Starting a Gemini Live conversation might soon be possible with just a swipe (APK teardown)

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

• Google could soon make it easier for users to start a Gemini Live conversation.
• We’ve spotted an upcoming change that lets you launch Gemini’s conversational mode by swiping diagonally from the bottom corners of the screen.
• Currently, you have to tap on the Gemini Live button within the Gemini app or the Gemini overlay to launch the feature.

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Android offers several ways for users to summon the Google Assistant. You can use the “Hey, Google” or “OK, Google” hotwords, press and hold the power or home buttons, tap the microphone icon on the Google Search widget, use a home screen shortcut, or swipe diagonally from the bottom corners of the screen. These methods also work for Gemini, in case you’ve selected it as the default assistant on your device. However, Google could soon repurpose one of these shortcuts to open Gemini Live instead.

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Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

• Google could soon make it easier for users to start a Gemini Live conversation.
• We’ve spotted an upcoming change that lets you launch Gemini’s conversational mode by swiping diagonally from the bottom corners of the screen.
• Currently, you have to tap on the Gemini Live button within the Gemini app or the Gemini overlay to launch the feature.

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Android offers several ways for users to summon the Google Assistant. You can use the “Hey, Google” or “OK, Google” hotwords, press and hold the power or home buttons, tap the microphone icon on the Google Search widget, use a home screen shortcut, or swipe diagonally from the bottom corners of the screen. These methods also work for Gemini, in case you’ve selected it as the default assistant on your device. However, Google could soon repurpose one of these shortcuts to open Gemini Live instead.

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The OnePlus Open 2 could outshine the Z Fold 7 with 50W wireless charging

Credit: Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority

• OPPO executive Zhou Yibao confirmed that the Find N5 will feature 50W wireless charging.
• Other confirmed features include its ultra-thin design and IPX8/IPX9 water resistance.
• The Find N5 is expected to launch in the US as the OnePlus Open 2, bringing these upgrades to a global audience.

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OPPO is gearing up to launch the Find N5 in China next month, which is widely expected to arrive in the US as the OnePlus Open 2. Over the past few weeks, OPPO has been steadily building excitement by revealing bits and pieces about the foldable’s standout features.

The Find N5 is already being touted as the thinnest foldable phone ever made and will include an IPX8/IPX9 water resistance rating. Today, OPPO has officially confirmed that the phone will support 50W wireless charging, addressing one of the most common complaints about the original OnePlus Open.

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Credit: Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority

• OPPO executive Zhou Yibao confirmed that the Find N5 will feature 50W wireless charging.
• Other confirmed features include its ultra-thin design and IPX8/IPX9 water resistance.
• The Find N5 is expected to launch in the US as the OnePlus Open 2, bringing these upgrades to a global audience.

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OPPO is gearing up to launch the Find N5 in China next month, which is widely expected to arrive in the US as the OnePlus Open 2. Over the past few weeks, OPPO has been steadily building excitement by revealing bits and pieces about the foldable’s standout features.

The Find N5 is already being touted as the thinnest foldable phone ever made and will include an IPX8/IPX9 water resistance rating. Today, OPPO has officially confirmed that the phone will support 50W wireless charging, addressing one of the most common complaints about the original OnePlus Open.

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This amazing Anker SOLIX F3800 power station is $1,050 off!

I just moved to the mountains, and while I knew what to expect, there are a few things I am still adapting to. For example, we’re under a fire warning right now, and they may shut down the electricity. I was looking at some power stations to keep me running during the shutdown and came upon this great deal on the Anker SOLIX F3800. It’s $1,050 off, only today.

Get the Anker SOLIX F3800 for only $2,449

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I just moved to the mountains, and while I knew what to expect, there are a few things I am still adapting to. For example, we’re under a fire warning right now, and they may shut down the electricity. I was looking at some power stations to keep me running during the shutdown and came upon this great deal on the Anker SOLIX F3800. It’s $1,050 off, only today.

