Latest news with #Motorola
Android Authority
2 hours ago
- Android Authority
It's too late for a Google Pixel flip phone
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Just think about it: A Google Pixel Flip. Honestly, it sounds like my dream phone. It'd combine my favorite form factor with my favorite Android skin, and I'd never need to recommend anything else again. I'd have Google's top-notch image processing to balance out the often-limited flip phone cameras, years of updates to look forward to, and a cover screen experience that only needs a proper app drawer to leap ahead of Samsung's Flex Window. And yet, I can't shake the feeling that Google has already missed its flip phone opportunity. It feels like it's given Motorola and Samsung too much of a head start, and I fear it means I won't see a Pixel Flip any time soon. Here's why. Would you buy a Google Pixel Flip? 0 votes Yes NaN % No NaN % Google? Nailing first-generation hardware? Rita El Khoury / Android Authority We've reached a point where flip phones (and foldable phones in general) have attained a level of maturity. Motorola and Samsung are making gorgeous flagships (and now sub-flagships) that are hard to put down or look away from, and it's led me to keep a Razr Ultra in my pocket long after I finished my review. However, it wasn't always that way. I spent a few years complaining about Samsung's cover screen, and the less-than-flat hinge on the original Razr Plus was a huge issue. And now you want me to expect Google to come in and stick its first-generation landing? I'm sorry. I know that was probably a little bit harsh to the Pixel's maker, but let's be honest — it's true. I've used enough first-generation Pixel products — the Pixel Watch, the original Pixel Fold, the Pixel 6a — to know that Google usually needs a year or two to let things finish baking. Sometimes, like the Pixel Watch, the issues come from diving into a brand-new form factor, while others, like the Pixel 6a, come from fitting a white-hot Tensor chip into a smaller, plastic body. Then, in the third case — the Pixel Fold — it's a case of a little of column A, a little of column B. I love the Pixel lineup, but I've used enough first-generation Google products to know a Pixel Flip would take time. In those cases, Google had the space to experiment and, at least, mostly keep up with its rivals. Its first Pixel Watch had to take on a Galaxy Watch 5 that felt a lot like the Galaxy Watch 4, and its Pixel Fold challenged a Galaxy Z Fold 5 that landed with a severe lack of innovation. Maybe the Pixel 6a faced the most formidable foe in a solid Galaxy A53 5G, but even that felt like little more than an annual update. In 2025, though, Google wouldn't have such breathing room, especially in the flip phone market. If it launched a Pixel Flip tomorrow, it would take on a Galaxy Z Flip 7 with a newly refreshed cover screen and an upgraded Exynos 2500 chip. Sure, it would have the benefit of Samsung sitting on its hands and keeping a battery and charging setup similar to what it's had for years, but I don't know if Google's expectations should be to clear the lowest bar. Even if it does settle for the lowest bar, Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE offers the same excellent build quality as the Galaxy Z Flip 6 with years of development behind it. A year or two ago, I might have said that I thought Google could hop in and catch Motorola immediately. As much as I love the look and feel of the Razr, it spent a few years lagging behind Samsung's build quality, offering a better software experience but making me nervous about just how well the original flip phone would stand the test of time. Then, the Razr Ultra happened. It went unabashedly flagship with Gorilla Glass Ceramic, a brilliant AMOLED cover screen, and funky materials like wood and Alcantara, and captured a place in my heart. When Google finally tries its hand at a Pixel Flip, at least it won't start from scratch. I hope it will simply port over the hinge from its Pixel 9 Pro Fold and shrink it, but I can't say. I'm unsure how the camera bar (or camera island, or camera square) would fit onto the cover of a flip phone, nor can I imagine whether or not the temperature sensor would make the cut. But, knowing how Google has struggled in the past, I wouldn't be surprised if there were a hiccup or two to scare Android fans away. I'm just not sure I can trust a Tensor chip in a flip phone Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Honestly, I can usually look past some hardware hiccups. I kept using the Pixel Fold for a while after our review — thick bezels and all. I also wore that original Pixel Watch to a wedding or two, simply because it looked like a better casual pick than a Garmin on my wrist. I've even looked beyond a few creases on the displays of foldable phones in my