Samsung hits restart with a viral marketing campaign ahead of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Flip 8

What you need to know

• The company has kicked off a new social media campaign on its Samsung Mobile and Samsung Mobile USA Instagram accounts after hitting reset and wiping every post.
• Samsung says it's looking to tell a new story ahead of its Galaxy Z Flip 8, Fold 8 launch with a series of cryptic posts that users will be required to unravel and "decode."
• It states that "when we're ready" it will reveal everything we're used to seeing about phones ahead of a major debut.

We've been anticipating the launch of Samsung's next foldables for months. Tonight (June 30), the company's kicked off a new social media campaign, and it's completely wiped its Instagram.

Samsung says it's "hitting reset" leading up to its Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Fold 8 launch. The company's new social media campaign focuses on Instagram, as it states its account feed will be wiped completely. This will take place before Samsung's wave of "cryptic teaser videos." While this might seem a bit odd, Samsung says there's a purpose behind this campaign.

The company is interested in telling a different kind of story. One that's inspired by "familiar cultural touchpoints." Instead of dropping various details about its next foldables, Samsung says it's going to invite theories and speculation. This campaign will involve a series of mysterious "simple and highly visual" posts that seem mundane. However, there's a deeper meaning to these clues and posts, which Samsung says will require users to "decode."

Certain aspects of these cryptic posts will unearth patterns that users will have to be sharp to spot. Samsung says it won't explain anything until it's ready. When that time comes, it will dive into features for its next foldables. Until then, you might want to try to emulate the great Sherlock Holmes.

The campaign begins on Samsung Mobile and Samsung Mobile USA.

What does it all mean?

A post shared by Samsung Mobile USA (@samsungmobileusa)

A photo posted by on

There's quite a bit that we'd like to see from the next wave of Samsung foldables. However, there's a particularly strong focus on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (and all the rumors surrounding the extra stuff). In terms of design, we're not expecting the Fold 8 to stray too far from what the Fold 7 offered. The Fold 7 was incredibly popular when it debuted, for more reasons than one.

The device integrated a thinner form factor, a refined hinge, and display upgrades, which captivated consumers. It would seem strange for Samsung to teeter away from this, but we'll have to see what this social campaign has in store. On the other hand, a Samsung exec, shortly after the Flip 7 and Fold 7 debuted, said the company was "thinking about" bringing the S Pen back. Such a return would require the device to thicken again after becoming so slim.

Android Central's Take

At the time of me writing this post, Samsung's social media accounts are completely wiped. There's not a thing there. And it's funny to see, considering they have nearly 2 million followers on one of them. Samsung is looking to generate a buzz. It wants the attention, it wants the hype, the eyes, the press. It's encouraged us to "follow along." So I shall.

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Google thinks you’re too lazy to read your own notes, launches AI video summaries instead

What you need to know

• Google's NotebookLM now condenses massive documents and notes into 60-second, TikTok-style vertical videos.
• The feature is fueled by Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite Image, Google’s fastest and most cost-efficient image generation model, boasting four-second render times.
• Google is also previewing a robust full-video generation model that supports natural language editing, multimodal inputs, and native audio syncing.

Nobody really enjoys reading through a massive stack of notes or a 50-page research document when they're cramped for time. Google knows this, and so it’s rolling out a huge upgrade to NotebookLM that takes your uploaded documents and turns them into bite-sized, 60-second AI-generated videos.

For the uninitiated, NotebookLM started out as a simple AI research assistant, but it’s now a powerful learning tool. The latest feature, Short Video Overviews, expands on the Cinematic Video Overviews we saw earlier. But the real star of the show is the engine that powers it: Google's new Nano Banana 2 Lite.

Officially dubbed Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite Image, Nano Banana 2 Lite is Google’s fastest and most cost-efficient image generation model to date. You get a whopping four-second image generation time and a big jump in visual quality over the original Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (the first Nano Banana). This engine combines world knowledge with rock-solid consistency of character. It lets you quickly sketch accurate scenes, develop storyboarding tools and render legible typography for localized ads without compromising object fidelity.