Get the Anker SOLIX F3800 for only $2,449

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Only today: Apple AirPods Max USB-C reach a new all-time low price

We focus on Android and Android-compatible products around here, but we know plenty of our readers are Apple users. If you are rocking an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer, you’ll want to check out this deal. The Apple AirPods Max USB-C are rarely on sale, given that they are newer. This is the first time we have seen them at a significant discount of $100, slashing the price to $449.99.

Buy the Apple AirPods Max USB-C for $449

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We focus on Android and Android-compatible products around here, but we know plenty of our readers are Apple users. If you are rocking an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer, you’ll want to check out this deal. The Apple AirPods Max USB-C are rarely on sale, given that they are newer. This is the first time we have seen them at a significant discount of $100, slashing the price to $449.99.

Buy the Apple AirPods Max USB-C for $449

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Hot deal: Get a Ring Video Doorbell for just $30!

Credit: Amazon

Are you looking for a smart video doorbell? You’ll quickly find out they aren’t exactly cheap. I recently purchased the 2024 Ring Battery Doorbell for $100, and that one is considered affordable. If you don’t mind going with an older model, you can currently catch a deal on a refurbished Ring Video Doorbell 2020 for just $29.99!

Buy the Ring Video Doorbell 2020 for just $29.99!

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Credit: Amazon

Are you looking for a smart video doorbell? You’ll quickly find out they aren’t exactly cheap. I recently purchased the 2024 Ring Battery Doorbell for $100, and that one is considered affordable. If you don’t mind going with an older model, you can currently catch a deal on a refurbished Ring Video Doorbell 2020 for just $29.99!

Buy the Ring Video Doorbell 2020 for just $29.99!

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Samsung’s highest-end Galaxy S25 may only be available in these countries

• Most Samsung Galaxy S25 phones are expected to be sold with 12GB of RAM.
• A persistent rumor has suggested that the S25 Ultra may also have a 16GB edition in at least some markets.
• The latest source claims 16GB S25 Ultra sales will be available in China, South Korea, India, and Vietnam.

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Samsung Galaxy Unpacked gets underway just a little later this week, and smartphone fans everywhere are eager to meet the Galaxy S25 series. Even with the formal debut of these phones looming so near, when we’ll finally be able to put all these rumors to rest, that doesn’t mean that new rumors are anywhere near ready to slow down their incessant pace. Right now we’re checking out some new details on a theory we’ve heard before, concerning Samsung’s plans for its highest-end S25 configuration.

While expectations are high across the Galaxy lineup, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has quite the reputation to live up to. We’re looking forward to the Ultra enjoying some exclusive features, like enhanced nighttime camera performance, while at the same time fearing the loss of others, like S Pen Bluetooth support.

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• Most Samsung Galaxy S25 phones are expected to be sold with 12GB of RAM.
• A persistent rumor has suggested that the S25 Ultra may also have a 16GB edition in at least some markets.
• The latest source claims 16GB S25 Ultra sales will be available in China, South Korea, India, and Vietnam.

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Samsung Galaxy Unpacked gets underway just a little later this week, and smartphone fans everywhere are eager to meet the Galaxy S25 series. Even with the formal debut of these phones looming so near, when we’ll finally be able to put all these rumors to rest, that doesn’t mean that new rumors are anywhere near ready to slow down their incessant pace. Right now we’re checking out some new details on a theory we’ve heard before, concerning Samsung’s plans for its highest-end S25 configuration.

While expectations are high across the Galaxy lineup, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has quite the reputation to live up to. We’re looking forward to the Ultra enjoying some exclusive features, like enhanced nighttime camera performance, while at the same time fearing the loss of others, like S Pen Bluetooth support.

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iPhone SE 4 could cannibalize Apple’s flagship sales with this rumored feature

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• The iPhone SE 4 will reportedly support Apple Intelligence features, including Writing Tools, the ChatGPT integration, and Genmoji.
• Apple’s AI suite is currently exclusive to its high-end devices, including the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 series.
• The next-gen iPhone SE is rumored to launch before April for under $500.

