TechCapsules

Google unveiled the “Googlebook,” a premium laptop aimed at Android users, slated for release early next month. Unlike previous Chromebooks, the device will be manufactured by partners such as Lenovo, Dell, Acer and ASUS, with Intel, Qualcomm and soon AMD components, while Google supplies only software and AI services. The hardware targets “premium Android” customers, promising Apple‑like ecosystem benefits without sacrificing Android’s openness. Central to the offering is deep integration of Google’s Gemini AI, including a native [...]

Verizon has reintroduced its most generous Google Pixel 11 promotion, offering a free Pixel 11 Pro 256 GB to new customers without requiring a trade‑in. The deal is available through Verizon’s online store and includes a 24‑month contract with the carrier’s 5G network. The promotion targets consumers looking for a high‑end smartphone at no upfront cost, positioning Verizon competitively against other carriers that typically demand device trade‑ins or higher monthly fees. The offer is limited to a specific [...]

Xiaomi has confirmed that its upcoming Xiaomi 18 Pro will include a privacy display similar to Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra. The feature physically alters screen light to hide content from side angles, allowing clear viewing only from a direct line of sight. Xiaomi’s implementation offers greater flexibility, enabling privacy mode in specific apps, split‑screen windows, floating app windows, and lock‑screen notifications, rather than an all‑or‑nothing toggle. The phone is slated to launch on September 23, with an [...]

PhoneBuff conducted a side‑by‑side drop test between the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the Galaxy S26 Ultra. In a 1‑meter back‑drop drop, both phones cracked on the back, but the S26 Ultra suffered more wear. A corner drop favored the S26 Ultra, leaving the iPhone dented. The decisive face drop saw the iPhone’s display stay intact while the S26 Ultra’s screen shattered and its fingerprint scanner failed. The cumulative score was 56‑53 in favor of the iPhone, marking a narrow victory in [...]

Google has launched the Google AI Pro bundle, a $20 monthly subscription that consolidates several services, including 5 TB of shared Google storage, Gemini Pro AI access, YouTube Premium Lite, Google Health Premium, and Google Home Premium Standard. The bundle replaces the former Google One plan and offers up to six months free with new Pixel devices. It targets users across Android and iPhone ecosystems, providing integrated AI tools, health coaching, and smart‑home features in a single, affordable [...]

Google unveiled its new “Googlebook” line, positioning the devices as Android‑centric laptops that extend smartphone integration with desktop‑class ChromeOS features. Reviewers Abner, Jordan and Damien noted smoother Android app performance, a customizable desktop and standard Chrome browser, but found the ecosystem still limited to Android, web and Linux apps. Google promotes seamless mirroring, file sync and quick‑share capabilities as a Mac‑iPhone‑style experience for Android users, yet the hardware lacks full‑desktop versions of Adobe Creative Suite and relies [...]

Xiaomi confirmed that its upcoming Xiaomi 18 Pro will include a hardware‑based smart privacy display, mirroring Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra. The screen remains fully visible from the front while side brightness falls to about 1% beyond a 60‑degree angle, rendering the display nearly black to observers. Xiaomi claims its implementation does not dim the front view, unlike Samsung’s version. Software controls will enable privacy for lock‑screen notifications and floating windows. The 18 series is slated for launch [...]

TECNO’s Spark 50 Pro, priced at $274, features a Sony LYTIA 600 50‑MP sensor—normally reserved for premium phones—paired with a MediaTek Helio G100 Ultimate 6 nm chipset. The device boasts IP69 water resistance, a 5,600‑mAh battery that reaches 63 % in 30 minutes via 60 W charging, and Android 16 with HiOS 16 AI tools. The Helio G100 prioritizes efficiency over raw speed, delivering smooth social‑media use and medium‑settings gaming. TECNO highlights 80 % battery capacity retention after six years, targeting emerging‑market consumers who keep phones longer. [...]