Smartphones

iphone 16e
Smartphones

IPhone 16e: Is Apple’s “Budget” iPhone Really Worth It in 2025?

The brand-new 2025 iPhone 16e is here, but it’s not the budget phone we once expected. In previous years, the iPhone SE was known for its budget-friendly price point, offering an affordable entry into the iPhone ecosystem. However, the 16e marks a shift in that narrative. Starting at $599, it’s no longer a budget device. Because Apple takes high price for storage upgrade, the phone I’m using for testing is almost $900. While it is still the cheapest new iPhone available, it no longer carries the same “cheap” label, making it harder to recommend. In the past, the iPhone SE was the go-to option for those seeking an affordable iPhone experience. It was perfect for parents, children, or anyone upgrading from an old phone. The simplicity of an older body paired with newer internals, all at a reasonable price—typically around $399 or $429 made it an easy choice. But now, at $599, this new model no longer fits that mold, and I’m left wondering who it’s really for. After a week of using the iPhone 16e, I’m still not sure. The Parts Bin Strategy: One of the secrets to making the iPhone SE affordable in previous years was Apple’s use of the “parts bin” strategy. Essentially, Apple took components from older models, mixed them with newer technology, and created a budget-friendly iPhone. This formula is back with the iPhone 16e, and its design draws heavily from the iPhone 14. The aluminum build, flat sides, USB Type-C, and IP68 water resistance are all familiar, but there are new elements too, such as a new single-camera ring on the back and the addition of the Action Button on the left side. The front of the iPhone 16e features the same 6.1-inch display with a notch and Face ID, making it feel like a modernized version of the SE. While the display is fine, it’s not the brightest, and it struggles a bit in direct sunlight. Moreover, it still operates at a 60Hz refresh rate, which feels outdated in 2025, especially given the higher refresh rates on other smartphones. Price vs. Features: Apple has made a full lineup of iPhones for 2025. The iPhone 16e is the budget model, and it comes with the 16s and 16 Pro versions. To keep the 16e affordable, Apple had to make some compromises. Some of these cuts are understandable, but others are harder to accept. Let’s talk about the new chip. The 16e features the A18 chip, which is the same as the one in the flagship iPhone 16, but there’s one important difference: this version has one fewer GPU core. While this may seem like a minor cut, it’s a typical example of chip binning something Apple often does to produce different versions of its chips for various devices. The lack of the additional GPU core may only become noticeable during intensive gaming, so for most everyday users, this won’t be a significant issue. Overall, this is still one of the most powerful phones in its price range. However, the design is a bit more understated. The iPhone 16e comes in only two colors: matte black and matte white. The design is clean but fairly plain, with no logos or text on the back, and a small, subtle camera bump. If you want more color options, you’ll need to get a case or skin. Another major cut is the absence of MagSafe, which feels particularly frustrating. MagSafe has become a staple of the iPhone experience, but the 16e doesn’t have it. Instead, it only supports slow, first-gen Qi wireless charging that maxes out at 7.5 watts. Because there are no magnets, it’s hard to place it properly. In my experience, if it’s not aligned perfectly, the charging becomes very slow. You can add a case with MagSafe compatibility if you want, but it’s disappointing that it’s not built into the phone itself. The Camera: The iPhone 16e has only one camera on the back. It may look like a downgrade compared to the dual or triple cameras in expensive models, but this design is part of Apple’s “good, better, best” iPhone setup. However, this camera isn’t the same as the one in the iPhone 16 or 16 Pro. It’s a 48MP sensor, but the sensor itself is smaller and has inferior stabilization, leading to a different photography experience. The 16e’s camera delivers decent results in daylight, with sharp images and typical iPhone color saturation, but it struggles in low light. The smaller sensor doesn’t gather as much light, resulting in softer images and more reliance on night mode. The lack of a second lens also means there’s no cinematic mode, spatial video, or macro photography. For users who care deeply about photography, the 16e falls behind its more expensive counterparts, but for most casual users, it’s fine. Missing Features: The iPhone 16e lacks a few features that are becoming standard in the iPhone lineup, such as Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 support, and ultrawide band for precision finding with AirTags. It also doesn’t include the camera controls via the Action Button, though most people likely won’t miss that. One interesting new thing is that Apple has added its first self-made cellular modem, called the C1. A few years back, Apple bought a part of Intel’s modem business, and now this is the first iPhone to use the C1 modem instead of the Qualcomm one. The C1 modem supports 4G, 5G, GPS, and satellite signals. In my testing, I didn’t see any big improvement, but that’s actually good because it shows it’s working well and reliably. Even though it doesn’t support millimeter-wave 5G, this is still a big step for Apple in making its own parts. Battery Life and Efficiency: The iPhone 16e benefits from the new C1 modem, which is designed to be more efficient. This modem helps improve battery life, especially in areas with weaker cellular signals. This is a huge benefit since past SE models, while packing a powerful processor, struggled with battery life