Using Short Video Overviews in NotebookLM activates this model, which condenses your sources into a vertical video packed with narrative explanations and educational animations. It's purpose-built for people revising notes, presentations, or lengthy PDFs who just want the key takeaways. Before generating, you simply select "Short" from the output formats (alongside Explainer and Cinematic), pick your specific sources, and set the video's focus using a custom prompt or a suggested topic.

(Image credit: Google)

Alongside this, Google also pushed Gemini Omni Flash into public preview. This model is aimed at full video generation, with conversational editing (relighting scenes and swapping characters with natural language) and multimodal inputs. It has native audio pairing for each video output and syncs on-screen text with kinetic movements.

Short Video Overviews aren't available to everyone just yet. The feature begins rolling out over the coming weeks to English-speaking users aged 18 and older. When it goes live, you’ll be able to access it on the web, Android and iOS, whether you’re signed into a regular consumer account or Google Workspace.

Android Central's Take

If you’re a student cramming for finals or someone who hates reading dense reports, turning a 50-page PDF into a digestible, TikTok-style recap is a massive win. But are we really so allergic to actual reading that we need an AI to hallucinate a 60-second clip from our notes? Google wants to sell the service as the ultimate productivity hack, but it feels disturbingly like a crutch for our fast-shrinking attention spans.

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Motorola gives its earbuds a luxury twist, but the Moto Tag 2 might be the bigger upgrade

What you need to know

• Motorola's new Moto Tag 2 arrives in North America with Bluetooth 6.0, UWB support, Google Find Hub integration, and over 500 days of battery life.
• It adds Find My Phone, remote camera controls, location sharing, IP68 durability, privacy protections, and support for third-party accessories.
• The Moto Buds 2 Plus are getting new looks with Swarovski-studded Brilliant Collection and new Pantone color options while keeping the same hardware.

Motorola’s connected ecosystem is getting a little boost, but only one of its latest accessories is actually new. The company is bringing the all-new Moto Tag 2, an upgraded Bluetooth tracker that includes newer wireless technology, longer battery life, and tighter integration with Google's Find Hub network, to North America along with fresh color options for the Moto Buds 2 Plus.

In North America, the Moto Buds 2 Plus are available in the eye-catching Brilliant Collection, which pairs a PANTONE Violet Indigo finish with Swarovski crystals, or a more understated PANTONE Cool White. There is also a Canadian PANTONE Silhouette option available.

The Brilliant Collection includes 12 Swarovski crystals embedded in each earbud, plus another 41 hand-placed crystals around the Motorola logo on the charging case.

Motorola

Motorola

Motorola

The styling is new, but the hardware is the same. The Moto Buds 2 Plus still have Sound by Bose tuning, dual 11mm dynamic drivers with Knowles balanced armature drivers, Hi-Res Audio support, Spatial Audio on compatible Motorola phones, and Dynamic Active Noise Cancellation. Transparency Mode and six microphones with CrystalTalk AI also return to enhance calls and keep users aware of their surroundings when necessary.

Motorola hasn't skimped on features, either. Bluetooth 6.0, dual-device connectivity with auto-switching, wear detection, customizable EQ, Bass Boost, low-latency Gaming Mode, Audio Share, Fit Test, and Motorola AI integrations are still present on compatible devices.

Battery life is rated at up to nine hours on the earbuds alone, or up to 40 hours with the charging case, with a quick 10-minute top-up delivering up to two hours of listening. The earbuds also boast an IP54 rating, while the charging case comes with an IPX2 splash resistance rating.

Pricing hasn’t changed much either. The Swarovski Brilliant Collection edition is priced at $200 in the US, while the PANTONE Cool White version is $150. Availability begins June 30 through Motorola’s online stores.

Android Central's Take

The Moto Buds 2 Plus has a lot of meaningful upgrades beyond the flashy Swarovski crystals, and the Moto Tag 2 finally catches up to newer Android tracking features. That said, I can't help but feel Motorola is trying a bit too hard to convince us that crystals belong on earbuds. I’d prefer companies to spend more time on pushing battery life, smarter software, and better ecosystem features than dressing up gadgets like fashion accessories.

