Occasionally, you come across a product that you thought was just a gimmick and turns out you were wrong. Our friends at Journey offered up its new NEXA laptop sleeve with wireless charging, and I thought sure I’ll take a look. Even with the promise of extended functionality, I thought it would be just another piece of canvas covering my device.
Well, that couldn’t have been further from the truth. With a few additional options, and great design, this is a carrying case worth the investment.
Modern design
The NEXA laptop sleeve has a sleek, modern design. The edges are rounded. The padding is plush. And the stitching is very high quality of crispness. This is not just some microfiber slapped together like much of the segment.
Our review unit is the black edition and looks very familiar to many accessories out there. The back is a more grayish color with woven fabric that reminds me of a Google Home speaker. The front is a soft touch faux leather and feels great.
But the overall fit and finish isn’t even the star of the show. This magnetic closure flap is where all the fun begins with the NEXA sleeve. Here you get not one, but two, wireless chargers. One is MagSafe compatible, but will work with any smartphone with Qi charging. The other is a smaller pad for your earbuds.
The travel workspace
Traveling recently with the NEXA sleeve from Journey has been fantastic. Not only do you get the charging pad, the outer vegan leather covering works great as a desk pad or mouse pad while you work. This allows for a smooth, but soft surface to lower fatigue while typing, or simply give your portable mouse a good place to roam.
So, you may be wondering how this whole setup is powered? The NEXA 4-in-1 laptop sleeve is powered by a single USB-C port found in the enclosure flap. The included USB-C to USB-C cable can be used with most common outlets for sure power, or you can use an open port on your laptop while on the go.
I’d loved to have seen this have an internal power pack of some sort, but to keep the slim design, engineering would have been difficult. I can report that a portable power bank like those found from Anker works great to power the charging pads on the NEXA.
Conclusion
The NEXA 4-in-1 laptop sleeve is most definitely an accessory I didn’t know I needed. Now, the device will never leave my laptop backpack. The combination of laptop protection, workspace pads, and dual wireless charging docks, this is a great travel companion for executives on the move.
The NEXA sleeve is available in two colors: black and dove gray. You can also purchase it for 13-inch to 16-inch laptop sizes. The retail cost is $110 at the link below, and I think the NEXA is more than worth it.
OnePlus has officially unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 12, in China, with the device set to go on sale starting December 11. The announcement comes hot on the heels of the company’s teaser of the phone’s design last week, showcasing a stunning white color variant and a new Flowy Emerald model.
Impressive Hardware and Storage Upgrades
The OnePlus 12 is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, marking a significant upgrade in performance. The device also boasts an impressive 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a whopping 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, making it the first OnePlus phone to offer such massive storage capacity. For those who don’t require as much memory and storage, the phone is also available in 12GB/256GB, 16GB/512GB, and 16GB/1TB variants.
Stunning Display and Battery Features
The OnePlus 12 sports a 6.82-inch QHD+ display with a dynamic refresh rate of up to 120Hz. What sets this display apart is its ability to reach up to 1600 nits in daily use and an incredible 4500 nits in HDR content, surpassing the capabilities of other flagship smartphones. Additionally, the device is equipped with a large 5400mAh battery and supports 100W wired charging, as well as 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Camera Capabilities
In terms of connectivity, the OnePlus 12 features Wi-Fi 7, global 5G bands, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, AptX HD codecs, and LHDC. The Chinese model also boasts IP65 dust and water resistance, a notable improvement from previous models.
The device comes with OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14 out of the box and is promised to receive four OS updates. The standout feature of the phone is its camera setup, which includes a 50MP f/1.6 Sony LYTIA LYT808 module, a 64MP OmniVision OV64B zoom lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 48MP wide-angle lens.
Global Launch and Availability
While the OnePlus 12 is currently available in China, the global launch is scheduled for “early 2024.” Although the exact date has not been confirmed by OnePlus, a previous leak suggested that the global launch could take place on January 24, 2024.
With its impressive hardware, storage upgrades, stunning display, and advanced camera capabilities, the OnePlus 12 is poised to be a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the OnePlus 11. Tech enthusiasts and smartphone users can look forward to experiencing the device’s cutting-edge features and performance in the near future.
