Samsung finally takes on Shokz with its first clip-on Galaxy Buds

androidcentral.com Oct 1, 2026

Samsung finally takes on Shokz with its first clip-on Galaxy Buds

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 1, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Samsung has launched its first clip‑on Galaxy Buds, the Galaxy Buds On, designed to sit around the ear and leave the canal open. The earbuds feature TwinBoost speakers, automatic volume adjustment, and Audio Leakage Reduction to address bass and sound leakage. They run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound Platform, offering 9.5 hours of playback and integrating Galaxy AI for hands‑free commands and voice memos. The product will debut in South Korea on October 27 for KRW 299,000, with a global rollout pending.

💡 Why It Matters

· Samsung’s entry into the growing open‑ear market signals a strategic shift toward safer, more situational‑aware audio, potentially reshaping consumer expectations for active listening.

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Revised PlayStation 5 Slim Model Comes With Major, Welcome Change

Sony released a revised PS5 Slim in September 2026, incorporating several upgrades. The most notable change is an easily replaceable CR2032 CMOS battery, a feature previously difficult on earlier PlayStation models. The update also improves the liquid‑metal cooling system, introduces a new heatsink, and simplifies the motherboard layout. Despite these enhancements, Sony shipped the console with older manuals that omit the battery change. The revision follows the earlier PS5 Pro’s battery improvement and reflects Sony’s focus on serviceability.

💡 By simplifying battery replacement, Sony reduces repair costs and extends console lifespan, addressing a common pain point for owners. The cooling and motherboard tweaks also promise better reliability and performance for future gaming demands.

appleinsider.com · Oct 1

iPhone 18 Pro review: A massive camera update is just the beginning

Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro during its fall 2026 event, skipping a new base model and instead introducing the Pro, Pro Max, and the upcoming iPhone Duo. The 256‑GB black variant features a vapor‑cooled A20 Pro chip, a 48‑MP Fusion main camera, and a 6.3‑inch display identical to the 17 Pro. Design changes include a new Action Button, under‑screen IR camera relocated to the top‑left corner, and a 25‑W MagSafe charging area. The device supports USB‑C, LiDAR, and Face ID with the updated infrared sensor.

💡 The iPhone 18 Pro’s camera and processor upgrades set a new benchmark for mobile photography and performance, influencing competitors’ roadmap decisions. Its strategic release—omitting a base model—signals Apple’s shift toward premium tiers, reshaping consumer expectations for flagship devices.

androidcentral.com · Oct 1

Closed foldables cause Android Auto calls to fail: Moto and Google are…

Motorola and Google are investigating a bug that prevents Android Auto from completing voice‑initiated calls when a foldable phone is closed. Users of the Moto Razr Ultra 2025 and other Gemini‑enabled devices reported that the system pulls up the contact but never dials unless the device is opened. The problem was first noted on Reddit and later echoed on Google’s support forums and Motorola’s community pages. A workaround discovered by a Reddit user involves disabling the Gemini AI assistant and reverting to the legacy Google Assistant, which restores call functionality regardless of the phone’s state. Both companies have reached out to affected owners for diagnostic data and promise a software fix in an upcoming update in the next quarterly release.

💡 Drivers relying on hands‑free calling may be forced to expose their premium foldables, undermining the convenience that Android Auto promises.

appleinsider.com · Oct 1

Oppo can’t get accusations of Apple Watch trade secret theft dismissed

A U.S. federal judge denied Oppo’s motion to dismiss Apple’s lawsuit alleging that former Apple engineer Chen Shi stole Apple Watch trade secrets and shared them with the Chinese smartphone maker. Apple claims Shi downloaded 63 confidential documents and held numerous meetings with the Watch team just days before leaving, then transferred the files to a USB drive to secure a lucrative position at Oppo. Judge Eumi Lee found Apple’s breach‑of‑contract allegations sufficient to proceed and noted that the plaintiff identified at least one specific trade secret, rejecting Oppo’s argument that the term was overly broad. The ruling allows Apple to seek damages and an injunction, while Oppo and its partner InnoPeak must file a defense by Oct. 21, 2026 after previously delaying discovery compliance.

💡 The decision clears the path for Apple to enforce its IP protections against a major Chinese competitor, testing how aggressively U.S. courts will curb cross‑border talent poaching in high‑tech sectors.

appleinsider.com · Oct 1

Code hints continue to reveal features of Apple’s upcoming Home Hub

A code sleuth named pdfu has revealed that Apple’s forthcoming Home Hub tablet will incorporate a “Photo Face” feature, mirroring the StandBy face on the iPhone Duo. The Home Hub, slated for an October 13 unveiling, will allow users to set up a Photo Face using iCloud Photos, selecting from shuffled images, memory slideshows, or shared albums. The discovery suggests Apple is integrating ecosystem-wide features and may keep additional configurations hidden until the device’s public reveal.

💡 The integration of Photo Face across devices signals Apple’s push toward a unified, context‑aware home experience, potentially redefining how users interact with their personal media in everyday environments.

androidcentral.com · Oct 1

Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab S12 tablets are thinner, faster and more expensive

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Tab S12 Plus, both powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 chipset. The Ultra sports a 14.6‑inch 120 Hz AMOLED display and a 5.1 mm thickness, while the Plus offers a 12.6‑inch panel. Each tablet includes an 11,600‑mAh (Ultra) or 10,600‑mAh (Plus) battery, 45 W charging, and an in‑display fingerprint sensor. Prices start at $1,400 for the Ultra and $1,200 for the Plus, with availability from October 7.

💡 Samsung’s new tablets push the limits of thinness and battery endurance, challenging competitors to match its blend of performance and portability. The inclusion of preloaded Adobe Photoshop and AI features signals a shift toward professional‑grade mobile workflows.