Latest news with #Smartphone
The Verge
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Verge
OnePlus' new ‘small' phone isn't coming to the US, but its AI features are
While the latest phone in the OnePlus 13 lineup is exclusive to India, the AI features that it comes with will be making their way to US users. The most notable is Plus Mind, which allows users to easily save information to a dedicated 'Mind Space' instead of manually logging important dates or appointments. Schedules, reservations, event information, and other data can be extracted from images or text and then automatically added to a user's calendar, and then it can be quickly retrieved later using OnePlus' AI search feature. OnePlus says a new Plus Mind feature will be rolling out 'later this year,' which will automatically categorize saved information to help improve organization. Plus Mind will initially be available on the compact OnePlus 13S that's launching in India on June 5th, a variant of the 13T that was recently released in China. Both phones, which are unavailable in the US and Europe, have the new customizable Plus Key button, which replaces OnePlus' signature Alert Slider. Like the Alert Slider, Plus Key can be used to switch between normal, mute, and vibrate-only modes, alongside other actions like launching the camera, recording audio, or translation. Plus Mind will be rolled out to the rest of the OnePlus 13 series via a future software update, and the company says that more devices will follow. Plus Mind can be activated with the new Plus Key button or an upward three-finger swipe on older phones that lack the Plus Key, such as the OnePlus 13. Every OnePlus phone launching this year is expected to feature the new Plus Key. Alongside Plus Mind, OnePlus is developing a suite of AI tools, including an AI translation app that combines text, live voice, camera-based, and screen translation capabilities, and an image-reframing tool that analyzes photos to suggest the best cropping options. Another AI editing tool that's rolling out 'this summer' will be able to automatically correct facial expressions and blinking. Two features that are only launching in India are AI VoiceScribe, which OnePlus says can 'record, summarize, and translate calls and meetings' directly within messaging and meeting apps, and AI Call Assist, which provides automatic summaries and real-time translation during calls. The Verge reached out to OnePlus to ask if it's planning to roll out these features globally but we haven't heard back yet.
Android Authority
22-05-2025
- Android Authority
It's official: The Nothing Phone 1 won't get Android 16
The Nothing Phone 1 was the company's first smartphone, offering a refreshing design and aesthetically pleasing software back in 2022. The phone received Android 15 back in January, but the company has revealed that this is indeed the last OS update. A Nothing representative confirmed to Android Authority that the Nothing Phone 1 won't receive any more Android version upgrades: Nothing Phone (1) will not support Android 16, but it will still receive security updates. This isn't unexpected, as Nothing promised three major OS upgrades and four years of security patches for the Phone 1. The phone launched with Android 12 and received updates to Android 13, 14, and 15, therefore fulfilling the manufacturer's update policy. Nevertheless, this statement officially confirms that you shouldn't expect any surprise OS upgrades.
Phone Arena
19-05-2025
- Phone Arena
Xiaomi's about to show off what's next at its big event this week
Xiaomi is gearing up for a major week as it celebrates its 15th anniversary with a big launch event on May 22. The company plans to reveal a fresh lineup, including the new Xiaomi 15S Pro smartphone – an updated take on the Xiaomi 15 Pro – the Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra tablet and its own self-developed smartphone chip, the Xring O1 . On top of all that mobile gear, Xiaomi will also introduce its first electric SUV, the Xiaomi YU7. Xiaomi's new self-developed chip, the Xring O1, is built on a 3nm process and is expected to land somewhere between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Gen 3 in terms of performance. Of course, we will really know how it performs once it is out and we get to put it through the tests ourselves. It should stick with standard Arm cores instead of Xiaomi's own custom cores and follows a 1+3+4 setup – that means one Prime core clocked at up to 3.2 GHz, three Performance cores at 2.5 GHz, and four Efficiency cores hitting 2 GHz. The new chip is expected to debut inside the upcoming Xiaomi 15S Pro. | Image credit – Xiaomi And the first phone likely to show off this chip? That would be the upcoming Xiaomi 15S Pro, launching right alongside it. The upcoming phone is expected to keep the same overall design as the rest of the Xiaomi 15 series, but with upgraded camera features as its main focus. The Xiaomi 15S Pro might also bring back a tech we haven't seen from the brand in years – Ultra Wideband (UWB). UWB could end up being one of the phone's most interesting features, and if it lands here, chances are we'll see it in more Xiaomi flagships going those unfamiliar, UWB is a short-range wireless tech that is becoming a standard on premium phones. You will find it on newer Google Pixel phones, every iPhone since the 11 and top-end Samsung Galaxy S and Z series Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, UWB spreads data across a wide frequency range using super low power, which helps it do things like precise device tracking and quick data transfers with almost zero but there is one more device scheduled for launch, remember? The Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra. While details are still a bit under wraps, it is expected to be a powerhouse. The tablet will likely be powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, a fresh chip from Qualcomm that sits above the 8 Gen 3 in performance and steps things up in efficiency specs also mention a big 14-inch LTPO display (now that is quite the display, right? My laptop has a smaller one!), 3.2K resolution and support for 120W fast charging. It is shaping up to be a serious flagship tablet. More info – including full details on Xiaomi's first in-house chip and everything else the company has got lined up – should drop at the launch event. Stay tuned for updates!