As the festive season fully hits its stride, a wave of vibrant lights and decorations begins to brighten homes and neighborhoods. Leading the charge in innovative and eye-catching lighting solutions is Govee, a brand renowned for its extensive range of LED lighting products.
We’ve had the chance to check out quite a few Govee lighting solutions over the last year, each with a slightly different use case. While most readers might associate the brand as being great for sprucing up a bedroom or living space, it might surprise some to learn that Govee has outdoor product as well.
If you’re still looking to decorate your yard (it’s never too late!) or add plenty of color to your home and office, you may be interested in what Govee’s got to offer.
For those eyeing the spectacular range of Govee lighting products, there’s an enticing option available on Amazon. Govee offers a handful of products as a collection, presenting a cost-effective alternative compared to purchasing each item individually. This bundled approach not only saves money but also provides a harmonious set of lighting solutions, ensuring consistency in quality and style across your decorations.
Here’s a closer look at some of their standout offerings for the holiday season. Note that each is offered through Govee and Amazon, but if you’re looking to grab a few of them, I suggest checking out the full Christmas Lights Set Plus.
Govee Christmas String Lights
With the Govee Uni-IC Control technology, users can choose from 16 million colors for each LED bead. These lights are IP65-rated for water resistance and can withstand cold temperatures, making them durable for outdoor use. They also come with over 99 dynamic scene modes and a built-in microphone to synchronize with music.
These lights are ideal for adding a festive touch to various settings, be it holiday decorations, romantic setups, or themed parties. Perfect for those looking to personalize their holiday decor with a multitude of color options and effects. Comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Govee RGBIC LED Permanent Outdoor Lights
These lights boast festive RGBIC lighting effects, inspired by nature and holidays. They are highly durable (IP67 grade) and can withstand extreme weather conditions. The unique triangular lighting effect is eye-catching, and they offer easy installation and multiple control options, including voice assistants and the Govee Home App.
Designed for permanent outdoor installation, these lights are perfect for eaves, fences, and corridors, providing year-round decorative lighting. Suited for homeowners seeking a long-lasting and versatile outdoor lighting solution. A three-year limited warranty is provided.
Govee RGBIC Warm White Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Smart Outdoor String Lights
These string lights are designed to enhance the ambiance of outdoor spaces like gardens, patios, and backyards, perfect for gatherings and special moments.
They offer smart app and voice control via Alexa/Google, music sync mode, a timer and schedule feature, 40 vibrant scene modes, and are both waterproof and shatterproof. Ideal for those who love to host outdoor events and desire a customizable, smart lighting experience. Comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Govee Curtain Lights
The curtain lights include 520 teardrop-shaped light beads for a high pixel density and vibrant display. They offer DIY Mode for creative customizations, multiple installation options, various light effects for different occasions, and hands-free voice control. They are also IP65/IP44 waterproof.
These lights are designed for creating personalized DIY light shows, adding a special touch to any evening. Best suited for those who enjoy crafting unique lighting setups and shows, especially for indoor events or decorations. A one-year limited warranty is available.
Govee Outdoor Light Show Box
Adding to the array of Govee’s impressive holiday lighting solutions is the Govee Outdoor Light Show Box, a device that takes outdoor lighting to a new level of interactivity and fun. This device is perfect for party enthusiasts and homeowners who want to add a dynamic, musical element to their outdoor lighting. It’s designed to control and synchronize up to 10 lighting devices to music, making it ideal for lively outdoor parties and gatherings.
It can synchronize Govee indoor and outdoor color lights with 22 music modes and 18 scene modes, providing a wide range of lighting effects to match any mood or event. Users can connect up to 10 Govee lights via Bluetooth within a 100ft range using the Govee Home App, allowing for centralized control of a large lighting setup.
Get Started Today
Govee’s lighting collection transcends the boundaries of seasonal festivities. That is to say they’re not just for Christmas; again, it’s never too late! Their versatility and range of customizable options make them suitable for year-round use.
Whether it’s adding a cozy ambiance to summer patio gatherings, illuminating spooky Halloween décor, or creating a romantic atmosphere for special evenings, these lights adapt to every occasion. Their durability and ease of control, coupled with a variety of lighting effects and colors, ensure that they remain a staple in your home’s aesthetic, no matter the season.
