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Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Project Moohan specs just leaked — what we've learned about Samsung's Android XR headset
Project Moohan, the Android XR-based headset coming from Samsung, has been drip-fed to us since December of last year with the headset making its most recent appearance during Google I/O 2025 in mid-May. But for all of the headset's public appearances, Samsung hasn't shared many details about Moohan. A new leak popped up recently from leaker Abhishek Yadav on X (via Android Central) that purports to reveal some hardware specs. Yadav posted a screenshot of a Geekbench test for a device labeled "SM-I610," the alleged model number of the headset, Based on that screenshot, Moohan appears to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 2 processor, a Snapdragon chip built for XR. The chipset includes an Adreno 740 GPU that is optimized for gaming and 3D environments with high refresh rates. The XR2 features six cores, which are clocked at 2.36GHz speeds. It's a similar setup found some of the best Android phones. The headset posted single and multi-core scores of 990 and 2,453 on Geekbench, which measures CPU performance. From there it looks like the device was running Android 14, however Google is making Android XR an Android-based OS meant specifically for headsets and smart glasses like the forthcoming Xreal Project Aura. So, it's not clear if this is an older build or if XR is built on top of Android 14 and not Android 15 or the upcoming Android 16. The Geekbench listing also reveals that the tested device featured 16GB of RAM. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Samsung declined to share any specs during Google I/O last month, my colleague Philip Michaels got some heads-on time with Project Moohan. He said he liked wearing the headset: "It didn't feel particularly heavy during my demo — I certainly wasn't looking forward to removing it, as I am most of the time when trying on headsets." We still have questions about the specs and pricing for the headset, but wearing and using Samsung's headset sounds like it will be a well-designed experience. As Michaels noted, "I was struck by how well the Google apps running on Android XR had been optimized for the virtual space. It's that experience that's ultimately going to determine just how people react to Samsung's upcoming headset. Samsung has announced that the Android XR headset should arrive before the end of 2025, but a specific date has not been revealed.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business Standard
Google might give a glimpse of Pixel 10 series at pre-launch event: Details
The "Pixel Penthouse" is expected to be a 90-minute-long pre-launch event scheduled for June 27, where Google is likely to reveal its upcoming Pixel 10 series and other products to super fans New Delhi Google might give a glimpse of the upcoming Pixel 10 series to select super fans in the UK region ahead of its official launch. As per a report by Android Central, some super fans in the UK region have received emails from Google to invite them to a pre-launch event of the Google Pixel 10 series. A report by 9To5Google cited some Redditors who shared the invite online on the forum. As per the screenshots of the email, those super fans were allegedly invited by Google to the 'Pixel Penthouse' which essentially is an 'exclusive pre-launch event' that Google is hosting for its 'biggest retail and press partners' in the UK to offer a 'sneak preview of our upcoming devices pre-release.' Google Pixel 10 pre-launch: What's in invite According to 9To5Google, this year, Google is offering an exclusive opportunity to 25 selected super fans to attend a special 90-minute event in London on June 27. Attendees are expected to get an early look at the upcoming Pixel 10 series and Pixel Watch 4. The cover image of the email showed a Pixel phone, Tablet, Watch, and Buds. It is possible that it might be a stock image, but the Pixel 10 series is expected to resemble its predecessor, so it might just be a picture of the Pixel 10 series only. The event is also likely to offer hands-on access to unreleased Pixel devices and features, along with a Q&A session with members of the Google team. At the end of its invitation emails, Google has added a short questionnaire to assess just how dedicated a Pixel fan you really are. The questions touch on topics like your favorite Pixel feature and what kinds of promotions influence your buying decisions, as reported by Android Central. Those who receive the invite have until June 4 to submit their responses for a chance to attend. The selected winners will be revealed on June 11.
