From 9to5Google · 40 stories
Xiaomi 18 Fold Launches with Arm Mali G2-Ultra NX GPU Featuring AI Gaming Accelerator
The Xiaomi 18 Fold, launched in China, integrates Arm's new Mali G2-Ultra NX graphics processor, which includes an AI gaming graphics accelerator. This technology aims to improve mobile game performance with features similar to Nvidia's DLSS, such as AI upscaling and frame generation.
Lenovo Unveils Yoga Pro 9n and Yoga 9n 2-in-1 Laptops with NVIDIA RTX Spark
Lenovo introduced two new Yoga laptops, the Yoga Pro 9n and Yoga 9n 2-in-1, featuring NVIDIA's RTX Spark chip. These devices, announced at IFA, are designed for AI workloads, creative tasks, and general productivity, with configurations offering up to 128GB of unified memory and up to 4TB of SSD storage. The RTX Spark chip integrates NVIDIA's Grace CPU with a Blackwell RTX GPU, providing on-device AI processing capabilities.
Google Rolls Out AI Voice Features for Gmail, Docs, and Keep
Google has released new AI-powered voice capabilities, dubbed Docs Live, Gmail Live, and Keep Live, for its productivity suite. These features allow users to interact with their emails, documents, and notes using natural language queries and dictation, and are available to Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra subscribers on iOS and Android.
Belkin Introduces New Power Banks with Semi-Solid-State Battery Technology
Belkin announced new power banks at IFA 2026, including models featuring semi-solid-state battery technology, which the company states will last up to three times longer than traditional power banks. This technology, called "BoostSolid Cell," incorporates a gel-like layer to improve longevity, reduce overheating risks, and maintain consistent power delivery.
Roku Launches First OLED TVs, Starting at $999
Roku has introduced its first OLED televisions, the Pro Series and Pro Series LX, entering the midrange OLED market. These new TVs offer features like 120Hz or 144Hz panels, HDMI 2.1 ports, and Dolby Vision, with prices starting at $999 for the Pro Series and $1,299 for the Pro Series LX, making them competitive with existing options from LG, Samsung, and Sony.
Google AI Mode Integrates Flight Price Tracking, Points/Miles Display, and Hotel Booking
Google has updated AI Mode in Search with new travel planning features, including flight price tracking, the ability to view flight and hotel costs in points or miles, and direct hotel booking capabilities. These additions allow users to manage travel logistics within the AI chat interface, expanding its utility beyond information retrieval.
Motorola to release GrapheneOS-powered flagship phones in 2027
Motorola will launch "higher end" flagship smartphones running the privacy-focused GrapheneOS in 2027. These devices will feature Qualcomm's flagship chips and offer enhanced security compared to current Pixel devices running GrapheneOS, expanding the hardware options for users prioritizing privacy.
Google introduces natural language customization for Discover feed and News audio briefings
Google is rolling out updates that allow users to customize their Discover feed using natural language prompts and tailor their Google News daily audio briefings by selecting specific topics. These changes provide users with more control over the content they receive and are rolling out in the coming days.
Google acquires Spirit Airlines operational data for AI model training
Google purchased a dataset from the defunct Spirit Airlines for $10 million to use in training its AI models. This acquisition provides Google with a large volume of real-world operational and business data, excluding personally identifiable information, to enhance its AI capabilities.
Sony to Re-release WH-1000XM4 Headphones as Cheaper WH-1000XM4C; WH-1000XM6 Gets New Color
Sony is reportedly preparing to re-release its 2020 WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones as the WH-1000XM4C, priced around $250, offering a more affordable option with slightly reduced battery life. Concurrently, the current flagship WH-1000XM6 headphones are now available in a new "Olive Gray" color variant for $459, with no hardware changes.
Google Plans to Move All Pixel Production Out of China by 2027
Google reportedly plans to shift all Pixel phone, watch, and earbud production out of China by 2027, moving manufacturing to Vietnam and India. This move aims to diversify its supply chain and capitalize on existing manufacturing ecosystems in other regions.
Samsung Galaxy Buds to gain FDA-cleared hearing aid feature; new over-ear headphones in development
Samsung will release an FDA-cleared hearing aid feature and a five-minute hearing test for Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro later this year in the US and other markets. This feature provides an over-the-counter solution for individuals aged 18 and over with mild to moderate hearing loss. Additionally, Samsung is developing new over-ear headphones, codenamed "Galaxy H1," which could launch as early as 2027.
Google Updates Android Backup Policy to Include All Data Types in Storage Limit
Starting July 7, Google will include all Android backup data types, such as SMS and device settings, in its Google Account storage calculations, impacting new and existing users. This change, which may increase backup sizes by 40MB on average, gives users more control over backup data and aligns with broader storage policy adjustments.
