Technology
Pixel Watch Rolls Out Always-On Display for Media Controls, Timer, and Stopwatch
The Google Pixel Watch is starting to implement always-on display (AOD) behavior across three key experiences: the Timer app, Stopwatch, and media controls. With the latest update to Google Clock 6.11, the Timer app will remain active even when the screen times out, removing the circular countdown ring and replacing seconds with dashes. The Stopwatch will also lose its ring and increment markers, with buttons becoming hollowed out and milliseconds being removed. Media controls are also getting an always-on display, with buttons switching to an outline style. This feature is rolling out to some users, but its availability is not yet widespread. To access the new media controls, users need to ensure their Media Controls app is up-to-date in the Play Store. These updates join existing AOD experiences in Google apps like Keep and Maps navigation, fulfilling Google's promise of "more consistent always-on behavior" with Wear OS 6. The update is part of Google's efforts to enhance the user experience on the Pixel Watch. As the features become more widely available, users can expect a more seamless and convenient interaction with their device. The rollout of Google Clock 6.11 is currently underway, although it has not yet reached all users.
Samsung's Galaxy A56 and A36 Rank Among Top 10 Best-Selling Phones in Q3 2025
In the third quarter of 2025, Samsung's Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 ranked among the top 10 best-selling phones globally. The Galaxy A56 reached the 8th spot, while the Galaxy A36 outsold it, capturing the 7th spot. According to Counterpoint Research, the success of these models can be attributed to their improved features, including Awesome Intelligence, Best Face, and Nightography. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, which was previously among the top 10, was pushed off the list in Q3 2025. However, Samsung still managed to capture an extra spot, with five of its models ranking among the top 10 best-selling phones. Apple maintained its dominance, with the iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max taking the top three spots. The Galaxy A56 and A36's performance is notable, as they offer a better set of features than their predecessors. Samsung's low-end models continue to drive sales volume, with the company selling five of the top 10 best-selling smartphone models in the world in Q3 2025. The rankings are based on sales data from Counterpoint Research, which separated sales of the Galaxy A16 4G and A16 5G. The report highlights Samsung's continued strength in the global smartphone market, with its mid-range and low-end models performing well. Overall, the third quarter of 2025 saw a shift in the rankings, with the Galaxy A56 and A36 emerging as top-selling models. Samsung's ability to capture an extra spot in the top 10 is a positive sign for the company, despite the Galaxy S25 Ultra being pushed off the list.
Horses Video Game Banned from Steam and Epic Games Store Due to Violent and Disturbing Content
The indie horror game Horses, developed by Santa Ragione, has been banned from sale on Steam and Epic Games Store due to its graphic and disturbing content. The game's plot involves a 20-year-old Italian man sent to work on a farm where humans are treated as animals, wearing horse and dog heads. Players must perform menial tasks, including tending to the "horses" and participating in unsettling activities. Despite the game's crude graphics, which may dull the impact of the violent scenes, the content is still considered too intense for the platforms. Valve and Epic Games Store cited violations of their content guidelines, specifically regarding inappropriate and hateful content. However, the developer claims that no specific details were provided about what content was at issue. The game is still available on other platforms, such as itch.io and GOG, and has sparked a conversation about video games as art and censorship. The game's creator intends to provoke thought on violence and power dynamics, rather than to shock or offend. The controversy surrounding Horses has led to increased interest in the game, with many discussing its artistic value and the limits of free expression in the gaming industry.
Samsung's Ballie Robot Still Nowhere to Be Found After Years of Promises
Samsung's Ballie personal robot was first introduced at CES 2020 as a prototype, with promises of a future release. Despite being showcased at subsequent CES events, including a more refined version at CES 2024, the robot has yet to hit the market. Initially expected to be available in 2024, Samsung then promised a 2025 release, followed by a press release in April stating it was on track for a summer launch in Korea and the US. However, there have been no updates since, leaving the status of the project uncertain. The situation draws parallels with Samsung's Galaxy Home smart speaker, which was announced in 2018 but ultimately never materialized. With CES approaching, it remains to be seen whether Samsung will once again showcase Ballie, potentially with new features, or finally abandon the project. Given the lack of progress, it's unlikely that Ballie will become a reality until it's actually available for pre-order. The robot's usefulness and market demand have also been questioned, with some speculating that Samsung may have data supporting these concerns. Only time will tell if Ballie will eventually make it to market or join the ranks of abandoned projects like the Galaxy Home.
