What you need to know

• Google is notifying AI Plus subscribers that access to Pro models in Gemini and AI Mode will change on November 13.
• Users on the $5 Google AI Plus plan will lose the ability to select Pro models but can continue using Flash models.
• Keeping access to Gemini's Pro models will require Google AI Pro, which costs $20 per month, four times as much.

Google has started notifying users that they'll soon have to pay more if they want to continue using Gemini's Pro models in both the Gemini app and Google Search.

Currently, the Google AI Plus plan is a pretty good deal. For just $5 per month, you get a generous 400GB of cloud storage alongside access to some of Google's latest and most powerful Gemini models. But now, Google wants users to pay more if they want to continue using the Pro models in the Gemini app and AI Mode in Google Search.

As spotted by a Reddit user (via Droid-Life), Google has started emailing Google AI Plus subscribers, informing them that the ability to select Pro models in both the Gemini app and AI Mode in Search will move behind the more expensive Google AI Pro subscription starting November 13, 2026.

Essentially, this means Google AI Plus subscribers will no longer be able to manually select the Pro models in either service after that date. Instead, users who want to continue accessing those models will need to upgrade to Google AI Pro, which costs $20 per month in the U.S.

Google does mention in the email that AI Plus subscribers will continue to have access to its Flash models, so it's not like Gemini is going away entirely for those on the cheaper plan. But if you've been using the more capable Pro models for complex tasks, reasoning, or research, you'll now need to pay for the higher tier to keep using them.

Of course, Google is also offering several other benefits with its AI Pro subscription to make the higher price a little easier to justify.

Alongside access to its latest and most capable Gemini models, Google AI Pro also includes benefits such as YouTube Premium Lite, Google Home Premium, Google Health Premium, and 5TB of cloud storage that can be shared across Google services.

Those are some pretty useful additions, especially if you're already paying for several of Google's services separately. But that doesn't change the fact that users who were previously getting access to Gemini's Pro models for $5 per month will now have to spend four times as much to retain that functionality.

What you need to know

• Xreal has launched the One Pro Plus AR glasses with brighter Sony Micro-OLED displays and improved viewing modes.
• The new glasses reach 1,200 nits of peak brightness, up from 700 nits on the previous One Pro model.
• The One Pro Plus retains the X1 chip and 57-degree field of view, with pricing starting at $599 in the U.S..

Xreal today announced the launch of its latest AR glasses, called the Xreal One Pro Plus.

While Meta's new VR glasses may offer some pretty interesting XR experiences, Xreal has been at the forefront of this category for a while now. We went hands-on with the Xreal One last year and came away impressed by how easily the glasses could create a virtual monitor in front of you, essentially turning almost any compatible device into a spatial computing experience simply by connecting through USB-C.

Since then, Xreal has launched the One Pro, which brought a wider field of view and improved brightness of up to 700 nits. And now, the company has announced the Xreal One Pro Plus, taking things a step further with some upgrades to the display and overall viewing experience.

The biggest change this time around is brightness. The Xreal One Pro Plus features dual 0.55-inch Sony Micro-OLED panels that can now reach up to a whopping 1,200 nits of peak brightness, up from 700 nits on the previous model.

Xreal has also added AI-driven High Dynamic Range (AI HDR), which should help improve contrast and make content look better when viewed through the glasses. There are also three new viewing modes called Standard, Movie, and Reading, giving users more control over how content appears depending on whether they're watching a movie, reading, or simply using the glasses as an external display.

The company has also upgraded its built-in Real 3D engine, which converts regular 2D content into spatial 3D. The feature can now process content at up to 60fps, compared to 30fps on the previous generation, which should make the experience smoother, especially when watching videos or other moving content.

But perhaps one of the more useful improvements this year is the focus on comfort. Xreal says the One Pro Plus features a newly engineered nose pad geometry designed to improve how the glasses sit on your face, which should make them more comfortable during longer viewing sessions.

In terms of the rest of the hardware, though, not much has changed. The Xreal One Pro Plus still uses the company's X1 spatial computing chip and retains the same 57-degree field of view as the previous model.

