Category: Phones

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  • Garmin Fenix 8 Pro & Others Get Free Satellite SOS

    Garmin Fenix 8 Pro & Others Get Free Satellite SOS

    Key Takeaway

    – Garmin now allows SOS functions on “suspended” inReach subscriptions, saving activation fees.
    – Pausing a subscription for up to 12 months enables year-round SOS access with just one $7.99 payment per year.
    – Other features (check-in messages, photo/voice transfer, LiveTrack) still require a paid subscription.
    – Voice calls and text messages via mobile network need at least the cheapest “Enabled” subscription.
    – The SOS-only feature on paused plans requires a firmware update and is limited to specific Garmin products.

    New SOS Access on Garmin Devices

    While smartphones like the Apple iPhone 17 ($759 on Amazon) have been offering free satellite SOS features for years, users of a Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, a Quatix 8 Pro or even a dedicated inReach satellite communication device have to take out a paid subscription to be able to use this function. This is now changing, at least partially, as users with a “suspended” inReach subscription can now also access the SOS functions.

    Subscription Pause Changes

    Until now, pausing a subscription was mainly practical in order to save the activation fee of $39.99 if the subscription was to be continued at some point. A subscription can be paused for a maximum of twelve months at a time and is then automatically reactivated. The new arrangement means that it is effectively possible to pay $7.99 once a year for the cheapest inReach subscription and use Garmin inReach emergency call features all year round. However, as this requires a firmware update, emergency calls are only available on the following products during a paused subscription:

    • Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
    • Garmin Quatix 8 Pro
    • Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
    • Garmin inReach Mini 2

    Remaining Features Still Paid

    All other inReach features, such as sending check-in messages to friends, transferring photos and voice messages via the satellite network, and LiveTrack location requests are still only available if a paid subscription has been taken out. Voice calls, text messages and voice messages via the mobile network also require at least the cheapest “Enablded” subscription


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  • Aulumu G05 Pro: Magnetic Kickstand & EDC Tool

    Aulumu G05 Pro: Magnetic Kickstand & EDC Tool

    Key Takeaway

    – Combines smartphone kickstand with five EDC tools, replacing separate multi-tools like Swiss Army or Leatherman
    – Ultra-slim design (6.5mm thick, 38g) with aluminum alloy body and foldaway stainless steel tools
    – 360° rotating kickstand doubles as a protractor and ASMR fidget spinner
    – Strong 25N magnet for MagSafe and other magnetic phones, includes stick-on ring for non-magnetic phones
    – Priced at $35.98 in Midnight Black or Mechanical Silver

    New Magnetic Gadget Launches

    Aulumu has debuted the G05 Pro multi-function magnetic smartphone kickstand with built-in EDC tools and features for PC builders, 3D printing hobbyists, smartphone users, and ASMR lovers, helping eliminate the need to include a separate Swiss Army or Leatherman multifunction tool (such as the Micra sold on Amazon) in ones toolkit. This new device really changes how you carry everyday items.

    Dimensions and Weight Details

    The G05 Pro is just 6.5 mm (0.26 in.) thick and measures 95 x 57 mm (3.7 x 2.2 in.). The EDC tool weighs only 38 g (1.3 oz.) thanks to an aluminum alloy body coupled with five stainless steel tools—a pocket knife, a flathead screwdriver, a saw blade, a file, and a SIM ejector. When not in use, the tools fold into the kickstand, which flips out up to 80 degrees. Its really small and light to carry around.

    Protractor and Spinner Features

    The circular magnetic ring is engraved at 15-degree intervals, allowing the kickstand to be used as a protractor. Additionally, the kickstand is designed to rotate 360 degrees while producing a soothing ASMR sound for fidgety users who use it as a spinner. People who like to fidget will enjoy that sound alot when they spin it.

