Author: Robert Haba

Xiaomi Watch S4 15th Anniversary Edition comes with the new XRING T1 chipset

During the company’s anniversary launch event on Thursday, Xiaomi unveiled the Watch S4 15th Anniversary Edition in China. Alongside the Xiaomi 15s Pro and Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra, the new wearable was launched, sporting Xiaomi’s own XRING T1 processor. The normal Watch S4 was released by Xiaomi some months prior to the arrival of the S4 15th Anniversary Edition. It differs from the standard Watch S4 with its updated design and color selection. The watch’s circular AMOLED screen measures 1.43 inches.

The Xiaomi Watch S4 15th Anniversary Edition costs CNY 1,299, which is around Rs. 15,000 in value. Shades of green and black are available. In contrast, the regular Xiaomi Watch S4 costs CNY 999, or around Rs. 11,800.

Xiaomi Watch S4 15th Anniversary Edition specs

In comparison to the regular model, the Xiaomi Watch S4 15th Anniversary Edition has a new chip, certain design changes, and an extended battery life. It is compatible with smartphones running iOS 12.0 and Android 8.0 and is powered by Xiaomi HyperOS 2. It features a 1.43-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 466 × 466 pixels. The display is claimed to have a maximum brightness of 1,500 nits and a refresh rate of 60 Hz.

Xiaomi’s in-house-developed XRING T1 chipset powers the wearable. The maximum CPU frequency that the new chipset is supposed to deliver is 500MHz.

The Watch S4 15th Anniversary Edition allows users to operate their Xiaomi vehicles without a smartphone. The watch face offers a real-time glimpse of the attached smartphone’s camera in addition to supporting three-second video clip.

When eSIM functionality is activated, the Xiaomi S4 15th Anniversary Edition is said to last nine days between charges. For comparison, the regular model has a seven-day battery life in eSIM mode. The wearable’s battery is 486mAh.

SpO2 (blood oxygen) and a heart rate monitoring sensor are included with the S4 15th Anniversary Edition. Its water resistance rating is 5 ATM. 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, GPS, Galileo, Glonass, Beidou, and QZSS are among the connectivity choices. It weighs 44.5g and has dimensions of 47.3 x 47.3 x 12.0mm.

May 26, 2025
Big UI change in Android 16 Beta QPR
With Gemini mostly overshadowing the two-day developer conference, Google I/O 2025 is now gone. On the other hand, the release of Android 16 QPR1 Beta, which incorporates the previously introduced Material 3 Expressive design language, is a more noteworthy advancement for certain aficionados. What’s new in this version and how to access the beta are explained here.

After the stable Android 16 Beta program, the first Quarterly Platform Release is the Android 16 QPR1. Despite being more stable than previous betas, it is still intended for developers and testers because of flaws and other problems. Similarly, this release represents a sneak peek at the upcoming Pixel Feature Drop, which is anticipated to happen next month.

Google’s new design language, Material 3 Expressive design, or M3E, which incorporates bolder and more playful elements, is now available in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta. Wear OS 6 for wearables will also use the M3 Expressive design.

To experience M3 Expressive, I set up the Android 16 QPR1 Beta on my Pixel 9 Pro XL (review). The wallpaper and quick settings are two examples of UI elements and sections where the modifications are instantly apparent. Additionally, some features, including personalized icons on the Pixel Launcher, are not yet enabled.

Material 3 Expressive design landed in Android 16 QPR

A notable modification to the home screen is the addition of a complete row of additional space for widgets and apps. This is because the “At a Glance” widget, which was formerly located at the top of the home screen, has decreased.

The battery, cellular, and Wi-Fi system icons have also been added to the status bar. In the meantime, each component of the system settings has more themed glyph icons.

The most significant changes are in the fast settings panel, which now uses shortcuts and widgets in a more vibrant and effervescent manner, along with new animations that Google calls “springy.” Additionally, there are additional customization options for scaling and positioning toggles and icons, which enables users to employ 1×1 icons to fit more elements.

Android 16 provides additional settings and effects for custom images, which will appeal to those who like personalizing their home screen and lock screen. AI-powered weather effects and the ability to overlay colors with shapes are now available. A cinematic effect is an additional choice, but my device was still unable to use it after trying.

More apps will come with Material 3 Expressive

It is anticipated that Google would add more M3 Expressive elements to its services and applications, such as Google Photos and Keep.