google pixel 9a
Gaming, Smartphones, Tech News

Pixel 9a: The Budget Phone You’ve Been Waiting For at an Unbeatable Price

The leaks were accurate. As always, it seems, Google’s upcoming budget phone, the Pixel 9a, has been revealed to have the key features and improvements we were expecting. After spending some hands-on time with it, there are a few things that stand out right awayo some of which are quite exciting. Let’s dive into everything you need to know. Price Remains the Same at $499 First and most important, the price is the same as the previous model, the Pixel 8a, coming in at $499. In a market where inflation, tariffs, and other financial factors can lead to price hikes, the fact that Google has kept the price stable is refreshing. This makes it one of the best-value phones in the budget category. Design: A Mixed Bag About the design, people have mixed opinions. On one side, the look feels a little boring. It doesn’t excite the way previous Pixel phones have, particularly with the more distinctive “visor” design that became a signature of the brand. It’s easy to feel like the Pixel 9a doesn’t have that unique identity. However, there is one notable design choice that’s worth celebrating: the absence of a camera bump. It’s not just a small bump or a set of rings; there is no bump at all. This might seem like a small thing, but it’s something that users have been asking for for years. Many people asked phone makers to stop making phones too thin. They want phones a little thicker to remove the camera bump and put a bigger battery inside. Google has clearly listened to this. The Pixel 9a is 8.9 millimeters thick and features the largest battery ever found in a Pixel device 5,100 mAh. That’s even bigger than the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s battery. This design choice is a win, offering better battery life without sacrificing other key features. Hardware and Performance ITalking about hardware, the Pixel 9a is not very different from what you expect. It’s powered by the same Tensor G4 chip that is found in the flagship Pixel 9 series, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. It’s essentially the same size as the Pixel 9, sporting a 6.3-inch display with a hole-punch front camera and an under-display fingerprint sensor. In terms of build, it feels very close to a flagship device. The frame is made of flat aluminum, while the back is made of plastic instead of glass. Some users might notice this difference, especially if they don’t use a case, but for most people, it probably won’t be a major concern. In fact, some might even prefer the added durability of plastic over glass. Additionally, the Pixel 9a is now fully IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, which is an improvement over last year’s Pixel 8a that had an IP67 rating. What Sets the Pixel 9a Apart? Last year’s Pixel 8a had some problems and felt less good compared to the flagship Pixel 8. The Pixel 8 cost a little more but was a better choice because of its better features. But the Pixel 9a has now found a better balance. This year, the Pixel 9a has much fewer compromises. It clearly gives good value: the phone feels very close to the Pixel 9 but costs less. It even has the same 120Hz max refresh rate screen, though it usually stays at 60Hz. The brightness and resolution are also as good as the Pixel 9. The contrast is a little lower, and it uses Gorilla Glass 3 instead of the stronger Victus 2. But overall, the screen is still good. On software side, the Pixel 9a doesn’t miss the special features that make Pixel phones different. It has all the famous software tools like Gemini, Magic Eraser, photo unblur, call screening, and more. Also, you will get seven years of software updates and Pixel drops, which make Pixel phones popular. The 9a also includes basic Qi wireless charging, though the large battery means it will charge slower than the flagship models. But the bigger battery is worth it. The Pixel 9a is a budget phone with a big 5,100mAh battery that will probably last longer than many other phones in the same price range. Camera Features The Pixel 9a’s camera setup is another highlight. It comes with a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide sensor, both of which are impressive for a budget phone. It also includes the ever-popular Night Sight feature, ensuring your photos look great in low-light conditions. While it doesn’t have the top-tier camera capabilities of the Pixel 9, the 9a still provides excellent performance in everyday shooting scenarios. For many users, the slight reduction in camera quality won’t be a dealbreaker. Comparing the Pixel 9a to the Pixel 9 In general, the Pixel 9a can be seen as a budget version of the Pixel 9. It’s not missing any of the essential features like the Pixel-exclusive software or the powerful battery. It sacrifices a bit of the high-end camera features, but the vast majority of people will find the Pixel 9a’s photography more than adequate. The Pixel 9a also comes in four colors: black, white, Peony (a light pink), and Iris (a shade that shifts between purple and blue depending on the light). Of these, Iris is arguably the most attractive. A Great Value for the Price At $499, the Pixel 9a gives great value. It is a complete phone with many features people like in Pixel phones, plus a big battery. The Pixel 9 costs more and has some better features, but the difference between them is bigger now. So, the Pixel 9a is a better choice for people with a budget. It gives almost the same experience as the Pixel 9 but costs much less. Looking Ahead: The Pixel 10 While the Pixel 9a is a great phone, it’s also worth noting that the Pixel 10 series is likely just a few months away. The Pixel 10 will probably be more expensive than the A-series,