The Xreal One Pro Plus is available starting today for $599 through Xreal's official website.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out a new Shop Devices section in the Play Store for browsing Pixel and Samsung Galaxy hardware.
• The new option appears in the Play Store's profile menu and redirects users to Google's existing hardware storefront.
• The portal lists devices like the Pixel 11, Pixel Watch 4, Galaxy S26 Ultra, Google TV Streamer, and more.

Google is rolling out a new Shop devices option in the Play Store, allowing users to buy not just apps and games, but also smartphones and other hardware directly through the app.

For years, the Google Play Store has been the go-to storefront for downloading apps, games, books, and more. But now, Google wants to expand that experience to hardware as well. As spotted by 9to5Google, the company has added a new "Shop devices" section within the Play Store that lets users shop for not only Google Pixel phones and Pixel Watches, but also Samsung Galaxy devices.

The new Shop Devices option appears when you tap your profile icon in the top-right corner of the Google Play Store. Selecting it opens the Google Store where you can browse and purchase Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices.

Currently, the portal lists several devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra, alongside Google's own products like the Pixel 10a, Pixel Watch 4, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Google TV Streamer, Pixel 11, and Pixel 11 Pro.

Other devices, including the Galaxy Z Flip 8, are also listed. However, it doesn't appear to be a complete storefront for either brand just yet, with only select devices available for now. Google could expand the selection as more products are added to the portal.

It's worth noting that eligible Google One subscribers can also take advantage of the 10% Google Store credit benefit when purchasing supported devices through the portal. You can then use the 10% credit towards any other future Google Store purchase.

But perhaps the more interesting part is that Google doesn't seem to have updated the prices of Samsung's Galaxy S26 series in the new shopping section.

For those unaware, Samsung recently increased the prices of the Galaxy S26 lineup in the U.S. by $100, meaning the base Galaxy S26 now starts at $1,000, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at $1,400.

However, the Shop Devices portal still shows the older, lower prices for both phones. So, at least for now, you may be able to pick up the Galaxy S26 or Galaxy S26 Ultra for less than Samsung's revised pricing, although it's worth checking the final price at checkout.

That said, if you're specifically looking for a deal on the Galaxy S26 series, it's still worth comparing prices with retailers like Amazon, where you might find better discounts than what's available through Google's new shopping portal.

What you need to know

• Google is developing new Pixel diagnostic tools to help troubleshoot problems with calls, Wi-Fi, and mobile data.
• The new tools appear under Device Health & Support, alongside existing battery, Bluetooth, and touchscreen diagnostics.
• Pixel phones could soon identify connectivity problems and either attempt a fix or guide users through troubleshooting..

One of the issues we regularly run into on Android phones, unfortunately, is related to mobile data, Wi-Fi, and overall connectivity. But it looks like Android 17 could soon be able to diagnose and fix some of these problems for you.

Google has been building out its Pixel troubleshooting and diagnostics tool for a while now. Pixel phones can already check for issues related to battery health, connectivity, Bluetooth, and even touchscreen problems. But now, it looks like Google is expanding these tools to help users fix calling, Wi-Fi, and mobile data issues as well.

As spotted by Android Police, the recently released Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1, alongside the latest Google Play Services beta, introduces new diagnostic tools designed to troubleshoot problems with calls, Wi-Fi, and mobile data. The new options appear under the Device health & support section.

So, if you're having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, experiencing dropped calls, or your mobile data suddenly stops working, you'll be able to open the relevant diagnostic tool and have your Pixel check what's going wrong behind the scenes.

Depending on the issue, the tool could either attempt to fix the problem automatically or guide you through the necessary steps to get things working again. This could save users from having to manually dig through network settings or reset their connections every time something stops working.

For now, these new tools have only been spotted in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 with the Google Play Services beta, so they aren't widely available yet. However, considering they're already showing up in testing, there's a chance Google could introduce them with the stable Android 17 QPR3 release early next year.

Given how frequently Pixel owners have complained about connectivity issues over the years, having built-in tools that can actually help diagnose and fix those problems could be a pretty useful addition.

What you need to know

• Google officially replaced Assistant with Gemini in September, but a Redditor has found a way to bring it back.
• The workaround involves uninstalling Google app updates and reopening Google Assistant through the Play Store.
• Users can reportedly decline the Gemini switch and set Google Assistant as their default digital assistant again.
• You'll need to disable automatic Google app updates to keep the workaround working.