Geeky Gadgets
16-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Samsung One UI 8: More Leaked Details Emerge
Samsung is gearing up to release the beta version of One UI 8, designed to complement the forthcoming Android 16 stable update. This latest iteration brings a host of visual and functional enhancements aimed at improving how you interact with your Samsung device. With a focus on smoother animations, a refined interface, and smarter features, One UI 8 seeks to provide a more seamless and intuitive user experience. Watch this video on YouTube. Enhanced Animations for Seamless Navigation One UI 8 emphasizes fluidity and responsiveness, introducing improved animations that make every interaction feel more natural and engaging. Key updates include: Charging Animation: A visually dynamic and responsive design that enhances the overall charging experience, making it more interactive and visually appealing. A visually dynamic and responsive design that enhances the overall charging experience, making it more interactive and visually appealing. Predictive Back Gesture: Anticipates your actions and offers visual cues, simplifying navigation and reducing the need for repetitive gestures. These updates not only improve the aesthetic appeal of the interface but also enhance the overall responsiveness of your device, making sure a smoother transition between tasks. A Refined and Modern User Interface The user interface in One UI 8 has been thoughtfully redesigned to deliver a cleaner, more modern aesthetic. Key improvements include: Quick Panel Redesign: Features thinner section borders and a more organized layout, making it easier to access essential controls at a glance. Features thinner section borders and a more organized layout, making it easier to access essential controls at a glance. Blur and Frosted Glass Effects: Adds a layer of sophistication to the visuals, creating a polished and contemporary look. Adds a layer of sophistication to the visuals, creating a polished and contemporary look. Lock Screen Customization: Offers new clock fonts and personalization options, allowing you to tailor your lock screen to match your preferences. These updates contribute to a more visually cohesive and user-friendly interface, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. AI-Driven Features for Smarter Interactions Artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in One UI 8, introducing features that adapt to your habits and preferences for a more personalized experience. Highlights include: AI Suggestions: Provides tailored recommendations to optimize device performance and streamline your daily tasks, such as app usage and settings adjustments. Provides tailored recommendations to optimize device performance and streamline your daily tasks, such as app usage and settings adjustments. Do Not Disturb Enhancements: Integrates phone call information, making sure that critical notifications are accessible while minimizing unnecessary interruptions. These AI-powered tools aim to make your device smarter and more efficient, adapting to your needs and enhancing your overall experience. Device-Specific Innovations Samsung continues to tailor its software to specific devices, making sure an optimized experience across its product lineup. Notable enhancements include: Galaxy S25 Ultra: Supports up to 12 GB of virtual RAM, expandable to 16 GB, significantly improving multitasking capabilities and overall performance. Supports up to 12 GB of virtual RAM, expandable to 16 GB, significantly improving multitasking capabilities and overall performance. Buds Controller Support: Expands functionality for connected earbuds, offering more intuitive and seamless control over audio settings and features. These device-specific updates underscore Samsung's commitment to maximizing performance and usability across its ecosystem. Privacy and Personalization Features One UI 8 introduces new features that prioritize both privacy and personalization, making sure your device feels uniquely yours while keeping your data secure. Key updates include: Private Album: A secure space within the gallery app for storing sensitive photos and videos, providing an added layer of privacy. A secure space within the gallery app for storing sensitive photos and videos, providing an added layer of privacy. Watch Face Options: A variety of new designs to customize your smartwatch, allowing you to reflect your personal style. These features enhance the sense of ownership and security, making your device a more personalized and protected tool. Practical Improvements for Everyday Use Samsung has also focused on practical updates that simplify daily tasks and improve convenience. Noteworthy enhancements include: Delivery App Integration: Displays real-time order tracking progress bars directly on your device, making it easier to monitor deliveries. Displays real-time order tracking progress bars directly on your device, making it easier to monitor deliveries. Enhanced Charging Animations: Offers a more visually engaging experience while charging your device, adding a touch of sophistication to a routine task. Offers a more visually engaging experience while charging your device, adding a touch of sophistication to a routine task. Improved Do Not Disturb Mode: Provides greater control over notifications, making sure uninterrupted focus when needed. These updates are designed to make your day-to-day interactions more efficient and enjoyable, addressing common pain points with practical solutions. Setting a New Standard in Android Interfaces Early comparisons between One UI 8 and other Android interfaces, such as Color OS, highlight Samsung's dedication to polished animations and user-centric design. Testers have noted that One UI 8 feels more cohesive and responsive, setting a benchmark for Android-based software. With its combination of refined aesthetics, smarter features, and practical updates, One UI 8 is poised to redefine the user experience for Samsung devices. Uncover more insights about One UI 8 in the previous articles we have written. Source & Image Credit: Demon's Tech Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Android Authority
