initially show off. My favorite feature addition so far is app support, but this comes with a big caveat. Apps all require smartphone connectivity to work, and you'll need to add them through a beta UI panel on the Meta AI app on your phone.

The easiest way to find them is the Meta Glasses Apps website, which gives you a QR code you can scan with your phone to get it quickly added to your glasses app list.

The problem with the current crop of apps is that only 26 are available. Clearly, Meta is having just as hard a time convincing developers to make content for these glasses as it did convincing the same developers to make 2D apps for its Quest headsets.

And that's really the core problem with Meta Ray-Ban Display Glasses. While Meta has proven itself time and time again to deliver incredible support and regular updates to its excellent hardware products, the company continues to have a difficult time courting developers for its ecosystems.

The band is still the best (and worst) part

Meta's Neural Band, which is required to interact with most of Ray-Ban Display's UI, is truly brilliant. The band is vitally important to the experience because you can interact with the glasses without pointing or holding your hand in the air. Keep your hands in your pockets, if you like, or just leave them in your lap. It's effortless and brilliant.

The degree of control it delivers over the floating glasses UI is astounding, and the haptic feedback you receive with each interaction is paramount to making the glasses feel like a more authentic experience. It's essentially the touchscreen of the smart glasses world.

The band is ultra-responsive and never misses a beat. You interact with the glasses' UI through gestures the band picks up, understanding the nuances of muscle movement and electrical signals. The first time you respond to a message by writing with your fingers or adjust music volume by turning an invisible nob is going to blow your mind.

I'm someone who dislikes wearing watches all day because they irritate my wrist, especially when I'm writing, but Meta's comfortable cloth construction feels different.

However, the worst part about needing the Neural Band is that you have to remember to charge it. Battery life is slightly longer than the glasses, but you'll still need to charge it once per day.

Like most smartwatches, this one uses a bespoke charger that doesn't work with anything else. That also means that if you lose the charger (like I did), you won't be able to use your glasses until you find the charger or buy a new one.

Should you buy it?

The short answer is no; most people should not buy these glasses. While they represent a big step up in capability compared to standard Meta AI glasses, there simply aren't enough reasons for the average person to spend twice the amount of money (or more) on them versus a pair without a display.

I love what Meta built here and think it's a great template for upcoming smart glasses that will inevitably be lighter, have thinner frames, better battery life, and more functionality. For now, though, these are an amazing tech toy that's perfect for

Foldable phones are clearly having a moment, and if you're gearing up to buy your first-ever clamshell device, there's one T-Mobile deal that you simply must know about. Add a line with the Experience Beyond plan and the carrier will hook you up with enough promo credits to make the excellent Motorola Razr Plus (2026) completely free! That's like getting $1,100 back over 36 months, no trade-in required.

Even if you don't want to sign up for T-Mobile's top-tier Experience Beyond plan, the carrier is guaranteeing $600 off with 'most plans' on its website, plus there are some trade-in opportunities available if you'd rather go that route. The Motorola Razr Plus (2026) is one of the best foldable phones I've ever used, and now you can get your own for free with very little hassle. Why wait for the iPhone Duo when Motorola already has a tried-and-tested device like this?

• See my guide to the best T-Mobile deals of September 2026

✅ Recommended if: you want a balanced flip phone with a sleek, sophisticated design, snappy performance, and impressive camera tech; you're a heavy data user looking for a new phone plan.

❌ Skip this deal if: you're looking for a cheap phone plan; you can afford the Motorola Razr Ultra (2026); you're interested in a book-style foldable phone like the Razr Fold, Z Fold 8, or iPhone Duo.

Motorola has been making flip phones for years, and while it didn't release a book-style foldable until May 2026, the success of the company's long-running Razr series proves that no other OEM understands the folding hinge quite like Moto. The Razr Plus (2026) is a culmination of everything Motorola has learned from producing these devices, boasting a durable titanium-reinforced hinge, two stunning AMOLED displays, and a larger battery than ever before.

The phone also boasts a solid Snapdragon processor, 12GB of RAM, and five years of software updates guaranteed. True, it's not as powerful as the Motorola Razr Ultra (2026), but if you've ever used the Razr Plus (2024) or Razr Plus (2025), you'll recognize the 2026 version as a true refinement of everything that made past generations so great. At a starting retail price of $1,099.99, Razr Plus (2026) is also cheaper than both the Razr Ultra (2026) and Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 8.

The Experience Beyond plan, for its part, comes with unlimited talk, text, and premium data on T-Mobile's vast 5G network, plus you get a ton of international benefits and an unlimited mobile hotspot. The unlimited plan even comes with early device upgrades and free streaming subscriptions to Hulu and Netflix. Experience Beyond starts at $105/month for a single line, although you can make the monthly cost significantly cheaper by adding multiple lines and using AutoPay/paperless billing.

What you need to know

• Boox launched three new ePaper tablets today (Sept 16), starting with the 10.3-inch HD color ePaper Note Air6 C.
• The company is also expanding its Note series with the 8.5-inch Note Mini C and its next Palma, the Palma 3 with a redesigned premium frame.
• The Note Air6 C is available now for $579, while the Mini C and Palma 3 are "coming soon," those will start at $579 and $339, respectively.

Onyx Boox launched a trio of ePaper tablets today (Sept. 16), just in time for the chillier months. Each tablet features a built-in front light, capable of reading in any situation.

This morning, Boox detailed its press release for the Note Air6 C, Palma 3, and the Note Mini C. Reading and writing are the hallmarks of these tablets, and we're beginning with the Boox Note Air6 C. "Available now," the Note Air6 C continues what Boox states is its "most popular series." Consumers will find a 10.3-inch HD color ePaper display with a 4nm octa-core processor and "Dual Tone" to adjust the screen's warm and cooler tones for a softer eye experience.

The tactile writing experience is something Boox reiterates as a positive note from many Air C-series consumers. The Air6 C delivers that with a native Notes app with Outline, Tag, and Search tools. This Notes app features a "Dual Note" feature, letting consumers open two separate notes "horizontally or vertically." What's more, Boox states the tablet fully supports Android 16 and the Google Play Store.

Reading is another major highlight for Boox tablets. The post states it delivers a "40% reduction in page turn speed compared to its predecessor," thanks to its BSR technology. Additionally, the tablet offers 6GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and includes the Boox Pen3 stylus.

The Boox Note Air6 C is available today for $579. The tablet will become available on Amazon soon.

On the other hand, we have two more ePaper tablets that are "launching soon." The first is another addition to the Boox Note series: the Note Mini C.

This smaller, 8.5-inch color ePaper display reportedly balances "portability and readability." Boox spoke highly of its one-handed use in its overview of the tablet. With the smaller size, Boox says it has kept its PDF legibility intact for users. The included InkSight Magnetic Active Stylus has been redesigned with a side button and a stronger magnetic connection.

Boox made sure to provide the Note Mini C with the same front-light treatment. It states the tablet features "Dual-Tone" adjustable warm and cool tones. This should provide an easy-on-the-eye experience, especially when using the device for prolonged periods.

BSR technology assists the Mini C's lag-free scrolling for documents and websites. Android 16 and access to the Play Store are included as well. Once the Mini C arrives, consumers can utilize its 6/64GB configuration and 3,150mAh battery.

Boox states the Note Mini C will "launch soon" for $579 in the U.S., with Amazon availability to follow.

The Palma series gets another

If we're talking portability and the one-handed experience, it's hard not to mention Boox's Palma series. Luckily for consumers, the Palma 3 was announced this morning.

The Palma 3 features a 6.1-inch ePaper display. Boox adds that it's improved the screen with "deeper blacks and higher contrast." However, the Palma 3's redesigned frame is also earning attention. According to the post, Boox integrated "fine stationary" tactility. It replaced the plastic body with anodized aluminum to emulate a more premium feel. The fiber-glass back panel reinforces that ambition of a premium ePaper tablet.

The Palma 3 also features the "Dual Tone" front light tech for warm and cooler tones, alongside an Ambient Light Sensor. Boox says this sensor will adjust the device's brightness depending on your surroundings. Similar to the other two devices launched today, the Palma 3 features Android 16 and Google Play Store support.

