Blog

OnePlus 13R Price Falls to $500 for Prime Day Offer

Amazon has slashed $100 off the OnePlus 13R.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

I predicted it a few weeks back, and now it’s true — the OnePlus 13R is available with a $100 discount this Prime Day. There are numerous reasons to choose this budget champ over the Pixel 9a or Galaxy S24 FE. With a deal this good, it’d be foolish to pass it up.

The OnePlus 13R excels in every aspect. Looking for a breathtaking AMOLED display that dazzles? The 6.78-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED delivers precisely that. If performance is key for you when selecting a new device, prepare to be amazed, as the 13R’s powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers flagship-quality performance. And let’s not even discuss the battery life and charging capabilities, as even the S25 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL would turn red with envy.

No matter how you assess it, the OnePlus 13R is a remarkable purchase at <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=169923&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FOnePlus-Smartphone-Snapdragon-SUPERVOOC-Hasselblad%2Fdp%2FB0DP96J3KT%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dac-us-1164453423949990980-20" data-url="https://www.amazon.com/OnePlus-Smartphone-Snapdragon-SUPERVOOC-Hasselblad/dp/B0DP96J3KT/" target="_blank" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" rel="sponsored noopener" data-hl-processed="hawklinks" data-placeholder-url="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=169923&GR_URL=https%3A%

Read More
“Discover Black Sabbath’s ‘Back to the Beginning’ on a Bose Soundbar Available Now at Its Lowest Price”

You won’t want to overlook the Bose Smart Ultra soundbar priced at $699.

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

Soundbars are typically not my preference, but the Bose Smart Ultra is in a league of its own. This Dolby Atmos soundbar produces remarkable audio, utilizing AI to enhance dialogue clarity. It occupies minimal space, yet delivers vibrant sound with outstanding energy, and it performs excellently with both movies and music — streaming Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning concert was a fantastic experience.

The Smart Ultra generally sells for $999, but during Prime Day it has dropped to $699, presenting a remarkable offer. This soundbar is among the top Dolby Atmos-enabled options available right now, and if you’re considering upgrading your audio setup, this is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss.

<div data-editorial-currency="USD" data-editorial-price="699" data-editorial-was-price="999" data-image="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GN5XBZijfxmG2qrrN2isUV-200-100.jpg" data-link="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=169923&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FBose-Sound

Read More
Pixel 9 Pro XL Priced at $749 for Prime Day Markdown

This is the phone refresh you require.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

The Pixel 9 Pro XL remains one of my top picks; Google excelled in its design, and the software surpasses that of any other phone available. Google genuinely provides AI-enhanced capabilities you actually want to utilize, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts the most vibrant OLED display of any device I’ve evaluated, along with an impressive camera suite.

Thanks to Prime Day, it also represents excellent value. The Pixel 9 Pro XL typically retails for $1,099, but at this moment, it’s available for just $749 — a savings of $350. In fact, the Pixel 9 Pro XL costs the same as its more compact counterpart, the Pixel 9 Pro. As much as I appreciate the smaller model, I am definitely opting for the Pro XL given the option. If you are using an older smartphone and considering an upgrade, now is the ideal time to make that move.

<div data-editorial-currency="USD" data-editorial-price="749" data-editorial-was-price="1099" data-image="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nGVaPVAcFbN6DZNPaeRykh-200-100.jpg" data-link="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=169923&GR_URL=https%3A%2

Read More
Comparison between Google Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S25: An Essential Point for Google’s Mobile Strategy

The Galaxy S25 is a robust flagship model, but the anticipated enhancements to the Pixel 10 could prove to be a more appealing option.

The launch of the Google Pixel 10 seems imminent, and there’s a sense of excitement surrounding this device, primarily due to its new processor. The Tensor G5 is expected to significantly outperform earlier versions, allowing it to compete effectively with the best from Qualcomm. When you factor in a rumored telephoto camera and potentially more sophisticated display dimming technology, the Pixel 10 may be worth the wait.

Pros:
– Should maintain the same price point as the Pixel 9
– Tensor G5 SoC is anticipated to be much more competitive
– Larger battery with faster charging (rumored)
– Enhanced PWM dimming for the display (fingers crossed)
– Expected telephoto camera
– Will come equipped with Android 16, featuring exclusive AI functionalities

Cons:
– Those seeking a redesigned look may be let down
– Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor may not work well with some screen protectors

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is among the rare compact flagship models available, and it comes in at a lower price than the Pixel 10. It delivers impressive performance, solid software with valuable AI features, a comparable software update commitment to a Pixel, and a classic design. Areas where Samsung could have made improvements include battery capacity, charging speeds, and the cameras, which are still several generations behind.

Pros:
– Compact form factor with narrow bezels
– Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor paired with 12GB RAM
– New and enhanced Galaxy AI features
– One UI update is engaging, enjoyable, and genuinely excellent
– Polished design featuring Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back

Cons:
– Relatively small 4,000mAh battery
– Slow 25W wired charging capabilities
– Identical camera setup as Galaxy S22

Google truly excelled with the Pixel 9 series in 2024. While the new design might not appeal to everyone, we find it stunning, and we’re pleased the forthcoming Pixel 10 will carry it forward. Expected to debut in mid-August, the Google Pixel 10 is likely to be priced the same as the Pixel 9 but will feature significant improvements that many have been eagerly anticipating. It might very well emerge as the top compact flagship of 2025. Thus, the Galaxy S25 stands as its main competitor.