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Last year, Apple Intelligence debuted exclusively on the company’s flagship devices, providing eligible users with the ChatGPT integration, Genmoji, Writing Tools, and more. Consequently, most iOS users are still missing out on the AI perks, as they require an iPhone 16 or 15 Pro model. Fortunately for those on a budget, the upcoming iPhone SE 4 will reportedly support Apple Intelligence while sticking to an affordable price.

According to a Bloomberg report, the iPhone SE 4 (or iPhone 16E) will be the first of its kind to support Apple Intelligence tools. This suggests Apple will equip it with an A17 Pro or A18 chip and at least 8GB of RAM. Some bundled perks include Writing Tools for on-device text manipulation, Clean Up in Photos, ChatGPT integration with Siri and other parts of the system, image generation capabilities, notification summaries, and more.

Besides adopting the native AI solution, the report states that Apple Stores are starting to run out of iPhone SE 3 units. While the device is still available to order in the US for $429, the dwindling stock indicates an imminent refresh. Based on previous launches and leaks, a March announcement seems most plausible.

For those unfamiliar, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to introduce some major upgrades — beyond Apple Intelligence support. Some of the hardware boosts could include an edge-to-edge OLED panel, Face ID support, a 48MP rear camera, a new exterior shell, and more. As a result, the mid-range phone could see a slight price hike but is unlikely to exceed the $500 mark.

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Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• The iPhone SE 4 will reportedly support Apple Intelligence features, including Writing Tools, the ChatGPT integration, and Genmoji.
• Apple’s AI suite is currently exclusive to its high-end devices, including the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 series.
• The next-gen iPhone SE is rumored to launch before April for under $500.

---

Last year, Apple Intelligence debuted exclusively on the company’s flagship devices, providing eligible users with the ChatGPT integration, Genmoji, Writing Tools, and more. Consequently, most iOS users are still missing out on the AI perks, as they require an iPhone 16 or 15 Pro model. Fortunately for those on a budget, the upcoming iPhone SE 4 will reportedly support Apple Intelligence while sticking to an affordable price.

According to a Bloomberg report, the iPhone SE 4 (or iPhone 16E) will be the first of its kind to support Apple Intelligence tools. This suggests Apple will equip it with an A17 Pro or A18 chip and at least 8GB of RAM. Some bundled perks include Writing Tools for on-device text manipulation, Clean Up in Photos, ChatGPT integration with Siri and other parts of the system, image generation capabilities, notification summaries, and more.

Besides adopting the native AI solution, the report states that Apple Stores are starting to run out of iPhone SE 3 units. While the device is still available to order in the US for $429, the dwindling stock indicates an imminent refresh. Based on previous launches and leaks, a March announcement seems most plausible.

For those unfamiliar, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to introduce some major upgrades — beyond Apple Intelligence support. Some of the hardware boosts could include an edge-to-edge OLED panel, Face ID support, a 48MP rear camera, a new exterior shell, and more. As a result, the mid-range phone could see a slight price hike but is unlikely to exceed the $500 mark.

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Leaked Galaxy S25 video shows off Audio Eraser, Night Video, and more

Credit: OnLeaks/Android Headlines

• Veteran leaker Evan Blass has posted a video showing off several Galaxy S25 series software features.
• These features include a morning briefing screen, a Gemini assistant with deeper app integrations, improved night video, and an Audio Eraser tool.
• The Galaxy S25 range launches on Wednesday, January 22.

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The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is expected to launch on Wednesday (January 22), and we’ve seen a torrent of leaks in recent weeks as we approach the launch date. Now, a veteran tipster has posted a video showing off the new phone series and its software.