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 Series Debuts With Enhanced Designs and Features
Leaks reveal Samsung's latest devices, including the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8 series with minimal design changes from previous models, and significant battery and display upgrades. New colors and a shift to Qualcomm chips for Galaxy smartwatches mark smaller-scale updates ahead of the July 22 launch.
Lenovo and Asus Googlebook Devices Leak, Revealing Hardware and "Aluminium OS"
Images of upcoming Googlebook devices from Lenovo and Asus have leaked, showcasing two Lenovo laptop sizes, a 2-in-1 tablet, and an Asus laptop. These leaks provide the first look at hardware for Google's new Android-based platform, which is expected to replace ChromeOS and integrate Gemini AI, with one leak identifying the operating system as "Aluminium OS."
Google Health 5.05 Adds Two-Way Apple Health Syncing for Fitbit Data
Google Health version 5.05 for iOS now supports two-way synchronization with Apple Health, allowing Fitbit data such as exercise records, sleep, vitals, and steps to be written to HealthKit. This update addresses a long-standing limitation where Google Health could only read data from Apple Health, making Fitbit data accessible to other HealthKit-compatible applications.
Samsung Releases Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 with Bigger Batteries and New Features
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 at its Unpacked event. Both models feature the new Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset and enhanced batteries, focusing on improved health tracking and outdoor capabilities for the Ultra 2.
Samsung Health Update: Consent Required for AI Data Use, Updated Policy on Data Retention
Samsung Health now requires user consent to use health data for AI training, with or without data deletion based on this consent. Meanwhile, Samsung introduced the AI-powered Health Assistant in beta to help users better understand health metrics. The updates aim to refine health service offerings while maintaining user data control.
Pixel Watch 5 Renders Leak Showing New Colors and Price Details
Leaked renders of the Pixel Watch 5 reveal new colors and potential price details ahead of its expected announcement on August 12. The colors include Dark Anthracite, Natural Silver, Pyrite, and Warm Gold. The Warm Gold is exclusive to the 41mm model, which will reportedly start at $399, marking a $50 price increase.
Philips Offers Free Replacements After Firmware Bricks Hue Bridge Pro Devices
A firmware update led to less than 100 Philips Hue Bridge Pro devices becoming inoperable. Philips has offered free replacements and issued a patch to fix the issue, emphasizing a specific update scenario as the cause.
Meta Introduces $19.99 Subscription for Expanded Smart Glasses Feature Access
Meta has implemented a $19.99 subscription model for its AI glasses, particularly affecting the 'Conversation Focus' feature. Previously free, this feature will now be limited to three hours of monthly use without a subscription, while subscribers will get 15 hours. This move is part of Meta's broader strategy to monetize certain features across its platforms.
Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra Leak Shows Minimal Design Changes from Predecessor
A new leak of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra confirms that its external design will largely remain unchanged from the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. This suggests Samsung is maintaining its current design philosophy for its flagship tablet line.
Lenovo Googlebook 15 Specs Leak, Including Google Facial Authentication
Full specifications for the upcoming "Lenovo Googlebook 15" have leaked, revealing premium hardware such as an OLED display, up to 32GB RAM, and "Google facial authentication." This leak indicates Google's focus on high-end devices for its new laptop line, potentially introducing a new biometric security feature.
Honor Launches Magic 9 Pro Max with Arri Camera Features and 8,800mAh Battery
Honor launched its Magic 9 Pro Max flagship phone in China, featuring a new camera system developed with Arri and an 8,800mAh battery. The device includes Arri LogC3 shooting and 14 preset Arri Look LUTs, marking Honor's first flagship release since its collaboration with Arri.
Google Antigravity Development Platform App Launches on Android for Googlebook
Google released its Antigravity development platform as an Android app, available on the Google Play Store for Googlebook devices. This launch expands Antigravity, previously available on macOS, Windows, and Linux, to Google's new laptop platform, enabling on-device app creation and deployment.
Chrome Updates Cross-Device Tab Sharing and Gemini AI Capabilities
Google Chrome has updated its cross-device tab sharing feature to preserve scroll position and partially filled forms when moving tabs between devices. Additionally, Gemini in Chrome now analyzes more types of media, including non-YouTube audio and video, to identify key takeaways and generate interactive study quizzes from open tabs.
Google Photos Introduces Redact Tool, Mood Filters, and Expanded Wardrobe Feature
Google Photos is rolling out new features including a "Redact" tool for blurring sensitive information in images, and "Moods" for applying vintage-inspired looks. The Wardrobe feature is also expanding to users in the US, India, and Brazil, and Google Photos is integrating with Gemini Spark for AI Pro/Ultra subscribers.
