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Google appears to be adding new gesture controls to its Pixel Watch lineup, according to findings from an APK teardown conducted by Android Authority.
The teardown reveals that Google is working on implementing additional gesture-based controls for the Pixel Watch, though specific details about which gestures will be added remain undisclosed based on available information.
This development suggests Google is actively listening to user feedback and expanding the ways Pixel Watch owners can interact with their devices. Gesture controls can provide quick, convenient ways to control smartwatch functions without needing to touch the screen, which is particularly useful during activities like workouts or when hands are occupied.
Further details about the specific gestures, compatible Pixel Watch models, and release timeline were not available in the provided information.
Google's latest quarterly platform release for Android 16 is proving to be a hit with users. According to a survey by Android Authority, the Android 16 QPR2 update has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the Android community.
The Android 16 QPR2 December update introduces several enhancements focused on personalization and artificial intelligence. Key additions include:
Enhanced Customization Options: The update expands Android's already robust customization capabilities, giving users more control over their device's appearance and functionality.
New AI Feature: Google has introduced a new AI-powered trick to the platform, though specific details about this functionality are part of the update's feature set.
The positive survey results indicate that Google's approach to this quarterly update has resonated well with Android enthusiasts. QPR (Quarterly Platform Release) updates typically bring refinements and new features between major Android version releases, and the QPR2 update appears to have struck the right balance between innovation and stability.
The Android 16 QPR2 update is rolling out to compatible devices. As with most Android updates, availability may vary depending on device manufacturer and carrier. Users with Pixel devices typically receive these updates first, with other Android manufacturers following with their own rollout schedules.
Samsung's next major software update for Galaxy devices is shaping up to be one of the company's most comprehensive releases yet. The full changelog for One UI 8.5 has leaked online, revealing a wide range of improvements and new features coming to compatible Samsung smartphones and tablets.
According to the leaked changelog, One UI 8.5 will bring several notable enhancements:
Battery Management: The update includes improvements to power efficiency and battery optimization, helping Galaxy devices last longer between charges.
Samsung DeX Enhancements: Users who rely on Samsung's desktop experience will see upgrades to DeX functionality, though specific details about these improvements remain limited in the leaked information.
AI Features: The update expands Samsung's artificial intelligence capabilities, continuing the company's push to integrate more AI-powered tools into the Galaxy ecosystem.
According to PhoneArena, the update is expected to launch next month, making it an imminent release for Galaxy users. While the leak doesn't specify which devices will receive the update first, Samsung typically rolls out major One UI updates to its flagship Galaxy S and Galaxy Z series phones before expanding to mid-range and older devices.
One UI 8.5 represents a significant mid-cycle update that should improve the daily experience for millions of Galaxy device owners. The focus on battery life, productivity features like DeX, and AI integration addresses key areas where users want to see continuous improvement. For Galaxy owners, this update promises meaningful enhancements without requiring new hardware purchases.
Samsung has begun teasing its Exynos 2600 chipset, which is expected to play a major role in the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. The teaser arrives as the company approaches its typical launch window for flagship Galaxy S-series devices.
In its teaser, Samsung emphasized that it "listened" to user feedback, according to 9to5Google. This messaging suggests the company is addressing past criticisms of its Exynos chipsets, which have historically faced performance and efficiency concerns compared to Qualcomm's Snapdragon alternatives.
HotHardware reports that the Exynos 2600 will feature "refined cores," indicating architectural improvements over previous generations. While full specifications haven't been revealed, the focus on core refinement suggests Samsung is prioritizing performance and power efficiency.
The Exynos 2600 is anticipated to power "large parts" of the Galaxy S26 lineup, according to the teaser timing and Samsung's historical chipset distribution strategy. This represents one of Samsung's most important product launches for 2026, as Android Police notes.