Business Mayor
18-05-2025
- Business Mayor
Catch up with the top stories this week, from all things Android to an exclusive new Galaxy Ring
News Weekly (Image credit: Future) News Weekly is our column where we highlight and summarize some of the week's top stories so you can catch up on the latest tech news. This is Android Central's News Weekly, your go-to source for a concise roundup of the week's most significant tech stories. This is where we delve into the top headlines that provide the latest developments and innovations contributing to the digital landscape. This week, we dive into all things Android. Google snuck in its future XR tech, the Android Show gets an I/O edition, HBO Max makes a comeback, Nothing's Phone 3 is set to show up this summer, and Samsung quietly unveiled a limited-edition Galaxy ring. Before we dive in, Google I/O is coming up — starting on May 20th at the Shoreline Amphitheater in California. Android Central will be there live, so if you want all the updates as they happen during the two-day event, keep an eye out for our live coverage right from where it happens. You may like The Android Show: I/O edition (Image credit: Android) Read more here Google wanted to switch things up a bit with this year's I/O. It revealed some of the significant developments much earlier than expected, giving users a full look at what's in store with Gemini, Material 3 Expressive, and its updated safety and privacy tools. First up, Gemini comes to more devices. Gemini is expanding across the Android ecosystem, replacing Google Assistant on phones and integrating into Wear OS, cars, TVs, and XR. This integration focuses on providing more intuitive, hands-free, and context-aware AI assistance across various devices. 'Like when your hands are covered in flour while cooking, when you're rushing between meetings, or when you're in the middle of a bike ride,' Google explained in the press release. Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of Android Read More Gary Lineker describes BBC impartiality row as 'lovers' tiff' As for Material 3 Expressive, Google is modifying its UI experience to be more expressive and interactive with Android 16. Google explains that M3 Expressive is all about design that feels good, makes sense, and helps you do things with ease. It leans on five key components, such as color, shape, size, motion, and containment, to steer the user's attention to the stuff that matters. Wear OS 6 is also getting a fresh coat of paint, more customization via color options, and a customizable UI. Watch faces will now be able to change the whole color of the OS, giving the wearable a more thematic feel. (Image credit: Google) During the show, it announced a whole slew of privacy and security tools that will show up on all Android devices with Android 16. New warning systems will be built into Android's caller and Google Messages, which help prevent fraud by sending you pop-up messages when common scam tactics are used. For instance, Google Messages is also getting a big security update with AI-based detection that can help stop scammers pretending to be government officials or bank employees, or even'tech support' scams, and several other new categories. These messages will be automatically flagged and filtered as spam if spam detection is enabled. Google's Find My Device will also evolve into Find Hub with UWB tag support and satellite connectivity for enhanced tracking. The tech giant will partner with airlines to simplify lost luggage recovery using Bluetooth tag location sharing. Today's best Google Pixel deals Did Google just show us its smart glasses? (Image credit: Screen captures from The Android Show I/O Edition 2025) Read more here As The Android Show 2025 drew to a close, Samat put on what appeared to be a pair of Google and Samsung's upcoming smart glasses, with tinted lenses. While putting them on, he pretty much hinted that Google I/O 2025 would be full of more Android announcements, 'and maybe even a few more really cool Android demos.' This only means we'd be getting more than just a peek at those highly anticipated wearables this year. These smart glasses look a lot like Meta's and have customizable styles. While we know little to nothing about these glasses, they're said to have a small screen in the lens, similar to the upcoming Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses 3. And would obviously be powered by the latest Gemini smarts. Surprise, surprise! Max is back to being HBO Max (Image credit: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central) Read more here Warner Bros. Discovery announced this week that it will be rebranding Max as HBO Max again. Just two years after ditching the HBO Max name, the company confirmed the switch will happen this summer. This will be the second time the service has changed its name in just three years —first it launched as HBO Max in May 2020, when it was still under WarnerMedia, replacing HBO Now (its standalone streaming option since 2014) while keeping it separate from HBO Go (its old cable-authenticated VOD service that's since been retired). Looks like not many users were a fan of this rebranding, and learning from its past mistakes of chasing a 'quantity over quality' approach with tons of content. Bringing back the HBO name is a key move in Warner Bros. Discovery, in its plan to grow a global customer base and keep up with other streaming giants. The company believes that reintroducing the HBO brand on Max will make things more seamless for customers as to the kind of content they can expect to