The bigger announcement is the Moto Tag 2. Motorola's new Bluetooth tracker includes Bluetooth 6.0 with Channel Sounding and supports Ultra Wideband (UWB) on compatible Android phones, helping you locate lost items more accurately.

It also works with Google’s Find Hub network, so Android users can find tagged items through the crowdsourced network of devices.

Motorola is also emphasizing practicality. The Moto Tag 2 runs for more than 500 days on a user-replaceable CR2032 battery, carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and works with Android 9 and newer devices.

(Image credit: Motorola)

In addition to basic item tracking, it has Find My Phone, remote camera controls, location sharing, unwanted tracking alerts, and end-to-end encryption and works with third-party accessories. Those additions make it more versatile and address growing privacy concerns around Bluetooth trackers.

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After 25W, Qi2 chases 50W wireless charging with the WPC at Xiaomi HQ

What you need to know

• Recently, the World Power Consortium held a Qi Off-Cycle meeting at Xiaomi's HQ in Beijing, China.
• Xiaomi and several more companies were there to discuss a new Qi2 charging standard: 50W.
• The major talks have concluded, but there's more work to be done, and it's been reported that Qi2 50W might not debut until 2028.

Times are changing, and it looks like the World Power Consortium (WPC) wants to upgrade Qi2 to match what consumers are looking for.

It was reported by ITHome (Chinese) that the WPC's Qi Off-Cycle meeting at Xiaomi's HQ in Beijing, China, was to discuss the future of the wireless charging standard (via 9to5Google). Specifically, Xiaomi is spearheading the future of Qi2 by chasing a 50W charging standard. The publication reports that Xiaomi is focused primarily on "small inductance, low voltage, high power solutions" (machine-translated). Each of these is said to directly influence safety/charging efficiency, coil module loss, and more.

In short, what this new 50W direction wants to solve is "high-powered wireless charging."

The publication states that the meeting featured Xiaomi, as well as "over 20 companies" that have been working alongside it and the WPC to advance the Qi2 wireless standard. The companies met in Beijing to talk about Qi2's 50W "interoperability verification" and to highlight the prototype testing stage. These companies have been encouraged to continue working together to push 50W through, so the market (and consumers) can see it in their future phones.

However, there's nothing official just yet. Right now, what Xiaomi and its partners have been working on is just the groundwork. It's been reported that following Xiaomi's partnerships with domestic companies, Qi2 50W could be a reality by 2028.

25W was almost a year ago

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Android Central's Take

It's all about giving users options, right? But if you see that wired charging is still the best route, why would you even look or think about a wireless charger? Xiaomi and its partners and other companies involved with the WPC and Qi2 see this issue and are actively working to solve it. It's pretty clear that this will take some time, but it's probably worth it.

Let's not forget that in July 2025, the WPC announced Qi2 v2.2.1. The version numbers equates to the wireless charging we have today: 25W. The WPC highlighted this new version as being "more powerful" than the original Qi2. A primary critique from consumers about wireless charging is its speeds. They're slow. The latest 25W version aimed to solve that, but it hasn't quite nailed that yet.

Charging speeds were previously stuck at 15W, and now they're 25W. However, if Xiaomi has anything to say about it, things won't stay there for long. It's not satisfied with 25W charging, and consumers aren't either. At the time, iPhones were among the first to bring this to its consumers, with Android makers adopting it soon after. There's a chance we'll see a similar occurrence whenever Qi2 50W arrives.

The WPC was also confident that even more Android phones would see Qi2, and that's thanks to Google and Samsung.

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Walmart just doubled the price of its cheapest Google TV stick, and you already know why

What you need to know

• Walmart has doubled the price of its cheapest Onn FHD Streaming Stick with Google TV, from $15 to $30.
• Logged-in Walmart users still see the old price, but anyone not signed in is already seeing the higher tag.
• Rising AI infrastructure demand is pushing up memory component costs, which is trickling down to budget devices.

Walmart makes some of the most affordable Google TV sticks under its Onn brand. But if you were planning to grab the company's cheapest streaming stick, you'll now have to pay double what it originally cost.

Walmart introduced the Onn FHD Streaming Stick with Google TV back in 2023 for just $15. The smart stick then pushed the price up to $20, but now, as spotted by 9to5Google, Walmart has bumped the Onn FHD Streaming Stick all the way up to $30.