day, mainly to keep my favorite form factor in my pocket. However, if Google is determined to make a flip phone and pack it with a Tensor chip, then I have to say I'm nervous. Yes, the Tensor G4 has come a long way since Google first brought its chipmaking in-house — it runs more efficiently, stays cooler, and supports a full stock of new AI-powered features — but it still falls behind Qualcomm's best. It doesn't put up quite the same numbers, which is fine, but I worry that Google still hasn't worked out its last few thermal kinks. And when I say that I worry it hasn't, I know it hasn't. I've used the Pixel 9 Pro nearly every day since its launch (it still controls bits of my apartment, what do you expect?), and I'm painfully aware of how warm the Tensor G4 can still get at times. When it does, the phone's battery drops like a rock, sending me scrambling for a charger when I'd like to play more of my chosen few games. If that's happening with a traditional form factor, I can only imagine what it would feel like in a compact, complicated flip phone. Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Who knows, though — maybe I'm wrong. Perhaps the same space-saving tricks that gave the Pixel 9a a bigger battery will work for the eventual Pixel Flip. Maybe Google will find a way to pack more cooling technology into a notoriously tricky footprint, or maybe its next few Tensor chips will fix the thermal issues that have troubled me since the days of the Pixel 6. But, if our leaks are anything to go on, then the Tensor G5 won't change too much, and that will leave me worried about the prospect of putting it in a flip phone. Then again, Google has proven me wrong in the past. It's made massive hardware leaps from the Pixel 8 series to the Pixel 9 series, and the change from the original Pixel Fold to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold elevated the latter to sit among the best foldable phones that money can buy. I'm not holding my breath, and I still think that Google has missed its window, but I'd be happy to add this to the list of times I've underestimated the maker of Android.
Phone Arena
5 hours ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Prime Day's over, but the Razr+ (2024) just got a massive 34% discount
Missed your chance to score a massive $400 off the Motorola Razr+ (2024) in the final hours of last week's Prime Day? Don't worry, Amazon is now giving you another chance to save big on this high-end flip phone. Right now, the Midnight Blue model is 34% off, saving you an impressive $335. $335 off (34%) Amazon is now giving you an exclusive $335 price cut on the Motorola Razr+ (2024) in Midnight Blue. That makes the stylish flip phone a much more affordable choice. You might want to hurry up and save while this sale lasts. Buy at Amazon There's no denying that Prime Day's offer was more attractive. However, that was a Prime member-exclusive sale, while the current one is open to everyone. On top of that, you won't find a more significant price cut on last year's flagship Razr. We checked and found a more modest $250 price cut at the official store. Over at Best Buy, you'd have to cough up the model's full retail price of nearly $1, the Razr+ (2025) has arrived, it doesn't offer significant improvements to make it a more compelling pick over last year's model, especially at its current price. But what does the 2024 Razr+ offer? First of all, it features a large 4-inch cover screen with vivid colors and excellent brightness levels. The main 6.9-inch OLED display is just as impressive, boasting an ultra-snappy 165Hz refresh rate and crisp resolution. Beyond the two lovely displays, the Razr+ (2024) impresses with its design. Featuring vegan leather back and modern colors, this Android phone is designed to captivate. On top of that, Motorola has significantly improved the hinge, making the phone feel sturdier than its predecessor. Add to that a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 performance and a capable 50MP main camera, and you've got a very well-rounded and stylish phone. Sure, it's not as impressive as the Galaxy Z Flip 6, but it's hard to ignore at its current asking price. So, if you like what the Motorola Razr+ (2024) brings to the table, now's your chance to save 34% on it. And if you're on the fence, don't forget to check out our Motorola Razr+ (2024) review for more insights into camera capabilities, daily performance, and more. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
6 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Airtel, Perplexity AI team up to offer 1-yr free plan to 390 mn users