SteamOS Performance Lags Behind Windows on Dedicated GPUs
Testing of SteamOS on dedicated GPUs has shown that it generally performs worse than Windows on the same hardware. The gap in performance is particularly noticeable in games that hit the 8GB RAM limit of the Radeon RX 7600 GPU, with Windows outperforming SteamOS by as much as 60-70% in some cases. However, in games that do not exceed the RAM limit, the performance difference between Windows and SteamOS is often smaller. The testing also included integrated GPUs, such as the Radeon 780M and RX 8060S, where SteamOS performed relatively better compared to Windows. Valve is working on memory management improvements in SteamOS to address the performance gap, particularly for 8GB GPUs, which will be used in the upcoming Steam Machine. The results suggest that running SteamOS on hardware other than the Steam Deck or Lenovo Legion Go S should still be considered a work in progress. The testing provides a baseline for evaluating SteamOS' performance going forward, and future improvements will be crucial in determining whether the Steam Machine will be a viable option for gamers. Overall, the testing highlights the challenges Valve faces in optimizing SteamOS for dedicated GPUs, and the company's efforts to improve memory management and driver tweaks will be essential in closing the performance gap with Windows. As Valve prepares to launch the Steam Machine next year, the company's ability to address these performance issues will be critical in determining the success of the device. The testing also underscores the complexity of running Windows games on Linux, and the need for continued development and optimization to achieve seamless compatibility. In conclusion, while SteamOS shows promise, it still lags behind Windows in terms of performance on dedicated GPUs, and Valve's ongoing efforts to improve the operating system will be closely watched by gamers and industry observers alike.
Samsung Unveils Trifolding Handheld, the Z TriFold, with Impressive Display and Multitasking Capabilities
Samsung is set to launch the Samsung Z TriFold, a trifolding handheld device, in South Korea next week, with a US release scheduled for early 2026. The device boasts a massive 10-inch 2160 x 1584 120Hz internal screen, which can be unfolded like an accordion, allowing users to run multiple apps side-by-side. The Z TriFold also features an external 6.5-inch display, similar to the one on the Z Fold 7, which turns the device into a traditional slab smartphone. Each of the three distinct sections of the device has a different thickness, ranging from 3.9mm to 4.2mm, making it remarkably thin. Samsung claims the folding mechanism can withstand at least 200,000 folds. The device's camera capabilities are similar to those of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, with a 200-megapixel main camera, 10-megapixel 3x telephoto, and 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera. While the camera specs may not be as impressive as those of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the unique design and multitasking capabilities of the Z TriFold may make up for it. The device is expected to retail for around $2,440 in the US, although tariffs may push the price higher. With its innovative design and features, the Samsung Z TriFold is poised to change the game for trifolding handhelds in the market. The Samsung Z TriFold is set to arrive in South Korea on December 12 and in the US in early 2026, offering customers a new and exciting option in the world of foldable smartphones. Whether the high price point will be justified by the device's capabilities remains to be seen, but one thing is certain - the Samsung Z TriFold is an impressive piece of technology that is sure to turn heads.
Discord Launches 'Checkpoint 2025' Feature for Users
Discord has officially rolled out its first full-year activity recap, Discord Checkpoint 2025, giving users a personalized breakdown of how they used the platform throughout the year. The feature includes a detailed look at users' 2025 activity, such as total messages sent, hours spent in voice channels, top-used emojis, most active servers, and frequent DM friends. Once users finish viewing their recap, the app assigns them one of ten Checkpoint Cards, each paired with an exclusive Avatar Decoration that can be used until January 15, 2026. To access the recap, users must update to the latest version of the app. The steps differ slightly for mobile and desktop users. For mobile users, they need to update Discord, open the app, tap their profile picture, and look for the Checkpoint banner in the "You" tab. For desktop users, they need to open Discord, look for a small flag icon in the top-right corner near their inbox, and click it to launch their Discord recap 2025. Some users may not see their Discord Checkpoint 2025 yet, as the feature is rolling out gradually. Additionally, users who didn't have enough activity on Discord in 2025 or have disabled the setting "Use data to personalize my Discord experience" may not be able to generate a meaningful recap. The launch of Discord Checkpoint 2025 marks the company's first attempt at a "Discord wrapped"-style summary, and fans are already calling it long overdue.