xos 1
Gaming, Smartphones, Tech News

XOS 15 Is Here: The Game-Changing Android Update You Didn’t Expect!

Infinix has just launched a new budget smartphone with the latest XOS 15 software, and this update will soon come to many other Infinix phones as well. As someone who really cares about software in a phone, I was excited to try out XOS 15 and see what’s new. Surprisingly, even on this budget phone, the user interface feels smooth, customizable, and powered by AI, giving a great overall experience. In this article, I’ll share some of the top XOS 15 features that make this new update so exciting. 1. Smooth Performance and Animations One of the best things about XOS 15 is how smooth and fluid the animations are. I didn’t expect this level of polish on a budget phone. Opening and closing apps feels very smooth, and all the small actions—like unlocking the phone, opening the control center, or swiping notifications have a soft, bouncy effect that looks stylish. It’s really nice to see such good performance and visual effects on a low-cost device. This shows that the phone can handle daily use without lag. 2. Customizations and Home Screen Enhancements XOS 15 gives you many ways to customize your phone’s home screen. First, the app icons now look more modern and clean. If you long-press any app icon, you can change its shape and size the way you like. You can also match the icon colors with your wallpaper, which gives your phone a neat and uniform look. Plus, you can download icon packs directly from the Play Store without using any extra launcher. The folders on the home screen have also improved a lot. Unlike other Android versions, XOS 15 lets you resize and style folders to fit your layout perfectly. You can even change the folder color to match your wallpaper, which makes your home screen look more personal and stylish. 3. AI-Powered Personalization XOS 15 has taken wallpaper customization to the next level. The AI-powered wallpaper generator allows you to create unique wallpapers by simply entering a few keywords that describe the type of image you want. The AI then generates exclusive wallpapers that you won’t find anywhere else. In addition to this, XOS 15 introduces a feature called “Custom One-Take Wallpapers,” which enables you to choose a wallpaper from your gallery and seamlessly integrate it across your Always On Display (AOD), lock screen, and home screen. This provides a cohesive, personalized theme across the entire device, making your phone feel uniquely yours. 4. AI Tools and Special Features XOS 15 is packed with useful AI tools that enhance the overall smartphone experience. One of the standout features is the Dynamic Bar, which is similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island. It makes the phone’s camera cutout more functional by displaying useful information like the music playing, charging status, game countdown timers, maps, and even screen recording status. Another innovative feature is the Floating Window option, which allows you to multitask by opening apps in split-screen or popup windows using various gestures. This makes switching between apps much easier and more efficient. Additionally, XOS 15 introduces a Smart Panel, which can be accessed by swiping from the right corner of the screen. This panel provides quick access to your favorite apps, recent images, and documents. You can also drag and drop files or images from the Smart Panel to messaging apps, making it easier to share content with friends. 5. Gaming Enhancements For gamers, XOS 15 comes with an improved Game Mode, which includes various tools to enhance the gaming experience. These tools include different performance modes, bypass charging, anti-interference, and a Magic Button. When in a game, simply swipe from the sides of the screen to bring up the game assistant panel, where you can quickly access these tools for a better gaming experience. 6. AI Features for Everyday Tasks XOS 15 is not just about customization and smooth performance; it also includes a suite of AI features designed to make everyday tasks easier. Some of the notable AI tools include: Flex Assistant: Infinix’s voice assistant can summarize documents, images, and links, providing key points and answers to your questions. AI Writing Assistant: This tool helps you with tasks like proofreading, summarizing, and generating text in different tones, such as friendly or professional. AI Call Assistant: This feature includes real-time translation and an AI auto-answer function, which is particularly useful when you are unable to attend a call. AI Cutout: You can use this tool to separate a subject from the background of a photo, making it easy to create professional-looking images. Circle to Search: By simply circling any part of the screen, you can quickly search for relevant information on Google.   These AI tools are available on the Infinix device running XOS 15, making this budget phone a powerful tool for productivity and creativity. 7. Additional Features and Improvements XOS 15 also brings improvements to the lock screen, offering more customization options for the clock style, font, and color. Additionally, the control center has been completely redesigned, giving it a much more modern and visually appealing look compared to the previous version, XOS 14. Conclusion: A Budget-Friendly Smartphone with Premium Features Infinix’s XOS 15 is an impressive software update that brings a host of useful features, customization options, and AI enhancements to budget smartphones. Despite being a budget device, XOS 15 offers a smooth and fluid experience, along with plenty of personalization tools, making it a compelling option for anyone looking for a feature-packed smartphone on a budget. If you’re someone who values a highly customizable and smooth user interface, XOS 15 is definitely worth checking out when it arrives on eligible Infinix devices. 1. What is XOS 15 and what improvements does it bring? XOS 15 is Infinix’s latest Android upgrade, featuring a host of improvements such as smoother animations, enhanced AI tools, and customizable features. It aims to provide a premium experience on budget smartphones, with advanced features like a dynamic bar, floating windows, and custom wallpaper generation. 2. Is