As spotted by the publication, logged-in users are still seeing the original $15 price tag, but anyone not signed into a Walmart account is now seeing the $30 price. A similar thing happened with the mid-tier 4K Plus model first, so it's likely only a matter of time before the base variant sees a permanent increase as well.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

The move comes shortly after Apple raised prices on several of its devices, including the Apple TV. Walmart hasn't made any official statement, but the likely reason is the same one driving price increases across the industry: AI.

The push to build out AI data centers is driving up demand for memory components, which are also used in consumer tech hardware, and that's pushing component costs higher across the board. Since budget products already carry thin margins, it's natural for companies to pass those increased costs on to customers, and that appears to be exactly what's happening with Onn.

It's not the first time Walmart has raised prices on its streaming sticks, either. The Onn 4K Pro already costs $60, which is $10 more than the previous generation, while the Onn 4K Plus went from $30 to $40. Now the company's most affordable option is taking the same hit.

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You can reserve your WhatsApp username this week to keep your number private

What you need to know

• WhatsApp announced the beginning of its global username reservation period for the platform.
• Users can begin reserving their desired username this week on WhatsApp, which lets them share this instead of their phone number for added privacy.
• Small business owners and content creators can "claim" their usernames from Facebook or Instagram and port it into WhatsApp.

In the name of privacy, WhatsApp is rolling out username reservations, and this is how you can get started.

Today (June 29), WhatsApp announced that its "introducing usernames" to the platform this week. Users can keep their phone numbers to themselves and instead put their chosen username front and center. What's more, WhatsApp is adding a "key" to help users "control who contacts you by your username." To avoid overlap, the messaging platform is kicking things off with a reservation period before the username feature launches officially "later this year."

What's rolling out is a new Username option in your WhatsApp account settings (Settings > Account > Username). Tapping that will give an initial splash screen and a button to create one. The system will check to make sure your username hasn't already been taken. If it has, you'll need to create a new one. Additionally, the secondary level of security is the "key."

If you specify that only people with your key can contact you, WhatsApp will generate a unique string of numbers for you. However, you must share your username and this generated key before someone can start texting or calling you.

WhatsApp states that there is no "registry" or suggestions for usernames. People must know your name (and key, if you've chosen that) before they can contact you. For content creators and businesses on Facebook or Instagram, users can "claim" their username and transfer it to WhatsApp.

Reserved under...?

(Image credit: WhatsApp)

WhatsApp states usernames are rolling out "gradually over the coming months." The app will inform you when you can begin doing so in your country.

We've been hearing about usernames on WhatsApp for a while now. The messaging platform rolled out a few contact-focused features a while ago. The main goal was to give users the option to save contacts from WhatsApp web and Windows devices. It gave more flexibility when interacting with contacts, as the only way you could do so prior was on your primary phone.

However, the platform said this was done to begin setting the framework for usernames in the future. This would be that future. Global reservations for usernames are beginning this week, so users should start thinking ahead of time and get to it ASAP.

Android Central's Take

Usernames are simple. If you grew up playing multiplayer games, you'd know the feeling. They represent who you are (in a way), and are like fun codenames when you're playing games. The thing about phone numbers is that they're so personal. They literally connect you with someone else. If someone has it, they knew exactly how to reach you. Not everyone's ready for that kind of commitment, and I think usernames can solve that.

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YouTube Shorts just borrowed more of TikTok's best tricks

What you need to know

• YouTube Shorts is getting a major usability upgrade with 2x playback, a clutter-free viewing mode, improved recommendation controls, and a redesigned Like button.
• You can now speed through Shorts at 2x by holding either side of the screen, making it easier to skip slower content without leaving the video.
• A new Clear screen mode hides on-screen clutter with a single tap, giving videos a cleaner, more immersive viewing experience.

YouTube is giving Shorts one of its biggest viewer-focused updates yet, making the experience cleaner, faster, and a lot more familiar for anyone who’s spent time on TikTok.

The rollout brings four major improvements to the Shorts player interface, including a faster playback experience, a clean viewing experience, improved feedback controls, and a new Like button, as per YouTube's announcement. The headline addition is 2x playback speed.