Manufacturers of skinned Android versions, like Samsung’s One UI, are now primarily responsible for implementing the Material 3 Expressive design. Many of these changes and new features should be maintained for those that provide stock and near-stock Android experiences.

All of these updates, along with perhaps other improvements and optimizations not included in the first Android 16 QPR version, will be included in the June Pixel Feature Drop if you’re patient enough.

The Android 16 QPR1 Beta update is available via the beta program for Pixel 6 all the way to Pixel 9 series.
- Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 7a
- Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel 9a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
May 26, 2025
This is the best time to buy the Galaxy Watch Ultra – 40% off on Amazon

You cannot go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra if you’re looking for the greatest Android smartwatch available right now. Better still, Amazon is currently offering a 40% price reduction on it. This saves you an incredible $260 by bringing the smart and durable Galaxy Watch down from its original $649 price to $390.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra in Titanium Gray with an orange band is included in the deal; the Titanium White model costs $399, which is only a little bit extra. Remember that every version supports LTE.

SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra
Climb the highest peak; Bike the long way home; The durable titanium design is our toughest yet, able to stand up to the rigors of your workout, including rainy or dusty conditions — even ocean swimming
~~$649.99~~$390.00See It

Is Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra for you?

Samsung’s first smartwatch under the “Ultra” brand is the Galaxy Watch Ultra (review), and the moniker accurately describes the functionality of the device. The Ultra has a more robust titanium case with sapphire crystal protection on the top and bottom, in contrast to the regular Galaxy Watch. It has a 10 ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for scuba diving as well.

Beyond its sturdy design, the Galaxy Watch Ultra pack a 1.5-inch AMOLED display with a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits, which is extremely readable. The new dual-band GPS offers precise navigation and location monitoring for outdoor activities, and there’s a dependable siren feature that comes in handy in an emergency. It includes an additional physical button for usability, which is helpful for tasks requiring the use of one hand.

Also Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra is an amazing fitness and health tracker. It has a more precise BioActive sensor for detecting blood oxygen saturation, body composition, and heart rate. In addition to the well-known blood pressure level monitoring and on-demand ECG, this high-end wristwatch also features the new AGEs index and sleep apnea detection. With onboard AI capabilities, users can now design their own regimens for fitness fanatics.

With a larger battery that lasts for many days in smart mode between charges, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is also a popular partner for endurance sports. It has wireless charging and a rapid charging time.

SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra
Climb the highest peak; Bike the long way home; The durable titanium design is our toughest yet, able to stand up to the rigors of your workout, including rainy or dusty conditions — even ocean swimming
~~$649.99~~$390.00See It

May 25, 2025
Temporarly free apps for Android and iOS
There are countless apps available in the Play Store and the App Store, the two app stores owned by Apple and Google. While some of these apps are free, some need a fee. However, many users are unaware that many paid apps can also be temporarily made free as part of a special deal. We have compiled a list of some of the most intriguing free apps accessible right now.

Free apps for Android
- Resume Builder – CV Maker ~~($5.99~~) – In this day and age, without a convincing CV, you’re often at a disadvantage. So it’s all the better that you can create a suitable design yourself in a short space of time. With the help of this app and a pinch of creativity, it’s easy to create a professional and appealing CV that leaves an impression.
- Passport Photo: ID Photo Print ~~($5.99~~) – This app makes it easy to take high-quality passport photos from the comfort of your own home, without having to go to a photographer. In Germany, however, self-taken passport photos have only been accepted to a limited extent since May.
- Stitch Photos: Long Screenshot ~~($3.49~~) – Anyone who has ever tried to take a screenshot of an entire website or chat history knows the problem: unwanted elements such as advertisements, menus, or the scrollbar are often included. This app provides a remedy by allowing you to effortlessly remove superfluous elements.
- Business Card Maker: Logo Card ~~($5.99~~) – Whether used professionally or simply for pleasure, business cards are inexpensive to buy. The real challenge often lies in the design, especially for people without graphic talent. But this problem is a thing of the past with this app.
Free premium apps for iOS
- Minesweeper Classic ~~($4.99~~) – If you’re nostalgic and used to using a Windows PC, you’ll love this game. The game principle is clearly based on the well-known Windows classic: the aim is to correctly mark minefields and uncover all safe fields, just like in the old days. It’s just a shame that the app relies on in-app purchases.
- Ninja Boy Adventures – Bomberman edition ~~($1.99~~) – This game is very similar to the arcade classic Bomberman, with a decisive twist: instead of a bomber, you take on the role of a ninja. The levels are also a little more cleverly designed. However, the gameplay is still entertaining.
- Queen Rules ~~($2.99~~) – This puzzle game is the ideal way to pass the time. The aim is to position your soldiers so that they can defeat the evil witch’s soldiers. There are also interesting level designs and clay figures.
- Dog Guide 2 PRO ~~($1.99~~) – Anyone who wants to find the ideal dog or expand their knowledge of these faithful four-legged friends should take a look at this app. It offers a large number of free pictures, clearly presented information, and a practical filter function – all in one application.
At the time this post was published, all of the apps we are showcasing here were free to download. Regretfully, developers frequently fail to indicate the duration of these offers. Therefore, you should download an app as soon as possible if you enjoy it.