The Exynos 2600's success is critical for Samsung's 2026 flagship strategy. Previous Exynos chipsets created a performance disparity between regional Galaxy S variants, with Snapdragon-powered models often outperforming Exynos versions. If Samsung has genuinely addressed these concerns, Galaxy S26 buyers in Exynos markets may finally receive comparable performance to their Snapdragon counterparts, eliminating a longstanding frustration among Samsung customers.
Amazon has begun rolling out an innovative new feature for Alexa+ subscribers that transforms how users navigate content on Fire TV. The feature allows viewers to skip directly to specific scenes in Prime Video movies using simple voice commands and brief descriptions.
With the new capability, users can describe a particular scene, quote a memorable line, or reference a specific character action, and Alexa+ will locate and start playing that exact moment in the film. This eliminates the need to manually scrub through content to find a specific scene, making it easier to revisit favorite moments or share specific parts of movies with others.
The feature leverages advanced voice recognition and content analysis to understand natural language requests, representing one of the more sophisticated capabilities Amazon has introduced for its voice assistant platform.
Access to this scene-jumping functionality is limited to Alexa+ subscribers, Amazon's paid tier for its voice assistant. The feature is currently rolling out to Fire TV devices and works exclusively with Prime Video content.
This development addresses a common pain point in streaming entertainment: finding specific moments in long-form content. Whether trying to show a friend a particular scene, verify a quote, or simply rewatch a favorite moment, the traditional method of scrubbing through a progress bar can be time-consuming and imprecise.
The feature also highlights the growing competition in smart TV platforms, with the innovation drawing attention from rivals. Android Authority noted that Google TV with Gemini would benefit from similar functionality, suggesting this could become a competitive differentiator in the streaming device market.
As voice assistants become more sophisticated and AI capabilities expand, features like scene-jumping demonstrate how natural language processing can enhance everyday entertainment experiences.
Google has ended Samsung's exclusivity period for one of Circle to Search's most useful features, bringing continuous translation capabilities to Pixel smartphones.
As part of yesterday's Android 16 QPR2 launch and the latest Google features drop, Pixel users can now access continuous Circle to Search translations. This feature was previously available only on Samsung Galaxy devices through an exclusivity agreement with Google.
The continuous translation feature allows users to translate text on their screen while scrolling through content without having to reinitiate Circle to Search for each new portion of text. This makes translating longer articles, social media feeds, or multi-page documents significantly more seamless and efficient.
Circle to Search has become one of Android's most popular AI-powered features, allowing users to search for anything on their screen by simply circling, highlighting, or tapping on it. The addition of continuous translation enhances this functionality by eliminating the need to repeatedly activate the feature while reading through foreign language content.
For Pixel users who frequently consume content in multiple languages—whether browsing international news sites, reading social media posts, or shopping on foreign websites—this update removes a significant friction point in the translation experience.
The feature is rolling out now to Pixel devices as part of the Android 16 QPR2 update and December feature drop. The timing of this release suggests Google maintained Samsung's exclusivity window for several months before expanding the capability to its own Pixel lineup.
The premium tablet market has two new flagship contenders vying for consumer attention. Apple has released its latest iPad Pro equipped with the next-generation M5 chip, while Samsung has refreshed its tablet lineup with the debut of the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra.
Apple's newest iPad Pro represents a significant upgrade with the introduction of the M5 chip, continuing the company's tradition of bringing Mac-level performance to its tablet lineup. This next-generation processor follows the M4 chip and promises enhanced performance capabilities for professional users and creatives who rely on tablets for demanding workflows.
Samsung has countered Apple's release with its own premium offering, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. As part of a broader refresh of Samsung's tablet lineup, the S11 Ultra positions itself as the company's flagship Android tablet, designed to compete directly with Apple's Pro-level offerings.
The simultaneous availability of these two premium tablets gives consumers meaningful choice in the high-end tablet segment. Buyers must now weigh factors including operating system preference (iPadOS vs. Android), processing power, ecosystem integration, and pricing when selecting their next premium tablet.