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Credit: OnLeaks/Android Headlines

• Veteran leaker Evan Blass has posted a video showing off several Galaxy S25 series software features.
• These features include a morning briefing screen, a Gemini assistant with deeper app integrations, improved night video, and an Audio Eraser tool.
• The Galaxy S25 range launches on Wednesday, January 22.

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The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is expected to launch on Wednesday (January 22), and we’ve seen a torrent of leaks in recent weeks as we approach the launch date. Now, a veteran tipster has posted a video showing off the new phone series and its software.

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TikTok drama: US shutdown reversed after Trump’s intervention

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• TikTok has restored its services in the US following intervention by President-elect Donald Trump.
• The app remains unavailable on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
• Trump has promised to sign an executive order pausing TikTok’s US ban on his first day in office.

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After the events of the past few hours, TikTok’s US ban and shutdown is starting to feel like a big political drama more than an issue of national security. Following a federal ban on Saturday, when TikTok went dark for millions of Americans and was removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, the platform and its services are back up again in the country.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• TikTok has restored its services in the US following intervention by President-elect Donald Trump.
• The app remains unavailable on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
• Trump has promised to sign an executive order pausing TikTok’s US ban on his first day in office.

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After the events of the past few hours, TikTok’s US ban and shutdown is starting to feel like a big political drama more than an issue of national security. Following a federal ban on Saturday, when TikTok went dark for millions of Americans and was removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, the platform and its services are back up again in the country.

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Apple’s notification summaries are the worst game of telephone ever

When Apple first rolled out its AI-powered notification summaries as part of iOS 18, I admit I was excited. I tend to disappear in group chats during the day — usually because I’m staying productive — which means I often come back to quite the stack of notifications that I have to read through. So, for my iPhone to sort through the mess and bring back a one-sentence summary sounded like a dream come true. As soon as it launched, I opted in.

And, as it turns out, Apple Intelligence does summarize my notifications — or at least it tries to. By trying to condense possibly dozens of messages into one single sentence, it has to pick and choose what context matters. It’s as if I were playing a game of telephone with friends, only the message I’m waiting for is hundreds of words long. Here’s what’s going wrong and what Apple has promised to do about it.

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When Apple first rolled out its AI-powered notification summaries as part of iOS 18, I admit I was excited. I tend to disappear in group chats during the day — usually because I’m staying productive — which means I often come back to quite the stack of notifications that I have to read through. So, for my iPhone to sort through the mess and bring back a one-sentence summary sounded like a dream come true. As soon as it launched, I opted in.

And, as it turns out, Apple Intelligence does summarize my notifications — or at least it tries to. By trying to condense possibly dozens of messages into one single sentence, it has to pick and choose what context matters. It’s as if I were playing a game of telephone with friends, only the message I’m waiting for is hundreds of words long. Here’s what’s going wrong and what Apple has promised to do about it.

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I tried the TECNO Pocket Go and discovered a whole new portable way to game on Windows

The PC gaming handheld market has really taken off since the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally first showed up. Now we’ve got Lenovo Legion, MSI, and other brands all throwing their hats in the ring with their own approaches to portable PC gaming. The underlying concept is straightforward: jam a PC chip, a screen, speakers, and gamepad controls into a handheld device you can throw in your backpack, so you can have all the power you need to run your favorite PC games right in your hands.

Of course, the design has to stay fairly portable, and that’s where you start hitting trade-offs. Along comes the TECNO Pocket Go, an “AR” handheld and glasses combo that dares to rethink the entire formula. I’ve spent a few days playing around with it, and the Pocket Go is definitely asking the kinds of questions that could shape the future of these gaming handheld devices, even though the answers it provides to those questions aren’t on point yet.

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The PC gaming handheld market has really taken off since the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally first showed up. Now we’ve got Lenovo Legion, MSI, and other brands all throwing their hats in the ring with their own approaches to portable PC gaming. The underlying concept is straightforward: jam a PC chip, a screen, speakers, and gamepad controls into a handheld device you can throw in your backpack, so you can have all the power you need to run your favorite PC games right in your hands.