However, you should always check the app page in the store before downloading a free program. Because there are occasionally unnoticed obstacles that you should be mindful of.

Many apps gather user information and frequently sell it. Make sure you only give the program the rights it actually needs if you want to be safe. For instance, a flashlight shouldn’t be interested in your location information, and an alarm clock doesn’t require access to your contacts or cameras.
May 25, 2025
OnePlus 13s to be released for global market – small and powerful
OnePlus has officially set a launch date for its next little phone after weeks of speculation. Officially, the OnePlus 13s will launch on June 5 in India and perhaps other international regions as well.

The specifications of this new handset should be fairly similar to those of the OnePlus 13T, which was released in China under a different name. However, certain changes are anticipated for buyers worldwide.

The color choices, for instance, will differ slightly. The 13s may be available in Black, Pink, and Green for global markets, whereas the 13T was only available in China in Black, Pink, and Grey.

OnePlus 13s specs

But below, you’re looking at the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the same potent chip as was used in the OnePlus 13 and, in fact, in Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series. For a small phone at this price range, OnePlus may offer configurations with up to 16 GB of RAM and a whopping 1 TB of storage.

Speaking of little, it has a 6.32-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2640 x 1216 and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. With a massive 6,260mAh battery and support for 80W fast charging, the battery life should be outstanding despite its compact size. Regarding cameras, you will receive the following:
- 50 MP main with OIS
- 50 MP telephoto
- 16 MP selfie
However, it’s also important to note that a new button known as the Plus Key will be replacing the outdated Alert Slider. This new button, which resembles the Action Button on the iPhone, first appeared on the 13T. It’s much more customizable than just a mute switch these days; you can program it to open the camera, turn on the flashlight, activate silent mode, and more.

Although the price is yet unknown, the OnePlus 13s should be priced aggressively, particularly in India, given that the 13T was released in China for about $466. This one is looking like a strong candidate for the title of best little Android phone of the year thanks to its premium hardware, stylish design, and reasonable price.

OnePlus 13
Lightning-Fast Snapdragon 8 Elite Processor: Powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, enjoy exceptional speed, efficiency, and performance for gaming, multitasking, and productivity.
~~$999.99~~$949.99Amazon
May 25, 2025
Galaxy Watch 8 renders leaked online

It appears that Samsung will update its Watch collection at the July Unpacked event. This indicates that the Galaxy Watch 8 series will soon emerge from the shadows. It might debut alongside the Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7. We’re giving you an exclusive first look at the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic even though the official unveiling is still a few weeks away. We have a 360-degree video and comprehensive CAD renders of the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic thanks to our partnership with OnLeaks, which allows us to see it clearly before it is released.

Exclusive Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 classic renders

Recently, we broke down why the Classic model might be making a comeback in Galaxy Watch 8 lineup. From what we’ve gathered so far, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic could arrive in a single size (47mm). Regulatory filings suggest it could pack a 435mAh rated battery, which typically translates to a 450mAh typical capacity. And in case you’re still wondering, yes, it really seems like the rotating bezel is making a return. Now, feast your eyes on these exclusive Galaxy Watch 8 Classic renders!

Also, it appears that the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will have a display that is about 1.5 inches in size. It measures around 46 x 46.5 x 14.2 mm. The Watch 8 Classic seems to have a squircle-shaped frame, similar to the Galaxy Watch Ultra, based on the renders. It’s reasonable to assume that this model might be the Watch Ultra’s spiritual descendant or possibly a direct sequel.

