Now that smartphones have become our de facto communication and note-taking devices, the need to type faster has become a priority for many. Whether it's a requirement for your job or it's a skill that'll help you in university or at an internship, I have valuable advice for you.
Many people still default to tapping each letter on their phones, but there's a better way. I learned how to type insanely quickly on my Android phone with a single hack, and while it's not a new feature by any means, I'm going to teach you, too. Once you've mastered this skill, your average words per minute are going to jump up.
How to type really fast on your Android phone
This demonstration was conducted on a Google Pixel 8 running Android 16 and using Gboard as the default keyboard. After explaining how to use this hack, I'll also explain how to implement it in Samsung Keyboard.
As long as you're using Gboard on an Android phone running at least Android 8, you're good to go. This "trick" is called swipe typing, sliding to type, or Glide Typing (on Gboard). The idea is that you don't lift your finger for each letter of the alphabet, only for each word, saving you a lot of time. Here's how to slide your finger across the keyboard to type faster.
1. Tap a text box where you want to type on your phone.
2. Instead of individually tapping the alphabet, slide your finger without lifting it. Pause on the letters for a microsecond, and lift your finger when you're done typing a word. A space is automatically added once you lift your finger.
(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)
If you're a Samsung Keyboard user, you'll need to head to the keyboard settings and enable the Swype mode before sliding your finger to type.
Swipe typing on Gboard is intelligent and intuitive
(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)
Gboard gets smarter over time, as does your swipe-typing accuracy. As you swipe over the alphabet, you'll get word suggestions in Gboard. Over time, you can teach Gboard what your intended word was by tapping the right suggestion.
Swipe typing also works with words added to your dictionary, such as names, slang, abbreviations, or words in another language. They don't have to be grammatically correct.
What's even cooler is that you can swipe to type in other languages too! I tried it with Urdu in Gboard, and it works just as well as it does in English. Plus, if you use a Wear OS watch with Gboard, you can use this hack on your smartwatch as well.
I attract so much attention when I swipe-text in public, and people are always curious about it. I've even had strangers ask me to teach them how to use the feature on a train!
It is not the fastest or easiest trick right away; you might actually type slower at first. But once you get the hang of it, it's very hard to go back to the "usual" typing method on your smartphone.
from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/9Vf37pZ
via IFTTT
Samsung has officially confirmed that it will host its next Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22, 2026, in London at 2 p.m. BST (9 a.m. ET). Managing Editor Derrek Lee will be in the U.K for the event and is ready to report on all things Summer Unpacked!
The company has previously preferred to hold its launch events mostly in the U.S., and occasionally in Korea and even France.
Now, nearly 14 years after the Galaxy S3 event, Samsung is bringing its launch event back to London, England. We're expecting a new range of foldable phones and new Galaxy wearables at the event.
What devices are launching?
Samsung expanded its Galaxy foldable lineup last year with the introduction of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, alongside the standard Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.
This year, the company is expected to switch up the lineup, including successors to last year's phones as well as a brand-new form factor with a passport-like design that's shorter and wider, which will reportedly go head-to-head against the rumoured Apple's foldable iPhone.
Along with launching a new foldable form factor, Samsung is also expected to change its naming scheme in the most confusing way possible. You'd expect the Galaxy Z Fold 7's successor to be called the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but instead, it'll reportedly be named the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.
The new passport-style foldable will instead take on the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 name.
We're not sure why Samsung is shuffling things around like this, but we'll certainly be asking around at the event.
Alongside the foldables, Samsung is also expected to launch the Galaxy Watch 9. We are also expecting news around Samsung's AI glasses too!
Perhaps the easiest way to watch the event is on YouTube. Head to Samsung's official YouTube channel and tap the Notify Me button to be reminded when the event is about to start. Or you can just do it from the video link below.
from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/cPloJES
via IFTTT
Google's best Pixel is getting an upgrade in 2026. The Pixel 11 Pro XL is said to feature a faster, much more power-efficient processor, a cool LED ring around the back camera island, better gaming support, and plenty of surprises when it debuts on August 12.