    Magnet and Phone Compatibility

    The mini tool comes with a 25N magnet to attach itself to Apple iPhones with MagSafe and other smartphones with a magnetic accessory mounting ring. It can also be used with other phones after the included stick-on metal ring has been applied. This makes it work with many different devices if you have the right setup.

    Price and Color Options

    The Aulumu G05 Pro is available in Midnight Black or Mechanical Silver on the Aulumu website and Amazon for $35.98. You can get it in two different colors to match your style, and the price is quite reasonable for what you get.


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  • Google Android June Feature Drop: Scam Detection, AirDrop

    Key Takeaway

    – Scam call detection uses RCS to verify contacts and block AI deepfake spoofing.
    – Circle to Search identifies clothing in images; Google Photos Wardrobe lets you virtually try outfits.
    – AirDrop support via Quick Share expands to select Android models (e.g., Pixel 8a+, Galaxy S24–S26).
    – Personal Safety app adds protections for kids under 13; Play Books gets a new reading companion.
    – Android 17 is launching soon for Pixels, focusing on polish and subtle user experience improvements.

    New Android Drop Brings Scam Spotting and Fashion Tools

    Google has released its June 2026 Android Feature Drop, and it comes with features that spot scammers, plan outfits, and improve iPhone integration. The update focuses on practical improvements that refine the daily user experience, adding tools for safety and creativity. Users can now access these features on compatible Pixel and Android devices.

    Call Verification Against Deepfake Scams

    With the June Feature Drop, users of the Phone by Google app (the default dialer on most Android phones) can now detect fake calls by scammers pretending to be your one of your contacts. This works even if the scammers spoof the phone number and use AI deepfake technology to sound just like them by using RCS technology to verify if the phone reaching out to you is really who they say they are. It works if your contact uses Phone by Google as well, though Google doesn’t say what happens if they’re using say, an iPhone. This safety layer is a significant addition for those concerned about voice mimicry fraud.

    Outfit Planning and Virtual Try-Ons

    For fashionistas, Google is debuting two new features. The first lets you find what outfits people are wearing using Circle to Search, while the second lets you try out new outfits virtually with Google Photos wardrobe. Wardrobe is only available to users in the U.S., India, and Brazil, while the Circle to Search feature is available for all Android 14 and above devices which have access to Circle to Search. This dual approach mixes discovery with experimentation, allowing users to identifiy clothing from images and then visualize themselves wearing similar items.

    Expanded AirDrop Support Across Brands

    Google also says its bringing AirDrop support via Quick Share to more devices. Xiaomi already announced it would be bringing it to the Xiaomi 17T Pro, and Google lists the current list of AirDrop capable Android phones as including every Pixel newer than the Pixel 8a, the Galaxy S24 – S26 series as well as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and newer, Galaxy Z Flip 6 and newer, Galaxy Z Trifold, Oppo Find X9 series, Oppo Find N6, Honor Magic V6, Vivo X300 series, and the OnePlus 15. The Oppo Find X8 series, Motorola razr fold 2026, and Honor Magic 8 Pro are coming soon. This interoperability aims to bridge the gap between Android and iOS file sharing.

    Additional Updates for Safety and Reading

    Other new features include enhancement to the Personal Safety app aimed at kids under 13, a new reading companion in the Google Play Books app, and new emoji coming to Emoji Kitchen. These updates cater to younger users and reading enthusiasts alike, providing more engaging and secure interactions. The personal safety features are designed to give parents more oversight while still respecting child privacy.

    Looking Ahead to Android 17

    Google is preparing to launch Android 17 for Pixels soon, with other Android brands following shortly. With Android 17, users can expect further refinements and under-the-hood improvements. Smartphones have reached maturity, and this Google update shows it, with small changes aimed at polishing the user experience and adding features we didn’t know we needed. A fit check with circle to search? Thats certainly novel.