Of course, the design has to stay fairly portable, and that’s where you start hitting trade-offs. Along comes the TECNO Pocket Go, an “AR” handheld and glasses combo that dares to rethink the entire formula. I’ve spent a few days playing around with it, and the Pocket Go is definitely asking the kinds of questions that could shape the future of these gaming handheld devices, even though the answers it provides to those questions aren’t on point yet.

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Googler shares potential release dates for Android 16 beta builds

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• The official Android 16 release timeline states that Google will release the first three beta builds in January, February, and March.
• A Googler has revealed the potential release dates for these beta builds.
• Google may release additional beta updates in April and May ahead of the stable release sometime in Q2 2025.

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Google confirmed plans to release the next major Android platform upgrade much earlier than usual, shortly before rolling out the first Android 16 developer preview build last November. We’ve since received another developer preview build, and Google is expected to roll out the first beta build later this month. Although the company has not shared definite release dates for the upcoming beta builds, a Googler may have accidentally spilled the beans.

According to Google’s official Android 16 release timeline, the first beta build will roll out this month, followed by the second beta update in February and the third beta update in March. The timeline doesn’t mention exact dates, but Android Authority contributor Assemble Debug has spotted a comment on the Android Gerrit in which a Googler reveals that Android 16 Beta 3 will roll out on March 12.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• The official Android 16 release timeline states that Google will release the first three beta builds in January, February, and March.
• A Googler has revealed the potential release dates for these beta builds.
• Google may release additional beta updates in April and May ahead of the stable release sometime in Q2 2025.

---

Google confirmed plans to release the next major Android platform upgrade much earlier than usual, shortly before rolling out the first Android 16 developer preview build last November. We’ve since received another developer preview build, and Google is expected to roll out the first beta build later this month. Although the company has not shared definite release dates for the upcoming beta builds, a Googler may have accidentally spilled the beans.

According to Google’s official Android 16 release timeline, the first beta build will roll out this month, followed by the second beta update in February and the third beta update in March. The timeline doesn’t mention exact dates, but Android Authority contributor Assemble Debug has spotted a comment on the Android Gerrit in which a Googler reveals that Android 16 Beta 3 will roll out on March 12.

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TikTok goes offline in the US, but there may still be hope for a revival

Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority

• TikTok went offline for US users late Saturday, just before a federal law banning the app went into effect.
• Users who logged into the platform received a notification highlighting the ban, and the app became available on the Google and Apple app stores.
• US President-elect Donald Trump could give TikTok temporary respite after he takes office on Monday.

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Following years of legal battles, TikTok finally shut down services in the US merely hours before a federal ban on the ByteDance-owned app was due to take effect. The app is no longer available on the Google and Apple app stores, but there may still be some hope for its revival.

Users logging into TikTok late on Saturday were greeted with the following notification:

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Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority

• TikTok went offline for US users late Saturday, just before a federal law banning the app went into effect.
• Users who logged into the platform received a notification highlighting the ban, and the app became available on the Google and Apple app stores.
• US President-elect Donald Trump could give TikTok temporary respite after he takes office on Monday.

---

Following years of legal battles, TikTok finally shut down services in the US merely hours before a federal ban on the ByteDance-owned app was due to take effect. The app is no longer available on the Google and Apple app stores, but there may still be some hope for its revival.

Users logging into TikTok late on Saturday were greeted with the following notification:

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I’ve tried the best, but might look past flagship silicon for my next phone purchase

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

We all long for faster processors, but if the leaked Snapdragon 8s Elite specs are accurate, Qualcomm’s upcoming mobile chip might hit the ideal sweet spot of reasonable performance and price, arguably a tougher feat than piling the best of everything into a chip. When it’s finally unveiled, likely around March 2025, it will be destined for sub-flagship phones (think around $500 or so), and I’ll certainly be keeping my eye on the handsets that the 8s Elite ships in, possibly more so than this year’s upcoming ultra-premium models.

