Pixel Watch update adds Google’s new 3D emoji

9to5google.com Sep 28, 2026

Pixel Watch update adds Google’s new 3D emoji

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 28, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Google’s September 2026 Pixel Watch update brings the company’s new 3D emoji catalog to all current Pixel Watch models, including the Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4, which had previously only supported 2D icons. The update also includes the August 2026 security patch and enhanced gesture controls. The 3D emoji, first introduced on Pixel 11 phones, adds depth and personality to each character and will soon expand to devices from Nothing, Lenovo, Xiaomi, Oppo/OnePlus, Honor, Motorola, and others. The rollout demonstrates Google’s commitment to a unified, visually richer user experience across its hardware ecosystem.

💡 Why It Matters

· By extending 3D emoji to older watches, Google levels the visual experience across its smartwatch lineup, reinforcing brand consistency and encouraging broader adoption of its ecosystem.

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Honor Magic 9 Pro Max goes official with 8,800 mAh battery, ARRI…

Honor announced its flagship Magic 9 Pro Max in China, featuring a 200 MP main camera with gimbal‑level stabilization, a 200 MP telephoto lens offering 3.5× optical zoom, and a 50 MP ultra‑wide unit, all tuned by ARRI for cinematic color. The device runs Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, starts at 12 GB RAM, and includes an 8,800 mAh battery with 100 W wired and 80 W wireless charging. A 6.8‑inch OLED display peaks at 10,000 nits, and the phone is IP68/IP69/IP69K rated. Global launch is slated for later this year.

💡 The partnership with ARRI positions Honor as a serious contender in mobile cinematography, offering studio‑grade imaging tools directly on a consumer device. The high‑capacity battery and rapid charging support extended on‑the‑go shooting, a key demand for professional content creators.

9to5google.com · Sep 28

Motorola’s wide Galaxy Z Fold 8 competitor might be very tiny and…

Motorola is reportedly developing a new wide, book‑style foldable tentatively named “Razr Flex,” with the internal codename “Parker.” The device is expected to launch mid‑December and will feature a 4.97‑inch outer display and an inner panel under 7 inches, making it noticeably smaller than competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Xiaomi’s 18 Fold. Specifications mirror those of the earlier Razr Fold, and concept renders suggest a minimalist design approach. The name “Razr Flex” may or may not be used for retail.

💡 The Razr Flex’s compact dimensions could redefine portability in the foldable market, offering a smaller alternative to current flagship models.

androidcentral.com · Sep 28

Samsung finally reveals everything coming to your Galaxy S26 with One UI…

Samsung has released the official One UI 9 changelog for its Galaxy S26, S26 Plus and S26 Ultra smartphones. The update, which began rolling out on September 21 after a brief delay, brings the Fold 8’s My FanCam video‑tracking feature to the S26 line, adds a more customizable Quick Panel, and expands the AI‑driven Now Nudge suggestions across the interface. New privacy tools include AI‑powered alerts for unusual permission use and a blue location‑access indicator. Bixby, Samsung Health, the lock‑screen clock and warranty menu also receive upgrades, while call‑screen information is now displayed during calls. The rollout is currently available on T‑Mobile, Metro by T‑Mobile, US Cellular and for unlocked devices in the United States for early adopters to test.

💡 By flagging atypical permission use instantly, the update gives users concrete control over data exposure, turning privacy from a background setting into an active safeguard.

gsmarena.com · Sep 28

Xiaomi 18 Pro/Pro Max, vivo X500, Pro/Pro Max are all official, Week…

Qualcomm released its Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, both built on TSMC’s 2 nm process, featuring upgraded Oryon CPU cores, Adreno GPUs, and enhanced AI. The more powerful Extreme Gen 6 targets flagship phones, while the regular Elite Gen 6 aims at a broader range. Xiaomi launched the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, equipped with dual 200 MP Leica cameras, hardware‑level privacy screens, and batteries of 7,000 mAh and 8,500 mAh, priced at CNY 5,999 and CNY 6,999 in China. The vivo X500 series debuted with MediaTek Dimensity 9600/9600+ chips, Zeiss cameras, and large batteries, launching in China on September 30 and worldwide on October 27. Realme unveiled a Harry Potter‑themed 16 Pro, and Meta introduced audio‑only Ray‑Ban Meta Audio glasses.

💡 The new 2 nm chipsets signal a leap in mobile performance, setting a new benchmark for flagship devices. Xiaomi’s dual‑screen design and high‑resolution cameras push the envelope for premium smartphone features, while vivo’s focus on camera quality and battery life highlights shifting consumer priorities.

androidcentral.com · Sep 28

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 vs. MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro:…

Harish Jonnalagadda, senior editor at Android Central, leads the site’s mobile coverage after a decade of experience with Android devices. He began tinkering with Windows XP as a teenager, later earning a computer‑science degree and reviewing PC components for VR‑Zone. Switching from iPhone to Nexus 4 sparked his interest in Android, prompting him to join Android Central in 2014. In his current role, Jonnalagadda oversees reporting on Chinese smartphone brands, premium audio, networking gear, and storage solutions, drawing on his engineering background and extensive hands‑on testing. He has used virtually every major phone released worldwide, giving him a comprehensive perspective on Google’s mobile platform. Outside work, he reads sci‑fi on an e‑reader and follows Arsenal football.

💡 His deep, hands‑on expertise provides Android Central’s audience with uniquely informed assessments of emerging Chinese hardware, shaping consumer expectations and industry perception.

slashgear.com · Sep 27

12 Of The Best Android Phones You Can Buy In 2026

The 2026 Android market has diversified beyond Samsung and Google, with Chinese manufacturers now offering flagship cameras and batteries that outpace traditional leaders. New gaming phones feature PC‑grade liquid‑cooling systems, while the overall lineup includes a mix of high‑performance, camera‑centric, and long‑lasting devices, many of which are unavailable in the United States. Consumers face a tougher choice because no single model now excels in every category; shoppers must prioritize specific features such as photography, speed, or endurance. The article lists twelve top Android phones for the year, noting regional availability and directing readers interested in smaller devices to a separate compact‑phone guide. It also discloses affiliate links that may generate commissions on purchases.

💡 The surge of Chinese flagship phones forces buyers to reassess brand loyalty and reshapes global competition in premium Android hardware.