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  • New OnePlus leak: ~$221 price, 144Hz OLED display

    New OnePlus leak: ~$221 price, 144Hz OLED display

    Key Takeaway

    – OnePlus Turbo 6X Pro to feature a Samsung flat OLED with 1.5K resolution and 144Hz refresh rate.
    – Turbo 6X Pro rumored to include an 8,000mAh battery, exceeding the flagship OnePlus 15’s 7,300mAh.
    – Standard Turbo 6X tipped to use an LCD panel with 144Hz refresh rate.
    – Turbo 6X Pro expected to be priced around CNY 1,500 (~$221) and launch in early June.

    OnePlus might be working on two new phones for China

    A recent leak suggested that OnePlus may introduce two new smartphones for the Chinese market. The Turbo 6X and the Turbo 6X Pro are expected to be budget-oriented devices, poisitoned below the Turbo 6 series that launched earlier this year.

    Turbo 6X Pro display and battery details

    According to tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the OnePlus Turbo 6X Pro will use a flat OLED panel supplied by Samsung, featuring a “1.5K” resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. Notably, the Turbo 6X Pro is said to have an 8,000mAh battery, surpassing the 7,300mAh capacity of the flagship OnePlus 15 (curr. $899 on Amazon). Meanwhile, the standard OnePlus Turbo 6X was previously tipped to feature an LCD panel with a 144Hz refresh rate.

    Standard Turbo 6X screen and unknown processor

    So the standard OnePlus Turbo 6X was previously tipped to feature an LCD panel with a 144Hz refresh rate. The chipset and other details of the Turbo 6X Pro have not yet been revealed.

    Pricing and launch timeframe

    According to the leak, the Turbo 6X Pro will be positioned in the CNY 1,500 (~$221) price segment. The tipster also suggested that the phone may be announced in the first week of June. In other news, a new OnePlus OLED tablet has been leaked with a compact form factor.

    • OnePlus Turbo 6X Pro: 1.5K Samsung OLED, 144Hz refresh rate
    • OnePlus Turbo 6X Pro: 8,000mAh battery
    • OnePlus Turbo 6X Pro: price around CNY 1,500 (~$221)
    • OnePlus Turbo 6X: LCD panel, 144Hz refresh rate
    • Possible launch in first week of June
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  • New iPhone 18 Pro Battery Leak Changes Everything for Global Buyers

    New iPhone 18 Pro Battery Leak Changes Everything for Global Buyers

    Key Takeaway

    – iPhone 18 Pro has 4,056 mAh (physical SIM) and 4,288 mAh (eSIM-only)
    – eSIM-only support will expand to European markets for the first time
    – A20 Pro chip on TSMC’s 2 nm process will boost real-world efficiency beyond raw mAh gains
    – eSIM-only users automatically get the larger battery in new regions
    – Global drop of physical SIM could eventually eliminate regional battery gaps

    New iPhone 18 Pro Battery Leaks Emerge From China

    With Apple’s September reveal window drawing closer, prolific Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station has shared what he claims are the iPhone 18 Pro’s battery figures, subsequently corroborated by Ice Universe — and while the raw numbers are a modest upgrade from the iPhone 17 Pro (curr. $1,061 for a renewed variant on Amazon), the more interesting story lies in who benefits most.

    Modest Capacity Increases Across Regions

    According to the leak, the iPhone 18 Pro will pack a 4,056 mAh battery in physical SIM variants and 4,288 mAh in eSIM-only models. That’s a roughly 68 mAh increase over the iPhone 17 Pro’s China model and a 36 mAh bump for eSIM units. All this is incremental on paper, sure, but paired with the A20 Pro chip on TSMC’s 2 nm process, real-world improvements are expected to outpace the raw capacity difference. Apple’s first 2 nm chip is expected to deliver much better power efficiency, which compounds the battery story beyond just mAh figures.

    Larger Battery Arrives For European Markets

    The bigger development here, however, is the reach of that larger eSIM battery. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to expand eSIM-only support to European markets for the first time — meaning buyers across the EU who previously received physical SIM variants with the smaller cell will now automatically land on the larger 4,288 mAh configuration. That’s a key upgrade for a large market that has been shortchanged on capacity in the past.