Microsoft Shifts Focus from Copilot+ Initiative to Cloud-Powered AI Features
Microsoft's Copilot+ initiative, launched last year to produce AI-powered laptops, has seen underwhelming sales. Despite the company's efforts to promote the technology, Copilot+ systems accounted for less than 10 percent of systems shipped in the third quarter of 2024 and only 2.3 percent of Windows machines sold in the first quarter of 2025. The initiative's focus on onboard neural processing units (NPUs) has proven to be misguided, as most desired AI features, such as ChatGPT and Microsoft's own Copilot, are cloud-powered. As a result, Microsoft is now shifting its focus to making every Windows 11 computer an AI PC, introducing new cloud-powered features like "Hey Copilot" voice commands and Copilot Vision. These features do not require the expensive NPUs found in Copilot+ systems. Although the Copilot+ initiative has not been a commercial success, it has driven some positive changes, including the standardization of 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage in Copilot+ systems, as well as improved support for mobile Arm processors. Research firms predict that AI PCs will dominate the market in the coming years, with Omdia forecasting that they will account for 55 percent of computers shipped in 2026 and 75 percent by 2029. However, this adoption is expected to be driven by the natural progression of hardware rather than consumer demand for specific AI features. Microsoft's shift in focus acknowledges that cloud-powered AI is currently the more practical and desirable approach, but the company still believes that onboard AI processing will become increasingly important in the future.
iPhone 17's Ceramic Shield 2 Reduces Effectiveness of Standard Screen Protectors
The iPhone 17 lineup features a new Ceramic Shield 2 with anti-reflective technology, which provides 3x better scratch resistance and improved anti-reflection to reduce glare. However, a study by Astropad found that standard screen protectors cancel out the anti-reflective benefits of Ceramic Shield 2. The study revealed that the iPhone 17 Pro has a reflectivity of 2.0%, which is nearly twice as good as the iPhone 16 Pro's 3.8% reflectivity. However, when a standard screen protector is applied, the reflectivity increases to 4.6%. This is because the anti-reflective coating on the iPhone 17's display is designed to work in direct contact with air, and the adhesive on the screen protector interferes with this coating. To maintain the anti-reflective benefits of Ceramic Shield 2, Astropad recommends using a screen protector with built-in anti-reflective features. The company's own Fresh Coat product is an example of such a screen protector. Overall, the study suggests that iPhone 17 users who want to protect their screens while maintaining the anti-reflective benefits of Ceramic Shield 2 should consider using a specialized screen protector. The iPhone 17's Ceramic Shield 2 has been praised for its improved scratch resistance and anti-reflection capabilities. However, the study highlights the importance of choosing the right screen protector to complement this technology. By selecting a screen protector with anti-reflective features, iPhone 17 users can enjoy the benefits of Ceramic Shield 2 while also protecting their screens from scratches and other damage.
Microsoft Updates Windows Run Dialog Box with Modern Design After 30 Years
Microsoft is updating the Windows Run dialog box for the first time in 30 years, giving it a modern interface design that matches the company's current Fluent Design language. The new Run box, referred to as "Modern Run," features a larger text entry field, a recent commands list, and app icons when it finds a match. This update brings the classic UI element in line with the rest of Windows 11. The Modern Run box is currently optional and can be toggled on or off via Windows Settings, allowing users to switch back to the older interface if preferred. Although the new Run box is still hidden in the latest preview builds and not yet functional, its presence indicates Microsoft's effort to address legacy interfaces that have been part of the product since the 90s. Recently, the company also added dark mode to the classic Run dialog box. This move suggests that Microsoft is paying attention to the little details in Windows 11, which could lead to updates for other legacy areas of the OS, such as the File Properties window or Registry Editor interface. The update is a significant change for power users who frequently use the Win+R keyboard shortcut to access the Run dialog box. As Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11, updates like these demonstrate the company's commitment to improving the overall user experience.
OnePlus 15 Launches in US with Preorders Starting at $899.99
OnePlus has launched US preorders for its flagship OnePlus 15, with prices starting at $899.99 for the base model featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The higher-end model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is available for an extra $100. As a bonus, customers who preorder can choose from optional freebies, including the OnePlus Watch 3 or Buds 3 Pro earbuds. The phone boasts an enormous 7,300mAh battery, thanks to silicon-carbon battery technology, which easily lasts two days despite its regular size. Although preorders are now open, the first shipments of the OnePlus 15 are expected to take 12 days. The phone will also be available from Amazon and Best Buy. This launch comes just before the reveal of the more affordable OnePlus 15R, scheduled for December 17th, which will be the first phone powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. The 15R is expected to feature a slightly less powerful chip than the 8 Elite Gen 5 found in the OnePlus 15. The OnePlus 15 is available in three finishes: "sand storm," black, or violet. With its impressive battery life and advanced technology, the OnePlus 15 is an exciting addition to the smartphone market.