Pros
New Pixel Glow feature
Updated Vulkan support should mean better gaming performance
Battery life should be notably improved
Pixelsnap MagSafe magnet support
Potential camera upgrades
Should have the same great accessory support
Cons
Likely still underperforms vs Qualcomm chipsets
Low PWM rate
Pixels have a history of being buggy
Google
Pixel 10 Pro XL
Last year's best Pixel
The Pixel 10 Pro XL looks a whole lot like the Pixel 11 Pro XL, and that's a particularly great thing in a year when smartphones are getting more expensive. Buying a year-old phone is always a great budget option, and this may be the best year yet for that tactic.
Pros
Pixelsnap Qi2 implementation is brilliant
A host of unique Google Pixel apps and services
Many AI features are processed on-device
Excellent accessory ecosystem (first and third party)
Notably improved gaming performance vs Pixel 6-9
Cons
eSIM-only in the U.S.
Forced battery throttling at 200 cycles
Doesn't support the latest version of Vulkan
Performance is less than half of Qualcomm's at times
PWM rate is still bad
The Google Pixel 11 family is right around the corner, and that means now is a great time to start considering whether you're going to upgrade to this year's phone, or save money and grab last year's best with a solid deal (or a second-hand offer).
In a year with rapidly rising technology prices, 2026 might be the best year ever to consider buying last year's phone, especially with the rumor that Google isn't giving the Pixel 11 Pro XL a massive overhaul. If you're choosing between the Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro XL, or are considering upgrading year-over-year, here's everything you need to know!
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs. Pixel 10 Pro XL: Design and display
(Image credit: Google Store)
The Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro XL will likely look identical at a glance, but at least one key change will catch your eye and make you at least a tiny bit jealous. I'm talking about Pixel Glow, a new type of LED that appears on the Pixel 11's camera bar, seemingly as part of the camera flash unit.
Google may be taking a page from Nothing with this new initiative, likely offering ways to light up the camera bar whenever you receive notifications, talk to Gemini, or interact with specific apps or features on your Pixel 11.
Nicholas Sutrich / Android CentralNicholas Sutrich / Android CentralNicholas Sutrich / Android CentralNicholas Sutrich / Android Central
I've already received Pixel 11 cases from Thinborne, one of Android Central's favorite case manufacturers, and the changes seen here showcase what we can expect from Pixel Glow. That lip around the camera island is where the subtle LED glow should emit from, and it's going to give Pixel 11 a unique look among all smartphones.
Elsewhere, we see subtle changes in microphone placement and a slight downward shift of the power and volume buttons on the Pixel 11.
We expect the Pixel 11 Pro XL to feature the same built-in MagSafe-compatible Pixelsnap magnets, so you won't need a case to use the best MagSafe accessories for Android phones.
Based on rumors, we're not expecting any major changes to the Pixel 11 Pro XL's display, although it may receive a slight peak brightness bump as Pixels have in the past. Google has been good about introducing new display accessibility features, like Comfort Filters and last year's "sensitive eyes" feature, so I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised by the PWM dimming rate at the August 12 event.
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs. Pixel 10 Pro XL: Battery life, performance, and specs
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
All signs point to the Pixel 11 Pro XL being the most efficient phone in Pixel history. The more efficient Tensor G6 and the new MediaTek modem inside the Pixel 11 Pro XL are said to bring a 20-30% improvement in efficiency. This, plus a slight improvement in battery capacity, should be a great upgrade over any previous Pixel phone.
The Tensor G6 processor expected to power the Pixel 11 Pro XL should be manufactured on a 2nm process, resulting in performance gains of around 15% in daily use. Google is also said to be using a newer PowerVR GPU that's compatible with Vulkan 1.4, so mobile games will look and run better than on the Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Category
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL (rumored)
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Display
6.8-inch Super Actua QHD+ OLED, 120Hz
6.8-inch Super Actua QHD+ OLED, 120Hz
OS
Android 17
Android 16 (upgradable to Android 17)
Processor
Tensor G6
Tensor G5
RAM
12GB / 16GB
12GB / 16GB
Storage
256GB / 512GB / 1TB
256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Rear Camera 1
50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide)
50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide)
Rear Camera 2
48 MP, f/1.7 (ultrawide)
48 MP, f/1.7 (ultrawide)
Rear Camera 3
48 MP, f/2.8, 5x (periscope telephoto)
48 MP, f/2.8, 5x (periscope telephoto)
Front Camera
42 MP, f/2.2
42 MP, f/2.2
Ingress Protection
IP68
IP68
Connectivity
5G (sub-6GHz, mmWave), Wi-Fi 7, UWB, Bluetooth 6.0, eSIM only (in U.S.)
