Why do camera makers partner on phones? I toured ARRI to find out

androidcentral.com Nov 10, 2026

Why do camera makers partner on phones? I toured ARRI to find out

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Nov 10, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Smartphone makers have increasingly partnered with renowned camera brands to enhance mobile photography, a trend that began with Nokia’s 2005 collaboration with Zeiss and accelerated after the iPhone’s launch. Major players such as Huawei, Leica, Hasselblad, and now Honor with ARRI have formed alliances that bring professional optics, sensor technology, and imaging expertise to consumer devices. These partnerships often result in flagship models featuring advanced zoom, color science, and camera hardware that rival dedicated cameras, illustrating a shift toward premium mobile imaging.

💡 Why It Matters

· By integrating professional camera technology, smartphone manufacturers elevate image quality to near‑professional levels, reshaping consumer expectations and blurring the line between mobile and cinematic photography.

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How to customize or disable the touchscreen on the new MacBook Pro…

Apple’s new MacBook Pro now includes a touchscreen on its PROLED XDR display, a feature that has sparked mixed reactions. Users can disable the screen entirely via a toggle in System Settings, or customize individual gestures through the Touch Display option. For accessibility, Touch Accommodations and AssistiveTouch are available in the Touch Gestures panel. The article also notes how to turn off the glowing Apple logo and references a 9to5Mac review of the laptop.

💡 The ability to disable or tailor touch input gives professionals control over workflow, reducing accidental gestures that could disrupt productivity.

androidcentral.com · Nov 9

Samsung might serve Bixby some proper AI agent upgrades in One UI…

Samsung is preparing to upgrade its Bixby assistant with AI‑agent capabilities in the upcoming One UI 9.5 release. Reports from SamMobile indicate Bixby can now create “actions,” allowing users to schedule automated tasks such as daily currency conversions. Users retain control with options to delete, pause, or pin actions, and a log may track activity. Early testing suggests future functions could include booking hotels and other services, potentially rolling out by 2027.

💡 The shift positions Bixby as a proactive helper, narrowing the gap with competitors that already offer task‑automation, and could redefine how consumers interact with Samsung devices.

9to5google.com · Nov 9

Googlebook apps built by Googlers add macOS-like status bar shortcuts, keyboard commands

Googlebook, Google’s new desktop‑class platform, has seen three developer‑built apps that emulate macOS features. BentoBox adds a customizable status bar with shortcuts, weather, battery, clipboard history, and timers, while Booklight offers a Spotlight‑style launcher with shorthand commands and quick math input. Wayfinder provides a desktop‑grade file manager with network file access. All three are free on Google Play and demonstrate the platform’s potential, though its app ecosystem remains thin at launch.

💡 These apps show that Googlebook can rival macOS in usability, hinting at a future where Google’s hardware and software ecosystem could attract developers and users alike.

9to5mac.com · Nov 9

Edgar Wright directs Apple’s hilarious new Apple Pay action ad

Apple has enlisted filmmaker Edgar Wright, known for “Baby Driver” and “Shaun of the Dead,” to helm its latest Apple Pay commercial. The 30‑second spot mimics classic kung‑fu cinema, featuring rapid cuts, zooms and choreographed fight scenes inside a convenience store. The hero pays for everyday items with Apple Pay, then uses the purchased objects as weapons against opponents who fumble with bulky physical wallets. The ad contrasts the speed and security of Apple’s contactless system with the clumsiness of cash and cards, highlighting the double‑click‑and‑Face ID workflow and the audible “ding” confirming a transaction. Apple previously released a monster‑themed Apple Pay ad, and the new video continues the brand’s strategy of blending high‑octane storytelling with product messaging for global audiences.

💡 By casting Apple Pay as a cinematic super‑power, Apple creates a shareable cultural hook that deepens emotional connection and drives adoption among media‑savvy consumers.

androidcentral.com · Nov 9

Samsung may charge for Galaxy AI, but its features have a value…

Samsung is preparing a paid tier for its Galaxy AI suite, according to a leak from SammyGuru that shows a “Galaxy AI Premium” interface. The subscription would cost $4.99 per month or $47.99 annually and unlock additional capabilities such as Bixby Action, Daily Briefing and Gen Video, while existing tools like Now Brief, Browsing Assist, Creative Studio and AI‑enhanced keyboard remain free. Free users would face tighter usage caps and might need to purchase credit packs, whereas premium members could receive to four times the allowance. Samsung previously promised free access through 2025 but later denied plans for paid features. The rollout could start with the Galaxy S27 series and expand, though the company has not confirmed pricing or timing.

💡 Samsung’s move forces users to weigh native AI functions against free third‑party bots, testing whether brand‑specific features can command a subscription fee.

androidcentral.com · Nov 9

Honor’s 700 series gets a rear display, too: early teasers show a…

Honor began teasing its upcoming 700 series, slated for a November 13 launch in China. Leaked images show a 6.5‑inch front panel with ultra‑thin bezels and a smaller rear‑display panel that can run mini‑games, dynamic notifications and an unnamed “industry‑exclusive” feature. The rear screen also appears to present real‑time heart‑rate and blood‑oxygen readings, suggesting an in‑display health sensor similar to a smartwatch. The lineup will include three models – the Honor 700, 700 Pro and 700S – and is expected to carry over the 200 MP main camera from the 600 series, with the Pro likely adding a telephoto lens. Snapdragon 8 Elite may power the Pro variant while the base could use Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, mirroring the previous generation’s chipset split in China launch.

💡 By embedding health monitoring on the rear screen, Honor blurs the line between smartphones and wearables, offering a new convenience layer for users who prefer on‑device vitals tracking.