Simultaneously, Samsung’s lower-tier flagship model is frequently overlooked, as trade-offs regarding battery size and charging speeds dissuade many buyers. It hasn’t undergone a substantial camera upgrade in years, allowing newer models to surpass it with ease. Choosing between the Google Pixel 10 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 will present a challenge, particularly since their price tags will likely align closely.

The Pixel 10 isn’t official at the moment of publication, so we must depend on leaks and speculation for now. Based on our predictions, the Pixel 10 has the capability of eclipsing the Galaxy S25 as the compact flagship leader. Here’s how the specifications of both devices stack up against each other.

Google Pixel 10 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25: Design and display

The Google Pixel 10 is anticipated to appear almost identical to the Pixel 9, which is completely acceptable in our view. We recently saw a significant design revamp last year, so this isn’t shocking. The expected dimensions for the Pixel 10 (and by extension, the 10 Pro) are 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.6mm. Aside from being 0.1mm thicker, all other measurements are identical to those of the 9. Evidence from some early cases indicates that the Pixel 10 will feature a slightly larger camera bar, rendering Pixel 9 cases incompatible.

This change would result in the Pixel 10 being slightly thicker and having a larger footprint than the Galaxy S25. We genuinely hope Google manages to make the 10 lighter, as the Pixel 9 weighed almost 200g, significantly heavier than the 162g Galaxy S25. We should also anticipate some new color options for the 10, along with an IP68 dust and water resistance rating. An IP69 rating would be preferable, placing it ahead of the S25. Build quality is expected to be exceptional, featuring an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (or better) on both the front and back.

Displays on Pixels have traditionally been a weak point. Even though the Pixel 9 raised the peak brightness of its panels to 2,700 nits, it still utilizes a 240Hz PWM dimming frequency, which can be problematic for those sensitive to flicker. We hope to see improvements in this area with the Pixel 10, as Google informed Android Central in April 2025 that they “are aware and investigating this.”

The Samsung Galaxy S25 won’t impress you with its

Read More
Galaxy S26 Ultra Leak Uncovers Major Camera Upgrade for Macro Photography

**New Leak on Galaxy S26 Ultra Indicates a 12MP Upgrade for the 3x Zoom Camera**

Excitement for Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series is on the rise as leaks emerge, providing clues about the possible features of the forthcoming devices. A recent revelation points out that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will experience a significant boost in its 3x zoom camera, lifting its resolution from 10MP to 12MP. This enhancement is projected to yield crisper and more detailed zoom images, enriching the photography experience for users.

Alongside the camera upgrades, there are speculations that Samsung might finally exceed its traditional 45W charging limit, potentially bringing faster charging features. This update would bring the S26 Ultra in line with other fast-charging rivals in the industry.

The design of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is also rumored to receive a makeover, with expectations that the device will slim down to the 7.xmm range, a decrease from the S25 Ultra’s 8.2mm thickness. Despite the more streamlined design, the phone is expected to maintain its 5,000mAh battery, striking a balance between style and battery longevity.

Further information suggests that the S26 Ultra may include an upgrade to the front camera, although detailed specifics are yet to be revealed. Furthermore, the anticipated 200MP main camera is likely to feature a new lens and an enhanced laser autofocus sensor, ensuring quicker and more dependable focusing.

As the launch date nears, these leaks create an optimistic outlook for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, indicating improvements in both design and performance that could attract a diverse array of smartphone users.

Read More
macOS Tahoe 26 Developer Beta 3 Launched for Apple Silicon Macs Following a Delay

### Apple Unveils macOS Tahoe 26 Developer Beta 3 Following Distribution Complication

Earlier today, Apple introduced a new collection of developer betas, highlighting the much-awaited macOS Tahoe 26 developer beta 3. Nevertheless, a distribution complication initially impacted the Apple Silicon iteration of this update. Thankfully, the complication has been rectified, and the update is now accessible for all compatible Macs.

#### What Occurred?

User reports on X revealed that the snag involved Rosetta 26 beta 3, an essential element for executing Intel applications on Apple Silicon devices. While Apple did not officially validate the details of the complication, it seems that whatever the issue was has now been resolved. Consequently, macOS Tahoe 26 beta 3 can now be installed on all compatible Macs, including those with M1, M2, and M3 chips.

#### How to Set Up macOS Tahoe 26 Developer Beta 3

To set up the macOS Tahoe 26 developer beta 3, adhere to these steps:

1.

Read More
Pixel Phones Encounter Lock Screen Problems After Android 16 Update

Numerous users have observed that their lock screen has been experiencing delays and sluggishness since the Android 16 update.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Important information to consider

  • Pixel device owners are facing issues with lock screens that fail to wake or react following the Android 16 update.
  • Strange bugs include irregular screen brightness, an unreliable fingerprint scanner, and crashes immediately after unlocking.
  • These issues have persisted for several weeks, and while Google is now informed, there is no resolution available yet.