5G (sub-6GHz, mmWave), Wi-Fi 7, UWB, Bluetooth 6.0, eSIM only (in U.S.)
Battery
5,000mAh
4,870mAh
Charging
45W wired, 25W wireless Qi2
45W wired, 25W wireless Qi2
Dimensions
162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm
162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm
Weight
TBA
232 grams
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs. Pixel 10 Pro XL: Camera and software
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
Despite some awesome new features, I was largely unimpressed with the Pixel 10 Pro XL's camera last year. While it still did a great job of capturing objects in motion (like kids and pets), I found the telephoto camera strangely unreliable.
Hopefully, Google fixes these problems in the Pixel 11 Pro XL and gets back to that top-tier Pixel camera experience. Google still needs to work on its video recording quality, which was substantially improved with the Pixel 10 Pro XL, but continues to lag behind rivals like Apple and Samsung.
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
I fully expect the Pixel 11 Pro XL to launch with some exclusive features, but Google is usually good about bringing those features to older Pixel phones after some time. So while Pixel 10 Pro XL users may have to wait to get any fancy new features announced in August, it's almost certain they won't miss out.
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs. Pixel 10 Pro XL: Which should you buy?
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
I'm going to hedge my bets and say the Pixel 10 Pro XL will be a better buy given the price increases we're seeing on this year's new smartphones. Undoubtedly, the Pixel 11 Pro XL's new processor, GPU, larger battery, and fancy new lights on the back will be great reasons to upgrade, but I'm not sure they'll make the gulf in price worthwhile for most people.
from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/6zkKT73
via IFTTT
The budget IEM category has countless choices, and it's the entry-level where things are particularly interesting. ddHiFi is a well-known Chinese outfit, and its latest collaboration with India's Headphone Zone has resulted in the Skyfall and Iris, two IEMs that target the same category.
The Iris has a 10mm dynamic driver and costs ₹2,699 ($28), and the Skyfall has the same 10mm driver alongside a BA driver, and it comes in at ₹3,699 ($38). Both usually cost ₹300 ($3) more, but with Headphone Zone having a sale, now is the best time to get your hands on either if you're interested.
I've used both IEMs interchangeably over the course of the last month, and I tested both with my Fiio M21. I'll get to the sound in a little but, but before that, I want to highlight the design. The Iris has a green hue that looks great, and the Skyfall has a bold blue design that makes it stand out.
Both IEMs have a 3D-printed shell, and the design is definitely a plus point; you don't usually see this kind of build quality in in the entry-level. I like the see-through design as it does a great job highlighting the drivers and the connectors housed within the shell. This is even more evident on the Skyfall, as you can easily make out the dedicated BA driver.
Either shell is on the larger side, but I didn't see any issues when it comes to usability. The sound nozzle on the Iris is a smidgen bigger than that of the Skyfall, but this didn't prove to be a problem.
You get a decent selection of ear tips with the IEMs, and the Iris has a 3.5mm cable, with the Skyfall bundling a 4.4mm balanced cable. The default cable is good enough, and the braided cable has a nylon sheath that gives it a little better durability.
Both IEMs sound great in their own right. They have detailed bass, a clean mid-range that allows vocals to shine, and good treble extension without coming across as bright. I like the Skyfall a little better in this area; the addition of a BA driver leads to better detail in the mid-range and a livelier overall sound, and in my testing, I preferred it to the Iris. You also get better much sub-bass energy, lending itself very well to mainstream music.
That isn't to say that the Iris is bad by any measure — it has standout vocal presentation, and if that's what you need, the Iris will be better-suited to your needs.
If you're unable to decide between the two and just need a recommend, I'd suggest going with the Skyfall. It costs a little bit more, but you're getting a more engaging sound, and a balanced cable. I also like the blue hue a little better, and I think it's a good all-rounder at just ₹3,699.
from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/HJg5NfD
via IFTTT
We love the Bose Ultra Open earbuds for a number of reasons, but especially for their powerful immersive sound setting, their minimal, sleek design, fast charging speeds, and a relatively long battery life.
While they don't come with multipoint connection or wireless charging, the Bose Ultra Open are still head and shoulders above other competitors in overall quality and design. At $199, they're still a little more pricey than others, but $100 off feels like it could be all the justification you need if you're already in the market.
