Pixelated 124: Is it time for a Nest Hub comeback?

9to5google.com Nov 6, 2026

Pixelated 124: Is it time for a Nest Hub comeback?

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Nov 6, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Motorola unveiled its Signature 27, a $1,600 non‑foldable flagship slated for a North American release, marking the company’s first premium handset in the region in years. Analysts note the price reflects rising component costs, raising questions about market viability. At the same time, Apple is set to launch its HomeView smart display next week, intensifying competition in the home‑assistant space. Google currently has no comparable modern display, prompting the Pixelated podcast hosts to debate whether a refreshed Nest Hub could fill the gap, especially with a potential 2027 relaunch in mind. The episode also highlights the show's members‑only bonus content and a sponsorship deal with Proton Unlimited offering listeners a discount on privacy services for enhanced online security and anonymity.

💡 Why It Matters

· A high‑priced, non‑foldable flagship tests consumer appetite for premium Android devices amid tightening supply chains, while Apple’s new display underscores Google’s urgent need for a competitive home‑assistant offering.

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Google Health 5.12 rolling out with manual blood pressure & pregnancy logging,…

Google Health released version 5.12 for Android and iOS, adding manual blood‑pressure logging and optional sync via Apple Health or Health Connect. Users can log readings by tapping the +Log button or through a chat with a Premium Health Coach. The update introduces a glucose graph overlay that displays exercise, sleep, and nutrition events, and allows event logging directly on the graph. Pregnancy tracking is now available through Cycle Health settings or coach chat, pausing period alerts and showing pregnancy weeks. Premium subscribers receive personalized coach interactions and insights.

💡 By integrating manual and synced blood‑pressure data with contextual lifestyle events, Google Health deepens its role in personalized health monitoring, offering users a more holistic view of their well‑being.

androidcentral.com · Nov 6

Early details? Vivo’s ‘wide fold’ may launch in 2027 with a more…

Vivo is reportedly advancing a wide‑foldable smartphone that could launch in 2027, according to tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo. The device would break from the current trend of large inner screens by using a display under 6.5 inches, making it notably more compact than Samsung’s 7.6‑inch Galaxy Z Fold 8 or Apple’s iPhone Duo. DCS said most hardware components have been finalized, suggesting the design is near production. Industry observers note the move could differentiate Vivo in a market dominated by oversized folds, while Chinese consumers appear receptive to a smaller form factor. Comparable rumors place Honor and OPPO on the 7.6‑inch side, underscoring Vivo’s unique sizing strategy. Analysts predict the smaller chassis could improve ergonomics and appeal among users.

💡 A sub‑6.5‑inch fold could prove that bigger isn’t always better, forcing rivals to rethink size‑centric roadmaps.

9to5google.com · Nov 6

Samsung’s next cheap phone will have a much bigger battery than the…

Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy A38, a mid‑range handset that will house a 6,000 mAh battery, according to GalaxyClub. The capacity represents a 20 percent increase over the 5,000 mAh cells that have powered recent Galaxy A series models and also exceeds the battery size of the current flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra by the same margin. While competitors such as Honor have already introduced phones with 10,000 mAh packs, the upgrade marks Samsung’s first major step toward larger batteries in its mainstream lineup. The move follows the company’s recent adoption of silicon‑carbon technology in foldable devices, suggesting a broader strategy to improve endurance. The A38 is expected to arrive in early 2027, with the Galaxy S27 rumored to receive modest battery enhancements.

💡 By equipping a budget device with flagship‑level endurance, Samsung aims to reshape consumer expectations for mid‑range phones and leverage battery size as a differentiator in a crowded market.

androidcentral.com · Nov 6

Google’s Find Hub just got a feature that could save you from…

Google is rolling out a new “Notify when left behind” feature for Bluetooth trackers linked to Android’s Find Hub app. The update sends a push alert when a user moves away from an item—such as a wallet, keys or bag—equipped with a compatible tracker. The capability mirrors Apple’s long‑standing left‑behind alerts in its Find My network, marking the first time Android offers comparable functionality. Find Hub, refreshed last year with a unified interface for devices, trackers and people, now includes a setting that users can enable per tracker. At launch the feature supports only Bluetooth tags, not headphones or other accessories, though Google may broaden support later. The change aims to reduce everyday misplacements for Android users and improve daily productivity.

💡 Matching Apple’s alert system closes a key feature gap, giving Android users a reliable way to prevent forgotten valuables.

9to5google.com · Nov 6

The Android 17 ColorOS 17 update is coming to 6 more OnePlus…

OnePlus will roll out ColorOS 17 on six additional devices this month, including the OnePlus Open foldable, as the company fully transitions from OxygenOS to Oppo’s software brand. The update schedule, posted by ColorOS Global on X, lists the OnePlus 12R, OnePlus 11, and OnePlus Pad 2 among the 13 devices slated for December and early 2027. The change reflects the long‑standing integration of OnePlus and Oppo software teams, with updates now synchronized across both brands. Users are urged to check for the update multiple times during the rollout window.

💡 The shift to ColorOS signals OnePlus’s deeper alignment with Oppo, potentially streamlining support and feature parity across their device lineups. This consolidation may influence how quickly new Android enhancements reach consumers.

androidcentral.com · Nov 6

Samsung’s toughest Galaxy phone just got Android 17 — here’s how to…

Samsung has begun rolling out the Android 17‑based One UI 9 update to US‑locked Galaxy XCover 7 Pro devices. The firmware, identified as G766USQUADZJ7, follows a South Korean launch and adds Quick Settings customization, a location‑privacy indicator, upgraded Samsung Notes, new Samsung DeX features, and a dedicated Warranty and Care section in Settings. The rugged phone, originally shipped with One UI 7 on Android 15, now receives its second major OS upgrade. Unlocked models will receive the update later, but Samsung promises seven years of security patches for the XCover 7 Pro, extending its appeal to enterprise users. Owners can verify availability via Settings → Software update → Check for updates. The update also improves battery‑saving algorithms and introduces native support for dual‑SIM management on the device.

💡 Seven‑year security support turns the XCover 7 Pro into a rare, long‑life Android asset, letting businesses standardize on a single rugged platform without frequent replacement cycles.