For professionals, creatives, and power users seeking tablet computers that can handle intensive workloads, this competition between Apple and Samsung's flagship offerings creates an important decision point. Both devices represent the pinnacle of tablet technology from their respective manufacturers, making the comparison between the M5 iPad Pro and Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra particularly relevant for those investing in premium mobile computing devices.
Proton has launched Proton Sheets, expanding its privacy-focused productivity suite with an encrypted spreadsheet application. The new tool aims to compete with established platforms like Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel while prioritizing user privacy through comprehensive encryption.
Unlike traditional spreadsheet applications, Proton Sheets encrypts all user data by default, including filenames. This end-to-end encryption ensures that spreadsheet content remains private and inaccessible to anyone except authorized users.
The application supports real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously. Users maintain granular control over access permissions, determining who can view or edit their spreadsheets.
Proton Sheets is designed as a web application accessible across multiple platforms, including desktop and mobile devices. This cross-device compatibility ensures users can work on their spreadsheets regardless of their location or preferred device.
The platform supports importing existing files in CSV and Excel formats, making it easier for users to transition from other spreadsheet applications without losing their existing data.
Proton Sheets addresses growing concerns about data privacy in cloud-based productivity tools. While services like Google Sheets offer convenience, they have faced scrutiny over data collection practices. Proton's approach provides users with a familiar spreadsheet experience while ensuring their sensitive financial, business, or personal data remains encrypted and private.
The addition of Proton Sheets completes Proton's suite of privacy-focused productivity tools, joining existing services in the company's ecosystem. For users already invested in Proton's privacy-first philosophy, the new spreadsheet tool offers a cohesive solution for secure document collaboration and data management.
Apple's rumored budget-friendly iPhone 17e is shaping up to be more premium than initially expected, with new leaks suggesting the device will feature two notable design changes that could make it more appealing to cost-conscious consumers.
According to reports from 9to5Mac, the iPhone 17e will mark the first time Apple's Dynamic Island feature appears on a low-cost iPhone model. Dynamic Island, which debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro series, replaces the traditional notch with an interactive pill-shaped cutout that displays system alerts, ongoing activities, and Live Activities.
This represents a significant upgrade for Apple's budget lineup, which has typically lagged behind flagship models in adopting new design elements.
The second design change involves thinner bezels around the display, giving the iPhone 17e a more modern, premium appearance. Display details have leaked separately, though specific measurements have not been disclosed in available information.
These design updates suggest Apple is narrowing the gap between its budget and premium iPhone models, potentially offering better value for consumers who want modern iPhone features without paying flagship prices. The addition of Dynamic Island, in particular, could make the iPhone 17e more competitive with mid-range Android devices that have adopted similar technologies.
While pricing and availability details have not been announced, the iPhone 17e is expected to launch alongside other iPhone 17 models, likely in fall 2025. The "e" designation appears to position this model as a successor to previous budget-friendly iPhone variants.
Apple's latest iPhone 17 Pro lineup has quietly lost a camera feature that was present in last year's iPhone 16 Pro: the ability to capture Night mode photos while using Portrait mode.
According to an official Apple support document, the iPhone 17 Pro no longer supports Night mode when shooting in Portrait mode. This represents a step backward from the iPhone 16 Pro, which allowed users to combine both features for low-light portrait photography.
While Apple has promoted the iPhone 17 Pro as offering "a much-improved camera experience" over previous models, this specific functionality has been removed from the Camera app.
Night mode Portrait photography was a valuable feature for iPhone users who frequently take portrait photos in low-light conditions, such as indoor events, restaurants, or evening gatherings. The combination allowed for both the depth-of-field effect of Portrait mode and the enhanced low-light capabilities of Night mode.
For users upgrading from an iPhone 16 Pro to the iPhone 17 Pro, this represents a loss of functionality they may have relied on, despite other camera improvements in the new model.
The iPhone 17 Pro still offers Night mode for standard photo capture and Portrait mode for well-lit situations—users simply can no longer combine the two features in a single shot. Apple has not publicly explained the reasoning behind removing this capability from the latest Pro models.
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