Bose's Ultra Open earbuds have dropped to this price before at Amazon, with the retailer cutting 33% off the price tag to bring them to just $199. In addition to featuring a sleek, likable design, the Ultra Opens are also available at this discounted price in a wide range of colors, including Black, Lunar Blue, Desert Gold, Midnight Violet, Driftwood Sand, Moonstone Blue, and several others still.View Deal
✅Recommended if: you want the best open-ear earbuds on the market and your budget is around $199; you want a pair of open-ear earbuds that won't compromise on immersive, high-quality audio; you like having easy-to-use button controls for playback, volume, answering calls, and more on your earbuds; you need something with a minimal, comfortable fit that can be worn and used for long periods of time.
❌Skip this deal if: you aren't looking for open-ear earbuds and would rather spend this amount of money on higher-quality, fully in-ear devices; you need something that offers more than 4 hours of battery when spatial, immersive, or other modes are engaged; you prefer a pair of earbuds with a higher dust and water resistance rating than IPX4.
The Bose Ultra Open earbuds are a certifiably great pair of open-ear buds, featuring a mind-blowing immersive mode and a solid stereo audio mode, a charging case, and a minimal, comfortable design. Bose says they'll get users up to 4 hours of playtime in immersive mode or up to 7 in stereo mode, while the case can offer up to 48 hours of with intermittent charges.
from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/rhlc0yu
via IFTTT
Rumored renderings for the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra claim the device's design might not change much from its predecessor.
The tablet's renderings showcase it with the same camera notch, dual camera array, and thin build.
Rumors add that the Tab S12 Ultra might feature a 14.6-inch display, an 11,600mAh battery, and upwards of 16GB RAM/1TB storage.
Another round of Galaxy Tab S12 series rumors has surfaced. This time, the leaks claim to have discovered the design of the Galaxy S12 Tab Ultra.
To end the week, rumors about Samsung's Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra have appeared, alongside renderings of its apparent design. In collaboration with tipster OnLeaks, Smartphone Checker posted a few alleged Tab S12 Ultra renderings (via SamMobile). Users hoping for a design change might be disappointed. The tipster's discovery suggests the Tab S12 Ultra won't veer too much from what the S11 Ultra delivered. The selfie camera notch, fairly thin bezels, and dual camera array remain.
The leaked renders showcase the Ultra tablet in black (or gray), keeping things similar to what we're used to.
Android Central's Take
I am a very sad boy. Remember those rumors about a potential design change for Samsung's tablets? I wish they were true, but maybe that's in the cards for the future? Personally, I don't like the selfie camera notch. It's ugly. It takes away from the tablet's massive display. I want a full immersive display, not a weird notch. Punch hole will suffice, but it looks like we'll have to settle with the same—again.
The publication adds that evidence "strongly" suggests the S12 Ultra will feature a 14.6-inch display. This is based on its rumored dimensions, which say it will measure 326.34 x 208.46 x 5.12mm. Other rumors claim the device could stick with a MediaTek chip. One that's upgraded, but still a year old. The folks at SamMobile mixed in some other rumors, stating the Tab S12 Ultra could feature a maximum of 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM.
The story so far
(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)
On a related note, the Galaxy Tab S12 Plus surfaced in what rumors claimed were "live images." Similar to what these Ultra renderings suggest, the Tab S12 Plus might not look different either. The images showed a tablet that still featured rather thick display bezels and a selfie camera nestled inside them. The image was spotted in a Safety Korea database listing. This is something significant, which could point toward the device seeing a late 2026 launch, which many have anticipated.
On the other hand, we have a Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra battery rumor that's pretty mild. Supposedly, the device could settle for the same 11,600mAh with 45W charging support that the Tab S11 Ultra offered.
from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/LOnbHtg
via IFTTT
Apple's Find My network has long been a compelling reason to pick up an iPhone. It uses hundreds of millions of devices to track your products using crowdsourced location data, and almost everyone chooses to participate. Google lacked a true alternative for a while, but we've had one for the past two years with Find Hub (formerly Find My Device). It's still relatively new, so many Android users forget to use Find Hub or aren't aware of everything it can do.