A Redditor seems to have found a new trick to get Google Assistant working again on Android phones, even after Google officially shut it down.

Last month, Google pulled the plug on Google Assistant for Android phones on September 4, 2026, replacing the good old assistant with Gemini. Gemini is now the default assistant on Android smartphones, whether you like it or not. However, a new workaround discovered by a Redditor (via Android Police) claims to bring back the Google Assistant experience.

According to the Reddit post, the user managed to get Google Assistant working again by uninstalling updates to the Google app on their Android phone. They then opened the Google Assistant listing on the Play Store, after which the old assistant reportedly started working again.

When Google Assistant launches, a prompt appears asking users to switch to Gemini. But according to the Redditor, there's still an option to decline the switch and continue using Google Assistant instead.

Selecting that option reportedly lets users set Google Assistant as their default digital assistant again, restoring the familiar experience Google discontinued last month. Of course, there's another step you'll need to follow if you want to keep Google Assistant working through this method.

You'll have to disable automatic updates for the Google app on the Play Store. Otherwise, the app could update itself to the latest version and replace Google Assistant with Gemini again. To do this, open the Google Play Store and search for the Google app. Open its listing, tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, and uncheck Enable auto-update.

And that's it. If you've been missing the good old Google Assistant experience on your Android phone, this workaround appears to offer a way to bring it back, at least for now.

Of course, there's no guarantee it'll continue working. Google could disable the workaround through a future update or server-side change at any time. But if you still prefer Google Assistant over Gemini, or simply want to give the old assistant another go for nostalgia's sake, this might be worth trying.>

What you need to know

• Google has added the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL to its Certified Refurbished program in the US.
• Prices start at $499 for the Pixel 9, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL cost $649 and $699, respectively.
• Every refurbished Pixel goes through Google's quality checks, uses genuine replacement parts, and includes a one-year warranty.
• Google is also offering six months of Google AI Plus with 2TB of storage alongside every Certified Refurbished Pixel 9 purchase.

Google has started selling certified refurbished Pixel 9 phones in the U.S., with prices starting at just $499.

For those unfamiliar, Google has a pretty interesting Certified Refurbished program in the US, where the company sells pre-owned Pixel smartphones that have been professionally inspected, tested, and restored to meet its quality standards, all at a lower price than when they originally launched. And now, the Pixel 9 series has joined the program.

As spotted by 9to5Google, Google has listed several Pixel 9 models on its Certified Refurbished page, including the base Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. The regular Pixel 9 starts at $499, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are available for $649 and $699, respectively.

Currently, the base Pixel 9 appears to be out of stock, although some configurations of the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are still available to purchase. And to make the deal a little more enticing, Google is also offering buyers a free six-month Google AI Plus subscription, which includes 2TB of cloud storage that can be shared across Google services.

This makes the refurbished Pixel 9 series a pretty decent deal, especially considering these aren't just regular second-hand smartphones.

Google says every Certified Refurbished Pixel goes through a multi-point inspection and rigorous quality checks covering things like the battery, display, housing, and cameras. If any repairs or replacements are needed, Google uses genuine parts to restore the device to its quality standards.

The refurbished phones also come with a one-year limited warranty, similar to what you'd get when purchasing a brand-new Pixel phone.

So, compared to the regular Pixel 9, which originally launched for $799, you're saving around $300 by going with Google's certified refurbished model. The Pro models also offer some pretty substantial savings over their original launch prices.

Of course, these are still pre-owned devices, but with Google's official refurbishment process, genuine replacement parts, and a one-year warranty, they could be worth considering if you've been looking to pick up a Pixel without spending flagship money.

What you need to know

• Google's Rambler uses AI to clean up voice typing, removing filler words, correcting grammar, and formatting text.
• Developer Akshay Kadam has released PixelBoard, a modified Gboard APK that enables Rambler on other Android phones.
• Users can reportedly access Rambler by installing PixelBoard and setting it as their default keyboard instead of Gboard.

If you've ever wanted to try the Pixel 11's Rambler feature on your Android phone, you can now do so, although there's a catch.