Other specs include 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The 3,950mAh battery is said to provide "days of deep reading" on a single charge.

The Boox Palma 3 will launch soon for $339.

Amazon has confirmed that its next Prime Big Deal Days sale event will occur on October 6th and 7th, but you don't need to wait to score an incredible Google Pixel phone deal. For a limited time, the retailer is slashing $200 off the unlocked Google Pixel 10 Pro, knocking the price of the last-gen flagship down to just $799. That makes it $100 cheaper than the base model Google Pixel 11 and $300 cheaper than the new Pixel 11 Pro!

Some folks may be hesitant to purchase a last-gen smartphone, even at a discount, but I can confidently say that the Google Pixel 10 Pro still holds its own against the best Android phones on the market. That said, there are a few drawbacks that you should consider before taking the leap. Is this Pixel 10 Pro deal right for you? Let's break it down.

• Prime Big Deal Days returns Oct 6-7: see the 20+ best early deals available now

The Pixel 10 Pro boasts a gorgeous 6.3-inch pOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while under the hood you get 16GB of RAM, an efficient Tensor G5 chipset, and all of the versatile AI-boosted camera tech that Google is known for. The phone also got a boost to its battery life compared to its predecessor, plus you'll enjoy faster charging speeds with Qi2 magnetic charging support.

So what's the catch? Well, with Big Deal Days and Black Friday just around the corner, there's a good chance that the price of the Pixel 10 Pro will dip even further in the coming weeks. That said, there's an equally good chance that the Pixel 10 Pro will completely sell out before that time.

If you've been interested in this particular phone for a while, I'd take your chances and place the order today. The Pixel 10 Pro is a great device, after all, and the six remaining software updates ensure that the phone won't feel obsolete any time soon. If, on the other hand, you're simply looking for a great Pixel phone and you're in no hurry to make a purchase, it might be worth waiting a bit to see what the fall sale season has in store for the Pixel 11 lineup.

What you need to know

• Samsung has started the stable One UI 9 update for the Galaxy S26 series, beginning in South Korea before expanding to other markets.
• One UI 9 brings features like My FanCam and more customizable Now Brief cards to the Galaxy S26 lineup.
• Samsung released seven beta builds over nearly five months, giving it time to fix bugs and refine the software.

Samsung has officially started the One UI 9 update rollout for the Galaxy S26 series, nearly five months after the company kicked off beta testing in May. The stable update for the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra began rolling out in South Korea on September 16 and is now being released in other regions as well.

The test drive of the software wasn’t exactly a quick preview. Samsung released seven beta versions before moving to the finished release, allowing it to have several rounds of feedback and bug fixes to go through. The September security patch is, as expected, included with the stable release.

One UI 9 also includes some Galaxy AI features that first appeared on Samsung’s latest foldables. For example, one is the My FanCam feature, which can keep a chosen person in focus while automatically reframing video for different aspect ratios, while Now Brief gets customizable cards and expanded security and privacy information.

Samsung is also adding Now Nudge for more contextual suggestions and improvements to Interpreter, Document Scan, Voice Recorder summaries, and device care. Security Brief can find and surface warnings around malware, unknown apps, and unnecessary permissions, and on-device AI is able to identify potential privacy risks.

What’s interesting is how One UI 9 is moving away from a singular headline feature and is instead becoming more about tying Samsung’s AI, camera, and security tools into everyday tasks. That could make the update feel more substantial in daily use than the visual changes alone would suggest.

Samsung says One UI 9 will be available to more Galaxy phones and tablets, so international users should keep an eye on Settings > Software update > Download and install as the rollout expands to other markets.

What you need to know

• Samsung's OneDrive Gallery integration is ending soon, but Google Photos appears ready to take its place.
• A new Gallery Cloud Sync service has appeared on the Galaxy Store with support for backing up to Google Photos.
• Samsung hasn't announced the Google Photos integration yet, but it could start rolling out within weeks.

Samsung has started laying the groundwork for what appears to be the replacement for its outgoing OneDrive integration, and unsurprisingly, it's Google Photos.

Earlier this year, Samsung announced that users would no longer be able to use OneDrive to back up photos and videos directly through the Samsung Gallery app. Until now, Galaxy users have been able to automatically sync their Gallery photos and videos with OneDrive without needing to use another app or service.

However, that partnership is coming to an end later this month. And now, Samsung appears to be preparing its replacement with none other than Google Photos.

X user Sandeep Adap has spotted a new Samsung service called "Gallery Cloud Sync" on the Galaxy Store, which appears to be designed to take over from the existing Gallery OneDrive Sync integration. The app listing says Gallery Cloud Sync will safely back up your memories, including photos and videos, to "Google Cloud" so you can access them across your devices.

The mention of Google Cloud might sound slightly confusing, but it appears Samsung is actually referring to Google Photos here.

User That Josh Guy on X was able to preview the upcoming functionality, which isn't live just yet, and found that Samsung Gallery will offer an option to sync directly with Google. The Gallery settings will reportedly show your available Google storage, let you choose which albums to sync, and offer controls to sync over Wi-Fi or while roaming.

This could be a big change if you currently rely on OneDrive for Samsung Gallery backups, since you'll likely need to switch to Google Photos. That said, the overall experience should remain pretty similar, with the sync controls still built directly into the Gallery app.

The OneDrive sync option has already started disappearing from Samsung Gallery for some users and is expected to be discontinued completely later this month. Thankfully, Samsung's upcoming Google Photos integration looks like it could be an even more natural replacement.

Samsung hasn't officially announced Galaxy Cloud Sync or started rolling out the Google Photos integration just yet. But with OneDrive support ending soon, we expect the new option to become available sometime later this month or in early October.

If you need a headset to use at work, Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Gen II and the Sony WH-1000XM6 are undoubtedly good choices. I prefer the Bose because of its comfort and sound quality, and it is the headset I use while traveling.

But I found out recently that there is a better choice: Jabra's Evolve3 85. It is positioned as a work headset, but it does so much more; I used it for the better part of three months now, and I'm convinced that it is better than what Bose and Sony have to offer. Coming in at $475, it is on the higher end of the scale, but it has meaningful advantages over its immediate rivals.

Let's start with the design. The Evolve3 85 is the lightest headset in its category at 220g, and I immediately noticed the difference. Bose and Sony's headsets are at least 30g heavier, and switching between the QC Ultra Gen II and the Evolve3 85, it's clear that Jabra nailed the comfort. The lightweight design ensures you get a fit that doesn't lead to any fatigue even with all-day use.

The ear cushions have a breathable design, and that extends to the headband as well. Build quality is great, and while it is light, you never get a feeling that it is flimsy — it's built to last. Another positive is the case; the headset folds flat and fits snugly into the bundled case, which is significantly smaller than what you get with Bose and Sony. This is a big deal in and of itself, as the Evolve3 85 doesn't take up anywhere as much room in your bag.

I also like the connectivity on offer. The Evolve3 85 uses Bluetooth 5.3, and I didn't see any issues pairing the headset with my Pixel 11 Pro XL, Find X9 Ultra, X9 Pro, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, iPhone 17 Pro, or the iPad Pro M4. It has Fast Pair, so it's about as easy to connect it to an Android device. There's also USB-C and 3.5mm connectivity if you want to plug the headset in, and my favorite inclusion is a USB-C receiver that lets me use the headset with my Windows machine.

I don't like using Bluetooth with Windows; my Gigabyte motherboard has a Bluetooth modem that's built clearly as an afterthought, because it is flaky at the best of times. As such, the convenience of being able to use a receiver to connect the headset with Windows is just great, and I like that Jabra went with USB-C. You also get USB-C and 3.5mm cables in the box, and I like the attention to detail that the brand lavished when it comes to connectivity.

Connectivity is a big part of what makes a work-related headset stand out, and the Evolve3 85 excels in this area. Oh, and you can easily change the battery itself, should you need to down the line. I like tech that's built to last, and given that batteries tend to degrade over time, they're usually the biggest point of failure in a headset, so it's good to see Jabra addressing the issue.