starlink vs 5g lte
Laptops & PCs, Smartphones, Tech News

Starlink vs 5G LTE: Which Is Better for Remote Internet in 2025?

Starlink vs. 5G LTE: Which Internet Solution is Right for You? When it comes to high-speed internet access in areas where fixed terrestrial options like fiber or cable aren’t available, both Starlink and 5G LTE are excellent solutions. However, there are several key differences between the two. In this article, we’ll break down the pricing, internet speeds, and geographic flexibility of both options to help you decide which one suits your needs. Understanding the Context for Starlink vs. 5G LTE Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand who these solutions are for. Many people with reliable fiber or cable internet at home may argue that traditional wired connections are far superior to Starlink or 5G LTE. If you have access to stable fiber or cable broadband, that’s great – stick with it. But this article is mainly for people who live or work in far or moving places—like RV travellers, temporary construction sites, or remote events—  normal internet is not available. Even if you have normal internet at home, it’s still smart to keep a backup connection. For example, I use Comcast Business Cable as my main internet, but I also have T-Mobile 5G home internet as backup, which costs around $30 per month. This backup helps me stay connected all the time. Breaking Down 5G and LTE Solutions 5G internet is delivered through cellular networks, connecting to nearby cell towers. There are several ways to connect to these networks, including through a 5G modem (like the one I use from T-Mobile), mobile hotspots, or third-party routers. Most major cellular providers in the U.S. such as AT&T and Verizon offer 5G services, and there are a variety of routers and devices available to support 5G LTE, such as SIM-card slot routers from Peplink and GL.iNet. One advantage of 5G LTE is the wide range of available options, both in terms of services and devices. For example, I use the GL.iNet Spitz AX router in my RV, which is paired with an external omnidirectional antenna from MobileMark. This setup is perfect for camping trips, providing reliable connectivity even in more remote areas. If you’re farther from a cell tower, you can boost the connection by using a directional antenna like the one from Waveform, which can be used with both Peplink and GL.iNet devices. These antennas can improve the signal by pointing in the direction of the nearest cell tower. To help locate nearby towers, you can use websites like cellmapper.net to find 5G and LTE coverage in your area. That being said, cellular coverage comes with some limitations. Cellular service depends on proximity to cell towers, and the farther you are from one, the slower and less reliable your connection will be. Once you’re out of range, you won’t have any service. To counteract this, many remote users have SIM cards from multiple carriers to ensure that they’re always connected to the strongest signal available. Starlink: A Different Approach to Internet Connectivity Starlink, on the other hand, works by connecting to low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. SpaceX