I’m not a performance killjoy; I’ve been very impressed by the early Snapdragon 8 Elite smartphones I’ve had the luxury of using so far — they’re super responsive, and Qualcomm’s custom CPU design sips on battery life, ensuring phones easily last all day. The 8 Elite is great, but I’ve still not found a real-world use case that puts the chip to the sword. Even high-end gaming barely causes the chip to break a sweat, its networking capabilities far exceed my carrier’s, and I don’t really have any use for all that on-device AI shenanigans.

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

We all long for faster processors, but if the leaked Snapdragon 8s Elite specs are accurate, Qualcomm’s upcoming mobile chip might hit the ideal sweet spot of reasonable performance and price, arguably a tougher feat than piling the best of everything into a chip. When it’s finally unveiled, likely around March 2025, it will be destined for sub-flagship phones (think around $500 or so), and I’ll certainly be keeping my eye on the handsets that the 8s Elite ships in, possibly more so than this year’s upcoming ultra-premium models.

I’m not a performance killjoy; I’ve been very impressed by the early Snapdragon 8 Elite smartphones I’ve had the luxury of using so far — they’re super responsive, and Qualcomm’s custom CPU design sips on battery life, ensuring phones easily last all day. The 8 Elite is great, but I’ve still not found a real-world use case that puts the chip to the sword. Even high-end gaming barely causes the chip to break a sweat, its networking capabilities far exceed my carrier’s, and I don’t really have any use for all that on-device AI shenanigans.

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Forget thin phones, here’s the trend users really care about in 2025

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

While there are many things we don’t know about what the 12 months ahead will bring, there are certain phone trends that show signs of continuing into 2025. We outlined these in an article a little while ago and also asked you which of the trends you were most excited about. As it turns out, there was no contest.

As a quick recap, Android phones in 2025 are expected to focus on certain performance improvements. These include much better battery life driven by larger silicon batteries and efficient 3nm processors, alongside substantial performance gains from next-gen CPUs and GPUs. Enhanced in-display fingerprint sensors promise greater reliability, while water resistance ratings like IP68 and IP69 are becoming standard even in budget-conscious brands. Manufacturers may face rising costs, potentially resulting in price hikes or feature downgrades, and rumors suggest a renewed push for slimmer designs.

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

While there are many things we don’t know about what the 12 months ahead will bring, there are certain phone trends that show signs of continuing into 2025. We outlined these in an article a little while ago and also asked you which of the trends you were most excited about. As it turns out, there was no contest.

As a quick recap, Android phones in 2025 are expected to focus on certain performance improvements. These include much better battery life driven by larger silicon batteries and efficient 3nm processors, alongside substantial performance gains from next-gen CPUs and GPUs. Enhanced in-display fingerprint sensors promise greater reliability, while water resistance ratings like IP68 and IP69 are becoming standard even in budget-conscious brands. Manufacturers may face rising costs, potentially resulting in price hikes or feature downgrades, and rumors suggest a renewed push for slimmer designs.

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Odds of Samsung bringing the Galaxy S25 Slim to the US sound increasingly slim

• Samsung has long been rumored to be building a “Slim” version of the Galaxy S25.
• New claims suggest the S25 Slim may arrive similarly to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition.
• US carriers may not end up getting access to the S25 Slim, with Samsung selling it exclusively abroad.

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Samsung’s latest and greatest smartphones are right around the corner, with the Galaxy S25 lineup set to debut under one week from now, on January 22. Everyone’s got their own preferences when it comes to phones; maybe you’ve got your eye on a nice, basic S25, or perhaps the camera array on the S25 Ultra has piqued your interest? This year may see Samsung add an extra option to the mix, with the possible arrival of the phone we’ve been calling the Galaxy S25 Slim. But now a new report warns that our assumptions around Samsung’s plans for this model may be in need of serious revision.