see. Nothing Phone 3 coming this summer (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central) Read more here Nothing has been teasing its next flagship model for the past couple of days, be it dropping emojis or outright announcing its price. During Google's Android Show, Nothing's CEO Carl Pei discussed what consumers can expect next: the Phone 3, and when. Pei announced that the Phone 3 will launch this summer. Pei states the company is 'going all in' with the device, granting it 'premium materials, major performance upgrades, and software that levels things up.' More importantly, Pei all but confirmed to consumers its price, reportedly 'somewhere around' £800 (~$1,062). Pei adds that users will be given the 'secure' and upgraded Android experience within the upcoming Nothing Phone. The video then gets into Nothing's AI efforts, considering they had to postpone the launch of the device last year. Pei states the company has worked with its community to create software that's 'not just bolted on, but built in.' Samsung dropped a limited-edition Galaxy Ring (Image credit: Nick Sutrich / Android Central) Read more here Samsung quietly launched an exclusive Galaxy Ring colorway for its Korean customers. It snuck in a quick announcement about the wearable at the end of the Galaxy S25 Edge's press release — something extra for wearable fans. According to Samsung's Korean website, the new Galaxy Ring is pretty much the same tech-wise as its past versions/ Samsung calls it 'Two-Tone Titanium Black,' a smooth mix of the classic Titanium Black and Titanium Silver. We weren't able to spot any images of this exclusive smart ring yet, but it's clear the company is going for a premium vibe here. For now, this color is only for the South Korean audience, and it remains unclear whether it will be available on this side of the globe. Today's best Samsung Galaxy Ring deals More stories this week Those are some of the biggest stories from this week. Meanwhile, here are some other stories that are worth catching up on:
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
These Moto G56 leaks highlight a key difference in its variants
Android Central and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Motorola What you need to know A leak surfaced about the next Moto phone, the G56, claiming it could offer different levels of software support per RAM variant. Rumors purport its 4GB RAM could one OS upgrade/three years of "bi-monthly" security patches, while its 8GB takes that up to two years and four years. The phone is also rumored to feature a 6.7-inch LCD, a 50MP primary lens, and a 5,200mAh battery. April was jam packed for Motorola as it unveiled its Razr foldable trio and the Edge 60 Fusion. Motorola shows no signs of slowing down, as a new set of leaks surfaces about another upcoming phone. Well-known X tipster Evan Blass posted a screenshot of the upcoming Moto G56 midrange phone, and its supposed specs in totality. While the entire alleged spec sheet is there for the taking, there's one striking highlight: Motorola's supposed varied OS update support for each RAM variant. According to the post, the Moto G56 could arrive with a 4GB and 8GB RAM model for its available 128/256GB internal storage pairs. However, the spec sheet claims the 4GB RAM version could receive one OS upgrade (one year) and three years of "bi-monthly" security updates. The 8GB variant is said to bring two years of OS upgrades and four years of bi-monthly security updates. It's a strange rumor, to say the least. So, we'll have to see what happens for certain once the device launches. Unwrapping the leaks Aside from that, the tipster's post suggests the Moto G56 will debut with a flat, rounded-corner 6.7-inch LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate. Internally, the device is supposedly powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7060. It's unclear if the back sports some sort of texture (like a faux leather); however, the device's rendering shows a squared dual camera array. Inside is a 50MP primary lens and an 8MP ultrawide camera. Giving you a boost during the day is reportedly a 5,200mAh battery, shored up by 33W wired charging strength. The rumored Moto G56 is the next-gen follow-up to the G5 from 2024, which GSMArena states is a bit different. The publication highlights notable changes Motorola is seemingly preparing. The upcoming G56 specifically features a larger display and a slightly bigger battery compared to its predecessor. The X leak concludes by stating the G56 could feature Pantone Black Oyster, Gray Mist, Dazzling Blue, and Dill color options. The G55 dropped in August last year, so there's a chance Motorola could try and keep the launch this year close to that. Motorola's on a Roll Credit: Motorola Motorola's been cruising recently, dropping a couple of phone launches in April. One of the most notable reveals was the Moto Razr 2025 trio, which introduced consumers to the Razr Ultra. While all three foldables sport Android 15 out of the box, a key highlight is the addition of new Moto AI features and enhanced camera capabilities. The Ultra model even brings back a wood variant that feels like a blast from Motorola's storied past. Regarding the recent Moto G56 leak, the company unveiled its new Edge 60 Fusion early last month. The design language is quite similar to what we're seeing rumored today: a square camera array, flat display, and rounded corners. The Edge 60 Fusion is a mid-range device with immense durability, thanks to Corning Gorilla Glass 7i and the MIL-STD 810H standard.