    Future Implications for Global SIM Support

    We also previously reported that the iPhone 18 lineup might drop physical SIM support altogether globally, which would eventually close the battery gap between regions entirely.

    • iPhone 18 Pro physical SIM: 4,056 mAh
    • iPhone 18 Pro eSIM-only: 4,288 mAh
    • iPhone 17 Pro China model: ~3,988 mAh (estimated baseline)
    • iPhone 17 Pro eSIM: ~4,252 mAh (estimated baseline)

    Pro Max Lineup Shows Similar Pattern

    On the Pro Max side, past leaks from Digital Chat Station hinted at a 5,100-5,200 mAh cell for eSIM models and around 5,000 mAh for physical SIM variants — a similar regional split that now appears to be consistent across the entire Pro lineup. Apple has not confirmed any of these figures.


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  • iOS 17 & iPhone Air Update Fixes Major Charging Bug

    iOS 17 & iPhone Air Update Fixes Major Charging Bug

    Key Takeaway

    – iPhone 17 and iPhone Air models had a bug preventing wired charging after the battery fully died.
    – Affected devices would remain unresponsive when plugged into a wired charger.
    – A temporary workaround was using a wireless charger to revive the phone.
    – Apple released iOS 26.5.1 with a fix specifically for this wired charging issue.
    – Users can install the update via Settings > General > Software Update.

    iPhone Charging Bug Finally Fixed

    Back in April, several iPhone 17 and iPhone Air users started reporting a serious issue after their phones died completly. In many cases, the devices would not turn back on once the battery hit zero. This issue was not limited to a single model, as it was effecting the entire iPhone 17 lineup, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, as well as the iPhone Air.

    How the Problem Manifested

    Basically, when the phone shut down due to low battery, plugging it into a wired charger did nothing. The phone would stay completly unresponsive, as if it was still powered off. This issue was first reported over six months ago, and since then, more users have continued to face the same situation. The lack of any visual response was deeply concerning.

    Temporary Workaround Discovered

    Some users found a temporary work around. They were able to bring their phones back to life using a wireless charger. Once the phone started charging wirelessly, it would eventually boot up again. But this was not a proper solution, as many users who only had wired chargers were left stuck with a phone that would not turn on at all. Thankfully, Apple has now finally acknowledged the issue and released a fix through a software update.

    Apple’s Official Fix

    Today, Apple released a new iOS update, 26.5.1, and compared to some previous updates, this one is very small. In fact, it only includes one key fix: “This update addresses an issue for a small number of users that may prevent wired charging on iPhone Air and iPhone 17 models when the battery is nearly drained.” The update is avaliable for all affected devices.

    How to Install the Update

    The update is available for all affected devices, and if you havent already, you can install it by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple recommends all users with these models to download this patch imediately to avoid being stuck with a dead phone. The download size is minimal and requires no special steps.

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  • Vivo Premium Foldable Leak Reveals Key Highlights

    Vivo Premium Foldable Leak Reveals Key Highlights

    Key Takeaway

    – Dimensity 9500 chipset
    – 7,000mAh battery
    – Slim and lightweight body
    – 200MP primary camera + 50MP periscope telephoto lens
    – Expected launch in late June 2026 in China

    The Vivo X Fold 5 was launched back in July 2025 as the companys flagship foldable smartphone. Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset a 50MP triple rear camera arraingment and a respectable 6,000mAh battery, its had a decent run. But now, a fresh leak from a tipster known as Digital Chat Station on Weibo has revealed some key highlites of Vivios next-generation foldable device, which is expected to be called the Vivo X Fold 6.