Govee’s range of lighting products, from the adaptable Christmas String Lights to the durable and permanent outdoor RGBIC lights, the versatile outdoor string lights, and the creatively engaging Curtain Lights, cater to a wide array of preferences and needs. Each product offers unique features that allow users to elevate their holiday decorations and create memorable experiences.
If you’re ready to go all-in on some next-level lighting in your front yard, you may want to consider bundling these together. If the full Christmas Lights Plus Set is out of your budget, perhaps you’d like the standard Christmas Lights Set.
Welcome to the season of giving, and what better way to celebrate than with Anker’s spectacular “Season of Savings” holiday promotion! As the festive spirit fills the air, Anker is unwrapping a series of irresistible deals, each day bringing a new surprise from December 4th to 25th. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a gadget guru, or simply looking for the perfect gift, this event is your one-stop shop for some of the most innovative and high-quality tech products on the market.
From exclusive bundles to flash sales, Anker’s holiday promotion promises up to 50% off on a wide array of items. Each day unveils a unique offer, making every visit a fresh adventure.
We’ve curated a selection of Anker’s current offerings, complete with their exclusive discounts and pricing. For each product, you’ll find a concise description, highlighting its key features and suggesting who might find it most beneficial. Let’s dive into what Anker has in store for you.
The Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K) is the ultimate charging companion for the tech-savvy individual always on the go. With a massive 24,000mAh battery capacity, this power bank can charge an average smartphone around five times, ensuring your devices stay powered throughout the day. It features a 140W two-way fast charging, allowing you to quickly recharge the power bank itself or deliver an ultra-powerful charge to your devices. Designed with a smart digital display for easy monitoring and boasting a compact, space-saving form, it’s perfect for travel, work, or adventure.
Target User: Ideal for tech enthusiasts, frequent travelers, and anyone who relies heavily on their devices for work or entertainment and needs a reliable, high-capacity portable power source.
The Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo) is a sleek and innovative solution for iPhone users seeking a convenient way to keep their devices charged on the go. This magnetic battery features a built-in foldable kickstand, allowing for comfortable viewing angles while charging. It’s designed with Anker’s MiniCell technology, making it slim and compact without sacrificing power. The magnetic attachment ensures a secure and efficient charge, making it ideal for those busy days when you’re constantly on the move.
Target User: This magnetic battery is perfect for iPhone 14, 13, and 12 users who value convenience, style, and functionality. It’s especially suited for people who are frequently using their phones for navigation, media consumption, or communication and need a portable, hassle-free charging solution.
Elevate your charging experience with the Anker 310 USB-C to Lightning Cable. This high-speed compatible cable is engineered to charge an iPhone 14 Pro to 50% in just 30 minutes when used with a compatible Power Delivery charger. Built to endure, it has been rigorously tested to withstand up to 10,000 bends, ensuring reliability and longevity. MFi-certified, this cable guarantees flawless compatibility with any Lightning device, offering a safe and efficient charging solution. Available in a ten-foot length, it provides the flexibility and convenience needed for charging in various scenarios.
Target User: The Anker 310 cable is an ideal accessory for Apple users seeking a fast, durable, and reliable charging solution. Perfect for those who frequently use their devices and need a quick power boost, this cable is suitable for iPhone and iPad users, as well as AirPods owners.
The Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K) is a powerhouse for those who need their devices up and running throughout the day. It boasts an impressive 24,000mAh capacity, capable of charging an average phone almost five times. This power bank is not only about capacity; it also offers 140W two-way fast charging, allowing for quick recharging of the power bank itself and your devices. The smart digital display adds a touch of convenience by showing the output, input power, and estimated recharge time. Its compact design ensures it fits perfectly in your bag or pocket, making it an ideal travel companion.
Target User: This product is perfect for tech enthusiasts, professionals, and anyone with a mobile lifestyle who requires their devices to be constantly powered. It’s particularly beneficial for those who travel frequently or for users who heavily depend on multiple devices throughout the day.
The freedom Android users enjoy is now seriously under threat. That was Google CEO’s warning to millions of Android users worldwide.
In a latest report by GB News, the CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai warned of the dangers of downloading apps outside of the Play Store. He said it presents significant threat when apps are downloaded from third party platforms.
Significant security concerns
During the court case between Google and Epic Games, Pichai said his team wouldn’t want Android users to completely compromise their phones. Further, he added that the blockbuster hit Fortnite can install malware on their phones. “It can compromise your safety, very significantly,” he added.