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Forbes
Pixel 10 Display Could Finally Fix Google's Pixel Eye-Strain Issue
Google hints at a big display improvement for the Pixel range, possibly arriving with the Pixel 10 ... More series. Google has teased a crucial Pixel display quality upgrade, likely to arrive later this year with the Pixel 10 range. The upgrade should alleviate the eye strain some users experience when using OLED displays, like those used in the current Pixel 9 series. This is particularly important for the Pixel 10 display, as users have been vocal about this issue. According to a recent report from Android Central, Google is considering a much-needed improvement to the display technology used in its Pixel smartphones that could dramatically improve eye comfort by reducing display flicker. The upgrade could arrive with the Pixel 10 series later this year. The Pixel 9 range scores very highly in display tests but lags behind the competition in terms of display flicker, which can cause problems such as eye strain and headaches for some users who are particularly sensitive to the phenomenon. According to the report, a Google representative has now stated that 'their teams are aware and investigating this. You can expect updates later this year.' This revelation strongly suggests that Pixel devices will produce less flicker in the future, although it is unclear whether this will require new hardware, such as the Pixel 10, or if Google can apply a software patch to existing phones. Like most devices with OLED screens, the Pixel 9 series uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) dimming technology to control display brightness. PWM dimming controls the brightness of the screen by rapidly turning the display's pixels on and off. Ideally, this switching occurs so quickly that the human visual system 'smooths out' any flickering effects and perceives a change in screen brightness instead (see below). However, many people remain sensitive to this flickering, resulting in frequent complaints of eye strain and headaches. These adverse effects become more pronounced as the frequency of flickering decreases, so many smartphone manufacturers attempt to mitigate the problem by increasing the PWM frequency to a much higher rate. Google's Pixel 9 and 9 Pro-series smartphones offer some of the best-quality displays in terms of color accuracy and readability. Still, they retain a relatively slow PWM frequency of 240 Hz, a speed that Dxomark, an independent testing site, deems 'bad' for perceived flicker. Dxomark rates the Pixel 9's PWM dimming frequency as "Bad", falling behind both the Galaxy S25 Ultra ... More and the iPhone 16 Pro Max Dxomark expects that fewer than one in five of the population will be able to perceive PWM flickering on the Pixel 9 Pro, but that's still a very sizable proportion of potential users. Furthermore, the adverse effects of PWM dimming can still occur, even if the viewer is not consciously aware of the flickering. Google could reduce the effects of PWM flicker by increasing the frequency to a much higher level or by adding specific eye health modes that switch to different dimming technologies that don't cause flickering. Samsung doubled the display PWM frequency from 240Hz to 480Hz starting with last year's Galaxy S24 Series, and Apple also reportedly uses the same 480Hz frequency in its OLED-based models, such as the iPhone 16 Pro. However, many still perceive flicker even at these increased frequencies. This has prompted some rival devices to go much further, such as the Honor Magic7 Pro, which boasts a PWM frequency as high as 4,300Hz, although its real-world effectiveness remains disputed. Google might be able to improve flicker issues on current Pixel devices. Enthusiasts have successfully unlocked higher PWM dimming frequencies on Pixel 8 Pro, for example. However, these solutions often result in degraded color fidelity and other display quality issues. This means a comprehensive solution might require updated display hardware, i.e., a new Pixel 10-series smartphone. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) dimming is a technique used by many smartphones to control the display's brightness. Rather than turning the power or voltage up and down like a traditional dimmer switch, PMW adjusts the perceived brightness of the screen by rapidly turning the display fully on and fully off several hundred times per second. The desired brightness level is achieved by balancing the amount of time the display is turned on with the time it is turned off. More time spent on results in a brighter display, and more time spent off results in lower perceived brightness. If this switching happens quickly enough, any flickering should be imperceptible to the human eye. However, sensitivity to this flickering can vary significantly from person to person, with some reporting symptoms of eye strain, headaches, and vertigo after just a few minutes of using the display. The critical factor determining eye comfort is the PWM frequency, with higher frequencies resulting in fewer complaints from users. A frequency of 240Hz (as used in the Pixel 8 series) is now considered low, and some people still experience ill effects at 480Hz. IEEE Standard 1789 suggests using flicker frequencies of over 1,000 Hz to mitigate issues. PWM dimming is typically used in OLED displays because it is cheaper to implement than directly adjusting the power level supplied to the display. It also results in improved picture quality as color response can change in unpredictable ways when the OLED displays are operated at less than full power. Improving the PWM frequency on the Pixel 10 is a crucial step if Google is to avoid falling behind the competition, especially given recent advancements made by iPhone and Samsung flagships. While the technical details of PWM dimming will mean little to most customers, a significant number who are sensitive to screen flicker will be less likely to return their devices if the flickering is reduced. Google's current Pixel displays are already excellent. Reducing flicker could be the final piece of the puzzle, and potential eye health benefits could serve as a powerful marketing tool for the Pixel 10. Follow @paul_monckton on Instagram.