I don't even remember to check Find Hub when I can't find an Android phone, Wear OS watch, or Bluetooth earbuds — but I'm starting to change that. Google Find Hub is loaded with features that help you keep track of your gadgets and protect your data in a worst-case scenario. These are the five Find Hub features you need to know about.
Check your phone's Wi-Fi network and battery percentage
(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)
Most people probably know that Find Hub uses crowdsourcing to update a device's real-time location so you can find it. You may not know that Find Hub can provide additional information about your phone, and this remote data can help you locate it. Crucially, Find Hub lists your device's battery percentage in the app — this lets you know how much time you have to find it before the charge runs out.
More importantly, Find Hub will tell you whether your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network. It'll also let you know the strength of the connection signal. This only works when your device is online, but it can be very helpful. For example, if I see a phone in the Find Hub list connected to my home Wi-Fi network with a strong signal, I know it's in my apartment. If it's connected to my network with a weak signal, it could be in my car out front.
Sometimes, the information you get from a device's battery and connectivity status can be more helpful than the raw GPS coordinates. To try it for yourself, open Find Hub and tap a device in the Devices list. If it is online, you'll see when the device was last seen, its battery percentage, and network connection status under its name.
Find your device on a map, and get directions to it
(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)
If you can't remember where you left your device, its location data can help. I don't always turn to Find Hub location data first because, unless you're using a tracker with ultra-wideband (UWB) support, the app can't help you narrow down the device's location beyond providing GPS coordinates. Still, it can be useful if you can't remember whether you left your phone at home, at work, or at a coffee shop.
To check it, open Find Hub and tap the name of your device in the list. A map will open with a pin showing the device's last known location. You can tap the Get directions button to open Google Maps, view the coordinates on your device, and start navigating to them.
(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)
I use the Play sound feature in Find Hub more than the Get directions tool. If you think a device is lost near you, navigate to Find Hub > [Device Name] > Play sound to blare an alarm through your device if it is nearby and visible. It's really loud, and sounding the alarm gives you a great chance of locating your lost product.
Share ownership of a device with someone else
(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)
For accessories like earbuds, you can share ownership with a trusted friend or family member in the Find Hub app. The way it works is simple. Open the Find Hub app, find your device in the Devices list, and tap it. Then, press Share ownership and hit Continue. This will create a shareable link that can be sent to one person and expires after 24 hours.
When the person you share an accessory with accepts the invitation, they'll be able to see the device's location until you stop sharing it. This is helpful for devices you share with someone else, as both of you will be able to track their location. It isn't available for every device, though, and it's made for accessories. I used it with the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, sharing the location with my partner so we both can keep track of the earbuds.
Mark a device as lost, and get notified when it's found
(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)
Of course, there are times when you lose a device away from home and might not be able to easily locate it. Find Hub can help in this situation too, with a Mark as lost mode. In the Find Hub app, locate your lost device in the Devices list and tap its name. Then, hit Mark as lost and Continue.
You'll be able to add a contact phone number or message that appears on your lost device. It'll completely lock down your lost phone, showing a black screen with a shortcut that allows anyone who finds it to instantly call the owner (you). When you find it, you'll be able to unlock it from this screen, but you'll need to use two-factor authentication. Alternatively, you can remove the lost device lock remotely using the Find Hub app or the Find Hub web client at https://www.google.com/android/find/.
Factory reset your device when all hope is lost
(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)
If you can't regain access to your device, Find Hub can permanently erase it to ensure your data is never compromised. This should be your last resort, as erasing a lost device remotely will remove it from Find Hub, and you won't be able to see its location. To do this, open the Find Hub app, find your device in the list, and tap it. Then press the Settings gear icon next to your device's name. Then, tap either Factory reset or Remove device — the former is for phones, and the latter is for accessories.
Completing the factory reset process will remotely wipe your lost device, permanently deleting all its data. This certainly isn't an easy decision to make, but erasing your device could be better than letting your data potentially fall into the wrong hands.
Google Find Hub works with Android-powered devices, Wear OS watches, Bluetooth accessories, and item trackers. When you learn to master it, you'll have a much better chance of finding your lost devices and items.
Google
Pixel 10a
Enter the Google ecosystem
The Google Pixel 10a is the perfect starter phone to get into Android, and start using features like Find Hub. With it, you can track your phone, tablets, and accessories thanks to a large crowdsourced network.
from Latest from Android Central https://ift.tt/KcTGDjf
via IFTTT
