729 Stories
Semantic Search Rolls Out to Windows 11, But You Probably Can’t Use It
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Microsoft has announced that Local Semantic Search and Cloud Search are rolling out to Windows 11 Insiders Beta channel, in the Preview Build 26120.3585 (KB5053644). Local Semantic Search understands the context and lets users search for documents and images by just typing the related words. For example, you could type “landscape greenery” and the feature will pull up all the landscape images containing greenery. Similarly, searching the phrase “Change my theme” will suggest “Themes and related settings,” “Screen saver,” etc.
Android 16 Beta 3 update didn't bring any major changes, but it enables the screen-off fingerprint feature on other Pixels. The Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock option in the Fingerprint Unlock settings menu allows users to unlock the phone with the screen off. This means, unlike previously where users had to tap to wake up the screen and then use the fingerprint to unlock, they can now just press on the fingerprint sensor region to unlock the phone.
Google Pixels Get a Massive GPU Performance Boost with Android 16 Beta 3
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Earlier today, reports of Pixels gaining massive improvements in GPU benchmarks piled up on the r/pixel_phones subreddit. Users are reporting an almost 25% to 60% increase in GeekBench 6 GPU tests on all Tensor-powered Pixels. Out of all the devices, the Google Pixel 7a seems to have gained the most performance, almost doubling the compute score. Android expert Mishaal Rahman believes it's due to the latest ARM Mali GPU drivers that Google is shipping with Android 16 Beta 3. With Google bumping the Mali GPU Kernel driver version to r52p0, which was released in October last year.
Best Google Pixel 9a Screen Protectors to Buy in 2025
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Google has stuck to Corning Gorilla Glass 3 this year, which is not the best protection the industry has on offer. Hence, you may want to install a screen protector on your Pixel 9a for maximum protection. Some of the best tempered glass screen protectors you can buy for your Pixel 9a are dbrand Prism 2.0, Ringke Easy Slide, Spigen, Ferilinso, amFilm, OtterBox Premium Glass, and ZAGG InvisibleShield.
Google Pixel 9a Is Here with Tensor G4, Bigger 5,100mAh Battery
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Google has finally launched the Pixel 9a and it starts from $499. The device features an FHD+ 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED display which can reach a peak brightness of 2,700 nits. The back of the device is flat with no camera bump, just like the renders suggested. The departure from the camera island kind of robs the Pixel essence from it, but it should be a boon for those who hate wobbly phones on tables. Powering the phone will be an upgraded, 5100 mAh battery, a whopping 12% increase from Pixel 8a; although the charging speed remains the same 23W.
How to Schedule a Text Message on Android
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The process of scheduling text messages is much easier now, thanks to Google solving Android's messaging fragmentation. Google Messages is now comes built-in on almost all Android smartphones, which means there's only one size fits all method to schedule text messages on Android. All you need to do is click the "+" icon > Schedule message send > type your text > select date and time > click paper plane icon. Besides, you can also use third-party apps like Textra, SMS Organizer, and Auto Text.
Pebble Smartwatches Are Back and They’re Just Like You Remember
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Pebble has launched two new PebbleOS smartwatches — the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 that follow the same DNA of the original Pebble watches. The Core 2 Duo is an improved version of the Pebble 2 whereas the Core Time 2 is an improved version of Pebble Time 2. One of the main differentiating factors between the two watches is unlike the Core 2 Duo, the Time 2 features a bigger 1.5-inch touch screen 64-color e-paper display, surrounded by a metal frame. You can read more about the differences in this article. Both the watches are up for pre-orders in limited quantities. While the Core 2 Duo ships in three months, i.e., starting July, you'll have to wait until December for Core Time 2.