India's second-largest telecom operator, Bharti Airtel, on Thursday announced a partnership with Perplexity, an AI-powered search platform, to provide a free 12-month subscription to Perplexity Pro for all its customers, CNBC-TV18 reported. Perplexity Pro to be free for Airtel's 390 million users Perplexity is an artificial intelligence-based search and answer engine that offers real-time, conversational responses and moves beyond traditional search results by delivering directly consumable answers. According to the report, all Airtel users across mobile, Direct-to-Home (DTH), and broadband services will get complimentary access to Perplexity Pro, a service that typically costs ₹17,000 annually. The offer will be made available via the Airtel Thanks app. This marks Perplexity's first collaboration with an Indian telecom operator as part of its strategy to expand adoption in India, the world's second-largest internet market. As per data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), Airtel currently serves more than 390 million users, second only to Reliance Jio's 475 million. Airtel calls it a 'first-of-its-kind' Gen-AI partnership Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Bharti Airtel, said, 'We're thrilled to announce a game-changing partnership with Perplexity, bringing their cutting-edge AI capabilities exclusively for Airtel customers. This collaboration will bring the powerful and real-time knowledge tool for millions of users at their fingertips, at no extra cost. This first-of-its-kind Gen-AI partnership in India is focused on helping our customers navigate the emerging trends in the digital world with confidence and ease.' Perplexity expands global reach through telecom deals Perplexity has previously partnered with global players like SoftBank and T-Mobile. Speaking about the latest deal, Perplexity's Co-founder Aravind Srinivas said, 'This partnership is an exciting way to make accurate, trustworthy, and professional-grade AI accessible to more people in India—whether a student, working professional, or managing a household. With Perplexity Pro, users get a smarter, easier way to find information, learn, and get more done.' According to Moneycontrol, the partnership comes amid growing competition in the AI space in India. Google has also been offering one-year free subscriptions to Gemini Pro and Veo3 to college students in India. Perplexity's Motorola, T-Mobile deals widen access Earlier this year, Perplexity also announced a global partnership with Motorola. The rollout includes embedding its platform on Motorola's Edge 60 series and Razr smartphones, giving users access to advanced AI features such as GPT-4o, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and Sonar, along with unlimited file uploads and smart shopping tools. With its Airtel partnership, Perplexity joins a growing trend of AI firms aligning with telecom providers to scale rapidly in emerging markets.
Digital Trends
19 hours ago
- Digital Trends
This leaked iPhone 17 Pro color has me excited for the iPhone 17 Pro
I've been reporting on technology for almost twenty years, and I vividly recall the early years of the smartphone industry when companies like Nokia pushed the boundaries when it came to smartphone colors. Rather than the less exciting neutral colors that have become standard in the industry – gray, white, silver, and gold – Nokia launched phones in bright red, yellow, and other vibrant colors. Yes, there were still the same standardized options, but you also had bright neon colors, such as the yellow Lumia 1020 or the orange Nokia N8. Recommended Videos The latter was striking because it was so rare. Few companies had attempted to create an orange phone, and far fewer came close to achieving the same level of quality as Nokia did. Last year, Motorola launched the Razr 2024 in this bright orange color that is still spectacular, but it was missing from this year's Razr 2025 series. However, the purported colors for the upcoming iPhone 17 series just leaked, and they suggest that Apple could be set to launch an orange-like phone. At first glance, it looks fantastic: here's why it could be the best attempt at orange yet. The leaked iPhone 17 series camera lens protectors We've had two major leaks this week about Apple's next iPhone, and both of them make the phone colors look fantastic. The first came from well-known tipster Sonny Dickson on X, who tweeted images of the metal camera-lens protectors and the colorful rim surrounding them. The iPhone 17 will come in six colors: black, gray, silver, light blue, light green, and light purple. We can only see a small sample of the shades, but the light blue option looks particularly good. Then there's the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, Apple's ultra-thin competitor to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. This will come in black, silver, light gold, and a blue-grey color that looks quite interesting. However, with just a single camera, it's hard to tell exactly how it will look. Lastly, there's