TechCapsules

Google has begun rolling out new health metrics for Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5, adding blood pressure trends, insulin resistance trends, and sleep breathing quality metrics. The blood pressure feature passively tracks pulse and motion over a month, requiring at least five consecutive days per week, while insulin resistance analysis uses multi‑week physiological data and needs seven days per month. Both trends appear in the Google Health app on the first of each month. Sleep breathing [...]

Google has released Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6 for a wide range of Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 and 9 models, and the Pixel Tablet, Fold, and 10 series. The update arrives just a week after Beta 5 and can be installed via the Android Beta Program or downloaded as system images for the emulator. Users can report bugs through the Android Beta Feedback app or the Android Beta community on

A new Android banking trojan, RemControl, has been uncovered targeting retail banking customers in Western Europe, the Middle East and Canada. Distributed via counterfeit Google Play pages masquerading as the TVTap IPTV app and promoted through Meta ads, the malware exploits Android’s Accessibility Service to overlay phishing screens on legitimate banking apps, stream screens, log keystrokes and grant operators full remote control. Command‑and‑control addresses are resolved through an encrypted Telegram dead‑drop, and AI‑assisted code appears in the [...]

A researcher exposed two unpatched vulnerabilities in OnePlus’s OxygenOS that allow a malicious app, installed without any permissions, to gain root access on a OnePlus 15 and older models. The first flaw in AtlasService lets an app invoke a debugging tool that executes arbitrary text as a system command, while the second flaw in olc2 permits any root‑level command to run with full Linux privileges. OnePlus confirmed the flaws, warned about disclosure rights, and has yet to [...]

Motorola announced that its high‑end Signature 27 smartphone is finally slated for a North American launch, citing extensive feedback from consumers, media outlets and industry analysts as the catalyst for the timing. The company’s spokesperson emphasized that the device’s premium build, advanced camera system and seamless integration with Motorola’s software ecosystem address a growing demand for flagship‑class Android phones that balance performance with affordability. Production will begin in the second quarter, with carrier partnerships and unlocked models expected [...]

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 [...]