There are other niceties as well; Jabra's ClearVoice does a good job tuning out ambient noises when you're talking, and it holds up astonishingly well. I use NVIDIA Broadcast to do the same, but ClearVoice is a good enough alternative. On that note, it has dedicated ANC as well, and it does an effective job blocking sounds in your surroundings if you're in a meeting or outdoors. The headset pairs with whichever digital assistant you use on your phone, and there are physical controls.

Sound quality is pretty good, too. Honestly, given how much Jabra positioned this as a work headset, I didn't think it would sound as good as its rivals, but the 32mm drivers do a great job. You get a detailed sound with plenty of bass, clean mids, and a tight treble. It's obviously built for meetings, but the headset is just as effective at extended music listening sessions. In fact, the only problem is that you don't get AptX codecs — it is limited to SBC and AAC.

Another thing Jabra does well is charging tech; the Evolve3 85 includes wireless charging, and I didn't realize just how convenient this is until I used the headset — I now want all of my Bluetooth headsets to have this as standard. There's fast charging too, with a 5-minute charge delivering five hours of power. The headset lasts well over 23 hours of meetings, with regular music listening at 60 hours — double that of Bose and Sony. Basically, you'll only need to charge it once a week even if you use it all day.

You get six mics in total, and they use MEMS solid-state tech, delivering better fidelity and low distortion. I attended dozens of meetings with the Evolve3 85 over Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, and the headset did a brilliant job.

While the Evolve3 85 is targeted as a work headset, it is just as great to listen to music or podcasts, and the lightweight design combined with all the extra features gives it a unique advantage you just don't see in this category.

What you need to know

• Meta One subscription plans were announced for individual, AI power users, creators, and businesses.
• Each plan is tailored for what that specific user might need, such as an enhanced profile for creators/businesses, highlighting their website, locations, and more.
• Meta One subscriptions plans are available today (Sept. 15), beginning at $14.99 for creators/businesses and $7.99 for the Core plan (individual users).

We knew it was coming ever since Meta's original announcement back in May. Today (Sept. 15), Meta's latest subscription plans for its slew of apps are here.

In the company's press release, it states the Meta One subscription plans intend to "bring more value to the apps and experiences billions of people already use..." Meta One features plans intended for individuals, AI power users, creators, and businesses. The level of "expression" will depend on which subscription plan works best for you.

Meta builds on past announcements with the Core and Premium plans. It states these plans will bring more "compute-intensive AI capabilities." The Core and Premium plans are focused on assisting users with more "creative freedom" while using its AI services. More media generation is possible with Meta AI through the Core and Premium plans, as well as the availability of in-app AI features, like Restyle (on Instagram).

Here's the breakdown of the Core and Premium plans for individual and AI power users:

• Core ($7.99/mo): Restyle more Stories on Instagram, use voice effects and creative tools more often, and generate more images and videos with Meta AI. Plus, express yourself in more ways with our individual app features (Instagram Plus, WhatsApp Plus, Facebook Plus)
• Premium ($19.99/mo): Everything in Core, with the most room to create content with Meta AI and across our family of apps

Users starting their small businesses, or even creators looking to grow, might opt for one of Meta One's other four plans.

The company says its creator and business plans place the tools users will need to grow and expand their reach directly in-app. These features include professional tools and AI that's integrated with your account. Meta says this removes the necessity of creating an entirely new account to manage your business.

These plans will also provide users with an "enhanced profile." This profile will place everything important to your business or creator scope front and center. Your website and location (business locations) were mentioned. However, Meta One will send follow invitations to people who interact with your content and feature a "bold follow button" on your Reels.

Meta One's subscription plans for businesses and creators begin at $14.99 a month. While you'll receive a verified badge, a verified business channel on WhatsApp, and impersonation protection, Meta One adds access to the Meta Business Agent. This agent is available through WhatsApp and is available 24/7. You can check the remaining plans' details in the gallery above.

Meta's app subscriptions

We knew "Meta One" was coming since May. At that time, the company revealed a slew of app subscriptions for Facebook Plus, Instagram Plus, and WhatsApp Plus. Naomi Gleit, Meta's head of product, detailed everything we needed to know, stating that these plans would give users more ways to "express and connect." WhatsApp Plus is the cheapest option at $2.99. Facebook and Instagram users would have to cough up a dollar more at $3.99 for Plus additions.

For Instagram Plus, more vibrant and expressive animations were highlighted early on. These animations would play when liking someone's Story, such as "Super Heart." Subscribers could also "spotlight" a Story once a week to reach for extra views.

What you need to know

• Google's September Pixel Drop is live, hitting Pixel phones, tablets, and watches with home screen upgrades, fraud protections, and new watch gestures.
• Pixel VIPs gets a proper home-screen upgrade: one-tap calls and texts, notification badges for unread or urgent messages, and a floating nav bar to swipe between contacts.
• Scam Detection now covers more languages and regions for chat notifications, and Gboard flags suspicious messages as you type.

Google today rolled out its September Pixel Drop, which includes a new batch of updates for Pixel phones, tablets, and smartwatches. The latest release brings updated home screen tools, improved fraud protections, new smartwatch gestures, and a spellbinding audio partnership to tie it all together.

Google has been working on its VIP contact concept for some time, but this update makes it really useful. The tech giant is giving the feature a new home-screen experience, letting you call or text your favorite contacts with a single tap. New notification badges indicate unread messages or urgent messages, and a floating navigation bar lets you swipe between VIP profiles without having to dig through menus.

The update works on Pixel 6 and newer phones worldwide, provided the required Contacts and Pixel VIPs app versions are installed.

Scam Detection is also expanding to more languages and regions for chat notifications, and Gboard can now flag suspicious messages from supported chat apps directly as you type. Availability varies by country and language, so this isn’t a universal rollout just yet.

Pixel Watch gets a smaller but useful upgrade. Raise to Talk gets enhancements on Pixel Watch 4 and newer. On Pixel Watch 3 and newer, you can launch and scroll through the notification tray with a one-handed pinch gesture.

There’s also a much less serious addition: Harry Potter Audiobook Packs can change a Pixel’s wallpaper, icons, and sounds, and eligible users will receive a two-month Audible trial. The packs are good through December 31.

It's no secret that Mint Mobile is one of my favorite MVNO carriers operating today, but did you know that the T-Mobile-owned provider is also home to a ton of great phone deals?

Sure, you'll need to bundle the purchase of the device with some wireless to see any real savings, but you can save up to $500 on some of the year's best Android phones if you play your cards right. And with wireless plans starting at just $15 per month, Mint Mobile's buy-in-bulk promotions present some of the best money-saving opportunities around.

If you don't mind the idea of paying for some wireless service in bulk, keep reading for the best Mint Mobile deals of September 2026. Didn't find anything today? Check back later: I update this list on a regular basis.

The best Mint Mobile deals of September 2026

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

Mint Mobile FAQ

How does Mint Mobile work?

Mint Mobile offers a straightforward buy-in-bulk plan system that lets you purchase wireless in 3, 6, and 12-month increments of time. There are four data plans to choose from: 5GB, 15GB, 20GB, and Unlimited, all of which give you coverage on T-Mobile's vast 5G network, along with a free mobile hotspot, unlimited talk and text, and coverage in Mexico, Canada, and the UK.

How much does Mint Mobile cost?

Mint Mobile's wireless plans start at $15 per month, but since you have to pay for a minimum of three months of coverage, you're looking at an upfront payment of at least $45. That can make things a bit confusing when you're first introduced to Mint's pricing model, but as long as you're comfortable buying phone service in bulk, the potential wireless savings could be immense. Just imagine dropping a single payment of $180 and not worrying about your phone bill again until 2027. Sounds pretty good, right?

Who owns Mint Mobile?

Although Mint Mobile used to be partly owned by actor Ryan Reynolds, the prepaid carrier is now fully owned and operated by T-Mobile. This allows Mint to give you the Big Three carrier experience without charging the Big Three carrier price, and since Mint Mobile is no longer an independent company, network de-prioritization from T-Mo is much less common.