Shorts had previously been limited to normal playback speeds, while standard YouTube videos offered various playback controls.

(Image credit: Google)

With the new change, you can now hold either side of the screen to temporarily double the speed of playback. Then, release your finger to return to normal. If you want to keep it at 2x, just swipe down with the screen held.

Another welcome change is the addition of a new "clear screen” mode. Watching Shorts often means an overlay full of buttons, captions, usernames, and other interface elements. Now you can hide almost everything on the screen with just one tap, leaving only the video itself. Tap again if you want the controls restored. The feature is a close copy of TikTok’s Clear Mode, but it’s an improvement many Shorts viewers have been asking for.

YouTube is also altering the way viewers engage with Shorts. The familiar thumbs-up icon is being replaced with a heart, aligning the visual language of Shorts with other short-video platforms. It looks different, but it functions the same: tap it and you’re still giving the video a thumbs up.

The dislike button is dead

The bigger switch is dislike. YouTube is removing the dislike button from the Shorts player entirely and will provide users with more direct controls over recommendations. Viewers are asked to select “Not interested” or “Don’t recommend this channel” from the three-dot menu instead of just disliking a video. These tools, YouTube says, provide more accurate signals about what kind of content people actually want to stop seeing, which helps improve future recommendations rather than just relying on a simple thumbs-down.

But creators don’t need to worry about losing their historic data. The current dislike counts for Shorts will still be available in YouTube Studio. At the end of June, however, Google will stop collecting new dislike counts for Shorts, while long-form videos and live streams will continue to show dislikes like they do today.

Another quality-of-life improvement that comes with these changes: viewers can mute Shorts right from the player, making it easier to browse silently without having to use the device’s volume controls.

Android Central's Take

I think this is the kind of updates shorts has been needing for a while. Scrolling should be less frustrating and more purposeful if you could zoom through slower videos, hide the clutter on the screen, and fine-tune recommendations without resorting to a vague dislike button. That said, it’s hard to look past how many of these additions feel like they were lifted from TikTok, rather than truly original thoughts. By now, YouTube appears more interested in closing feature gaps than blazing its own trail.

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Prime Day is over, but Samsung's best cheap phone is STILL selling for a record low price at Amazon

Prime Day 2026 has come and gone, but you may be surprised at the number of Android phone deals that are still hanging around. One notable example of this would be the 256GB configuration of the Samsung Galaxy A57 5G, a midrange masterpiece that is still chilling with a 16% discount, days after the sale's end. That price decrease drops Samsung's 'budget king' to the lowest price ever recorded, no trade-in or Prime membership required!

The Galaxy A57 5G is the 'budget king', and now it's cheaper than ever before

Samsung Galaxy A57 5G 256GB: $609.99 $509.99 at Amazon

Samsung's latest midrange masterpiece, the Galaxy A57 5G is an approachable Android phone that doesn't skimp on flagship-level specs. Grab the 256GB version from Amazon today and you'll score a historic 16% off your purchase.

Want to save even more? The 128GB version of the phone is also receiving an 18% discount, knocking the price down to $449.99 for a limited time.

💲Price comparison: Samsung - $509.99 | Best Buy - $449.99 (128GB version)View Deal

Although it often gets overlooked next to similarly-priced options like the Google Pixel 10a, the Galaxy A57 5G is an incredible phone in its own right, boasting a lovely 6.7-inch OLED display, versatile triple camera system, and IP68 water-and-dust protection, which is a rarity at this price point. 

The A Series Samsung phone also comes with a durable aluminum-and-glass construction while still weighing less than Google's phone. Under the hood you get an efficient Exynos processor with 8GB of RAM and a 5,000mAh battery that should easily surpass a full day on a single charge. 

On the other hand, the Galaxy A57 doesn't offer wireless charging support, the AI features are a bit lacking compared to some Samsung phones, and you only get six years of OS/security updates compared to Google's guaranteed seven. Still, the Galaxy A57 is a sophisticated smartphone that feels way more premium than its price would suggest. 

Would I recommend buying the phone at full price? No. But slap on a historic discount and the midrange masterpiece becomes a seriously good value. 