currently has more than 6,000 satellites in orbit that facilitate the transmission of internet data between satellite dishes and ground stations with high-speed internet access. This system enables Starlink to provide internet connectivity virtually anywhere with a clear view of the sky. The most popular versions of Starlink are the Gen3 and the Starlink Mini. The Gen3 dish is larger and supports higher internet speeds, while the Starlink Mini is smaller, portable, and designed for more temporary setups. The Gen3 dish offers a separate modem and is ideal for more permanent installations, supporting both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity. On the other hand, the Starlink Mini integrates everything into the dish itself, making it more portable but with slightly slower speeds. Internet Speeds: Comparing 5G LTE and Starlink When it comes to internet speeds, there are notable differences between 5G LTE and Starlink. For 5G LTE, speeds can vary significantly based on your location and whether you’re connected to 5G or 4G LTE. In areas with 4G LTE service, download speeds usually range from 5 to 50 Mbps, which is fine for browsing the web, checking email, and standard office work, but not ideal for heavy streaming or large file transfers. If you’re in a 5G coverage area, speeds typically range between 50 to 500 Mbps, allowing for activities like HD video streaming, online gaming, and file uploads/downloads. Personally, with my T-Mobile home internet, I usually see speeds between 300 to 500 Mbps. Starlink Mini, by comparison, delivers speeds ranging from 50 to 200 Mbps. While that’s more than sufficient for HD video streaming and Zoom calls, one key drawback of Starlink is the variability in speeds. This is because Starlink relies on satellites that move quickly through space. As your dish connects to different satellites as they pass overhead, your speeds can fluctuate, sometimes from 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps in just a few minutes. While this doesn’t disrupt basic internet use like web browsing, it can be problematic for activities like online gaming or video conferencing. For more consistent performance, Starlink’s Gen3 dish offers speeds between 100 to 400 Mbps. However, even the Gen3 dish will still experience occasional speed fluctuations due to the nature of satellite connections. Pricing Comparison: Starlink vs. 5G LTE When it comes to pricing, 5G LTE is generally more affordable than Starlink. Most 5G home internet plans from providers like T-Mobile cost around $50 per month, with discounts available if you bundle with a cell phone plan. For example, I pay just $30 a month for T-Mobile home internet because it’s bundled with my family’s cell phones. For those who need more data, unlimited SIM card plans typically range from $65 to $90 per month. Starlink, on the other hand, comes at a higher cost. The Roam Unlimited plan is priced at $165 per month, while the standard plan costs around $50 per month, though it limits bandwidth to 50GB, with additional charges for

airpods pro features
Gaming, Laptops & PCs, Smartphones

AirPods Pro 2: The Game-Changing Features That Will Revolutionize Your Hearing Health