Android downloads – striking a balance
“Apple’s iPhone only allows the App Store, but we believe in choice,” Pichai continues, explaining that Google is only trying to strike a balance. Android allows users to sideload and install additional apps, something Apple doesn’t allow.
However, he said Google will continue to add the protections so users can still be safe. It’s as if they’re making use of their cars’ seatbelts for utmost safety.
The lawsuits between Google and Epic Games isn’t new. It goes back to 2020 when Epic Games sued Google over the 30 percent commission it took from digital goods sold in the Play Store. EG also calls Google’s digital storefront business solution and unlawful monopoly.
Epic Games allows users to download apps from anywhere. That’s dangerous, Google claims, and added that allowing that would hamper its ability to compete with iOS. Also, it would be unable to run a competitive revenue from Play Store if it didn’t collect 30 percent cut from app sales and other in-app purchases.
A similar case in 2021 between Apple and Epic Games over the collection of percentages on app sales by Apple led to Epic Games ban from the App Store. In this case, it seems Google will be allowed to keep the protections in place to stop Android users from installing apps from just any source.
Withings, a leader in connected health devices and the inventor of the first hybrid smartwatch, has just announced its latest innovation: ScanWatch Nova. This new iteration offers a powerful health scan in a splendid luxury diver-style watch with crucial health benefits to track health metrics and activity, including on-demand electrocardiogram, SpO2, body temperature 24/7, advanced activity tracking, and in-depth sleep analysis.
Advanced Health-Tracking Capabilities
ScanWatch Nova provides advanced health-tracking capabilities and is packed full of technology to make continuous measurements autonomous and effortless with an extraordinary 30-day battery. The splendid timepiece imperceptibly embeds a powerful health scan, with all the cutting-edge innovations to enhance your health, wrapped in a stylish aesthetic inspired by the timeless tradition of diver-style watchmaking.
Key Features of ScanWatch Nova
On-Demand Medical-Grade Electrocardiogram: ScanWatch Nova performs an on-demand medical-grade electrocardiogram to detect potential heart anomalies at any time, such as atrial fibrillation, which is one of the most prevalent forms of arrhythmias characterized by irregular heart rhythms.
May Indicate the Onset of an Illness: ScanWatch Nova provides baseline fluctuations of day and night body temperature, which may indicate the onset of an illness or other health condition, as well as boosts the ability to manage performance and recovery through workout temperature variation zones.
Assess Part of the Respiratory System: With ScanWatch Nova, gain peace of mind with on-demand blood oxygen (SpO2), plus track overnight breathing disturbances as well as average blood oxygen during sleep.
Help Achieve More Restful Sleep: Track sleep quality and receive advice for improvement. Users can wake to their Sleep Quality Score and deep dive into their sleep metrics with info on how to improve them.
Boost Your Activity with Seamless Tracking: ScanWatch Nova can track parameters such as steps, calories, elevation, workout routes, and can automatically recognize more than 40 daily activities such as walking, running, swimming, and cycling.
via Withings
Luxurious Diver Watch Aesthetics
This jewel of innovation has been crafted with excellence and an extreme attention to details. It includes a ceramic and stainless-steel rotating bezel with laser-engraved markings that incorporate the standard codes of diving practice and full Luminova hollow watch hands, indicators, and thick raised indices that allow it to be used in low light.
Phenomenal Battery Life
ScanWatch Nova boasts the iconic Withings 30-day battery life that enables users to rely on it for continuous health tracking without frequent recharging. It comes with a USB-C cable, allowing fast and full recharge in under 2 hours to allow a continuous day-and-night health, activity, and sleep tracking.
Leading-Edge Technology
Utilizing MultiWave PPG sensors and HealthSenseTM – Withings’ proprietary operating system, ScanWatch Nova can track advanced cardiovascular vitals, including heart rate, heart rate variability, and ECG. It is also able to measure SpO2, breathing disturbances, and track sleep patterns.
Intuitive Withings App
Seamlessly connect your ScanWatch Nova to the Withings app, offering an elegant and user-friendly interface. The app allows users to customize the screen and information they can see on the watch display, receive personalized insights, trends, and recommendations to optimize their health journey.