16-05-2025
- Android Authority
The Motorola Razr Ultra's coolest AI feature has one annoying hiccup
I like almost everything about Motorola's new Razr Ultra. It looks gorgeous, feels powerful, and its cover screen experience remains miles ahead of Samsung's Flex Window. I even think Motorola struck the right balance with its Moto AI rollout, pairing classic features like an image generator with useful note-taking tools and a quick way to summarize notifications. I've actually found ways to work Moto AI into my daily life, which isn't something I've always been able to say with Pixels or Samsung Galaxy devices. And yet, there's a problem. One of the Razr Ultra's coolest features — and its one exclusive AI tool — makes me just a little bit nervous every time I try to use it. Here's why Look and Talk is Moto AI at its best… and worst. If you had a Razr Ultra, would you use Look and Talk? 0 votes Yes, it sounds neat! NaN % No, I'm not leaving my phone propped up like that. NaN % No wake word, no problem Ryan Haines / Android Authority First, the good news — Motorola's Look and Talk is by far the easiest way to trigger an AI-powered assistant. It functions exactly like it sounds, you just look at your Razr Ultra, then you talk to it. There's no need for a wake word or a wave of the hand — make sure you're in range, and the phone will spring into action. You will, of course, have to wait for Moto AI to open. Otherwise, you'll find yourself talking to a phone that's not ready to listen yet. Thankfully, the Moto AI interface is pretty distinct, so when you see the rainbow of pink, blue, and orange, you'll know it's ready to go. From there, it's just a matter of knowing which assistant you might need and being mindful that you're staying within the Razr Ultra's range. According to Motorola, Look and Talk is designed to work up to an arm's length away, plus a little wiggle room in case you're working around a desk or in the kitchen. For me, that's primarily held true — I'm not tall, so I don't have very long arms, but the Razr Ultra has seemed pretty responsive within about three and a half feet or so. If nothing else, it's reassuring that my phone isn't always listening to me. When it does listen, I've been impressed with Motorola's answers. When it does listen, though, I've been impressed with Motorola's answers. The Razr Ultra has been able to help me plan a busy spring weekend in Baltimore while cooking dinner (and following a recipe on a different device). It's also pulled up marathon dates and locations while I try to work out my chances of running a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon this fall. Then, when I'm finished, I can simply walk back out of range and know that my queries are saved somewhere in my Moto AI history for the next time I need to refer back to them. I just don't trust leaving a $1,300 flip phone in this position Ryan Haines / Android Authority So, if Look and Talk lets me chat with my AI-powered assistant hands-free and doesn't require a wake word or input other than my face, what could be wrong with it? Well, even the smallest of gestures still counts as a gesture. Unfortunately, Look and Talk doesn't work with the Razr Ultra closed, so I have to prop my phone into laptop mode or tent mode before it will even look for my face. That means leaving a very expensive flip phone in the relatively vulnerable position of half-open, half-closed while trusting the somewhat limited IP48 rating to keep it safe from harm. And yes, I generally trust both the hinge and the water resistance rating to do their jobs — so far, both have worked just fine. However, I'm nowhere near learning the muscle memory to automatically put my phone into laptop or tent mode when I set it on my desk or kitchen counter. Because the Razr Ultra comes out of my pocket closed, it gets placed on my desk closed, and then I have to pick it up and open it halfway for Look and Talk to kick in. At that point, it almost becomes easier to use my hands to navigate the Moto AI menu, so I can use Remember This, the Playlist Studio, or wonder what my Next Move might be. Look and Talk would be a much smarter feature if I didn't have to angle my phone just-so. I have, of course, only been using the Razr Ultra for a few days at this point, so I could prove myself wrong over time. I might eventually find that I'm pulling the phone out of my pocket and putting it into laptop mode automatically — I don't love the idea of facing the hinge to the sky — but I'm not there yet. Besides, I'm still running the risk of debris settling right next to the display and accidentally scratching the ultra-thin glass when I shut my phone to move along with my day. I don't know about you, but I haven't budgeted for expensive Razr repairs like that. In the meantime, Motorola should allow Look and Talk to work with the Razr Ultra closed. It can still rely on Face Unlock and hang onto the limited range of three or so feet, but I think the feature has to be ready to work in a position that benefits the most people. For me, that means being ready to go from the second I pull it out of my pocket.