Wondering how Mint Mobile compares with other prepaid wireless carriers? Witness the battle of the MVNOs with our Mint Mobile vs. Boost Mobile or Mint Mobile vs. Metro by T-Mobile to see which alternative carrier is right for you.

What you need to know

• Xiaomi started teasing its 18 Pro series on Weibo this week with a teaser clip that gives us our best look at its rear display.
• Xiaomi teased enhancements for the screen, though it did not go into details.
• Recent rumors allege the company could upgrade the rear display from 2.1 inches to 4 inches, as well as "increased brightness."

After the Xiaomi 17 Pro series' positive reception, the Chinese OEM is looking to rekindle those same flames. It's started teasing the 18 Pro series on social media, and it's looking even more magical.

This week on Weibo, Xiaomi officially teased its upcoming 18 Pro series with a short teaser video focused on one feature: the rear display (via GSMArena). The clip gives us our best look at the 18 Pro's rear display. A multi-colored gradient animation swims around its edges. The teaser confirms that the device will feature two lenses within the rear display; however, there's a third right below. This keeps things similar to what Xiaomi did last year with the 17 Pro.

We can also spot a couple of buttons on the phone's right side (your left when viewing the image below). The opposite side also features a button, which is a key difference between the 17 Pro and the 18 Pro.

While exciting, Xiaomi teases more, stating, "The all-new Xiaomi 18 Pro series features a brand-new, versatile back screen." This is what we're focusing on since we know how popular the Xiaomi 17 Pro series was for the company. People enjoyed the secondary screen, but how Xiaomi intends to upgrade it is still unclear.

With its official teasers going up, the launch probably isn't too far.

Captivating displays

As we mentioned before, the Xiaomi 17 Pro series was incredibly popular for the company. Barely a month after the devices debuted, Xiaomi publicly stated that the rear displays would continue in the next series. It was reported that the 17 series shattered "first-sale" records within minutes after going live. Lu Weibing, Xiaomi's president, said the 2.1-inch rear display on the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max made the difference.

A "positive surge" in the market gave Xiaomi all it needed to keep this trend going. For a moment, we'll have to talk about the rear display. Rumors claim Xiaomi is not only keeping the display (as Xiaomi's president said), but it'll upgrade it, too. Supposedly, the new display will measure 4 inches, up from 2.1 inches on the 17 Pro series. Reports also say the Chinese OEM could improve the rear display's brightness, along with "privacy protections."

That final bit gets us thinking about a Privacy Display similar to Samsung's.

Android Central's Take

Xiaomi's last phones were pretty cool. It takes that simple LED dot or whatever and turns it into a screen. It's been done in a different way in the past, but seeing it now is a little refreshing. And, clearly, it worked out well for Xiaomi that it's willing to continue. More teasers are likely to follow this one before the 18 series launches.

Get those holiday shopping lists ready: Amazon has announced that its Big Deal Days sale (otherwise known as 'October Prime Day') will be held on October 6th and 7th. That means we're just weeks away from shopping Amazon's Black Friday deals early, and all you'll need is a Prime membership.

That said, if you're not a Prime member or you simply don't want to wait, you'll be pleased to learn that Amazon has dropped a ton of tech deals ahead of the sale, giving you a chance to save big on everything from smartphones and laptops to noise-cancelling headphones.

The retailer is already carving $75 off the unlocked Google Pixel 10a, for instance, or you can score a whopping 36% off the popular Garmin Venu 3S smartwatch if you place your order today.

The best part is that most of the deals below don't require a Prime membership, although if you were interested in shopping Prime Day deals when Big Deal Days kicks off next month, it's worth mentioning that Amazon is offering a 30-day free trial. This will let you enjoy all of the exclusive deals (in addition to regular subscription benefits) without paying a cent.

• Big Deal Days returns October 6-7: see the full list of early deals

Phones

Wearables

Tablets and Chromebooks

Headphones

Smart TVs and streaming

It was when I started running out of storage boxes that I realized I may have too many GaN chargers. I joke that if you casually throw a GaN charger in my home, you're bound to hit another one. Anyway, I have dozens of these things lying around, and having tested just about every major charger released in the last three years, I know what a good charger needs to offer.

So when I got started with the BMX GaNsta 140W (as puns go, the name gets an 8/10), it was clear that the charger ticked a lot of the right boxes. It has three USB-C ports, a USB-A port, foldable blade pins with EU, UK, and AU converters that make it easy to travel with, and 140W power over USB PD 3.1.

Oh, and it gets an LCD panel that shows real-time charging details out of each port, which is a must-have in a GaN charger in 2026. The GaNsta costs $89 as of writing, which is $10 pricier than Anker's charger, and $30 more than the last-gen 160W UGREEN Nexode Pro, both of which also have LCD screens.

The GaNsta is a little smaller than other 4-port chargers, but not enough that you'd notice the difference. Build quality is decent, and I didn't see any issues in the two months I used it. I tested the charger with my Find X9 Ultra, Pixel 11 Pro XL, iPhone 17 Pro, iPad Pro M4, and a dozen or so accessories — including 160W power banks — and it turned out to be reliable in day-to-day use.

I like that each port's power output is clearly labeled, and it takes a lot of the guesswork out of figuring out which port to use. The USB-C1 and C2 ports individually go up to 140W over the USB PD 3.1 protocol, and I tested this using a standalone power meter (Power-Z KM003C). I also like that the area around the ports has a slotted design to prevent scratches; this is a thoughtful design choice that makes a difference.

The LCD screen is the real star of the show. It shows real-time charging details, power going out of each port, and heat levels. The latter isn't quite as useful as you don't normally see thermal issues on a 140W charger, but it's there. And as AI needs to be shoehorned into every product these days, this thermal management feature is assisted by AI (however that works). Anyway, what you need to know is that even with all ports in use, the GaNsta doesn't have any issues with overheating.

You also get emoticons on the panel, and you can easily cycle through the various menus via the button at the bottom.

With four ports available, you get the ability to charge four devices at once. Of course, the total power budget is limited when all ports are in use, and with the GaNsta, you get 125W cumulatively: 65W + 45W + 7.5W + 7.5W. I would've liked to see 65W on both the C1 and C2 ports — like the latest Nexode Pro 160W charger — but that isn't the case.

That said, if you're just going to leave four devices to charge overnight, the GaNsta 140W does a decent enough job. The inclusion of a USB-C to USB-C cable along with travel plugs is a good move, and the size of the charger means you can easily throw it into a travel bag. What I'm not too sure about is the pricing; it is costlier than its rivals, and if you're willing to shell out $89, the new Nexode Pro 160W is a better deal at $99 as it has a retractable cable. If you don't need the built-in cable and like the travel-related accessories, the GaNsta 140W is a good choice.

What you need to know

• A mysterious Google-made wearable has appeared at the FCC with clues suggesting it could run Wear OS.
• The device reportedly skips Wi-Fi and relies on Bluetooth LE, suggesting it may be a fitness tracker.
• GPS support and a metal frame are also listed, while ADB testing suggests some form of Wear OS software.
• The device could sit between the Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch, potentially filling the gap left by Fitbit Charge.

A mysterious new Wear OS fitness tracker has been spotted at the FCC, and there are a few clues suggesting it could be an upcoming Google Pixel or Fitbit-branded device.

Google has been enjoying success with both the Pixel Watch lineup and the recently launched Fitbit Air, and it looks like the company could be preparing to expand its fitness tracking lineup even further. As spotted by 9to5Google, a mysterious new Google-made device has now appeared in an FCC listing.

The device, described as a "Wireless Device," carries the model number G8BL6 and is manufactured by Goertek, a company that has previously manufactured several generations of Pixel Buds.

Interestingly, the FCC listing suggests there's no Wi-Fi connectivity onboard. Instead, the device appears to rely entirely on Bluetooth LE. There are also clues suggesting the device could run some form of Wear OS, as the EUT operation test setup specifically mentions ADB testing.

In terms of other connectivity, the mysterious device reportedly supports GPS or GNSS and features a metal frame that will also act as its antenna.