The Google Pixel 11 series launched earlier this year with several new AI features, including Magic Cue, Magic Capture, and Rambler. For those unfamiliar, Rambler is Google's new AI-powered voice typing feature that offers a much more advanced experience than the regular voice typing we've had on Android phones for years.

Similar to AI voice typing tools that have been available on desktops for a while, Rambler automatically cleans up your speech, fixes grammar and formatting, and removes filler words like "um" and "uh" to give you properly formatted text. It can also understand corrections while you're speaking, add emojis, and even rewrite your text in different tones, such as formal or casual.

Unlike traditional voice typing, though, Rambler doesn't show a live transcription of everything you're saying. Instead, once you've finished speaking and tapped the Done button, it processes your speech and returns a cleaned-up, properly formatted version of what you said.

The feature has been exclusive to the Pixel 11 series so far, but a developer has now found a way to bring it to other Android devices.

Developer Akshay Kadam has shared a modified version of Google's Gboard app, called PixelBoard, on GitHub. The developer has patched the Gboard APK to enable Rambler on Android phones that don't officially support the feature.

According to the developer, you can install the modified APK on your Android device and switch your default keyboard from Gboard to PixelBoard to access Rambler without needing a Pixel 11.

That said, PixelBoard isn't an official Google app, and installing modified APK files always carries security and privacy risks. There's also no guarantee that Rambler will continue working through this method. Since the feature is officially exclusive to the Pixel 11 series, Google could block the workaround through a future Gboard or server-side update.

But if you're curious about Rambler, the developer's GitHub project offers an unofficial way to try the feature without buying a Pixel 11. Just keep in mind that you're installing a modified keyboard at your own risk.

What you need to know

• Google's next TV Streamer will reportedly feature a slightly narrower design while retaining the current model's overall look.
• Built-in far-field microphones could let users interact with Gemini hands-free without needing to pick up the remote.
• The new streamer could also get a faster processor, more storage, and a redesigned remote with additional shortcut buttons.

A new Google TV Streamer is reportedly in the works, and it could bring some pretty interesting upgrades over the current generation.

The Google TV Streamer remains one of the best streaming devices out there. It's powered by capable hardware and runs a proper version of Google TV that doesn't feel lacking in terms of features. And even though Google recently increased the price of the Google TV Streamer by $50, that doesn't mean the company isn't working on its successor.

According to a new report from 9to5Google, a next-generation Google TV Streamer is already in development, and it could bring some major changes to how you interact with your TV. The report claims the new Google TV Streamer will retain a similar design to the current model, although it will reportedly be slightly narrower for a more compact footprint.

But the bigger upgrade this time around could be the addition of built-in microphones on the streaming device itself.

Currently, if you want to interact with Gemini on Google TV, you need to use the microphone on the remote. But with the upcoming Google TV Streamer, that may no longer be necessary. Thanks to the reportedly built-in far-field microphones, users could simply say "Hey Google" out loud to interact with the device without picking up the remote.

In addition to the microphones, the report claims Google is also working on a presence-sensing feature for the new streamer. We've already seen similar functionality on some TCL smart TVs, and it could allow the Google TV Streamer to automatically detect when someone enters the room. For example, the TV could wake up and display useful information like the time, weather, or a Google Photos screensaver when it detects someone nearby.

Of course, the upgrades reportedly won't be limited to software and smart home features. The next-generation Google TV Streamer is also expected to get a faster processor alongside more storage than the 32GB currently available on the existing model. Google is also reportedly redesigning the remote, adding two more shortcut buttons for YouTube and Netflix. The streamer itself could also feature a dedicated Find My Remote button.

The report doesn't reveal when Google plans to launch the next-generation TV Streamer. However, with Apple reportedly preparing to unveil a new Apple TV 4K next week, it wouldn't be too surprising to see Google announce its own upgraded streaming device sometime this fall.

For now, though, there's no confirmed launch date or pricing information. We'll update this article as more details about the next Google TV Streamer become available.

What you need to know

• Samsung is reportedly developing its first Galaxy-branded over-ear headphones, which could launch as Galaxy Studio.
• The leak comes from evowizz, who previously revealed Samsung's Galaxy Buds On before their official launch.
• Samsung hasn't confirmed a launch date, although its rumored November Galaxy Glasses event could be a possibility.