Availability
Watch lovers can order ScanWatch Nova online on Withings.com starting December 5th, 2023, priced at $599.95, then from February 1st, 2024 at our retail partners. The watch comes with an oyster bracelet that tapers from 20 mm to 18 mm for a secure, comfortable fit. It is available in blue, green, and black.
Master & Dynamic launched its latest product, the MW09, a few weeks ago, bringing about its third generation of wireless earbuds. As we might expect from the premium brand, its new model represent a harmonious blend of aesthetic appeal and acoustic performance.
These earbuds, like everything in the brand’s portfolio, are not just about delivering high-quality sound; they’re an emblem of luxury in the personal audio space. They’re equal parts boutique and elegance with an audio experience to match.
Having spent a few weeks with these as my main earbuds, I’m happy to offer up my impressions of the new earbuds.
Setup and Features
The initial setup is impressively user-friendly, catering to a broad spectrum of users. These earbuds offer a suite of features that enhance the listening experience, and it gets even better if you use the mobile app. Speaking of which, I love seeing the steady improvements there as things are starting to meet expectations.
Active noise cancellation effectively drowns out external noise, allowing for an immersive audio experience, while the ambient sound mode keeps you connected to your surroundings when needed. The touch controls are responsive and intuitive, offering a seamless interface to control your audio without reaching for your device.
Design and Comfort
Master & Dynamic offers the MW09 ($350) earbuds in a variety of chic styles. You can choose from classic black, gold, or silver, each paired with a sleek aluminum case. For those who fancy a bit more flair, there are also the eye-catching blue, green, or gunmetal options, each accompanied by a durable Kevlar case for an additional $50.
The earbuds maintain the iconic “D” shape and practical tactile controls of their predecessors, the MW08 and MW08 Sport. This design incorporates small, easy-to-use buttons located along the top edge of each earpiece.
When you receive your MW09s, you’ll find a generous selection of eartips to ensure a perfect fit: five pairs of silicone tips in sizes from XS to XL, and two pairs of foam tips in small and large.
The physical controls on the MW09 might feel a touch traditional compared to the capacitive touch buttons found on many of today’s earphones, but they’re straightforward and user-friendly. In fact, I prefer it, especially in the early days of using them because it’s much easier to know you’ve got your finger in the right place.
A rocker button on the left earpiece adjusts the volume, while a multifunction button on the right manages playback and voice assistant access. The volume rocker also controls the ambient and ANC modes, though the process can feel a bit slow and less intuitive than other models. One notable point is that the control layout is fixed, as there’s currently no option to customize it through an app. Perhaps the next update will see that included.
The earbuds feature a sleek, modern design, available in various finishes to suit individual tastes. They don’t just look good; they feel good too.
To be clear, they don’t feel quite as light or comfortable in the ear as the last generation, but that’s only by comparison. On their own, these present no issues but when you compare it to the MW08 you might discern it over long sessions. And this is more about them getting it right last time. To me it’s a “don’t fix what isn’t broken” and the tiny changes are perceptible.
Performance and Sound
Whether for podcasts, classical music, or contemporary beats, the MW09 adapts to deliver a top-tier audio experience. You’d expect for the money that the audio to be among the best in the space and it is.
The performance of the MW09 is where these earbuds truly shine. Master & Dynamic have fine-tuned the audio output to produce a sound that is both rich and precise. The highs are crisp without being piercing, and the lows are deep and satisfying without overpowering the mid-range. The active noise cancellation complements the audio quality by providing a focused listening environment.
The MW09 supports a comprehensive range of codecs, including AAC, AptX Adaptive, AptX Lossless, LC3, and SBC, showcasing its commitment to future-proof technology. It’s worth noting, though, that while the earbuds support the cutting-edge AptX Lossless codec, this feature isn’t yet widely available on many popular smartphones. The earbuds offer multipoint connectivity for pairing with up to two devices.
Diving into the technical prowess of the MW09, these earbuds are powered by 11mm beryllium drivers, delivering a sound range from 20Hz to 20kHz. They’re equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.4 compatibility and leverage Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound platform. A standout feature is the support for Auracast, an innovative Bluetooth audio-sharing feature that broadens your listening possibilities, from syncing with public TVs in airports to enjoying personalized audio in theaters.