    New Processor and Battery Leak

    According to the tipster, the upcoming Vivo X Fold 6 may be powered by the Dimensity 9500 chipset, which is MediaTeks latest flagship processor. Interestingly enough, this same silicon is also rumored to be used in the Vivo X300 and the Vivo X300 Pro, showing MediaTek’s increasing presence in high-end mobile hardware. Beyond the chip, the leak points to a massive 7,000mAh battery, which is a huge step up from the 4,400mAh cell found inside the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. The tipster also mentions that the X Fold 6 will maintain a slim and lightweight body, despite that larger power pack.

    Camera Upgrades and Design Details

    In terms of photography, the Vivo X Fold 6 is expected to recieve some substantial upgrades. The leak suggests a 200MP primary camera, a massive jump from the previous generation, combined with a 50MP periscope telephoto lens for improved zoom capabilitys. According to Digital Chat Station, the camera module might feature a circular design, similar to what we saw on last years model, keeping the aesthetic familier but with better internal hardware. For reference, the current Vivo X Fold 5 measures 9.2mm when folded and weighs 217 grams, so users can expect a similar if not more refined form factor.

    Release Timeline and Official Status

    At the time of writing this, Vivo has not yet revealed any official details about the X Fold 6, so all this remains in the realm of rumor and speculation. The foldable phone is rumored to be anounced in late June 2026 in China, which would be about 11 months after the X Fold 5 debut. In other news that may be related, the Vivo X500 series has recently appeared on the GSMA IMEI database, hinting at future product launches from the brand.

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  • Apple unveils new Wallet feature for iPhone 18 Pro soon

    Apple unveils new Wallet feature for iPhone 18 Pro soon

    Key Takeaway

    – iOS 27 Wallet app can scan restaurant bills and split costs per person
    – Split requests are sent via Messages with one-click payment
    – Payments use Apple Cash, currently limited to the USA
    – New feature may not be available or may be limited outside the US
    – No Android version is planned, limiting competition with Venmo

    Wallet App Gets a Smart New Feature for iOS 27

    Bloomberg has now been able to reveal details about a new feature of the Wallet app in advance, after Bloomberg editor Mark Gurman previously revealed information about new camera features and the Siri app. According to the new report, the Wallet app of the Apple iPhone can scan bills via the camera after the update to iOS 27 and split the bill amount between several people.

    How the Bill Splitting Function Works

    For example, if a restaurant bill is scanned, all dishes and drinks, including their price, will be listed separately so that they can be assigned to the respective person. IOS then automatically sends messages to these people, which can be used to pay the corresponding amount with just a few clicks. According to Bloomberg, this function can be accessed either in the Wallet app or in Apple’s Messages app.

    Availability Limited to Apple Cash Users

    To pay the amount, Apple Cash is to be used – a feature that allows money to be easily transferred from one iPhone to another, although this service is currently only available in the USA. This could mean that this new feature for splitting bills will not be offered at all in other regions, or only in a slimmed-down form. In order to seriously compete with apps such as Venmo, Apple would also have to offer a version of this feature for Android smartphones, which is not currently planned, at least according to the Bloomberg report.

    • Scan restaurant bills using the camera in iOS 27
    • List all dishes and drinks with seperate prices
    • Assign each item to a specific person
    • Pay via Apple Cash with automatic messages
    • Feature is currently U.S. only due to Apple Cash limitations
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  • Apple foldable iPhone gaming leak: best-ever model revealed

    Apple foldable iPhone gaming leak: best-ever model revealed

    Key Takeaway

    – Foldable iPhone Ultra to feature vapor chamber (VC) cooling system for sustained performance.
    – Device designed with ultra-slim 4.5mm profile, omitting Face ID, MagSafe, and physical SIM slot.
    – VC system uses deionized water to distribute heat, similar to iPhone 17 Pro design.
    – Manufacturing challenges persist, particularly with surface-mount technology (SMT) scaling.
    – September 2026 debut planned alongside iPhone 18 Pro lineup, starting at $2,000.

    After seeing our first leaked design model hands-on video of Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra, we are now learning that the phone will reportedly feature a sophisticated vapor chamber (VC) cooling system.

