TechCapsules

Wear OS 7 is here with better battery life and a massive…

Google has released Wear OS 7, an update for eligible Pixel Watch models, featuring improved battery life, real-time experiences, and enhanced device integration. The update includes Live Updates, allowing users to receive constant updates without needing to open apps, and improved connectivity with other Google devices. Gemini Intelligence capabilities, such as Create My Widget and multi-step app automation, will be added to select Wear OS 7 devices later this year. The update aims to make smartwatches more useful throughout the day.

💡 Google's focus on proactive smartwatch experiences could revolutionize the way users interact with their devices, making them more efficient and reducing the need to constantly switch between devices. By integrating AI capabilities and personalized suggestions, Google is taking a significant step towards making smartwatches a seamless extension of the user's daily life.

Android 17 can copy more data from iPhone including your iMessage history…

Google is introducing a significant upgrade to its "Android Switch" tool in Android 17, allowing users to copy more data when switching from an iPhone to Android. The tool, used to move data between iPhone and Android, has been improved to include features such as copying iMessage history and homescreen layouts. The upgrade is initially available on Pixel devices, with non-Pixel devices set to receive the update over the coming weeks and months.

💡 The upgrade could alleviate the frustration of losing essential data when switching between Android devices, making it a crucial improvement for users who frequently switch between different brands.

Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Reality Elite chip brings on-device AI to Android XR…

Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon Reality Elite Platform, a significant upgrade to its lineup of dedicated SoCs for mixed reality and spatial computing devices. The new platform, designed for premium Android XR devices, boasts improved performance, power efficiency, and on-device AI capabilities. Key features include up to 48 TOPS of AI performance, 60% higher GPU performance, and up to 20% longer battery life. The Snapdragon Reality Elite will power the next wave of Android XR devices, offering enhanced visuals, head and hand tracking, and see-through features.

💡 The Snapdragon Reality Elite's on-device AI capabilities will enable new spatial AI experiences, improving the overall user experience and blurring the lines between the digital and physical worlds. By running large language models and vision models directly on the device, Qualcomm's new platform is poised to revolutionize the mixed reality industry, making it more immersive and interactive.

The OnePlus 16 might be the closest we’ve come to a bezel-free…

A new leak has revealed details about the OnePlus 16's display, suggesting the company is working on a more immersive design. The phone may feature a 185Hz refresh rate display, one of the highest on a flagship smartphone, and aggressively shrunk bezels measuring just 1mm on all four sides. The OnePlus 16 is also rumored to have a massive 9,000mAh battery, 120W fast charging, and a potential 200MP periscope telephoto camera.

Samsung hits a triple: One UI 9 Beta 3 is here for…

Samsung has released One UI 9 Beta 3 for the Galaxy S26 series, a substantial 1.7GB update available in select markets such as South Korea, the U.K., Poland, and India. The patch includes fixes for device reboots while streaming videos, a white screen issue when taking calls, and background problems. It also addresses issues with the Files app and implements various bug fixes. The update comes with Samsung's June 2026 security patch, keeping testers up-to-date.

💡 Samsung's rapid development of One UI 9 suggests a tight deadline for its summer event, where the company is expected to unveil the new software. This accelerated pace may indicate a significant upgrade, potentially rivaling Google's Android 17-based software.

AI avatars in Google Vids are now available for free users

Google Vids announced that AI avatars are now available to free users, expanding its Workspace video creation tool to 7 million monthly users. The AI avatars can be "re-scripted" and come with a gallery of high-quality options or custom generation using Nano Banana 2. Free users receive 10 video generations per month, with a global expansion planned for this summer. The feature allows for emotion steering and fine-tuning of avatars, with additional features for paid users including AI voiceovers in multiple languages and custom avatar interactions.

💡 The expansion of AI avatars to free users could democratize video creation, making it more accessible to a broader audience.