Elegant in any color (via Master & Dynamic)
Battery and Charging
Offering up to 16 hours of playtime and an impressive 32 hours with the charging case, these earbuds are designed for all-week use. The inclusion of fast charging means that even a short charging session can provide hours of listening, a convenient feature for busy users. Users can expect to go from zero to 50% in about 20 minutes with the rest of it taking about 40 additional minutes. Wireless charging is also present with it taking about 2.5 hours or so.
Value and Warranty
The MW09’s premium pricing reflects its high-end status. While they may be a significant investment, the combination of exceptional sound quality, robust build, and elegant design makes it a worthwhile purchase for those who value audio excellence. The warranty and customer support from Master & Dynamic add an extra layer of confidence in the purchase, ensuring that the earbuds are not only a luxurious choice but also a reliable one.
It’s hard to talk about price in a vacuum, but value is a different thing. Are they pricey? Sure. Are they more expensive than what most people want to spend? Yep, Are they more earbud than what a typical person needs? Again, yes.
On the other hand, when it comes to being worth the money, it’s also a yes. Even at $350 I get it. Rewind 6-8 years and you couldn’t convince me to spend that on an accessory. I can tell you though, that with proper care, these will far outlast the earbuds that come in half the price. And they sound a hell of a lot better. And they look great, too.
Conclusion
The Master & Dynamic MW09 earbuds are a triumphant combination of aesthetics, comfort, and sound quality. They look as stylish, feel as comfortable, and sound as incredible as you would expect from a high-caliber brand.
The companion app, improving with each generation, adds to the overall user experience, making these earbuds not just a purchase but an investment in quality audio. The extensive range of audio codecs they support is impressive, ensuring top-notch sound across various devices.
All these features come together to reinforce why Master & Dynamic remains my favorite audio brand – they consistently deliver products that are well worth the investment, and the MW09 earbuds are no exception to this legacy of excellence.
In a major milestone for the mobile industry, Google Messages has announced that there are now over one billion monthly active users with RCS enabled. This modern texting standard has replaced outdated SMS and MMS protocols, offering users a more modern and secure messaging experience. With features such as typing indicators, read receipts, threaded replies, high-quality media sharing, improved group chats, and better privacy with end-to-end encryption, RCS has proven to be a much better messaging protocol.
To celebrate this achievement, Google Messages is introducing seven new ways for users to express themselves when communicating with other Android users. These fun and innovative features are designed to enhance the messaging experience and add a touch of creativity to conversations.
Photomoji: Transform Your Photos into Reactions
Photomoji allows users to transform their favorite photos into reactions with the help of on-device Google AI. Whether it’s a snap of you or your four-legged best friend, simply select the photo, choose the object you’d like to turn into a Photomoji, and hit send. Your creations will be saved in a special tab for reuse, and friends in group chats can also use your sent Photomoji.
Profiles let users personalize their profile name and picture (Google)
Voice Moods, plus Improved Audio Quality
Voice Moods bring life into voice messaging with nine different emotions to choose from. Users can now sprinkle heart-eye emoji, fume with fireballs, or break out the party popper, allowing recipients to hear their words along with a visual effect that expresses how they’re feeling at that moment. Additionally, the overall audio quality of voice messages has been improved based on user feedback.
Screen Effects: Bring Your Messages to Life
With Screen Effects, messages come alive with vibrant animations that transform words into dazzling visual displays. By typing specific messages like “it’s snowing” or “I love you,” users can watch their screens erupt in a symphony of colors and motion.
Custom Bubbles: Personalize Your Conversations
New Custom Bubbles allow users to customize the bubble color and backgrounds of their conversations, making it easier to differentiate between chats and avoid accidental messages to the wrong group.
Reaction Effects: Add Life to Your Conversations
Reaction Effects inject more life into conversations by adding animated visual effects to emoji reactions, adding a dynamic twist to chats and embracing the power of expression.
Animated Emoji: Infuse Your Messages with Visual Effects
Animated Emoji take expressions a step further by infusing each message with a captivating burst of visual effects, adding a playful touch to conversations.
Profiles: Personalize Your Profile Name and Picture
With Profiles, users have the power to personalize their profile name and picture that accompanies their phone number, allowing for self-expression and making it easier to identify participants in group chats.