Let’s take a quick detour into Samsung’s recent past, and consider the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition. This hardware represented a sleeker revision of the Z Fold 6, and for much of the time the phone was rumored, we’d been talking about it as the Z Fold 6 Slim. You may have even had your hopes up about taking home this model, and were disappointed when it didn’t get a global release.

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• Samsung has long been rumored to be building a “Slim” version of the Galaxy S25.
• New claims suggest the S25 Slim may arrive similarly to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition.
• US carriers may not end up getting access to the S25 Slim, with Samsung selling it exclusively abroad.

---

Samsung’s latest and greatest smartphones are right around the corner, with the Galaxy S25 lineup set to debut under one week from now, on January 22. Everyone’s got their own preferences when it comes to phones; maybe you’ve got your eye on a nice, basic S25, or perhaps the camera array on the S25 Ultra has piqued your interest? This year may see Samsung add an extra option to the mix, with the possible arrival of the phone we’ve been calling the Galaxy S25 Slim. But now a new report warns that our assumptions around Samsung’s plans for this model may be in need of serious revision.

Let’s take a quick detour into Samsung’s recent past, and consider the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition. This hardware represented a sleeker revision of the Z Fold 6, and for much of the time the phone was rumored, we’d been talking about it as the Z Fold 6 Slim. You may have even had your hopes up about taking home this model, and were disappointed when it didn’t get a global release.

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Samsung Galaxy S25 series rumors and leaks: Everything we know so far

Update: January 16, 2024 (4:10 PM ET): We’ve updated our Galaxy S25 series rumor hub with new information on pre-reservation perks, specs, features, accessories, and new renders.

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Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series launched in the middle of January 2024, arriving a little earlier in the year than the last couple of generations. Along with it, the company introduced Galaxy AI, a titanium frame, new camera tricks, and a number of other features. But now that the Galaxy S24 launch has come and gone, it is time to start thinking about the next iteration in the series. How will the Galaxy S25 series set itself apart from its predecessor? What new features will Samsung come up with for the next generation? Will 2025 finally be the year we see a major shift in the Galaxy S design philosophy? Here, we’ll break down everything we know so far about the Galaxy S25.

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Update: January 16, 2024 (4:10 PM ET): We’ve updated our Galaxy S25 series rumor hub with new information on pre-reservation perks, specs, features, accessories, and new renders.

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Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series launched in the middle of January 2024, arriving a little earlier in the year than the last couple of generations. Along with it, the company introduced Galaxy AI, a titanium frame, new camera tricks, and a number of other features. But now that the Galaxy S24 launch has come and gone, it is time to start thinking about the next iteration in the series. How will the Galaxy S25 series set itself apart from its predecessor? What new features will Samsung come up with for the next generation? Will 2025 finally be the year we see a major shift in the Galaxy S design philosophy? Here, we’ll break down everything we know so far about the Galaxy S25.

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You could be seeing a lot more of Nothing in the US next year

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

• A Bloomberg report reveals that Nothing is seeking to raise over $100 million in fresh funding.
• The report states that the company plans to make a bigger push into the US market in 2026.
• Nothing is also reportedly exploring new product categories, though details remain unclear at this stage.

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Nothing, the London-based tech startup known for its transparent-looking smartphones and bold design choices, has big plans for its future. According to a Bloomberg report, the company plans to ramp up its presence stateside in 2026, although the company’s 2025 plans are still focused on other markets.

Since its launch in 2021, Nothing has been a darling of tech enthusiasts, blending standout aesthetics with accessible pricing. Backed by Google’s venture arm and Tony Fadell, the creator of the iPod, the company is currently aiming to raise over $100 million in funding to expand operations.

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Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

• A Bloomberg report reveals that Nothing is seeking to raise over $100 million in fresh funding.
• The report states that the company plans to make a bigger push into the US market in 2026.
• Nothing is also reportedly exploring new product categories, though details remain unclear at this stage.