the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, which will share the same color palette. There are black, gray, and silver options, which presumably resemble existing or past options, as well as a dark blue option that appears darker than the navy used on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, the most interesting by far is the orange option. Renders confirmed that Orange is making a comeback The second leak from MacWorld confirmed that Apple is launching the iPhone 17 Pro series in Orange. It also provided renders that purport to show the iPhone 17 Pro in Orange and Black, but it's the Orange one that has me super excited. Renders and photos can never truly replicate the appearance of a color in person. The Pantone color provided in MacWorld's leak suggests a vibrant orange, rather than the orange-like gold color the renders suggest. I hope that it is just as lively as the orange colors used by Nokia and Motorola. It's interesting to see Apple launch its phones in a fifth color, as it has most recently adopted four core colors for its flagship lineup. The base iPhone has often launched in a wider range of colors, but these were more pastel than neon. Beyond the orange, the MacWorld report confirms the rest of the colors and their similarities. The Black and White iPhone 17 Pro options are the same as those of the iPhone 16 Pro, while the Gray option will be similar to the Natural Titanium color. The Dark Blue is Pantone 19-4025 TPG Mood Indigo, a darker variant than the last blue flagship Apple introduced. Then there's the base iPhone 17, and again, the Black and White options are the same as in the iPhone 16. The other colors are Gray (Pantone 18-4005-TPG), Green (Pantone 2282 U), Purple (Pantone 530 U), and Light Blue (Pantone 658 U). The green is more vibrant than the Mint color used in the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, but appears similar to the light green Razr 2025. This is the most excited I've been about iPhone colors in year My favorite phone launch of the year is usually the new Razr series, thanks to Motorola's incredible array of Razr Ultra 2025 colors. Samsung has just launched blue and mint options for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 that look fantastic, as well as a striking coral red Galaxy Z Flip 7. Each year, I hope that Apple will bring its vibrant base iPhone colors to the Pro and Pro Max range, and every year, I am somewhat disappointed. This year, the Orange iPhone 17 Pro has me super excited, not just to use it, but also to see the other colors that Apple chooses to offer. We need more color options in smartphones, and as the iPhone 17 Pro consistently sells well, hopefully, this will encourage phone makers to adopt more color.
Phone Arena
a day ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Motorola slashes the price of the Razr (2024), making it a no-brainer for foldable fans
The 1TB Razr Ultra (2025) may be selling at a hefty discount right now, but it's still quite expensive. So, what do you do if you want to score a capable clamshell foldable at a price that won't break the bank? You go for the Razr (2024) instead. We know, we know, it's an older phone—and we, the tech-savvy, don't usually like those. However, Motorola is currently selling it at a sweet $200 discount, bringing the price down to just $499.99. Furthermore, you can trade in your old phone for an extra $100 in savings. And if that's not enough, the manufacturer is tossing in a free case that would usually set you back about $50. Trade-in Gift $399 99 $699 99 $300 off (43%) Act fast and get the Motorola Razr (2024) for $200 off its price. Trade in your old phone for an additional $100 discount. In addition, Motorola is tossing in a free case (a $50 value). Don't hesitate! Buy at Motorola The Razr (2024) may no longer be the latest Razr phone, but don't let that stop you from taking advantage of this deal. This bad boy still packs a punch, courtesy of its MediaTek Dimensity 7300X chipset and 8GB of RAM. It can easily handle most tasks without breaking a sweat. On top of that, it rocks a gorgeous 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a 2640 x 1080 resolution and HDR10+ support, delivering stunning visuals. It also takes pretty decent photos with its 50 MP main camera, though you might notice occasional oversharpening, some loss of detail in bright areas, and a slight blue or green tint in certain pictures. Of course, given that this is a mid-ranger and that it's also a foldable — and those aren't among the best camera phones — we believe the camera performance is satisfactory, especially given the current price. All in all, the Razr (2024) is still worth getting, and we encourage you to act fast and grab one now if you want a speedy clamshell foldable at a bargain price. Don't miss out! Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