The lack of Wi-Fi is particularly interesting, since most traditional Wear OS smartwatches have supported Wi-Fi. That could suggest we're looking at a different type of wearable altogether, potentially a more traditional fitness tracker rather than another Pixel Watch.

And there might already be another clue. During the Pixel 11 launch, Google briefly showed an unannounced fitness tracker with a small display in one of its teasers, and there's a chance this FCC listing could be related to that device.

If so, the new wearable could potentially sit somewhere between the Fitbit Air and Google's more expensive Pixel Watch lineup. It's also worth remembering that Fitbit hasn't updated its Charge lineup since 2023, so this device could fit quite nicely into that missing middle ground.

OPPO is all set to unveil its 2027 flagship, and the brand has confirmed that the Find X9 Pro Max will be powered by MediaTek's latest 2nm Dimensity 9600 Pro platform. It was a good bet that the phone would be powered by MediaTek silicon considering the last two models featured Dimensity platforms, and it's good to see OPPO continuing that collaboration into 2027.

Also, OPPO confirmed that the Find X10 Pro Max will debut globally, which is welcome news if you're interested in a new phone. While the X9, X9 Pro, and X9 Ultra launched outside China, continued availability of OPPO's flagships in western markets was always in doubt, so I'm glad the brand is clarifying global availability of its next-gen phone well ahead of time.

The Dimensity 9600 Pro is interesting in a lot of ways. It is built on TSMC’s 2nm N2P node, and it brings huge upgrades in just about every area. OPPO is touting a single-core uptick of 17% over the Dimensity 9500-powered Find X9 Pro, which is just ridiculous.

The 9600 Pro once again utilizes the all-big-core configuration, and it comes with two 4.55GHz Arm C2-Ultra cores alongside three C2 Pro cores at 4.3GHz, and another three C2 Pro cores at up to 3.1GHz. Cumulatively, they have 61% better energy efficiency, and the G2-Ultra NX GPU has ray tracing and utilizes Arm's new neural engine tech and is 27% faster while consuming 24% less power. And when it comes to on-device AI, the Dimensity 9600 Pro is 51% faster than its predecessor.

Clearly, there's no shortage of power on offer, and that is good news, as the Find X10 Pro Max is touted to have a trio of 200MP cameras. There's also the Laminar Flow Engine, and OPPO says it worked closely with MediaTek to tweak the "underlying rendering architecture and coordinating it more closely with system scheduling, the technology achieves a better balance between ultra-smooth system responsiveness and low power consumption"

I used OPPO's phones the longest this year, and a lot of that has to do with the groundbreaking cameras on the Find X9 Ultra and X9 Pro. There's also the small matter of the software, and ColorOS 16 has a clean design with great fluidity and customizability, and there's no doubt that the Find X9 Ultra is one of my favorite phones of 2026. I'm excited to see what the X10 Pro Max brings to the table, and it doesn't look like we will have to wait too long to see the device in action.

What you need to know

• Steam Frame starts at $1,059 for 256GB, while the 1TB model jumps to $1,299.
• Android games are supported, giving the headset access to existing Android APKs without requiring completely separate ports.
• Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 + 16GB RAM powers the headset, with SteamOS handling native games and compatibility layers.

Valve has finally put a price tag on the Steam Frame, its new wireless VR headset that aims to blur the line between a standalone gaming device and a PC accessory. The catch? It won’t be as simple as clicking “buy” to get one.

The Steam Frame starts at $1,059 for 256GB, with the 1TB model costing $1,299. Each headset has tracked controllers, and Valve is bundling Half-Life: Alyx with the device, the company announced. It can play supported games locally or stream more demanding titles from a PC.

It’ll also support Android games, with developers using the same Android APKs they already use to bring mobile titles to the Meta Quest. This could give the Frame access to a much larger game library without developers needing to build entirely separate versions for Valve’s headset.

The Frame also supports wireless PC streaming with the 6GHz dongle that Valve bundles in.

Under the hood, the Frame is packed with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 16GB of RAM, with native software and compatibility layers handled by SteamOS.

The storage options are also worth a closer look. You can upgrade from 256GB to 1TB for $240, but the Frame also has a microSD slot. So if your main game stream is from a PC, there may be little reason to pay extra for the bigger model.

Valve had originally said it wanted the Steam Frame to cost less than the $999 Index, but the final starting price puts it $60 above that benchmark. Rising memory and component costs have complicated the pricing strategy of Valve’s hardware, as seen with the Steam Machine.

Availability will also be controlled by a reservation system, with sign-ups running until September 17 and purchase invitations starting September 18.

The Steam Frame is clearly not aimed at the budget VR crowd at $1,059. Valve is betting its Steam library, Android support, wireless PC streaming, and standalone abilities will justify the premium.

What you need to know

• MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 Pro is the company's first 2nm flagship chipset, promising better performance and efficiency.
• The new 2+3+3 All Big Core CPU delivers up to 17% faster single-core performance while using significantly less power.
• MediaTek's upgraded NPU supports on-device AI models with up to 30 billion parameters while improving AI power efficiency.

MediaTek has officially taken the wraps off its latest flagship smartphone chipset, called the Dimensity 9600 Pro. And it's the company's first flagship chip built on a 2nm process.

The new flagship smartphone season is almost upon us, and chipset makers have started unveiling their next generation of processors. Qualcomm is set to announce its next flagship Snapdragon chipsets later this month, but MediaTek has beaten it to the punch by unveiling its first 2nm chipset.

Called the Dimensity 9600 Pro, MediaTek says its new chipset combines flagship performance and power efficiency with advanced agentic AI experiences. The chip features a 2+3+3 All Big Core CPU design, which MediaTek says delivers an impressive 61% reduction in multi-core power consumption.

The architecture consists of two C2 Ultra cores clocked at up to 4.55GHz, three C2 Pro cores running at up to 4.35GHz, and another three C2 Pro cores clocked at up to 3.1GHz. MediaTek says single-core performance has improved by up to 17%, while multi-core performance is up to 15% higher than the previous generation, all while consuming less power.

Of course, there's also a big focus on agentic AI experiences. MediaTek says the chipset's new dual-NPU architecture and Agentic AI Engine are designed to power the next generation of on-device AI. Its second-generation Super Efficient NPU reportedly reduces AI power consumption by up to 40%, while delivering 51% higher LLM prefill performance and 55% higher token generation per watt.

The Dimensity 9600 Pro can also support AI models with up to 30 billion parameters directly on the device, which should allow more complex AI tasks to run without constantly relying on the cloud.

There's also a larger 34.5MB cache, alongside support for LPDDR6 memory and UFS 5.0 storage for the first time. MediaTek says its new Scheduling Engine can intelligently allocate computing power and memory resources between hardware and software, allowing multiple apps to continue running smoothly in the background while using fewer resources.

Gaming is getting a significant upgrade as well. The new G2-Ultra NX GPU delivers up to 27% higher peak performance while consuming 24% less power. MediaTek says the GPU can deliver what it calls console-grade gaming on-device at up to 185fps.

For cameras, there's a new Imagiq 1290 ISP, which MediaTek says will enable more advanced computational photography and content creation features on upcoming smartphones.

There aren't any smartphones powered by the Dimensity 9600 Pro just yet, but we shouldn't have to wait long before the first devices arrive. Apple's 2nm A20 Pro has already launched inside the iPhone 18 Pro series, while Qualcomm is expected to reveal its answer at Snapdragon Summit later this month.

What you need to know

• Meta’s Project Phoenix is finally coming into focus after more than a year of rumors about a lightweight, high-end mixed-reality headset.
• Phoenix looks more like smart glasses than a traditional VR headset, using nose pads and temple-mounted sensors.
• An external compute puck appears to be part of the design.

Whispers about Meta working on a lightweight, high-end mixed reality headset codenamed Project Phoenix have floated around the tech sphere for over a year. Now, we finally get our first real look at what Mark Zuckerberg's hardware team has been cooking up, and it seems Meta accidentally left the key under the mat.

The images were revealed through Meta’s HorizonOS Prescription Lens package, which first appeared in August as a mostly blank system package, as noticed by UploadVR. An update in September showed detailed pictures of how prescription lens inserts attach to the Phoenix and how users scan a QR code to set them up.