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The portable Samsung T9 SSD is STILL selling for a record-low price after Prime Day — but how much longer can it last?

It's no secret that SSDs and other storage devices are absurdly expensive right now, and it doesn't seem like that's changing any time soon. Fortunately, Prime Day gave us a few solid deals on portable SSDs and other storage devices, and even though that sale has officially come to a close, there are still a few leftover discounts hanging about.

One of my favorite leftover deals is this offer that slashes 38% off the 1TB T9 SSD by Samsung, knocking the price of the storage device down to $179.99 for a limited time. Up until Prime Day, the 1TB SSD was floating around $250, so this is no small discount — it essentially amounts to $0.18 per gigabyte. And the best part is that, unlike many of the official Prime Day deals we saw last week, you don't need to be a Prime member to enjoy the savings.

Samsung 1TB T9 Portable SSD: $287.99 $179.99 at Amazon

Finding a good deal on a storage device can seem like an impossible task in 2026, but Amazon is making things a bit easier by slashing 38% off the portable 1TB T9 SSD by Samsung. This compact solid state device boasts shockingly fast transfer speeds with high-end encryption and a durable build that you can take anywhere.

Need more than 1TB of storage? It's worth mentioning that the 2TB and 4TB configurations of the device are also receiving 39% and 30% discounts, respectively.View Deal

Whether you're a photographer, musician, or business professional, if you're dealing with large files on the go, the Samsung T9 is the ideal companion. This compact device boasts read-and-write transfer speeds of up to 2,000MB per second, plus you get regular firmware updates with AES 256-bit password protection and a high-end thermal cooling system that keeps your SSD running smoothly, no matter how heavy the usage.

The SSD is also built from durable materials and has been drop-tested from up to 9.8 feet in height, so you can take it with you anywhere without worrying about the safety of your most important files. If something does go wrong, Samsung also offers a five-year warranty.

Indeed, the Samsung T9 is a powerful storage device for on-the-go file management, and this is a good price. If you're planning to upgrade your storage setup this year, I'd recommend jumping on this deal before Amazon's leftover Prime Day deals expire. After all, the current RAM crisis isn't going away any time soon, and if you miss this discount, you'll likely have to wait until Black Friday to save this much cash on a portable SSD by Samsung.

More deals - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

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It took a while, but Google's finally fixing a SiriusXM radio issue on its smart speakers

What you need to know

• Google states a fix is rolling out late in June for a bug that impacted several of its smart speakers and SiriusXM radio.
• Users given multiple errors a month ago, when reports surfaced, and were unable to get their content to stream via a speaker.
• While this issue gets resolved, Google's also debuted its new Home Speaker and expanded Gemini for Home to more partners.

Google has been busy with new launches and bug fixes since May. This week, it's been reported that a major fix is on the way for a satellite radio problem.

About a month ago, users on the Google Home subreddit reported a sudden problem attempting to listen to SiriusXM radio on their smart speakers (via Android Authority). Getting down to brass tacks, Google responded to this month-old thread this week, stating "We've resolved an issue impacting the ability to stream SiriusXM on some Google Home devices." These "issues" Google refers to were highlighted by the thread's OP (original poster), who states their smart speakers were unable to stream any content.

Specifically, the user states their device would consistently give them the following error: "I looked for that, but it either isn't available or can't be played right now." They checked their Google Home settings and ensured their SiriusXM subscription was properly linked. Spoiler alert: everything was fine. Further investigations showed that they could listen to the radio via the app, just not through their speakers.

Many more reports on the subreddit stated similar issues. After contacting Google Support, users were told to run through normal troubleshooting procedures. Many users already said they did this on their own, to be fair. However, through these reports, Google acknowledged it was an issue, at least that's what users said after contacting support.

Now, over a month later, a fix for the radio issue is coming through for Google Home smart speakers.

New speaker on the block

(Image credit: Google)

In the time that these issues were reported, Google launched the Home Speaker, its future of smart speakers and AI assistance at home. For $99, the Home Speaker is the brand's first device built completely around its AI, Gemini. The AI is capable of understanding normal speech, meaning users don't have to constantly remember and throw buzzwords around. The AI can act on multi-step commands, and users can engage in follow-up questions to keep their conversations going.

