Galaxy SmartTag 3 at $20 makes a compelling case to skip the Google Pixel Tag

9to5google.com Nov 12, 2026

Galaxy SmartTag 3 at $20 makes a compelling case to skip the Google Pixel Tag

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Nov 12, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Samsung has launched the Galaxy SmartTag 3, pricing the four‑pack at $20 per unit, positioning it as a low‑cost rival to Google’s Pixel Tag for Galaxy phone owners. The device features a smaller chassis, extended battery life, limited iPhone compatibility, and an NFC function that shares contact details when found. Retailers list the single unit for $23.99, with bundle pricing of $43.99 for two, $62.99 for three, and $79.99 for four, making the four‑pack the cheapest per tracker. Samsung also offers the older SmartTag 2 at discounted rates on Amazon. Early user reports suggest Samsung’s Find Hub network often outperforms Google’s Find Hub, giving the SmartTag 3 a performance edge in real‑world tracking scenarios.

💡 Why It Matters

· At $20 per tracker, Samsung gives budget‑conscious consumers a viable alternative that could shift loyalty away from Google’s ecosystem.

Read full article on 9to5google.com

Pebblebee’s latest Android Find Hub trackers try some festive colors, but fall…

Pebblebee released a new limited‑edition color drop for its Clip 5 Android Find Hub tracker, featuring “Cranberry” and “Champagne.” While marketing images showcase reflective sparkle, reviewers report the colors appear muted in real life, lacking the festive shine. The hardware remains unchanged: USB‑C rechargeable battery, Android Find Hub and Apple Find My compatibility, 130 dB siren, and a $34.99 price point. Earlier variants, “Hotline Pink” and “Techno Lime,” remain available, and a Black Friday sale offers 20‑30% off with code “BFCM26.”

💡 The color misstep signals a growing trend of premium branding that may not translate into consumer experience, prompting buyers to scrutinize product photos more closely.

androidcentral.com · Nov 12

Fairphone’s first US cell partner: Boost Mobile picks up the repairable Gen.…

Fairphone announced its first U.S. mobile partnership with Boost Mobile, offering the repair‑focused Gen. 6 Plus on the carrier’s 5G network. The deal includes software support through 2033 and a 5‑year warranty. The Gen. 6 Plus features 12 replaceable parts, 12 GB RAM, Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, Android 16, a 4,415 mAh battery, 256 GB storage expandable to 2 TB, and a 50‑MP camera. Available in Cobalt Blue, Forest Green, and Horizon Black, the phone can also be purchased unlocked via Fairphone’s store or Amazon.

💡 By aligning with a U.S. carrier, Fairphone extends its sustainability model into a major market, proving that repairable phones can compete on mainstream networks. This partnership signals a shift toward long‑term device stewardship in an industry dominated by short‑lived models.

9to5google.com · Nov 12

Google rolling out Android 17 QPR3 Beta 4 for Pixel

Google began rolling out Android 17 QPR3 Beta 4 to supported Pixel hardware on Tuesday, following the stable release of QPR2 this year. The beta is available as an OTA for a range of devices, including the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9 series, Pixel 10 series, Pixel 11 series, the Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold and the Pixel 8 Pro, as well as the Android Emulator. Users can enroll through the Android Beta Program and report problems via the Android Beta Feedback app, which links to Google’s internal issue tracker, or discuss bugs on the Reddit community. The update introduces the third quarterly platform refresh for Android 17, delivering incremental performance tweaks, API refinements and early access to upcoming features ahead of the final release.

💡 It gives developers immediate hands‑on experience with Android 17’s latest APIs on the newest Pixel models, speeding integration of forthcoming features.

9to5google.com · Nov 12

Hands-on: Google and Samsung’s vision for Android XR glasses is 20/20

Google and Samsung unveiled Android XR glasses, branded as Gentle Monster and Warby Parker Intelligent Eyewear, at a demo event. The lightweight 41‑gram pair features a translucent stem, voice control with a new “Hey Gemini” hotword, a touchpad, and a camera‑privacy indicator. Users can also interact via Pixel or Galaxy Watches. Google claims the glasses replace traditional eyewear, offering low‑latency Gemini Live responses and on‑device privacy safeguards that blur faces and omit images from cloud storage. The collaboration signals a shift toward mainstream, everyday smart glasses.

💡 The partnership demonstrates a viable, privacy‑focused alternative to Meta’s controversial approach, potentially accelerating consumer adoption of wearable AI.

9to5google.com · Nov 12

Google’s new Android XR glasses work with iOS, Made for iPhone certified

Google unveiled Intelligent Eyewear, Android XR audio glasses that support iOS via Made for iPhone certification. Made by Samsung with frames from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, the 30 designs weigh 40‑44 g and feature a 12‑MP ultra‑wide camera, four microphones, and two open‑ear speakers. The iOS companion app handles HDR processing, saves up to 90‑second clips to Apple Photos, and uses Wi‑Fi Aware for rapid transfers. Privacy is enforced with a blinking indicator light, hardware checks, and face‑redaction before cloud upload. Battery life is nine hours, with a charging case holding seven charges. Pre‑orders begin today, shipping December 10.

💡 By enabling seamless iOS integration, Google expands its XR ecosystem beyond Android, potentially reshaping cross‑platform wearable adoption.

9to5google.com · Nov 12

Here’s how Google’s Android XR glasses are handling the camera & privacy

Google’s first Android XR glasses, released with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, introduce a camera system designed to address privacy concerns that plagued earlier smart‑glasses attempts. Each pair features a recording light that activates only when the camera captures content for later viewing, and the device automatically disables the camera if the light fails. Images sent to Gemini are locally redacted to remove faces, and voice data is filtered to exclude other speakers. Video recording is capped at 90 seconds, and the glasses limit camera use to clear user intent.

💡 By embedding hardware‑level safeguards and strict data‑handling rules, Google aims to rebuild trust in wearable cameras, a critical step for broader adoption of AR devices.