Samsung could soon have a challenger to Apple's AirPods Max and Sony's flagship over-ear headphones, with the company reportedly working on a new pair called Galaxy Studio.

For years, brands like Sony, Apple, Bose, and Sennheiser have dominated the premium over-ear headphone market in the U.S. But it looks like another major brand could be joining the competition very soon. According to a new leak, Samsung is developing its own pair of over-ear headphones to complement the Galaxy Buds lineup, and they could be called Galaxy Studio.

As spotted by 9to5Google, leaker evowizz on X has shared that Samsung's upcoming over-ear headphones will carry the Galaxy Studio branding. Interestingly, this is the same leaker who first revealed details about Samsung's open-ear earbuds, which officially launched earlier this month as the Galaxy Buds On. And now, the leaker has shared the name of Samsung's next audio product as well.

There isn't much information about the Galaxy Studio headphones just yet. We don't know what they'll look like, what features they'll offer, or how Samsung plans to position them against premium headphones like the AirPods Max and Sony's WH-1000X series.

There's also no word on when Samsung plans to launch the Galaxy Studio. However, with the name now reportedly surfacing, there's a chance we could start hearing more about the headphones over the coming weeks.

Samsung still has a few major products left to unveil this year. The company is reportedly preparing to launch its first Galaxy Glasses powered by Android XR sometime in November, and it's possible Samsung could use the same event to introduce its new over-ear headphones as well.

Of course, that's just speculation for now, and Samsung hasn't officially confirmed the Galaxy Studio headphones. But it'll be interesting to see what the company comes up with, especially considering how competitive the premium headphone market already is. We'll update this article as more details about the Galaxy Studio emerge.

Samsung may have just increased the Galaxy S26 series' prices by $100 in the U.S., but that doesn't matter much right now, as Amazon has discounted the Galaxy S26 Ultra by a massive 32% during Prime Big Deal Days. That translates to a whopping $450 in savings on one of Samsung's best flagship phones.

If you're in the market for a new Android smartphone and want a no-nonsense flagship experience with built-in privacy features and productivity tools like the S Pen, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is probably one of the best phones you can buy right now. And thanks to Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale, you can grab it at a much lower price than usual.

✅ Recommended if: You want a premium Android flagship with a built-in Privacy Display, powerful cameras, S Pen support, and Samsung's latest Galaxy AI features, especially at $450 off.

❌ Skip this deal if: You prefer smaller phones, don't need the S Pen or Privacy Display, or already own a recent Galaxy S Ultra that still works perfectly well.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has earned plenty of praise for being one of the best Android smartphones of the year. Not only does Samsung offer top-tier specs, premium materials, and a great design, but the company also introduced one of my favorite smartphone features this year with the Galaxy S26 Ultra: Privacy Display.

With Privacy Display, you no longer need a separate privacy screen protector to keep people from peeking at your phone. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has the technology built directly into its display, allowing you to make the screen difficult to see for people looking from the sides. You can even configure it to activate only for specific apps or when sensitive information appears on the screen, such as notifications or when entering your PIN.

And that's not all. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, which remains one of the most powerful smartphone processors out there. You also get a capable 200MP main camera on the back, alongside the built-in S Pen that lets you quickly jot down notes or annotate things on the go.

Samsung has packed plenty of Galaxy AI features into the phone as well, including conversational photo editing and Now Nudge. One of my favorite additions, though, is My FanCam, which lets you turn horizontal videos into vertical clips with automatic subject tracking, making it particularly useful for creating social media content.

Following the recent price increase, the Galaxy S26 Ultra now starts at $1,400 in the U.S. But Amazon's $450 discount brings it down to just $950 during Prime Big Deal Days. That's a pretty substantial saving and one of the lowest prices we've seen for Samsung's flagship since the price increase.

If you've ever wanted a pair of smart glasses that give you a massive private screen wherever you go, now might be the perfect time to grab one. The Xreal One Pro is down to just $549 during Prime Big Deal Days, bringing some of the best features you'd want from a pair of AR glasses at a pretty good discount.