If your Pixel’s lock screen feels unexpectedly different, you’re likely not the only one, and the Android 16 update could be responsible for this unusual behavior.

The rollout of Android 16 officially began last month, with Google’s Pixel phones being the first to receive the update. However, various user reports on Google forums and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1lax6w6/major_lock_screen_issues_with_pixel_9

Read More
macOS Tahoe: Examining the Downturn of FireWire Technology

### The Reduction of FireWire Support in macOS Tahoe 26

FireWire, formerly a key interface for connecting devices to computers, has experienced a notable reduction in support within contemporary operating systems, particularly in macOS Tahoe 26. This article examines the consequences of this change and the sentiment surrounding the once-celebrated technology.

#### A Historical Overview

FireWire, created by Apple in the 1990s, was praised for its rapid data transfer abilities and its capacity to daisy-chain numerous devices. It became a norm for linking external hard drives, camcorders, and various peripherals. However, with the advancement of technology, newer interfaces such as USB and Thunderbolt surfaced, resulting in FireWire’s gradual decline.

#### The Present Status of FireWire in macOS Tahoe 26

In macOS Tahoe 26, FireWire support has been substantially deprecated. Stephen Hackett’s real-world example emphasizes this: a FireWire 800 drive that once operated flawlessly on macOS Sequoia now shows up as an “adapter to nowhere” on the latest iteration. This change signifies a crucial move in Apple’s efforts to streamline its operating system, albeit at the expense of compatibility with older devices.

#### The Consequences of Deprecation

The cessation of FireWire support brings up worries regarding the accessibility of older data. For example, if an individual finds an old FireWire drive containing priceless family memories, they might face difficulties retrieving that data without a compatible Mac using an earlier macOS version. This scenario highlights a broader concern of digital preservation and the hurdles of accessing legacy formats in a constantly changing technological environment.

#### Sentimentality and Loss

While numerous users may not depend on FireWire in their routine tasks, the elimination of its support stirs feelings of nostalgia. The ability for a Mac running macOS Sequoia to still connect with the original iPod—though with extra adapters—underscores the bittersweet aspect of technological advancement. It seems unfair that a device once emblematic of innovation is now pushed aside in favor of more modern technologies.

#### Conclusion

The reduction of FireWire support in macOS Tahoe 26 acts as a reminder of the swift nature of technological evolution and the unavoidable displacement of older technologies. Although the choice to remove FireWire may enhance the user experience, it also restricts the functionality of the Mac and raises concerns about data retrieval for future generations. As we progress, it remains vital to strike a balance between innovation and the safeguarding of our digital heritage.

Read More
Jack Dorsey Unveils Bluetooth-Enabled WhatsApp Rival That Functions Independently of Internet Connectivity

**bitchat: A New Era of Peer-to-Peer Messaging**

Block CEO and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has launched an innovative messaging app named *bitchat*, which functions without requiring an internet connection or user accounts. This experimental application seeks to transform the way we interact by utilizing peer-to-peer technology.

### Protocols, Not Platforms

The foundation of *bitchat* is Dorsey’s dedication to the principle of “Protocols, Not Platforms,” a concept endorsed by Mike Masnick in his 2019 paper. This methodology supports open protocols that foster increased competition and user autonomy regarding communication and privacy, contrasting with proprietary platforms that frequently limit user independence.

Dorsey’s pursuit of this ideology commenced with the initiation of the Bluesky project at Twitter, which subsequently evolved into an independent organization. His support for decentralized communication persisted with the establishment of Damus, a distinct decentralized social network. Through *bitchat*, Dorsey is further investigating the possibilities of open communication protocols.

### bitchat: Now in Beta

Following the debut of *bitchat*, Dorsey shared a link to the app’s TestFlight, which swiftly reached its 10,000 beta participant limit. The application’s standout feature is its capability to enable messaging via Bluetooth mesh networks, removing the necessity for conventional communication tools like phone numbers, email addresses, or internet access.

The initiative is elaborated on its GitHub page, where Dorsey also presented a whitepaper detailing the app’s protocol. In accordance with the whitepaper, *bitchat* is characterized as:

> “a decentralized, peer-to-peer messaging application that functions over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks. It offers ephemeral, encrypted communication without depending on internet infrastructure, rendering it robust against network failures and censorship.”

This groundbreaking strategy could potentially revolutionize user communication, particularly in regions with limited internet availability or during network interruptions.

### Future Prospects

Although the initial feedback for *bitchat* has been positive, its long-term viability is still in question. The app might attract a specific group of tech enthusiasts and privacy supporters, but its ability to attain widespread usage is yet to be determined. Dorsey’s ongoing exploration of decentralized communication indicates his dedication to discovering a solution that rivals Twitter’s influence.

As the technology community observes this evolution, the lingering question is: Can *bitchat* rise above the initial excitement and secure its position as a genuine alternative within the messaging domain?

Read More