Apple Employees Reportedly 'Giddy' Over Alan Dye's Departure
Alan Dye, Apple's vice president of Human Interface Design since 2015, is leaving the company to lead a new design studio at Meta. According to John Gruber, Apple employees are "happy — if not downright giddy" about the news, citing Dye's departure as a positive change. Steve Lemay, a 26-year Apple design veteran, will take over Dye's role. Gruber's sources describe Lemay as a "career interface/interaction designer" with a strong attention to detail and craftsmanship. While some people have criticisms of Lemay's past work, the overall sentiment within Apple is that his promotion is a welcome change. Gruber notes that design deputy Billy Sorrentino is also leaving Apple to join Meta's design studio, and rumors suggest other members of Dye's team may follow. Mark Zuckerberg announced the new design studio, which aims to bring together design, fashion, and technology to create the next generation of Meta's products and experiences. The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning the decision to leave Apple for Meta.
Apple Announces 2025 App Store Award Winners, Highlighting AI-Powered Apps
Apple has released its annual list of App Store Award winners, recognizing the best apps and games of 2025. The winning iPhone app was Tiimo, a visual AI planner that helps users turn to-dos into plans with visual timelines. The iPhone game of the year was Pokémon TCG Pocket, a card game. Although Apple did not name a dedicated AI app as its app of the year, AI was featured among the winners. The iPad app of the year, Detail, uses AI to simplify video editing, while the Apple Watch app of the year, Strava, includes an AI assistant that turns workout data into insights. Other winners included the Mac app of the year, Essayist, and the Apple Arcade game of the year, WHAT THE CLASH?. Apple also gave a handful of apps a "Cultural Impact" award, including Be My Eyes, which provides visual descriptions of real-world images for blind and low-vision users, and StoryGraph, which uses machine learning to make book recommendations. The company announced winners for various platforms, including iPad, Mac, Vision Pro, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. The winners were chosen from a list of 45 finalists announced in November, which was narrowed down to 17 apps and games.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Expected to Launch in Summer 2026
Samsung is developing a new smartwatch, internally referred to as the Galaxy Watch 9 Ultra, which may be launched as the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 in the summer of 2026. This upcoming device is expected to be the true successor to the Galaxy Watch Ultra, with the current Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) being a slightly improved version of the original. The Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) offers 64GB of storage, compared to the 32GB storage of the previous model. However, details about the features and specifications of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 are not yet available. The Galaxy Watch Ultra was based on the Galaxy Watch 7, and Samsung internally called it the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra. Following this pattern, the company may launch the Galaxy Watch 9 Ultra as the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. The exact launch date and details of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will be announced in the future.
Apple Releases iOS 26.2 Release Candidate Ahead of December Public Release
Apple has seeded the Release Candidate of its upcoming operating system update, iOS 26.2, ahead of its public release in December. The update includes several new features, such as a new "Manage Known AirDrops Contacts" section in the AirDrop menu, which will allow users to automatically appear for 30 days to people they have shared a one-time code with. Additionally, Hypertension Notifications will be available for developers to access with a new API, enabling third-party apps to request authorization to read those notifications from the Apple Watch and integrate them into their apps. The update also improves the Liquid Glass experience, with better animations when transitioning through menus and changes to the rules of tweaking transparency when using the tinted option. In Japan, iPhone users will be able to customize the side button to activate a different AI assistant, such as Gemini. Meanwhile, in Europe, Apple is adding Live Translation, but removing automatic Wi-Fi sync from the iPhone to the Apple Watch if the phone is not nearby. Other updates include tweaks to apps such as Measure, Reminders, and iMessage for CarPlay, as well as the return of drag and drop apps from the Dock, Spotlight, or App Library in Slide Over on iPadOS 26.2. Alongside iOS 26.2 RC, Apple is also releasing the Release Candidate versions of iPadOS 26.2, macOS Tahoe 26.2, watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, and visionOS 26.2.