May 24, 2025
MiTag Duo – works with Android and iOS

Like the Chipolo Pop and Pebblebee’s universal trackers, MiLi’s MiTag Duo is a Bluetooth tracker that works with both Apple Find My and Google Find My devices. The new Bluetooth tracker is currently on sale and far less expensive than its competitors.

The Chipolo Pop was released last month as a Bluetooth tracker that connects to Google’s Find My Device and Apple’s Find My networks. A comparable Bluetooth tracker that was compatible with both networks was announced by another company about a month before Chipolo’s. The device is known as the MiTag Duo, but sadly, the announcement was not widely publicized.

The MiTag Duo, which is made by MiLi, is circular like the MiTag Go (which is now available on Amazon for $13.99) and only works with Google Find My. The tracker is easy to attach to possessions because it features a key ring hole and comes in black and white color variants. It can operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C and has an IP67 dust and water resistance rating.

MiLi MiTag Bluetooth Tracker for Android and iOS
The Android version MiTag is a Google Certified location tracker that works with “Find My” app on Android phones (Android 9 or higher, NOT for iOS devices). Attach this android tracker to the items you usually misplace and let it help you find your keys, bag, suitcase, toy, etc.
~~$14.99~~$13.99Amazon

Both Google and Apple have granted the tracker legal licenses, and it works flawlessly with Android and iPhone cellphones. It also supports sharing with other users and doesn’t require a partner app. You can track your possessions in real time with the MiTag Duo. When you ring it, you can hear it because it includes an integrated speaker. The CR2032 battery that powers the tracker should last for up to eight months before needing to be changed.

The MiTag Duo is still available for pre-order even though it was only introduced in March, and shipping is set to start on May 19. The tracker has a price tag of $19.99 from MiLi, however the company’s web store claims that this is a discounted price because the original price was $39.29.

MiLi MiTag bundle
Within Bluetooth range (150 m/500ft), you can check the current location and easily find your item by activating sound via Google Find My app or voice commands. The tracking tag will ring loud enough to help you locate it.
~~$52.99~~$47.99Amazon

Additionally, you can save additional money by buying in bulk. For example, a pack of two pieces costs $35.99 instead of $78.58, a pack of four units costs $47.99 instead of $157.16, and a box of eight costs $127.94 instead of $314.32. When compared to the Chipolo Pop, which costs $29 per unit, $89 for a pack of four trackers, and $121 for a box of six, the MiTag Duo is now less expensive.

May 19, 2025
7 new devices will receive HyperOS next month
Here are seven devices that might miss out on this opportunity and get their final upgrade next month while Xiaomi is busy testing the new HyperOS 2.2 version for the flagship models. Examine the list and determine whether your phone is included in this group.

Upgrades to HyperOS include a number of sophisticated, AI-powered capabilities that aren’t compatible with all models. In order to concentrate on the most efficient smartphones, Xiaomi used to remove some devices and mark them as EOL (End Of Life).

The company has officially revealed the EOL devices for June 2025 and identified seven Xiaomi models that will receive their final HyperOS upgrade, according to XiaomiTime.

The majority of the phones on the list are Redmi and POCO models that might soon stop supporting security rollouts, feature patches, and new HyperOS updates.

These 7 Xiaomi devices may get their last HyperOS update in June:
- Redmi Note 11T Pro
- Redmi Note 11T Pro+
- Redmi K50i
- POCO X4 GT
- POCO C40
- Redmi K40S
- POCO F4
According to inputs, the POCO C40’s final HyperOS update is scheduled for June 17. In February 2024, it received the most recent significant update, MIUI 13, which was based on Android 11.

It should be noted that these models will not receive any system optimizations, new features, or security fixes that address problems or issues that currently exist.

Therefore, we advise switching to a new device as soon as possible to take advantage of the most recent camera improvements, AI capabilities, and HyperOS 2.2 features.
May 19, 2025
One UI 8 will protect consumers against theft, fraud, and scams.

Under Google’s Advanced Protection Program, Samsung’s One UI 8, which is based on Android 16, will offer strong privacy and security protections to protect users of Galaxy phones and tablets from theft, fraud, and scams.

The security improvements of Android 16 will be sent out to Samsung Galaxy devices via One UI 8.0, anticipated in the summer of 2025, as announced on May 14 at Google’s The Android Show. Strong protection against unwanted access is ensured by the Advanced Protection Program (APP), which combines features like Remote Lock and Theft Detection Lock and requires user credentials to disable. These were first created for Google apps, but they will eventually be extended to third-party apps.