Google Reveals the Real Purpose of Android’s New Terminal App
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In a feature request on Android's IssueTracker where a user asked the developers to open-source Debian VM tweaks and tell them the exact purpose of the VM, a Google engineer replied he main purpose of the Linux terminal feature is to bring more apps (Linux apps/tools/games) into Android, but NOT to bring yet another desktop environment. This more or less confirms that Google wants Android users to be able to run Desktop Linux apps, just like on ChromeOS. Adding to the statement, the engineer also said that Google's not against users or manufacturers installing or shipping another Linux Destop Environment like GNOME or KDE. Linux apps, for the most part, will use Android's native desktop windowing system.
The World’s First Powerbank with a Sodium-Ion Battery Can Last You 13 Years!
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A Japanese firm named ELECON claims to have achieved a breakthrough in Sodium-ion batteries, and its the 9000 series is the first powerbank in the world to ship with a 9,000 mAh Sodium-ion battery. The ELECON DE-C55L-9000BK is a compact 9,000 mAh powerbank that the firm claims can last for over 15 years! It can output a maximum of 45W and charge at 30W, both at 3 Amps. The firm also claims it's PD and PPS compatible and supports collective charging where both the powerbank can be charged while it charges the phone.
Unboxing videos posted on YouTube channels Sahil Karoul and The Mobile Central show the Pixel 9a in its full glory. The Iris Purple and Porcelain colorways combined with the flat camera design and huge bezels suggest the leaks were bang on this time as well. Other Pixel 9a specifications include a 48 MP primary and 13 MP ultrawide lens, a 5100 mAh battery with 23W charging, and rumored but still not confirmed Satellite Connectivity.
Silicon Carbon Batteries on Smartphones: Explained
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Silicon Carbon batteries are the latest innovation in portable battery-powered devices and are predominantly being used in smartphones. They're denser than Li-ion batteries, packing more charge in the anode, while being almost similar in dimensions or even slimmer than regular Lithium-ion batteries. By leveraging Silicon-Carbon battery tech, manufacturers can include bigger capacity batteries in their devices without compromising on the overall form factor of the devices. Thanks to their density, Silicon-Carbon batteries can store around 25% more charge.
Amazon is sending emails to all Echo users which says that starting March 28, users will lose the Do Not Send Voice Recordings option on their Echo devices. Thereafter, every interaction with Alexa on Echo devices will be sent to Amazon Cloud for processing. The discontinuation could be closely linked to Amazon training the AI model. If you use Alexa, you have no option but to consent to these changes or stop using Alexa once and for all.
Google has confirmed in an official blog post that it's killing Google Assistant on most devices later this year. All the Android devices with Android 10 and above and 2 GB+ RAM will switch to Gemini and no longer have the option to use the Assistant. The inherent switch is all thanks to the number of features Gemini on Android has gained since its launch. It supports various app extensions like Google Workspace, WhatsApp, Spotify, YouTube/Music, and many utilities. Google also rolled out Gemini Live on the app for a natural conversation feel, and will be rolling out more in the coming months.
Microsoft Edge for Android Beats Chrome to the Punch with Extensions Support
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The latest stable Edge for Android, version 134.0.3124.57, now comes with browser extensions baked in. To install an extension, tap the hamburger icon > Extensions and tap the Get button beside the extension. Some of the popular extensions include Dark Reader, Bitwarden, Tampermonkey, Browsec, NordVPN, and Keepa. The Extensions section is marked as Beta now, with the Explore section suggesting more extensions are coming soon.
You Can Now Set ChatGPT as Your Default Assistant on Android
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With version 1.2025.070, the “Default digital assistant app” page in the Settings app shows ChatGPT as one of the options. All you need to do is select ChatGPT to set it as your default assistant. Besides, you can also assign the long-press power button shortcut to ChatGPT for easy access. The feature might not be rolling out to all Beta users, though, as using the latest Beta, we couldn't see the option in settings. The overlay bubble clearly needs some polish as the animations are still far off from what Gemini or Perplexity offer.