The new AirPods Pro 2 have made waves with some groundbreaking features, and after reviewing them initially, it’s clear that Apple is taking hearing health to the next level. The most exciting updates include three innovative features that are aimed at improving hearing health: a scientifically validated hearing test, a clinical-grade hearing aid, and active hearing otection. These features are designed to make managing and maintaining hearing health easier and more accessible, and I’m excited to walk you through my experience testing them out. Hearing Test: A Simple, Personalized Approach One of the standout features of the AirPods Pro 2 is the hearing test, which is both simple and effective. The test only takes about 5 minutes to complete and will categorize your hearing loss based on the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). This is an incredibly useful tool, especially for those who may not have had their hearing tested regularly. After completing the test, you’ll receive a personalized hearing categorization that gives you a clearer idea of where you stand in terms of hearing health. For those with mild to moderate hearing loss, the AirPods Pro 2 take things a step further with the hearing aid feature. This feature provides real-time, clinical-grade adjustments to sound, whether you’re listening to music, taking phone calls, or even experiencing ambient noises. The goal is to make everyday listening clearer and more enjoyable, enhancing the overall audio experience. Testing the Hearing Test: So let’s dive into the actual test. I already had my AirPods connected, and I was ready to start. Now, the cool thing with the AirPods Pro 2 is that they come with different sizes of ear tips. I had to size down to the extra small ones—something I couldn’t do before. In the past, the AirPods would always fall out of my ears, but with the smaller ear tips, I’ve finally got a comfortable, secure fit. Having the right ear tips is critical, and if you’ve ever had trouble with earbud fit, you’ll appreciate how important this is. If you do need extra tips, Apple offers a kit that you can purchase online (not from the App Store, but from the actual Apple Store). Now, it’s time for the hearing test. Here’s how it works: the test plays tones at different volumes and frequencies, and you’re asked to tap on the screen each time you hear a tone. After a few quick checks, the test was complete. The result? The left ear showed a slight decline in hearing, with a score of 10 (out of 20), while the right ear was slightly better at 8. This was a bit surprising, but it was good to get a clearer understanding of my hearing. What’s great about this feature is that you can export your results as a PDF. This makes it easy to keep track of your hearing over time and even share the results with your doctor. Over time, you can retake the test and compare your results, which will be charted in the app for you. For someone who wants to stay on top of their hearing health, this is a huge plus. The detailed chart that shows the decibel levels required to hear each sound makes it clear just how much hearing loss you may have, and it’s all available in a simple, portable PDF. I was honestly impressed by the depth of the hearing test and the fact that you can get such a detailed readout right from your AirPods. It’s pretty incredible! Hearing Protection: A Game-Changer for Loud Environments Another fantastic feature of the AirPods Pro 2 is the hearing protection function, which is designed to minimize exposure to loud, environmental noise. This is incredibly useful in scenarios where you’re exposed to loud sounds for extended periods, like commuting, working in noisy environments, or attending live events. The feature actively reduces harmful loud noises while still allowing you to enjoy the music or sounds you want to hear. I got to test this out at a Charlie XCX and Troye Sivan concert an experience that was made all the better thanks to the AirPods Pro 2’s noise cancellation feature. Normally, when I attend concerts, I find myself wishing I had earplugs, especially when I’m standing in the pit right in front of the speakers. In the past, I’d rely on earplugs, but they often block too much of the music and vocals, leaving only the bass and drums. For loud concerts, this can make the music feel less immersive and less enjoyable. With the AirPods Pro 2 in, however, I had the active noise cancellation feature on, and it was a game-changer. I was still able to hear the music clearly bass, vocals, and all but without the overwhelming noise that usually comes with being close to the speakers. The experience was like hearing the concert the way it was meant to be heard, without damaging my ears. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it, but if you’ve ever been to a concert and used earplugs, you know that you lose a lot of the richness of the music. With the AirPods Pro 2, I could still enjoy the sound, but with a much more balanced audio experience. I can’t wait to test this out at more shows. It’s especially exciting for me because I’m someone who never used to protect my hearing at concerts, but now I can enjoy the event without risking further hearing damage. Testing in Real-Life Scenarios: A Quick Comparison To give you an idea of how well the AirPods Pro 2 perform in other scenarios, I decided to test them against the M1 Pro MacBook while doing some tasks in Xcode. For instance, I opened an existing project, which normally takes a bit longer to load on my M1 Pro. With the new AirPods Pro 2, however, I could quickly switch between different audio scenarios (noise cancellation, transparency, etc.), which made tasks like answering phone calls or listening to music while working even easier. Both