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Nothing, the London-based tech startup known for its transparent-looking smartphones and bold design choices, has big plans for its future. According to a Bloomberg report, the company plans to ramp up its presence stateside in 2026, although the company’s 2025 plans are still focused on other markets.

Since its launch in 2021, Nothing has been a darling of tech enthusiasts, blending standout aesthetics with accessible pricing. Backed by Google’s venture arm and Tony Fadell, the creator of the iPod, the company is currently aiming to raise over $100 million in funding to expand operations.

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Straight Talk rolls out updated prepaid plans with faster data speeds and better value

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Straight Talk has announced updates to its Unlimited Gold and Platinum plans.
• The updates include unlimited premium data, expanded hotspot allowances, and more.
• The new plans are available now online and will be in Walmart stores starting January 20.

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Straight Talk, the prepaid service provider running on Verizon‘s network, has introduced a significant update to its Unlimited Gold and Platinum plans, offering customers more value and convenience. These revamped options are now available on Straight Talk’s website and will roll out to Walmart stores on January 20.

The enhanced plans seem to be designed to meet the needs of today’s data-hungry users. Customers on both plans will now enjoy unlimited premium data on Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE networks, promising smooth streaming and browsing, even in high-traffic areas. 5G Ultra-Wideband access is also included, claiming to deliver speeds up to ten times faster than median 4G LTE.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Straight Talk has announced updates to its Unlimited Gold and Platinum plans.
• The updates include unlimited premium data, expanded hotspot allowances, and more.
• The new plans are available now online and will be in Walmart stores starting January 20.

---

Straight Talk, the prepaid service provider running on Verizon‘s network, has introduced a significant update to its Unlimited Gold and Platinum plans, offering customers more value and convenience. These revamped options are now available on Straight Talk’s website and will roll out to Walmart stores on January 20.

The enhanced plans seem to be designed to meet the needs of today’s data-hungry users. Customers on both plans will now enjoy unlimited premium data on Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE networks, promising smooth streaming and browsing, even in high-traffic areas. 5G Ultra-Wideband access is also included, claiming to deliver speeds up to ten times faster than median 4G LTE.

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Google Workspace plans now cost more thanks to AI features you may or may not want

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google is deprecating the Gemini for Workspace add-on and integrating all of its AI tools into the standard Workspace Business and Enterprise plans.
• As part of this move, the company is also increasing the price of all Workspace Business and Enterprise plans by around $2 per user per month.
• The price hike is effective immediately for new customers while existing subscribers will see changes starting in March.

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In a bid to bring its AI features to more users, Google is integrating all the tools offered as part of the Gemini for Workspace add-on into the standard Workspace Business and Enterprise plans. As part of this move, the company will offer its suite of AI tools in Gmail, Docs, Meet, Sheets, etc., to all Workspace subscribers at no additional cost. However, there’s a catch.

While Google will no longer charge an additional $20 per user per month for the Gemini AI features, it is increasing the price of all Workspace plans by around $2 per user per month. This new pricing goes into effect immediately for new customers, whereas existing customers will see changes starting March 17, 2025.

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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• Google is deprecating the Gemini for Workspace add-on and integrating all of its AI tools into the standard Workspace Business and Enterprise plans.
• As part of this move, the company is also increasing the price of all Workspace Business and Enterprise plans by around $2 per user per month.
• The price hike is effective immediately for new customers while existing subscribers will see changes starting in March.

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In a bid to bring its AI features to more users, Google is integrating all the tools offered as part of the Gemini for Workspace add-on into the standard Workspace Business and Enterprise plans. As part of this move, the company will offer its suite of AI tools in Gmail, Docs, Meet, Sheets, etc., to all Workspace subscribers at no additional cost. However, there’s a catch.

While Google will no longer charge an additional $20 per user per month for the Gemini AI features, it is increasing the price of all Workspace plans by around $2 per user per month. This new pricing goes into effect immediately for new customers, whereas existing customers will see changes starting March 17, 2025.

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