Xreal makes some of the best XR glasses out there. The company's upcoming Project Aura Android XR glasses are among the most anticipated smart glasses, and we recently learned that they'll cost a whopping $1,279.

But if you don't want to spend that much and are simply looking for a pair of AR glasses that give you a big private screen, the Xreal One Pro is worth considering, especially now that it's nearly 10% off.

✅ Recommended if: You want a massive private screen for watching movies, gaming, or working while traveling, and need something that works across multiple USB-C devices.

❌ Skip this deal if: You're expecting fully standalone AR glasses with built-in apps, don't have devices that support USB-C video output, or want something that works without a wired connection.

The Xreal One Pro features Sony's micro-OLED display technology with support for up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The glasses are powered by Xreal's custom X1 spatial computing chip, which enables 3DoF tracking with ultra-low latency of just 3ms.

Xreal claims its optical engine can make it feel like you're watching a massive 171-inch screen from around four meters away, all while keeping the glasses compact and lightweight enough to carry in a small backpack.

One of the best things about the Xreal One Pro is its compatibility with different devices. You can connect the glasses to a wide range of devices that support video output over USB-C, including compatible iPhones, Android phones, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, MacBooks, and Windows laptops.

So, if you want a massive screen for watching movies while flying or even playing games without carrying a separate monitor, these glasses could be a pretty interesting option. Xreal has also taken care of audio, with Sound by Bose built into the glasses, meaning you don't necessarily need to carry an additional pair of Bluetooth earbuds.

Xreal also says the One Pro is better suited for use in brighter environments, thanks to its display brightness of up to 700 nits.

On the whole, if you've been looking for a pair of AR glasses that can give you a huge virtual display without having to carry an actual screen around, the Xreal One Pro is worth checking out. And at $549 during Prime Big Deal Days, you're getting a decent discount on one of Xreal's more capable pairs of glasses.

Samsung may have just launched its new Galaxy Tab S12 series, but you don't need to spend that much to get a great Android tablet experience. Samsung's previous-generation Galaxy Tab S11, which is still a fantastic tablet, is currently 36% off during Prime Big Deal Days, giving you a massive $355 discount.

If you're in the market for a new Android tablet and want a flagship experience with a big AMOLED display, S Pen support, and desktop-level productivity, this Galaxy Tab S11 deal is definitely worth considering.

✅ Recommended if: You want a premium Android tablet with an AMOLED display, included S Pen, expandable storage, and flagship performance without paying Galaxy Tab S12 prices.

❌ Skip this deal if: You already own a recent Galaxy Tab S-series tablet, need the latest hardware, or specifically want the much larger display of Samsung's Ultra models.

If you look around the Android tablet market, you'll rarely find a tablet around this price that offers an AMOLED display, and that's probably the Galaxy Tab S11's biggest strength. Unlike plenty of cheaper tablets that use IPS LCD panels, Samsung gives you an 11-inch AMOLED display, which means richer colors, deeper blacks, and an overall much better experience when watching movies or other content.

Samsung isn't sacrificing performance either. The Galaxy Tab S11 is still powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset and comes with up to 12GB of RAM, so you can throw pretty much anything at this tablet without worrying too much about performance. Whether it's note-taking, gaming, or even some video editing, there's still plenty of power here.

Speaking of note-taking, Samsung bundles the S Pen in the box, so you don't have to spend extra if you want to use the tablet for drawing or taking notes in class. There's also a microSD card slot if you want to expand the storage later.

But one of my favorite things about the Galaxy Tab S11 is still its design. The tablet is only 5.5mm thin while still offering an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, making it easy to carry around without giving up the durability you'd expect from a flagship tablet.

On the whole, if you're looking for an Android tablet with flagship specs that doesn't burn a hole in your pocket, the Galaxy Tab S11 is probably the one I'd look at during Prime Big Deal Days. It still gives you a portable design, plenty of performance, S Pen support, and, most importantly, an AMOLED display that you'll actually enjoy looking at.

Google has started rolling out a new update for the Pixel Buds that brings several new features, and at the same time, the company has slashed $60 off the Pixel Buds Pro 2's price.