Android 15 Review
Smartphones, Tech News

Android 15 Review: Why the Latest Update Feels Like a Small Step, Not a Leap

Android 15: A Reflection on Evolution and Expectations We all have been waiting for a long time, and now Google has finally released Android 15. I just installed it on my Pixel 8 Pro, and it made me realise something maybe even a kind of eye-opener. Let’s talk about it. Do you remember the last big Android update? Tell me in the comments. For me, the best one ever was Android 5.0 Lollipop. I still remember how excited we were when it came out. My friends and I stayed up till 2 a.m. just to flash the ROMs on our Nexus 4 and Nexus 5, because we didn’t want to wait for the OTA update. Lollipop changed the whole look of Android and gave tech lovers like us a lot to enjoy. But that was 10 years ago, and honestly, it feels like no update since then has brought that same level of excitement, polish, or big change. Is it because we now get updates more often a good thing, no doubt so the jump between versions feels smaller? Or is it because Android has grown into such a complete and polished system? Whatever the reason, Android 15 feels more like a small patch than a big, exciting update especially when we compare it to the major changes we saw 10 years ago. That being said, I do like some of the new features in Android 15. The back preview is a nice idea (even though it works sometimes and doesn’t other times), and the Private Space feature is useful it locks apps, which is great if you give your phone to your kid and don’t want them opening your banking or social media apps. I also like the new volume panel it’s clearer and easier to use now. And the return of Adaptive Vibration on Pixel phones is cool too; it changes the vibration based on the surface your phone is on. But let’s be honest none of these features are really big or game-changing. Also, many users with other phone models won’t even get all these new features, which makes the update feel overhyped and not that big in the end. And since the Pixel 9 series is coming with Android 14 instead of Android 15, Google’s decision doesn’t seem like a big mistake anymore. In simple words, most of Android 15 already feels like it was part of Android 14. Take App Pairs, for example how many people actually use that every day? Then there’s Pixel Studio, an AI image-making app. It only works on Pixel 9 phones with the Tensor G4 chip, even if you’re using Android 14. Pixel 8 users have the same Android version, but they can’t use it. The same thing goes for the Atomy feature it’s only for Pixel 9, no matter which Android version you have. Some people are saying Pixel Studio might come to Pixel 8 later, but for now, it’s just a rumour. This split of features between different phone models makes things more confusing. Android versions don’t feel that important anymore. It’s clearly a business move by keeping new features only on newer phones, companies push people to upgrade. But because of that, Android 15 doesn’t feel much different from Android 12, which came out three years ago. Older phones with Android 10 or even older versions don’t feel outdated anymore. You’ll still see many people using phones like the Galaxy S9 or Huawei P30 Pro. Back in the day, a big Android update would make older phones feel very old. But now, even old devices still work well and feel good to use. You might be wondering why I’m running Android 15 on my Pixel 8 Pro instead of the newer Pixel 9. That’s because my Pixel 9 is with a colleague right now, so I’m stuck with the Pixel 8 Pro, which is still a fantastic phone. But the bigger changes in Android updates seem to come from different software skins like One UI, Pixel Experience, and OxygenOS rather than from the core OS itself. For example, I love Samsung’s One UI. It feels like the most complete Android skin out there, even though I know some people prefer stock Android. The variety in skins from different manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, and Google adds a unique flavor to their devices. It’s not like the base version of Android is full of features, and these manufacturers just tweak it they’re adding significant individuality with each skin. That’s why going from a Pixel 9 Pro to a Galaxy S24 Ultra, even though they both run Android 14, feels like a completely different experience. And perhaps this similarity between Android 14 and 15 is why smartphones feel so similar year after year. It’s not just the hardware that’s reached a peak the software is evolving at a slower pace. So, what updates would excite me? A desktop like mode, like Samsung DeX, implemented across all Android devices would be a big deal. Most Android smartphones are powerful enough to act as mini-PCs, and features like that could make better use of the 12-16 GB of RAM we’re seeing in some phones. A Google version of AirDrop, perhaps in collaboration with Microsoft, could also be a game-changer. It wouldn’t be easy to implement, given the competitive landscape, but it’s a feature I’d use constantly. I also love a good UI overhaul. If Android came out with a major aesthetic change, I’d be excited to upgrade just for that. Currently, I think Pixel’s aesthetic is really solid better than OxygenOS, which is starting to feel a bit stale to me. I’m not sure I’ll ever get that Lollipop level excitement for an Android update again, and that’s okay. Android has grown up, and so have I. Instead of lamenting the lack of innovation, we should probably celebrate just how polished and robust this OS has become. What do you think about Android 15? Have the past few updates been as underwhelming for

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Samsung’s AI Features: Free for Now, but a Subscription-Based Model is Coming in 2025