Google DeepMind Chief States Gemini 4 AI Model is Nearing Launch
Google's DeepMind division, under new leadership, announced that its Gemini 4 AI model is in the refinement stage and is expected to launch "much earlier" than the end of the year. This release aims to address Google's lag in flagship AI models compared to competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic, which have launched newer models since Google's last major release in November 2025.
Google Beam Expands Global Availability and Enters Co-working Spaces
Google Beam, a telepresence system, is expanding its global availability to customers in six countries: the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany, and Japan, supported by 18 channel partners. Additionally, Google is partnering with Industrious to bring Beam units to co-working spaces in four U.S. cities starting in October. This expansion makes the technology accessible beyond large corporations and integrates with Google Meet and Zoom.
YouTube Music Integrates Gemini's 'Ask Music' and Launches 'Your Podcast Lineup'
YouTube Music is integrating Gemini's 'Ask Music' feature into its mobile app, providing a consistent entry point for conversational search and queue customization. Additionally, a new 'Your Podcast Lineup' feature will offer AI-generated audio previews of recommended podcasts to global Premium and Music Premium subscribers later this year.
Motorola Launches Moto Watch Ultra, Returning to Wear OS with Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1
Motorola has released the Moto Watch Ultra, a new smartwatch that marks the company's return to Google's Wear OS platform. The device features a Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 chip, 2GB RAM, and 32GB storage, offering broader app access and NFC payments, but with a reduced battery life compared to previous Motorola smartwatches.
MrBeast Partners with Google to Promote Gemini AI and Google Health
YouTube creator MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, has entered a multi-year partnership with Google to promote its Gemini AI assistant and Google Health products. The collaboration begins with a video on September 5 where MrBeast uses Gemini for wilderness survival, with future content integrating Fitbit Air.
Poco Launches F9 Pro and F9 Ultra with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and 185Hz Displays
Poco, a sub-brand of Xiaomi, has launched two new smartphones, the F9 Pro and F9 Ultra, expanding its flagship line. Both devices feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and HyperRGB AMOLED displays with a 185Hz refresh rate. The F9 Ultra includes a 6.9-inch display and an 8,050mAh battery, while the F9 Pro has a 6.59-inch display.
Nothing OS 5.0, based on Android 17, introduces UI redesigns and new features
Nothing OS 5.0, an Android 17-based update, will begin rolling out in October, starting with an open beta on August 26th for the Nothing Phone 3. The update includes redesigned UI elements, new AI features, new apps, and support for Google's 3D emoji, along with enhanced homescreen customization and a new Glyph Interface app.
Qualcomm Details Snapdragon C Specifications and Battery Performance Claims
Qualcomm released detailed specifications for its Snapdragon C system-on-a-chip, an ARM-based platform for $300 laptops, and provided battery performance benchmarks. The company claims the Snapdragon C offers significantly better battery efficiency and performance compared to Intel's N250 processor in battery-powered scenarios, which could impact the budget laptop market.
Pixel 11 Pro Series Introduces HiLight LED for Call and Gemini Notifications
Google has launched HiLight, an ambient LED array on the Pixel 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, and 11 Pro Fold, which provides visual cues for incoming calls from favorite contacts and acts as a Gemini assistant indicator. This feature integrates with the Phone by Google app and WhatsApp for call notifications, offering five color options for contacts and visual feedback for Gemini's states.
Google hires former Gmail lead Jacob Bank as Chrome VP of Product, focusing on AI integration
Jacob Bank, former Director of Product Management for Gmail, Calendar, and Chat, has rejoined Google as VP of Product for Chrome. His appointment follows the shutdown of his AI workflow automation startup, Relay.app, and indicates Google's focus on integrating AI capabilities into the Chrome browser.
Google TV Freeplay Adds Over 10,000 On-Demand Movies and Shows
Google TV Freeplay, the company's free ad-supported streaming service, now offers over 10,000 on-demand movies and TV shows in addition to its existing live TV channels. This expansion allows users to select content to watch at any time, moving beyond its previous live-channels-only model and positioning it to compete with other free streaming services.
Samsung Launches Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra with New Form Factor and Pricing
Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, with the Z Fold 8 featuring a new wider form factor starting at $1,899. The Z Fold 8 Ultra, which retains a similar design to its predecessor, starts at $2,099, marking a price increase. Both devices are available for preorder and ship with Android 17 and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
Google Addresses Pixel Battery Drain, Samsung Users Report New Issues
Google announced that battery drain issues affecting Pixel 9 and 10 series devices are resolved with the July 2026 update, and Pixel 8a and 9a will receive a fix in September. Concurrently, Samsung Galaxy S24 and S25 series users are reporting new battery drain and overheating problems after the July 2026 One UI 8.5 update, potentially linked to a WhatsApp bug.