    Thermal Engineering and Thinness

    Despite the rumors of an ultra-slim 4.5mm profile, a fresh report from a top leakster indicates that Apple is prioritizing high-end thermal engineering, with the leaker describing the device’s thermal performance as “quite impressive”. This is the first time a reliable source has hinted at a vapor chamber cooling system for the foldable iPhone. For reference, the similarly thin iPhone Air does not utilize this technology.

    Feature Compromises for Thickness

    To accommodate the rumored 4.5mm thickness, the device is expected to omit several standard iPhone features, including Face ID, MagSafe, and a physical SIM slot, with Touch ID serving as the biometric authentication. The VC cooling system is expected to mirror the design first introduced in the iPhone 17 Pro, which circulates deionized water to distribute heat across the chassis.

    Sustained Performance Goals

    This move suggests that Apple might really be going all out to ensure the A20 Pro-powered foldable can maintain sustained performance despite its compact internal volume. While the cooling solution might indeed be on the way, the iPhone Ultra continues to face manufacturing challenges. Reports suggest that pre-assembly stages, specifically regarding surface-mount technology (SMT), are proving difficult to scale.

    Manufacturing and Pricing

    However, despite these yield pressures, the September 2026 debut remains on track to coincide with the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. Pricing for the foldable iPhone is rumored to start at $2,000. Further updates on the device are expected to be shared by the leaker in the coming days.


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  • Xiaomi Quick Share: Android AirDrop Support Now Available

    Xiaomi Quick Share: Android AirDrop Support Now Available

    Key Takeaway

    – Xiaomi now supports AirDrop via Quick Share on select phones, starting with the Xiaomi 17T Pro.
    – Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones received this update earlier in the year.
    – Google is expanding Quick Share to more Android brands, including expected support from Honor and OnePlus.
    – This update reduces the feature gap between Android and iOS, making cross-platform file sharing easier.
    – By 2026, with RCS and Quick Share improvements, Android no longer forces major compromises in sharing or communication with iPhone users.

    Xiaomi Finally Jumps on the Quick Share Bandwagon

    Xiaomi has joinned the list of Android brands that now support AirDrop over Quick Share. Thier announcement was made on X earlier today. Now users on select Xiaomi phones will be able to share files with iPhone users using Android’s Quick Share tool. Select Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones actually recieved this update earlier in the year.

    AirDrop Was Always a Big Deal

    AirDrop has long been a differentiating feature between Android and iPhones, allowing iPhone users to share files (often photos) and contacts quickly and easely. Even though third-party services existed to give Android phones this functionality, it was with mixed success. Google have been working on bridging the gap between both ecosystems with a more durable system, and the company seems to have finially made it work.

    Which Xiaomi Phones Will Get It First?

    Earlier this year, phones like the Google Pixel 10 series gained access to AirDrop, wich was followed by the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. Now Xiaomi is getting in on the fun, though the company only highlites the Xiaomi 17T Pro as its AirDrop-capable phone. More phones, likely flagship models, can be expected to get access to the feature in the comming weeks, and it is just as likely that new models will support it out of the box.

    Google’s Big Integration Push

    Google has been making steps toward integrating iOS and Android more closely over the past few years. With Android 17 comes increased functionality, which includes a more complete data transfer system allowing users to switch from iPhones to Android with as much ease as an iPhone-to-iPhone switch, at leest on paper anyway.

    More Brands to Follow

    Google also teased that more Android brands would be working to bring AirDrop support to Quick Share. Xiaomi is obviously one of them, but we also expect phones from Honor and OnePlus, among others, to eventualy join the party as well.

    The End of Compromises

    Choosing an Android over an iPhone in the past often meant users would have to make sacrifices when sharing and communicating, with iPhone users benefiting from iMessage and AirDrop support. As Google has built out its RCS platform and done good work with its migration tool and the Quick Share updates as well, that is no longer the case in 2026.

    Xiaomi (X)

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