Samsung has been rolling out some remarkable AI features on their latest Galaxy phones, offering a range of tools that are truly innovative. Many users are integrating these features into their daily lives, finding them indispensable, while others might consider them gimmicky and not essential. Regardless of where you stand, the reality is that these features are highly functional and, as of now, available for free. However, that’s set to change. In a significant industry shift, Samsung has announced its intention to introduce a subscription-based model for some AI features starting in 2025. This move is likely driven by several factors: the increasing computational power required to run advanced AI, the opportunity to monetize their cutting-edge technology, and the growing trend across industries toward subscription services. With the recent launch of the Galaxy S24 FE and the Galaxy S10 series, Samsung has confirmed its future plans regarding these AI features. Their latest press release mentions, in one of the footnotes, that AI features on supported Galaxy devices will remain free until the end of 2025, though terms may vary for features provided by third-party apps or developers. This essentially means Samsung is preparing to charge for these features once we enter 2025, though there’s no clarity yet on whether this will happen immediately in January or later, after some time for strategy and rollout. What AI Features are Available Now? Samsung’s AI features are quite extensive. Here are some of the prominent ones currently available on Galaxy devices: Call Assist: Helps with real-time voice translation during phone calls. Chat Assist: Assists with writing formal emails and messages. Interpreter: Translates conversations in real time, especially useful when traveling abroad. Note Assist: A tool for helping users organize and manage their notes. Transcript Assist: Transcribes spoken words into text. Browsing Assist: Enhances web browsing by offering smart suggestions. Photo Assist: Helps enhance images, erase unwanted objects, or add effects. Drawing Assist: Assists with drawing and design work Photo Ambient Wallpaper: Customizes wallpapers with AI-generated imagery. Health Assist: Offers insights and recommendations for improving your health. Many of these features are highly useful depending on the user’s daily needs, and Samsung is likely to add more to this list as they continue to develop their AI technology. My Experience with Samsung’s AI Features: Personally, I don’t use all of these features. For example, I don’t need Call Assist, as I don’t require real-time translation during voice calls. On the other hand, Chat Assist is something I use occasionally when drafting formal emails. Interpreter is another feature I rarely use maybe once or twice a year when I travel abroad. When it comes to Note Assist and Transcript Assist, I don’t really use them. However, for people who take a lot of notes, Note Assist might be very helpful. Browsing Assist is another feature I don’t find much use for. Photo Assist, on the other hand, is something I occasionally enjoy. It’s great for playing around with images, erasing objects, or adding special effects. Drawing Assist isn’t something I use, and honestly, I don’t quite understand why Photo Ambient Wallpaper is linked to AI, as I don’t use it either. Lastly, there’s Health Assist, which seems promising, but I haven’t gotten around to using it much yet. So, while Samsung’s AI feature list is extensive, I, like many others, don’t utilize all of them. But that’s common, as not every user has the same needs or interests. Should Samsung Introduce Subscription-Based AI Features? The big question is: should Samsung introduce a subscription model for these AI features? After all, Samsung is a business, and monetizing these AI tools is likely part of their strategy. But as users, the real question is whether we will be willing to pay for these features. If Samsung decides to offer the features as a package deal, I, personally, wouldn’t be interested. But, if they offered separate subscriptions for individual features, that could be more appealing. Depending on a user’s needs, they could pick and pay for the AI features that are most relevant to their lives. For example, if someone frequently uses Photo Assist, they might find value in paying for just that feature. On the other hand, someone who uses Call Assist for international business communication might find that worth a subscription fee. However, bundling all these features into a single subscription package might not appeal to users who only need one or two tools. Pricing Concerns: Another consideration is pricing. Google, for instance, charges around $20 per month for some of its AI-integrated services, which equates to around ₹1,900 to ₹2,000 in India. Many users have already expressed concerns that this price point is too high, and something similar might happen with Samsung’s AI features if they bundle them all together at a premium price. Samsung might want to reconsider this approach. A flexible, feature-by-feature subscription model might be more well-received by users than a high-priced bundle. What Do You Think? That’s all we know for now, and it’s too early to predict exactly how Samsung will implement its subscription model for AI features. But I’ll keep you posted as more information becomes available. In the meantime, what’s your take on this? Are you using these AI features, and would you be willing to pay for them once Samsung starts charging in 2025? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for reading, and if you found this article informative, feel free to share it! Stay tuned for more updates on the latest in technology, especially if you’re a fan of Samsung Galaxy phones, Android devices, and smart gadgets. Stay safe and take care!

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