TechCapsules

Nick, a veteran tech writer and former IT professional, has long championed Android devices and VR gear. He recently discovered a Pixel 11 camera setting that resolves his persistent PWM sensitivity issue, a problem that has plagued many modern smartphones. By adjusting the camera’s exposure compensation, the Pixel 11 eliminates flicker and improves low‑light performance, allowing users to capture clearer images without the distracting artifacts that often arise from LED backlighting. This tweak demonstrates the device’s potential for serious [...]

Xiaomi unveiled Transparent Special Editions of its flagship 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max smartphones, featuring a red, see‑through aesthetic achieved through micron‑level film embossing that reveals a three‑dimensional relief of internal components. Both models retain the standard hardware: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6/Extreme Gen 6 processors, Leica triple‑camera arrays (200 MP main, 200 MP periscope, 50 MP ultrawide), 7,000 mAh (Pro) or 8,500 mAh (Pro Max) batteries, 100 W wired and 50 W wireless charging, and run HyperOS 4. Each edition is offered in a single configuration [...]

Samsung has begun distributing its Android 17‑based One UI 9 update to Galaxy S26 devices in the United States after a brief, unexplained delay. The rollout, first announced earlier this month, initially failed to appear for many users, prompting Samsung to acknowledge a postponement in some regions. Early reports from Reddit indicate that a small group of U.S. owners, primarily on T‑Mobile, have received the roughly 4 GB update, while unlocked phones remain untouched. Carrier‑specific pushes typically precede broader availability, suggesting [...]

Harish Jonnalagadda, Android Central’s Senior Editor, began his tech career by modifying Windows XP systems and later earned a computer‑science degree. He transitioned from PC hardware reviews to mobile coverage after switching from iPhone to Nexus 4, joining Android Central in 2014. Over a decade, he has tested every major global phone, specializing in Chinese manufacturers, and now oversees coverage of Chinese phones, audio gear, networking, and storage. Outside work, he reads sci‑fi and follows Arsenal.

Xiaomi launched its 18 Pro series in China, offering the 18 Pro Max with a 6.9‑inch AMOLED front display and a 2.9‑inch rear screen, and the 18 Pro with a 6.4‑inch front display and a 2.7‑inch rear screen. Both models feature a new privacy screen that activates via location‑based triggers to conceal sensitive content. The Max is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, while the Pro uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. Prices start at 6,999 CNY ($1,042) [...]

Qualcomm unveiled its Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, a flagship processor built on a 2 nm process that reaches 5 GHz on its prime cores. The chip powers reference Android devices equipped with 24 GB of RAM and a 4,400 mAh battery, delivering an 8% boost in multi‑core Geekbench 7 scores and up to 22% higher 3DMark performance versus Apple’s A20 Pro. Despite the gains, the units ran hot, requiring cooldown periods between tests. The new chip signals Qualcomm’s push toward ultra‑powerful, large‑screen smartphones. [...]

Google Maps has introduced a new Android Auto update that displays a pop‑up indicator for upcoming traffic lights and stop signs at each turn. The feature, which has been available on the phone for six years, now shows real‑time intersection information alongside the street name. The update also appears on iPhone CarPlay, offering drivers a glanceable cue about intersection control. The change is likely a server‑side tweak aimed at improving navigation clarity.

Nureva and AudioCodes announced a jointly certified Microsoft Teams Rooms solution powered by the Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP). The package pairs Nureva’s HDL310 audio system with AudioCodes’ RXVCam70 PTZ camera, RXV200‑ES Android AV hub, and RX‑PAD‑ES meeting room controller. It delivers full‑room microphone pickup via Nureva’s Microphone Mist, intelligent camera tracking, and intuitive device control without complex DSPs or ceiling mics. The solution is plug‑and‑play, requires minimal cabling, and is managed through familiar Microsoft tools, meeting [...]