Uneditable secure device records that allow users to verify for tampering are among the key characteristics. One UI 8 thwarts fraudster tactics by blocking dangerous actions during talks, such as installing untrusted apps or changing important settings. With UK banks like Monzo and NatWest on board, banking apps are also made more secure by requiring screen-sharing talks to terminate before access.

AI is a major factor in this, in case you haven’t guessed it already. It detects apps that conceal icons, filters fraudulent messages, and does virus checks.

Remote Lock adds a security question and conceals one-time passwords from alerts, while enhanced factory reset safeguards make stolen phones inoperable without the owner’s consent. These are compatible with One UI 6.1.1’s Samsung Auto Blocker.

With a beta in June and a July release alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7, One UI 8 may make Galaxy smartphones safer than before. Are flaws like delayed third-party app support a concern, or will these features outsmart scammers? More will be revealed during the summer launch.

May 18, 2025
One UI 8 #rumor – here’s when we may expect the next One UI upgrade
Samsung’s One UI is a significant element of what distinguishes Galaxy phones and tablets. With One UI 7 finally available to consumers on April 7, 2025, attention has shifted to the next chapter: One UI 8. This future software upgrade, which is likely to be based on Android 16, should add some intriguing new features to Samsung devices.

There is speculation that it will be released sooner than usual, altering Samsung’s standard software update release schedule. In this post, we’ll go over the release date, the beta testing program, which devices will receive One UI 8 based on Samsung’s update policy, and what this may mean for Galaxy customers.

One UI 8 release

Historically, Samsung’s big One UI releases have coincided with the annual Android upgrade cycle, arriving in the fourth quarter, around October or November, following Google’s stable Android release. For example, One UI 6 debuted on October 30, 2023, whereas One UI 7, which was severely delayed, launched on April 7, 2025. However, reports in the IT world claim that One UI 8 may break this pattern.

One UI 8, which is based on Android 16, will be released in the summer of 2025. This update, confirmed by Google, represents a considerable increase in Samsung’s update cycle, with the goal of closely aligning with Google’s roadmap.

One UI 8 beta program

Samsung’s One UI beta programs allowed fans to try out new features early on, and One UI 8 should continue to do so. Considering how things generally proceed and the predicted July 2025 release, the One UI 8 beta should begin in late May or early June 2025.

The beta normally begins with Samsung’s top phones, such as the Galaxy S series, and then progresses to foldables and lower-cost devices. One UI 7 testing began on December 5, 2024, with the Galaxy S24, and was expanded to include the S23, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, and others by March 2025.

If Samsung follows this step-by-step plan, the One UI 8 beta would most likely debut with the Galaxy S25, followed by foldables such as the Z Fold6 and Z Flip6. You’ll most likely join up through the Samsung Members app in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, India, Germany, and South Korea, allowing users to test out new features before they become official.

One UI 8 eligible devices

While Samsung has not officially confirmed the One UI 8 device list, we can use its official software update policy to determine which devices are assured to receive the upgrade. Samsung now provides up to seven years of OS upgrades for select flagship handsets (beginning with the Galaxy S24 series), four years for others, and five years of security updates for numerous models. According to this policy and the confirmed One UI 7 rollout, the following devices are sure to be qualified for One UI 8:
1. Galaxy S Series:
  - Galaxy S25 Edge, S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE, Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE, Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra.
2. Galaxy Z Series:
  - Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7 (expected to launch with One UI 8), Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Flip5, Galaxy Z Fold4, Z Flip4.
3. Galaxy Tab Series:
  - Galaxy Tab S10+, Tab S10 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S9, S9+, S9 Ultra.
Mid-range devices, such as the Galaxy A55 and A35, may also qualify for the four-year program. Older smartphones, like as the Galaxy S21 series, may miss out since their four-year support period may expire before One UI 8 is released.

The Summer 2025 debut of One UI 8 suggests a significant change for Samsung, potentially providing a substantial update much sooner than fans think. If this happens on time, Galaxy owners may receive Android 16 features with the next round of foldable phones, demonstrating how Samsung can change things up and keep improving.

While we wait for Samsung to make an official announcement, the prospect of a quicker One UI 8 release thrills Galaxy fans—could this be Samsung’s biggest software step yet?
May 18, 2025