Android 16 Beta 3 Is Here with Battery Health, Outline Text, and a New Easter Egg
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Android 16 Beta 3 is now rolling out to all Pixel 6 and above devices and fixes a few issues with the previous builds. The update also incorporates the latest March security patch, and the changelog highlights fixes for issues such as battery drain, outdated At a Glance information, performance, and Bluetooth pairing. Besides, it brings a few new features like Auracast support for Pixel 9 series, Outline text, which makes the text easier to read, and Local Network Protection, alongside an easter egg teasing Android 16's Live Activities.
How to Appear Offline on Steam
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If you have many friends and trying to sneak in a game or two of your favorite online multiplayer, you may get bombarded with messages that may ruin your flow. However, there is a way to avoid this, by changing your Steam account's online status. The platform lets you control your online status and you can set it to offline to hide your status. All you need to do is go to Friends and select Invisible. If you don't want to chat with friends and want to appear offlince, you can select the Offline option too.
Microsoft is rolling out a new version of the native Copilot app 1.25024.100.0 to Windows Insiders via the Microsoft Store. The new version brings a shortcut to invoke Copilot and ask questions. All you need to do is press and hold the Alt + Space bar for two seconds, and a small overlay with a blue microphone icon and settings cogwheel should appear, indicating that the Copilot app is active and listening.
Android 16 Could Revive Lock Screen Widgets on Phones
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In an FAQ published on the Android Developers Blog, Google has confirmed that lock screen widgets are coming to AOSP for tablets and smartphones after Android 16 QPR1. For those wondering when the update will hit AOSP, it's scheduled for late Summer 2025, which probably means sometime in September this year. Android expert Mishaal Rahman enabled Lock Screen Widgets on his device. The widgets can be accessed by swiping right on the lock screen, just like on the Pixel Tablet.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 Finally Get One UI 7 Beta
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One UI 7 Beta is live for Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 users in Korea, US, and India, coming in at a whopping 5 GB. The update should show up on your device as soon as you enroll in the Beta program on the Samsung Members app. So far, there have been no reports of phones acting funny after the update, so you can install the update worry-free. Do hurry because there are usually limited slots in Beta, as we witnessed with One UI 7 Beta on the Galaxy S24 series.
MWC 2025: Oukitel’s New Rugged Phones Have a Rather Unique Appeal
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We went to Oukitel's booth at MWC and although their new innovations weren't exactly intriguing, there were a few that caught our eye and deserve some attention due to their quirkiness. Starting with the Titan W100 which features a massive 33,000 mAh battery, Dimensity 7300 SoC, a built-in 100-lumen projector, a built in 1200-lumen camping light, and a rugged design. The WP200 Pro features a 6.7-inch 60Hz FHD+ AMOLED screen and is powered by Dimensity 8200 SoC. You also get a primary 108 MP camera and up to 24 GB of RAM, and up to 1TB storage.
Samsung Finally Confirms One UI 7 Release Timeline
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After months of anticipation and fuss around One UI 7's release date, Samsung has finally revealed that it will be releasing the update in April. Although the Korean giant did not reveal a release date, it's a sigh of release for Samsung users who have been waiting for the update, for what seems like an eternity. Samsung has also stated in a press release that One UI 7 Beta will be expanding to more devices soon, including mid-range devices like the Galaxy A55. The update is already rolling out to Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 in India, Korea, the UK, and the US.
MWC 2025: Samsung Flexes Its Quirky Foldables and Display Concepts
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Although not everything Samsung showcased came off as extraordinary, there were a few devices that did catch our attention. The Koran giant's main theme this year was quirky foldable devices, including concepts with new form factors. Some of the intriguing Samsung gadgets we saw were the Flex Briefcase, Foldable Handheld concept, Trifold Flex S and G devices, and a circular OLED display.
10 Best Expense Trackers You Must Try on Android and iPhone
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Most expense tracking apps let you set up a budget with a clear goal about how much money you wish to save. Since we're dealing with financial information, it's important to ensure the apps don't steal your data or spy on you. Therefore, some of the best expense trackers are Flow, Ivy Wallet, Paisa, Wallet, and Spendee.