Interestingly, the hardware looks less like a traditional VR headset and more like chunky glasses. Phoenix uses nose pads instead of the bulky face interface of the Quest 3 and other XR headsets, with sensors along the temples. There’s also a cable coming from the left temple, seemingly confirming previous reports that Phoenix will use an external compute puck.

It's a design that could change the way people think about wearing a mixed reality headset. If you’ve been using more traditional XR headsets, you’ll probably find it comforting to realize potential benefits here, like less weight on your face, but the compromise moves elsewhere: you’ll need to deal with a separate computing unit and a cable.

For Meta, the greater challenge might be getting that extra hardware to feel invisible enough that Phoenix still feels like something you can casually wear, rather than another device you have to gear up for.

There's another interesting clue here. The leaked setup stuff seems to be based on prescription inserts and controller-free interaction.

Meta hasn’t officially announced Phoenix yet, but Meta Connect 2026 starts September 23 and has a session dedicated to controller-free interaction on its agenda. If Phoenix shows up there, we might finally learn whether Meta’s push toward lighter mixed reality headsets is a real shift in headset design, or just a clever way to move the weight somewhere else.

Huawei knows a thing or ten about making a great smartwatch, and the Watch Ultimate 2 is still one of my favorite smartwatches. After releasing the Watch Fit 5 Pro a few months ago, Huawei has now introduced the Watch GT 7 Pro, and it is now available in the U.K. for £379 ($511), and as is the case with every new launch, there are decent launch incentives that bring the cost down to £329 ($443), and the brand is bundling the Huawei Scale 3 along with Huawei Care+ as free gifts when you buy the smartwatch.

The Watch GT 7 Pro has a lot of great features, but I'm starting with the one I like the most: battery life. While the Pixel Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 9 manage to last just over two days between charges, the Watch GT 7 Pro delivers a week of usage before you'll need to charge it. This is with heavy use involving daily exercise monitoring, always-on panel, and 24/7 health monitoring.

This is the main reason why I continue to wear Huawei smartwatches, and not having to worry about charging the watch every other day is just plain refreshing. You can make the GT 7 Pro last longer by not using the always-on mode, and in that situation, you get around 10 days of battery life.

At the outset, the GT 7 Pro doesn't look too different to last year's GT 6 Pro, and that's a good thing. Just like Samsung and Google's smartwatches, Huawei has a clearly-defined visual aesthetic, and it makes sense to continue the same design language across generations.

You still get a design that stands out quite a bit, and the new color choices give the GT 7 Pro an added dash of vibrancy; I'm using the yellow model, and it looks pretty great. It looks quite sporty, but you can switch out the bands if you need to wear it with a dress shirt.

The GT 7 Pro is sold in a single variant with a 46mm case, and while it is a little heavier at 55g (the Pixel Watch 5 is 37g), I actually like the heft as it makes the smartwatch feel like a regular watch. The build quality is among the best in this category, and the titanium alloy chassis with a ceramic bezel gives the GT 7 Pro a level of elegance that's missing with its immediate rivals. Huawei retained the rotating crown, and it is a good way to navigate the interface and scroll through unread notifications.

The band is much better this time as well; Huawei calls it EasyCross, and the band essentially tucks underneath, and it looks cleaner. The quality of the fluoroelastomer band itself is great, and I didn't see any problems in this area in the two weeks I used the Watch GT 7 Pro.

You get a 1.47-inch AMOLED panel with decent pixel density, and it gets bright — I had no issues viewing the contents on the screen under harsh sunlight. There's 5ATM along with IP69 water resistance, the GT 7 Pro is dive-ready up to 40 meters, and you get dual-band GPS as well as NFC.

Coming to health monitoring, Huawei has all the requisite sensors to monitor heart rate and blood oxygen levels, and it gets ECG, A-fib analysis, emotional wellbeing, and sleep tracking. What I like is that there's now a readiness score that takes all the disparate health metrics and gives you an overall score, similar to what Google does.

The GT 7 Pro has extensive fitness monitoring as well, with Huawei focusing on skiing and cycling this generation. Now, I don't do those activities (there's a distinct dearth of snow in India), but I wore the smartwatch to the gym, and it did a good job with HRV monitoring in HIIT workouts and treadmill runs.

As the smartwatch is running a lightweight RTOS, you don't get the ability to install apps. While this is an issue with other smartwatches, Huawei does a great job delivering most of the things you need, and I particularly like the mini-workouts that are new this year. The idea is that instead of an extensive workout session, you can do small workouts right at your desk, with these targeting 10 key body parts with 30 guided workouts available. Oh, and the panda animations are adorable.

There are no problems in day-to-day use; the GT 7 Pro mirrored notifications to my wrist, and I was able to take calls as well. You get a good selection of watch faces, and Huawei Health pairs with Android as well as iPhones. There's no Google Wallet, but Huawei collaborated with Curve Pay to bring NFC payments to select western markets. This is a good move, and while I wasn't able to test it out (it needs a card issued in these countries), it is a viable alternative to Google Wallet.

Overall, Huawei did all the right things with the Watch GT 7 Pro. It may not have a brand-new design, but the new colors are quite good, and you get a lot of software-focused additions that make a difference. Of course, the battery life continues to be the star of the show, and if you want a full-fledged smartwatch with standout battery life and all the extras, the Watch GT 7 Pro is a great choice.

What you need to know

• Amazon has announced that Big Deal Days will be held on October 6th and 7th, 2026.
• This 'October Prime Day' event will showcase deals on Android phones, smartwatches, laptops, and more.
• The vast majority of deals during Big Deal Days will be exclusive to Prime members.

It's official: Amazon has confirmed that its 2026 Big Deal Days sale event will be held on October 6th and 7th this year, which means we're just a few weeks away from seeing some of the best deals of the year.

While it's not as big as the official Prime Day in July, Amazon's Big Deal Days event is generally seen as the beginning of fall sale season, giving shoppers an early look at what to expect when the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales go live in November.

Whether you're trying to get your holiday shopping done early or simply pick up a new Android phone, Big Deal Days is a great way to beat the Black Friday crowds and score discounts on every type of product imaginable.

• See the top 20+ best early Prime Day deals available now

Prime members can expect to find great deals on everything from smart TVs and tablets to groceries and kitchen appliances. Considering the growing prices on tech this year, you can also expect a lot of interest in the latest Android phones, storage devices, and laptops.

The newest foldable phones from Samsung, Apple, and Motorola might see some hefty discounts as part of the sale, for instance, while I also expect the Google Pixel 11 series to score a serious price drop for the very first time.

It's also worth mentioning that retailers like Best Buy and Walmart are sure to launch rival sales at the same time as Amazon Big Deal Days, so don't forget to shop around before you commit to one deal. Naturally, we'll be covering all of the best deals on Android devices so you don't have to go looking.

Android Central's take

If you're a Prime member, Amazon's Prime Day events are always worth checking out. This is especially true if you're on the hunt for a new smartphone, as nearly every major release we've seen this year has come with some sort of price increase. Now's your chance to offset that price hike and beat the Black Friday crowds.

Just make sure you're a Prime member (or willing to join) if you're not already. The retailer offers a convenient 30-day free trial that lets you enjoy the full benefits of the sale, so consider signing up for that if you don't want to deal with yet another subscription.

What you need to know

• Googlebook pre-orders will officially open on September 21 at 9 a.m. ET, Google has confirmed.
• The first Googlebooks are expected from brands including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
• Googlebooks will focus heavily on Gemini, with features like Magic Pointer and AI-generated custom widgets.

Google has revealed that you'll finally be able to pre-order the first Googlebooks starting next week.

At The Android Show earlier this year, Google had its "one more thing" moment when it teased its next category of premium laptops called Googlebooks. Google says these are a new category of laptops built for the "intelligence system" era, but at the time, the company didn't reveal much about the devices or when you'd actually be able to buy one.

Now, Google has started emailing users confirming that Googlebook pre-orders will open on September 21 at 9 a.m. ET. The company hasn't revealed exactly which models will be available to pre-order next week, but we're expecting devices from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and other partners. It's also unclear when the first Googlebooks will actually start shipping.