Last month, Google started rolling out a feature for Pixel Buds that lets users control their earbuds' settings just by asking Gemini. While you could already ask Gemini to do things like change the volume, the new integration goes much deeper, letting you adjust the EQ, enable or disable ANC, and change other Pixel Buds settings using your voice.

Alongside that, Google has now started rolling out another sizable update for the Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Pixel Buds 2a. One of the biggest additions for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is Dynamic Active Noise Cancellation.

Google previously explained that Dynamic ANC automatically adjusts the noise cancellation based on the seal of the earbuds in your ears. So, if the Pixel Buds move slightly and the seal changes, the earbuds can automatically compensate and adjust the ANC accordingly. That feature is now starting to become available on the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

✅ Recommended if: You use a Pixel phone, want strong ANC and Gemini integration, like Google's latest Pixel Buds features, or want premium wireless earbuds for under $200.

❌ Skip this deal if: You don't use Android, want the absolute best battery life, or don't care about Pixel-exclusive features and ecosystem integration.

Google has also added a new tap-to-mute and unmute gesture for calls. So, if you're in an online meeting or taking a phone call, you can simply tap the surface of your Pixel Buds to quickly mute or unmute your microphone.

The Pixel Buds can now automatically pause media playback when you fall asleep as well. This feature requires a paired Pixel Watch to detect when you've fallen asleep, after which your earbuds can pause playback, disable touch gestures, and silence notifications.

Enhanced Live Translate is also starting to roll out. You can now leave your phone in your pocket and start translating using a gesture on the earbuds. Google says the Pixel Buds now work more seamlessly with the Google Translate app to make on-the-go translations easier.

To get these features, make sure you're running the latest version of the Pixel Buds app and look for firmware version release_6.144. You can also manually check for the update by heading to More Settings > Firmware > Check for updates.

And if you've been thinking about buying the Pixel Buds Pro 2, this might be a particularly good time. Thanks to the ongoing Amazon sale, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are currently $60 off, dropping from their usual $230 price to just $170.

So, not only are you getting them for considerably less right now, but Google has also made the Pixel Buds Pro 2 noticeably more capable with the latest software update.

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.

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.

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

• 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

• SwiftKey beta is rolling out a new AI voice typing mode similar to Google's Rambler feature on the Pixel 11 series.
• The feature cleans up and formats your speech automatically, although it doesn't show a live transcription while you speak.
• SwiftKey's AI voice typing works completely offline after downloading an AI model that's around 163MB on Android.
• Unlike Google's Rambler, SwiftKey's AI voice typing isn't Pixel-exclusive and can work across other Android smartphones.

SwiftKey, the popular keyboard app acquired by Microsoft more than a decade ago, has started rolling out a new AI-powered voice typing feature in beta.

With the launch of the Pixel 11 series, Google introduced a feature that improved on the Pixel's already excellent voice typing. Called Rambler, the feature lets you speak more naturally while automatically removing filler words like "um" and "ah," cleaning up corrections, and properly formatting the final text.

Now, SwiftKey is bringing a similar feature to its keyboard app, and unlike Rambler, it can work on pretty much any Android phone.

The latest SwiftKey beta for Android, version 9.13.16.4, introduces a new "AI voice" typing mode. When you tap the microphone icon, SwiftKey now shows the new AI voice option alongside a quick explanation of how it works.

Similar to Rambler on the Pixel 11 series, you can simply start speaking naturally while SwiftKey listens to you and displays a waveform on the screen. Once you're done, the AI processes what you've said and turns it into properly formatted text.

Before you can use the feature, though, SwiftKey asks you to download an AI voice model. On my Galaxy Z Fold 8, the download was around 163MB. Similar to Rambler, you also don't get a live preview of the transcription while you're speaking. Instead, the finished text appears once the AI has processed everything. The best part, however, is that the feature works completely offline.

I tested AI voice typing on my Galaxy Z Fold 8 with both Wi-Fi and mobile data switched off, and SwiftKey was still able to process and transcribe my speech without any issues. This isn't possible right now with Gboard's Rambler, which does require an internet connection to work.

There are some limitations compared to Google's Rambler, though. SwiftKey's implementation currently doesn't let you do things like change the tone, format the text further, or automatically insert emojis through voice commands.

