TechCapsules

Google has officially released its first wave of Googlebooks, five laptops running Googlebook OS. Prices start at $899, with models from Dell, HP, ASUS, Lenovo, and Acer. All feature 120 Hz touchscreens, 16 GB of RAM, and either Intel Core Ultra or Snapdragon X Elite processors. The lineup shows improved build quality and performance compared to past Chromebooks, with standout models from Dell XPS and HP. The devices lack expandable storage and carry a premium price tag, but deliver [...]

Motorola unveiled a preview of its upcoming high‑end “Signature 27” smartphone on Instagram, revealing a bold new design that departs from the brand’s previous models. The teaser shows four camera lenses arranged in two rows on the top, curving into a slimmer profile below, a configuration unseen in current market offerings. The company claims the device is engineered to the highest standards and hints it will run a new Snapdragon chip, tying the reveal to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon [...]

Pixel VIPs 2.0 begins rolling out after last week’s Feature Drop, introducing a full‑screen contact view that replaces the previous bottom‑sheet slide. The new layout places call, message, video, and contact buttons near the top, with an outline‑style icon set and a pencil icon for quick Google Contacts edits. “Local updates” now appears above “Last connection,” and the “Notes” section moves to the bottom after media and place recommendations are removed. A pill‑shaped VIP switcher lets users [...]

Harish Jonnalagadda, Android Central’s Senior Editor, has spent over a decade covering Android devices, beginning his tech career with Windows XP tweaks and PC hardware reviews. He transitioned to mobile journalism after adopting the Nexus 4, and has since led coverage of Chinese phone brands, audio gear, networking hardware, and storage servers. His engineering background and extensive hands‑on experience give him a unique perspective on the evolution of Google’s platform and the rise of Chinese manufacturers. [...]

OnePlus unveiled the design of its upcoming OnePlus 16, confirming that the handset will launch exclusively in China as the brand withdraws from most overseas markets. The teaser campaign features a new landing page and visual cues reminiscent of the OnePlus 15, but introduces three fresh colorways—Dark Forest, Tomorrow Starlight and Mars Masterpiece—each with distinct finishes, including an orange topographic pattern and a blue‑silver variant with illuminated rear accents of uncertain purpose. Oppo’s Chinese online store lists [...]

Over the past week, Southeast Asian hardware makers emphasized endurance and practicality. In Malaysia, Oppo launched the A7 Pro 5G and A7 Pro Max 5G, the latter featuring an ultra‑thin 10,000 mAh battery, 80 W fast charging that reaches full capacity in 91 minutes and a 5‑minute 11 % boost, plus reverse wired charging and a 50‑megapixel front camera. Honor responded with the X9e Pro, equipped with an 11,000 mAh cell, IP68/69/69K protection and a 108‑megapixel primary sensor, targeting travelers and remote [...]

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max and Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra were compared in seven evaluation rounds. The iPhone won in design, camera, performance, and battery, while Samsung edged out in display resolution and software/AI features. Both 256 GB models launch at $1,299 in the U.S. The iPhone weighs 249 g with an 8.75 mm thickness; the Galaxy is lighter at 214 g and 7.9 mm thick. Samsung offers a higher‑resolution screen, 200 MP primary sensor, and S Pen, whereas the iPhone delivers a 48 MP camera system, 120 Hz ProMotion display, [...]

Honor announced the X9e Pro, slated for a September 24 launch in Malaysia before expanding across Southeast Asia. The device features an 11,000 mAh silicon‑carbon battery—the largest offered in any mainstream smartphone in 2026—and is priced at roughly $295 in China, undercutting rivals in its capacity class. It carries an IP69K rating, tolerating high‑pressure water, 3‑meter drops, and extreme temperatures from –30 °C to 85 °C. Powered by a mid‑range Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset, the phone sacrifices processing speed to preserve endurance. [...]