These new features are rolling out to beta starting today, and users can download Google Messages from the Google Play Store to start enjoying them. Availability of features may vary by market and device, and users may be required to sign up for beta testing and have a data plan.
Android users have something to celebrate with the latest updates and features that are set to make their devices more expressive, helpful, secure, and accessible. From new Emoji Kitchen sticker combinations to enhanced voice messaging and smart home controls, there’s a lot to look forward to. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new on Android.
Express Yourself with Emoji Kitchen Sticker Combinations
Get ready to remix your favorite emojis and share them with friends as stickers via Gboard. With new Emoji Kitchen sticker combinations, you can express yourself in unique and playful ways, whether you’re snapping a photo or cooking dinner for friends.
Voice Moods in Google Messages
Voice Moods in Google Messages (beta) adds a fun and interactive element to your voice messages. With unique backgrounds and moving emoji themes, you can better express how you’re feeling in the moment, whether you’re surprised, laughing, or feeling loved.
Elevate Your Reactions in Google Messages
When a simple thumbs up just won’t do, Reaction Effects in Google Messages (beta) sparks a full-screen animated emoji for all to see. Light up your conversations and show your friends how excited, surprised, or confused you really are.
More Choices and Controls for Home Entertainment
Access the shows you love and discover new favorites with over 10 new free channels now available from Google TV. Explore movies, sports, game shows, and over 100 other free channels without juggling additional subscriptions.
Control Smart Home Devices from Your Smartwatch
With more controls for compatible devices, you can now turn on and dock compatible smart appliances like vacuums and mops from your Wear OS smartwatch. You can also set the mood in an instant by controlling light groups for dinner, focus time, and everything in between.
Assistant Routines on Wear OS
Start Assistant Routines right from your Wear OS smartwatch with a voice command to get more done on the go. Whether you’re commuting to work or getting ready for bed, Assistant Routines can help you navigate your day with ease.
Seamless Security and Accessibility Features
Set a custom PIN on your FIDO2 security keys for websites or apps that request user verification, allowing you to log in without a cumbersome password. This added layer of security ensures that your information remains protected even if your physical key is lost or stolen.
Assistant At a Glance on Your Watch Face
Get important information like weather alerts, travel updates, and event reminders right on your wrist with the new Assistant At a Glance shortcut on your watch face. Stay informed and in control wherever your Wear OS smartwatch takes you.
Enhanced Accessibility for Calls and Media
TalkBack now uses AI to create descriptions and read aloud images that don’t have accurate text descriptions, making it easier for people who are blind and low-vision to understand the content of photos, images from apps, and picture messages.
Live Captions for Calls and Media
More languages will soon be available in Live Caption, and users will have the ability to reply during phone calls by texting a response that’s read aloud. This feature makes phone calls and on-device media more accessible for everyone.
With these new features and updates, Android users can look forward to a more personalized and expressive experience on their devices. Whether it’s sharing emoji stickers, controlling smart home devices, or enhancing security and accessibility, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Keep an eye out for these exciting updates coming to your Android phones and tablets, Wear OS smartwatches, and Google TV devices.
2022’s best Android flagship smartphone Samsung Galaxy S22 series finally getting a new UI update. After rolling out in Asia and Europe continentals now Samsung has started rolling out its latest One UI 6 stable updates for Galaxy S22 series devices in the US. Samsung’s last year’s flagship Galaxy S22 series still edges out lots of smartphones launched in 2023 in terms of camera department, battery, and overall performance.
Samsung’s latest One UI 6 based on Android 14 will give the S22 series devices a new fresh look, interesting features, and lots of customizations. According to reports, T-Mobile has already started rolling out the One UI 6 updates to the Galaxy S22 series while AT&T and Verizon haven’t begun but we can expect both will follow suit soon.
One UI 6 brings lots of improvements over the One UI in terms of visual changes, a new notification panel layout, changes quick settings panel, tons of lock screen customizations, and new added features including a new auto blocker setting to secure from malware attacks and improve phone’s security and a new studio video editor app to make your video editing experience easy and quick.
Samsung will gradually roll out the update for US users. If you have any of the Galaxy S22 series devices, you can check for the latest One UI 6 updates on your smartphone at Settings > Software Update > Check for software updates. If the update is available it will show you ready to download, after downloading install it and enjoy the new UI on your smartphone.