Google has also set up a new website that currently shows the Googlebook branding, a few teasers, and the September 21 pre-order date.

The company is highlighting some of the key Googlebook features on the page as well, with a heavy focus on Gemini. One of those is Magic Pointer, which lets you access Gemini directly through the pointer on your Googlebook. You'll also be able to create your own widgets simply by describing what you want.

Google is also positioning Googlebooks as the perfect companion for Android phones. Users will be able to open apps from their Android phone directly on a Googlebook, as well as access files stored on their phone from the laptop.

Googlebooks will be the first laptops built on Google's new Android-based technology stack rather than ChromeOS. Interestingly, Google still hasn't revealed the official marketing name for the operating system that will power Googlebooks, but we expect to learn much more as pre-orders open.

It'll also be interesting to see how Googlebooks fare in an increasingly crowded laptop market, especially with new RTX Spark-powered laptops on the way and RAM prices continuing to rise.

What you need to know

• Samsung introduces the Galaxy S26 series to its Certified Re-Newed program.
• The S26 Ultra starts at $1,099 (a ~$200 price drop), while the S26 and S26 Plus start at $759 and $929.
• The company highlights that buyers can grab Samsung Care Plus protection with Loss and Theft during checkout for unlimited battery repairs and free screen replacements.

If you're looking to save some money, Samsung announced that its latest Galaxy S26 series is now available in its Certified Re-Newed program.

Today (Sept. 14), Samsung announced that its Certified Re-Newed program has welcomed the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra. You can view this program as Samsung's refurbished phone line. As always, the company says its "Certified Re-Newed devices offer a like-new phone experience." It has taken in Galaxy S26 devices and equipped them with new (genuine) parts and a "brand-new battery."

A Certified Re-Newed Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at $1,099. This is roughly a $200 price drop from the standard, new flagship starting price (256GB). When it comes to the S26 and S26 Plus, the program shifts these prices to $759 and $929, respectively.

Samsung says you can only purchase these devices from the Certified Re-Newed program at its main store. The post states consumers can trade in their current phone for a Certified Re-Newed phone and receive "up to $720" in credit. You should check the specifics of this during purchase.

What's more, Samsung says if you are purchasing a Certified Re-Newed Galaxy S26 device, you can add Samsung Care Plus (with Loss and Theft) protection. This protection plan features unlimited battery repairs and free screen replacements.

• See our guide to the best Samsung Galaxy S26 deals of September 2026

Refurbished Galaxy S26

We're a couple of months early, but Samsung brought the Galaxy S25 series into the Re-Newed program last November. The price drops were fairly similar to what we're seeing this year for the S26 series. Costs dropped anywhere from $150 to $260. The model and configuration (RAM/storage) made the difference here. The "cheapest" option last year was the Galaxy S25 with 256GB of storage for $709.

Joining the Galaxy S25 was the Galaxy Z Fold 6, as well as the Galaxy S25 Edge and the Flip 6.

At the time of writing this post (around 3:15 pm ET), the devices are not listed on Samsung's storefront. That should change. If you're interested, check back later today or perhaps later this week. You shouldn't fret about the refurbished tag; you'll still receive all of Samsung's newest features. Now Nudge and Now Brief were highlighted, and if you're getting the Galaxy S26 Ultra, you'll find the Privacy Display.

Internally, the Galaxy S26 series features Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.

What you need to know

• Rumors claim we might have a Galaxy Z TriFold 2 in 2027, as Samsung is supposedly moving ahead with development.
• The TriFold 2 could feature a "more durable," thinner, and lighter design with a price tag similar to the original model ($2,800).
• It's worth remembering the struggles Samsung encountered with the first TriFold (component prices/prices in general) and that it was a "limited release."
• The TriFold lasted for three months before Samsung pulled the plug.

It's been almost a year since Samsung debuted its Galaxy Z TriFold. Rumors say there's a sequel on the way next year.

Over the weekend, tipster Lanzuk on Naver stated Samsung is already working on a Galaxy Z TriFold 2 (via 9to5Google). One thing the tipster mentions is the phone's price. Samsung could face issues; however, they claim this supposed TriFold 2 could be priced "similarly" to the original—around $2,899. When it comes to upgrades, Samsung is supposedly looking at three areas.

This alleged TriFold 2 could debut as a thinner, lighter, and "more durable" phone. Looking at what Samsung did with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (and 8), reducing the thickness of that phone, this rumor strikes a chord. What's more, the idea of a "more durable" TriFold likely concerns its hinge/display for longevity.

Right now, these rumors suggest Samsung is sticking to its "original schedule" of releasing this "TriFold 2" in 2027. Additionally, rumors say Samsung might reveal a "slideable" phone, too. If it's what we presume it is, Samsung has shown off concepts of this type of phone several times over the past few years.

How the TriFold did

It's interesting to hear this rumor. We all remember Huawei's Mate XT surprise. It beat Samsung to the world of tri-fold phones. It's even more interesting since Samsung effectively stopped selling the Galaxy Z TriFold after three months...

Maybe this wasn't so surprising. Samsung always positioned the Galaxy Z TriFold as a "limited release." These rumors about a TriFold sequel mention something Samsung struggled with before: components. Developing the Galaxy Z TriFold was already incredibly strenuous due to high manufacturing and rising component costs. If Samsung is considering a TriFold 2, in the current climate, that might be difficult (on our wallets).

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how Samsung would treat a TriFold 2. Another limited release might seem strange, but we'll have to see. The Galaxy Z TriFold debuted with a huge, tablet-like 10-inch internal display and a 6.5-inch cover.

What you need to know

• Overseas rumors claim Samsung's Galaxy S26 series could see a ~$100/149,000 KRW price increase.
• Samsung is reportedly grappling with various issues impacting the phone market (RAM/memory).
• This increase has been rumored for Korean consumers; however, Samsung's official statement says nothing is set in stone yet as rumors say this could all happen in October.

Prices are soaring all over the place, whether it's phones or gaming consoles. A recent rumor from overseas says Samsung's latest flagship phones might be next on the list.

A report by Hans Economy (Korean) claims Samsung is mulling over a potential price increase for the Galaxy S26 series (via SamMobile). According to the publication's sources, Samsung is now facing "difficulties" with "maintaining its existing pricing structure." The post alludes to the current stress placed on the phone industry: RAM and memory prices. With that in mind, Samsung is supposedly increasing its Galaxy S26 series prices by ~$100 (USD)/~149,000 KRW.

If this happens, it would push the Galaxy S26 to a ~$999 starting price, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra to ~$1,400. The post claims a mobile carrier started informing consumers about an impending price hike for the Galaxy S26 series. Here's the thing: nothing is confirmed. In fact, Samsung provided an official comment to Hans Economy about these rumors.

The company states that while it has been "internally reviewing" the idea of "adjusting" prices, "nothing has been finalized as of now" (machine-translated).

There's more to consider with these rumors. On one hand, it was suggested that Samsung could hike S26 prices in October for Korean consumers if its internal review finds success. However, it's unclear how widespread this hike could be—meaning it's not clear if the U.S. would see it, too.

Prices are soaring

Let's not kid ourselves, Samsung (technically) already raised prices for the Galaxy S26. It was around the time the series debuted earlier this year. Compared to the S25 and S25 Plus, the S26 and S26 Plus cost roughly $100 more. The S26 Ultra's price remains the same compared to its past-gen counterpart. However, despite the price hikes to the first two models, Samsung's phones still performed well.

Specifically, the Galaxy S26 Ultra performed the best. According to early analytics, the Galaxy S26 Ultra achieved 71% of sales in the first three weeks. This year's Ultra has a lot going on, like the Privacy Display, so that might've helped.

And since we're talking about Samsung price hikes, it's hard not to bring up the horrendous streak it went on in the U.S. in April. Someone needs to save our wallets, because Samsung's Galaxy tablets were hit hardest. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (1TB) jumped by $280 earlier this year to $1,899.