MWC 2025: Future Ring2 Could Be the Smart Ring You’ve Been Waiting For
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Chinese brand HiFuture is showcasing their Future Ring2 smart ring, made of Titanium and it claims to offer a battery life of up to 10 days, the longest out of any smart ring out there. The ring comes with most fitness features like Step tracking, Blood Oxygen, Stress Index, Sleep Quality, Heart Rate, Skin Temperature, and movement detection. Its biggest highlight is its price, as it only costs $59.
10 Best Innovations and Concepts That Wowed Us at MWC 2025
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Like each year, MWC 2025 was no different. From popular firms like Lenovo flexing their innovative prowess to relatively new firms like Infinix showcasing quirky devices, some of the best concepts and innovations were from the brands Tecno, Realme, Infinix, HMD, and Xiaomi. Notably the Tecno Spark Slim being the slimmest device, Lenovo's Codename Flip and Yoga Solar, Infinix's solar-powered innovations, and Xiaomi's and the world's first TWS with Wi-Fi. Besides, there were an array of foldable devices, an E-ink device from Mudita, and more.
Here Are All the New Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro Wallpapers
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Nothing Phone (3a) brings many upgrades but if you want to stick to the Phone (2a), you can try out the Nothing Phone (3a) wallpapers. The Blue wallpapers have to be some of the best in the bunch, with different symmetries, circular designs, various patterns, minor elements and shapes that give them a distinct look. There are three orange walls consisting of simple Gray to Blue and Orange gradients, white to orange with circular patterns, and another wallpaper consisting of sharp square edges with hints of symmetrical lines across the wallpapers.
Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro Launched: What’s New
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Nothing has launched the Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro devices and they come with a host of improvements from the previous generation Phone (2a). For starters, both the phones feature an extra 50 MP unit, but where the one in te (3a) is a 2x Telephoto, the (3a) Pro has 3x Periscope. Both phones come with Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, Nothing OS 3.1 based on Android 15, and a 5,000 mAh battery with 50W charging.
MWC 2025: Nubia Launches Focus 2 Ultra Smartphone With Rotatable Camera Ring
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The Focus 2 Ultra sports Nubia's in-house Neovision AI photography system, just like on the firm's other flagships. However, the main highlight of the device is that it sports a rotatable camera lens ring at the back, which you can use to adjust the Zoom, cycle through presets, or adjust the Aperture of the device.
MWC 2025: Honor Reveals “Alpha Plan” With AI Agents, New MagicBook, Earbuds Open, and More
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The Alpha Plan involves developing an open AI ecosystem, for which the firm will collaborate with Google and Qualcomm. Honor has also launched many devices including the MagicBook Pro 14, Honor Earbuds Open, Watch Ultra 5, and the Honor Pad V9. Besides, Honor will be offering 7 years of software updates and security patches to the Honor Magic7 Pro, and will expand the same to other devices in the future.
MWC 2025: Infinix Teases Solar Charging and AI-Powered E-Ink Phones
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Infinix has a few concepts, specifically a back panel and a case that leverages solar energy to charge a phone. The firm also has phone with E-ink tech at the back. The firm says it can charge a device at 2W and is meant to increase the phone's standby time when not in use. The case that Infinix had on display was shown with a prototype phone with contact points to take the charge.
MWC 2025: Lenovo’s New Yoga Laptop Can Charge with Sunlight
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Lenovo showcased a Solar laptop concept, which the firm claims has one of the highest conversion rates in the industry at 24%. Stating further, the higher conversion rate was achieved with “Back Contact Cell” technology, which moves the wiring to the top most layer of the laptop's lid to absorb more sunlight. Besides, Lenovo has also unveiled a wide range of Yoga Laptops, including the Pro 9i and 7i Aura Editions, Pro 7, Slim 7, and 2-in-1s.
MWC 2025: Motorola’s Smart Connect Gets an AI Upgrade
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Motorola has announced it will be adding a myriad of new features to the Smart Connect app. One of the main features includes the integration of Moto AI. Users can ask the AI to stream their phone's content to their laptop or TV. Besides, they can ask the AI to search for documents and there's a brand-new device dashboard that lets you know the battery percentage of your ecosystem of devices. The features are expected to arrive in the next few weeks.