That said, the SwiftKey Beta app can be installed on any Android phone, unlike the Rambler feature, which is exclusive to the Pixel 11 series, for now. So if you've been wanting to try Pixel 11-like AI voice typing without buying Google's latest phone, this might be one of the easiest ways to get something similar.

If you want to try it yourself, you can download the latest SwiftKey beta from the Google Play Store.

What you need to know

• Samsung is reportedly working on Galaxy Buds On, a new pair of open-ear earbuds with a clip-on design.
• Leaked renders show two rounded sections connected by a silicone loop, with black and white color options expected.
• Galaxy Buds On could offer Auto Volume, head gestures for controls, and automatic pausing when you fall asleep.

It looks like Samsung is cooking up a pair of open-ear Galaxy Buds, and they could launch fairly soon.

While the best wireless earbuds still offer features like ANC and superior sound quality, open-ear earbuds have suddenly started taking over. We recently checked out the Huawei FreeClip 2, which we called one of the most comfortable open-ear earbuds we've tried, and now it looks like Samsung is preparing to challenge the throne.

As reported by SammyGuru, Samsung appears to be working on a pair of open-ear earbuds called the Galaxy Buds On. The publication has shared what appear to be product renders of the device, giving us an early look at the earbuds.

According to the leak, the Galaxy Buds On will feature a fairly standard open-ear design, with two rounded sections connected by a flexible silicone loop. One side will presumably sit closer to the user's ear, while the flatter section will remain on the outside and likely provide an area for touch controls and gestures.

The leaked renders show the Galaxy Buds On in black, although a white color option also appears to be in the works.

The publication was also able to extract illustrations showing how the Galaxy Buds On will clip around the user's ears. The report claims the earbuds will feature Auto Volume, which will automatically adjust the volume depending on your surroundings, alongside head gestures like nodding and shaking.

Another interesting feature will reportedly detect when the wearer has fallen asleep and automatically pause whatever is playing.

There's still no word on exactly when Samsung plans to launch the Galaxy Buds On. However, the company now has several products rumored to be waiting in the pipeline, including the long-awaited Galaxy Glasses and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, so we could be hearing much more about Samsung's upcoming hardware fairly soon.

What you need to know

• Google has officially removed the Pixel Tablet from its online store after listing it as out of stock.
• The Pixel Tablet has also disappeared from major retailers including Amazon and Best Buy.
• Google reportedly canceled plans for second- and third-generation Pixel Tablets due to sales and profitability concerns.
• Existing Pixel Tablet owners will continue receiving software updates until mid-2028 despite the lineup's end.

The Pixel Tablet is finally dead. Like, properly dead dead.

Google launched the Pixel Tablet back in 2023 as a hybrid device that could work as both a traditional Android tablet and a smart home display when placed on its charging dock. At $499, the Pixel Tablet offered a pretty interesting combination on paper, but reactions to the device were mixed after launch.

Google reportedly had plans for a second-generation Pixel Tablet in 2025 and even a third-generation model in 2027. But amid poor sales and profitability concerns, the company reportedly pulled the plug on those plans back in 2024. Despite that, the original Pixel Tablet remained available through the Google Store and retailers for quite some time. Until now.

As spotted by Jetstream, Google has officially removed the Pixel Tablet from the Google Store. The tablet was listed as "out of stock" until a few days ago, but the product page has now been removed altogether, effectively confirming that Google is done selling the device. The Pixel Tablet has also disappeared from retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy.

That means there's now no official way to buy a new Pixel Tablet. You may still be able to find remaining stock through smaller online retailers or pick one up from a reseller, but Google's own inventory is officially gone.

The good news for existing Pixel Tablet owners is that software support isn't ending anytime soon. Google is expected to continue supporting the device with updates until mid-2028. But unless Google decides to resurrect its tablet ambitions again, there won't be another Pixel Tablet waiting to replace it.

The Pixel Tablet was an interesting idea. Having one device that could work as both an Android tablet and a smart home display made plenty of sense, especially inside Google's ecosystem. Unfortunately, the idea never really took off.

So, RIP Pixel Tablet. This time, it looks like it's actually over.