Android Central's Take

Price hikes are becoming quite the unsettling "norm." Looking at devices in a smart way has never mattered more. We might love to chase after "what's new," but when it starts hitting your wallet, you'll reconsider. Not everyone's in that sort of position where they can chase after every new phone or what-have-you. To be honest, it is that majority that gives companies pause. If they drop out, that's when they're in trouble.

The fall sale season is quickly approaching, but you don't need to wait for Black Friday to score some exceptional smartphone deals. Case in point: for a limited time, Amazon is slashing 15% off the Google Pixel 10a, which was already my favorite cheap Android phone on the market.

The deal drops the price of the unlocked Pixel 10a down to just $424, no trade-in required. That said, if you do have an old or broken device lying around, Amazon is offering up to $420 (in the form of a gift card) when you process a trade. What's the point of Black Friday when the Google Pixel deals are already this good?

Typically priced around $499 for the 128GB configuration, the Google Pixel 10a is a midrange phone that punches well above its weight class. Straight out of the box, the Pixel 10a boasts a stunning 6.3-inch 120Hz pOLED display with IP68 durability and 3,000 nits of brightness, while under the hood you get Android 16, 8GB of RAM, and a 5,100mAh battery that's actually larger than what's found inside the base model Pixel 10.

At 183 grams, the Pixel 10a is also lighter than its flagship counterpart, while both phones share many of the same camera tech and software features. The Google Pixel 10a even comes with seven years of OS and security upgrades, which is a rarity for devices in this price category.

Of course, no phone is perfect. The Pixel 10a surprised us all by utilizing the last-gen Google Tensor G4 chipset instead of the newer G5, plus you don't get Qi2 charging support or as many AI features as you would with a flagship Pixel. It's also worth mentioning that, with Black Friday just around the corner, we might see some Pixel deals that drop the price of the Pixel 10a even further in the coming weeks.

With all of that being said, if you just want a great phone at a great price today, the Google Pixel 10a might be the midrange masterpiece that you're searching for. The phone is already worth a look at full price, but this Amazon discount is simply the cherry on top.

Readers on the hunt for a great smartwatch deal can call off the search, as Amazon just slashed 27% off the 41mm Google Pixel Watch 4 (LTE). That's a record-smashing discount on one of the best wearables that we've ever tested, dropping the watch down to just $329.99 for a limited time.

This deal follows last month's launch of the new Pixel Watch 5, a somewhat redundant device that doesn't dramatically upgrade any of the features that made the Google Pixel Watch 4 so iconic. After all, there's a reason why last year's model is still holding a top spot in our guide to the best Android smartwatches that money can buy.

A new release from Google also means that discounts on the last-gen wearable are becoming more common, although even I have to admit I'm surprised to see a record-breaking discount this soon. Why wait for Black Friday? The first great Pixel deal of the season is already here.

Currently 27% off at Amazon, the Google Pixel Watch 4 boasts a stunning domed display with 3,000 nits of brightness, plus you get smooth Wear OS performance out of the box, 32GB of onboard storage, and a ton of accurate health and fitness tracking features. The 41mm watch also lasts up to two days on a single charge, while its fast charging capabilities can get your battery back up to 50% in as little as 15 minutes.

But what about the new Google Pixel Watch 5? Well, the watches look pretty much identical at first glance, but you are getting 50% more RAM and twice the storage by going with the newer model. You also get a slight uptick in GPS accuracy. The problem is that, aside from the storage boost, most users won't notice much of a difference between the two models on a day-to-day basis.

If both watches were at full price, sure, I'd recommend dropping the additional 50 bucks to get the new Pixel Watch 5. But with this Amazon discount, the 41mm Google Pixel Watch 4 with LTE is a whopping $170 cheaper than its 2026 counterpart. The small upgrades from the Pixel Watch 5 simply don't justify the higher price tag, making last year's model a much smarter buy while this discount is active.

What you need to know

• LG denies its smart TVs secretly record or transmit your conversations, calling recent coverage misleading.
• The firestorm started with a lengthy Gamers Nexus video alleging LG TVs capture audio while idle or offline, plus device, IP, location, and nearby Wi-Fi data.
• LG's defense rests on one distinction: listening for a wake word isn't the same as recording you. Audio without the wake word gets discarded locally, never sent to LG servers.

Recent reports that LG smart TVs can secretly record people in their homes have put the company's privacy practices under a microscope. LG is now pushing back hard, stating its TVs do not continuously record or transmit users’ conversations and that some of the recent coverage has misrepresented how its privacy features really work.

The dispute follows a lengthy Gamers Nexus video on YouTube that raised concerns about LG TVs capturing audio while idle or disconnected from the internet, as well as collecting information about networked devices, IP addresses, locations, and nearby Wi-Fi networks.

LG’s explanation hinges on the distinction between listening for a wake word and recording conversations. On supported TVs with hands-free voice control enabled, the microphone can supposedly listen locally for a wake word even when the TV is in standby. LG says audio that does not include the recognized wake word is discarded immediately and not sent to its servers. Real speech-to-text processing only starts when voice recognition is enabled.

There is also Automatic Content Recognition, or ACR, that identifies what is playing so that LG can offer services related to viewing and audience analysis. ACR uses audio fingerprinting rather than screenshots or video recordings, is optional, and requires user consent, LG says. It can also be turned off in the settings of the TV.

Does LG's wording leave wiggle room? Perhaps. Saying TVs don't "continuously" record isn't the same as saying they never do. The company’s documentation is unusually explicit, however, about things like session limits, local processing, and what happens when you decline optional agreements. You can still use streaming apps, live TV, and HDMI devices without turning on any data-driven services.

This controversy comes after a separate dispute over LG monitors, where some models were found to be installing the LG Monitor App Installer on Windows PCs and displaying pop-ups for promotional content, including McAfee ads. Microsoft intervened, and LG agreed to disable the McAfee promotion.

The latest controversy highlights the fine line between helpful smart features and invasive data harvesting. LG claims its hardware isn’t part of some hidden surveillance network, but it’s unlikely privacy advocates and hardware reviewers won’t be monitoring future webOS updates.

What you need to know

• The iQOO 16 is set to debut as the first smartphone with a 2K resolution OLED display running at a 165Hz refresh rate.
• Co-developed with Samsung Display on a dedicated production line, the panel marks the Android debut of Samsung's latest M16 luminescent material and LEAD 2.0 architecture.
• The screen reaches 2,800 nits global peak brightness (10,000 nits local peak), features 508 PPI, and delivers sub-pixel-level calibration for color accuracy.

Rumor has it that the iQOO 16 will be released soon, and iQOO has now confirmed one of the upgrades that could make this gaming-focused flagship stand out from the crowd. The next phone from the company is said to be the first to sport a 2K OLED panel with a 165Hz refresh rate from Samsung, which iQOO is calling a smartphone first.

The announcement also confirms earlier reports that the iQOO 16 would sport Samsung’s newer M16 OLED technology. The company says the phone will be the first Android smartphone to use the material, along with its new 2K LEAD 2.0 technology.

For context, we saw the original LEAD OLED panel debut with the iQOO 15. LEAD 2.0 has been developed in partnership with Samsung, built on a dedicated production line just for iQOO’s flagship.

The two companies also designed a custom high-refresh-rate display IC and a dedicated production line for the phone.

The panel is rated at 2,800 nits for global brightness and 10,000 nits for local brightness. It also offers 508 ppi, wide P3 color coverage, DC dimming, and better brightness and color uniformity than the iQOO 15. iQOO also claims sub-pixel-level calibration leads to extremely tight color accuracy.

There is also a less obvious upgrade here: Samsung recently said the new display uses roughly 31 percent less power at 150 nits than a similarly sized 1.5K panel. That’s particularly useful, as improving both resolution and refresh rate often comes with a battery cost.

The target is clearly gaming. The display features 500Hz multi-touch sampling and 5,000Hz instantaneous sampling rate, while iQOO’s Q-Flex technology focuses on reducing input lag. There’s also 3,300Hz PWM dimming and many eye-comfort features.

The iQOO 16 is expected to launch in China sometime near the end of September. If the rest of the hardware is up to the mark as this display, the top gaming flagships out there will have a serious new competitor on their hands.