MWC 2025: Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro Are The First Earbuds with Wi-Fi Audio
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The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro come with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and are the first of its kind to feature Qualcomm's S7 Pro chip. Thanks to the same, the Buds 5 Pro can stream audio over Wi-Fi which significantly increases the bandwidth to 4.2 Mbps. With that, they're capable of delivering 96KHz/24-bit lossless audio without any increase in battery consumption. The Bluetooth-only version costs $199 whereas the Wi-Fi variant costs $219.
MWC 2025: Xiaomi Introduces HyperAI, a Native AI Suite to Rival Samsung’s Galaxy AI
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Xiaomi's HyperAI was unveiled at MWC 2025, and it brings lots of cool general and generative AI features, including AI Writing tools like Summarize, Proofreading, and Expanding the text. Then there's the AI Speech Recognition feature, AI subtitles which will generate subtitles for you when playing videos, much like Live Captions on Pixels. There's also a Cinematic Look features which will add a cinema look to the videos shot on your device.
10 Best Adobe Reader Alternatives You Must Try in 2025
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Adobe Reader has been the go-to PDF Reader for most of us. However, it's bloated, slow, and its paid version is too expensive. So if you are looking for a free and light option, you can use some Adobe Reader alternatives. Some of the best alternatives include Sumatra PDF, Foxit Reader, UPDF, STDU Viewer, and SlimPDF Reader.
Framework’s Modular Revolution Continues with the new Laptop 12 and AMD-Powered Desktop
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Framework held an event yesterday where it announced it's latest creations, the Framework Laptop 12 and Framework Desktop. The firm also refreshed it's existing Framework Laptops with new AMD mobile CPUs. The Framework Laptop 13 now comes with AMD's latest Zen 5 mobile processors, the Ryzen AI 5 340 all the way till the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. There are two new products the Framework Laptop 12 and the Framework Desktop.
10 Best PDF Editors You Should Check Out in 2025
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While the market is full of paid and free PDF editors, not all of them are secure and perform the assigned tasks with the desired efficiency. The choice of your PDF editor boils down to two pivotal aspects: Professional and Personal needs. Though other essential factors like proficiency, ease of use, and affordability also have major roles to play. Therefore, some of the best PDF editors you can use are Foxit PDF Editor, Nitro PDF, Xodo, LibreOffice Draw, PDF-XChange Editor, and more. Read this article to know more.
5 Best PDF Readers You Should Try in 2025
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PDF files are used everywhere, from software help manuals and technical documentation to academic textbooks and novels. So it makes all the sense to have a capable PDF viewer in your arsenal of applications. And since there are quite a few of them, some of the best PDF viewers are Adobe Acrobat, Sumatra PDF, SodaPDF, and Foxit Reader, among others. You can also use your web browser to read PDFs with ease.
One UI 7 Delay: Samsung Risks Alienating Loyal Users for Galaxy S25 Sales
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The decision to delay One UI 7 for the Galaxy S24 series (reportedly) has already fanned disdain among fans, and Samsung's “reasons” aren't helping. The update could be pushed to April for Galaxy S24 series. While the company hasn't directly acknowledged it, it did say the delay is to make One UI 7 much more stable. However, users believe it is to upsell the newly-launched Galaxy S25 series.
Oppo Launches “World’s Thinnest” Find N5 Foldable Phone
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Oppo launched the Find N5 globally in today's launch event, and there's a lot to talk about it, including its design, hinge, and other improvements. The brand claims it's the thinnest foldable smartphone ever, and left no stone unturned when comparing it with the Galaxy Z Fold 6. It features a triple camera setup tuned by Hasselblad, 512 GB UFS 4.0 storage with 16 GB RAM, Snapdragon 8 Elite (7-core), and is just 4.21 mm thick when unfolded.