Google Introduces New In-Call Protections to Combat Scams on Android
Google is rolling out a new feature to combat scams on Android, particularly those that occur during phone calls. The feature, which was initially tested in the UK, will now be available in the US. It works by presenting a warning screen when a user is on a call with an unsaved contact and has screen sharing enabled with a financial app open. This warning indicates that a scam may be in progress and advises the user not to follow any instructions or make payments. The feature also includes a button to automatically end the call and cancel screen sharing. A 30-second timer is implemented if the user chooses to continue, allowing them to reassess the situation. Currently, Cash App and Chase products will offer this protection, with plans to expand to more brands and countries, including Brazil and India.
Samsung's One UI 8.5 Update Brings New Design and Features to Calculator App
Samsung is preparing to release One UI 8.5, which will bring subtle design improvements to the Calculator app. The update includes a drop shadow effect for primary buttons, creating a fresh look. Additionally, the app will display a glowing color around the buttons when tapped, changing depending on the mode and theme used. The Calculator app will also feature "Nudges," which suggests numbers and formulas copied to the device clipboard, allowing for quick entry and saving time. However, the app still lacks a currency converter, a feature that has been requested since 2017. The One UI 8.5 update is expected to bring these changes to Samsung devices in the near future. The design improvements and new features aim to enhance the user experience and provide a more efficient calculator app. The update is currently in internal beta testing, and the exact release date has not been announced. Asif Iqbal Shaik, a senior editor, discovered the changes in the latest internal beta version of One UI 8.5.
Google Photos' 2025 Recap Feature Now Available with AI-Powered Highlights
Google Photos has introduced its 2025 Recap feature, allowing users to look back on their past year in photos. The feature, similar to Spotify Wrapped, offers a combination of memorable highlights enhanced with graphics and effects, plus photo stats and more. U.S. users will also have access to a new feature powered by Google's AI, Gemini, which showcases hobbies and top highlights. Gemini models can understand the context of photos to pull out more details, such as a user's "one true passion" and other top highlights. The recap also includes photo stats, like total photo count, top people, and a total selfie count. Users can hide specific people or photos and regenerate their Recap for an updated version. The photos and memories from the Recap can be easily shared on social media and elsewhere, with a new integration with CapCut allowing users to export their Recap to the photo and video editing app. A new carousel at the end of the Recap contains short videos, photos, and collages designed for sharing to group chats or social media. If the Recap is not immediately visible, users can request Google Photos to generate it for them. The Recap will remain in the app throughout December and can be accessed again in the Memories carousel or Collections tab.
Researchers Develop 3D Printer Using Mosquito Proboscis as Nozzle
A team of engineers at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, has developed a 3D printer that utilizes a female mosquito proboscis as its nozzle. The proboscis, which is the tube-like mouthpart used by mosquitoes to draw blood, was chosen for its thin and robust structure, allowing for precise and continuous flow. The team, led by mechanical engineering professor Changhong Cao, found that the mosquito proboscis had an inner diameter of 20-30 microns, making it ideal for high-precision 3D printing. The 3D printer, dubbed the "3D necroprinter," was able to achieve a resolution of 18-22 microns, outperforming commercial metal dispensing tips. However, the mosquito nozzle had limitations, including low resistance to internal pressure, which made it difficult to accommodate high-viscosity inks. Additionally, glass dispensing tips were found to be more effective in terms of precision and pressure resistance. Despite these limitations, the team believes that the use of mosquito proboscises as 3D printing nozzles could be a cost-effective and widely available solution. The estimated cost of producing a mosquito proboscis nozzle is around 80 cents, compared to $25-$100 for glass and metal alternatives. The team plans to continue researching ways to improve the durability and effectiveness of the mosquito proboscis nozzle, potentially leading to new applications in fields such as bioprinting and microelectronics.
iPhone Air Sees Significant Drop in Resale Value Compared to Other iPhone Models
The iPhone Air has experienced a substantial decline in resale value, with some configurations losing almost 50% of their value within ten weeks of launch. According to data from SellCell, the iPhone Air's depreciation averages 44.3% across all storage configurations, ranging from 40.3% to 47.7%. In contrast, the iPhone 17 series has averaged 34.6% depreciation after ten weeks, outperforming the iPhone 16 range at the same point last year. The iPhone 15 series remains the strongest performer, retaining more value at the ten-week mark with an average depreciation of 31.9%. The 1TB iPhone Air model is identified as the worst performer, with the sharpest decline in value. The data suggests a significant split in resale performance between the iPhone 17 models and the iPhone Air, with the Pro segment showing sustained demand in the secondary market. The iPhone Air's weaker retention may indicate longer-term uncertainty in the secondary market. The comparisons highlight the unusual trajectory of the iPhone Air's resale value compared to other iPhone models.