Since Gemini is so tightly integrated, we all know what that means: Gemini for Home is at its core. When Google expanded its availability to more countries, the company improved Gemini's response times by 40%. What's more, it improved the AI's ability to understand what device users are talking to about to (hopefully) avoid mistaken commands. On a related note, Google opened Gemini for Home to hardware makers and carriers.

This means consumers will likely see more devices hitting the market that support Google's AI natively.

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Hurry! There's still time to grab one of Samsung's best smartphones of 2026 at an all-time low

We're in the final stretch of Prime Day, so there's a bit of pressure to make sure you get everything in your cart before the deals end. Well, if you're still trying to figure out which new phone to buy, consider the search over, because this Galaxy S26 Plus deal just dropped the phone to its lowest price since launch.

When the Galaxy S26 Plus was released earlier this year, it retailed for $1,099, or $100 more than its predecessor. However, despite the price increase, Prime Day is slashing more than $300 off this rather excellent phone, meaning you pay less than the base model Galaxy S26.

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

An expensive phone deserves a deep discount, and right now it doesn't get any deeper than this 31% deal on the Galaxy S26 Plus, which brings it down under $800. For a 2026 flagship smartphone, that's an incredible steal!

Price comparison: Best Buy - $799 | Samsung - $799View Deal

✅Recommended if: You're in the market for a new flagship smartphone with good cameras, great battery life, and tons of AI features.

❌Skip this deal if: You prefer smaller phones like the base Galaxy S26 or you want Samsung's cool new Privacy Display feature, which is only available on the Ultra.

I've used the Galaxy S26 Plus on and off since it launched earlier this year, and there's no doubt it's a fantastic phone. It plays a delicate balance between the cheaper S26 and pricier Galaxy S26 Ultra by offering a large display, a big battery, and fast 45W charging.

It misses out on some Ultra features, like a secondary telephoto lens, 60W charging, and the very cool Privacy Display that can keep onlookers from seeing the contents of your display.

That said, you still get the excellent One UI experience with smooth animations, the latest features like AirDrop support, and tons of Galaxy AI capabilities like advanced photo editing and a revamped Bixby. And with Gemini Screen automation, you can let the AI handle your Uber Eats orders while you sit back and relax.

The Galaxy S26 Plus may be the awkward middle child of the S series, but you shouldn't sleep on it when it's this cheap.

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The Pixel Buds 2a have become my go-to workout earbuds, and you can love them as much as I do now that they've dropped below $100!

A good pair of earbuds is fairly easy to find, but finding a good pair of affordable earbuds can be a challenge. The Pixel Buds 2a are surprisingly good for their price point, which makes this Prime Day deal even better, bringing the earbuds down to their lowest price since launch.

The Pixel Buds 2a are less than a year old, launching in August 2025 and hitting stores in October for a retail price of $129. There have been a few price dips since then, but now you can get them for just under $100.

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

These affordable earbuds finally dipped under the $100 mark thanks to this Prime Day deal, making it a good time to snag them before time runs out!

Price comparison: Best Buy - $109 | Google - $109View Deal

✅Recommended if: You own a Pixel smartphone and/or want an affordable pair of earbuds with good sound, great ANC, and a sweat-resistant design.

❌Skip this deal if: You don't own a Pixel smartphone or you want earbuds with support for higher-quality audio codecs.

I've been using the Pixel Buds 2a for some time, and despite them being the epitome of everything I don't like about many earbuds today, I can't seem to put them down. I even own the Powerbeats Pro 2, which I bought specifically for the gym, but before I go out, I grab the Pixel Buds 2a.

A big reason is that, despite their low price point, the audio quality is surprisingly good, and ANC does a great job of blocking out most noise, especially at the gym. They're also incredibly light, fit well in my ears, and are sufficiently sweat-resistant, so I don't have to worry about them during runs.

They may not support high-quality audio codecs like higher-end earbuds, but I'm no audiophile, so I'm content with how they sound. And if you're willing to spend just $99 on a pair of great earbuds, these are the ones.

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This 4K Google TV deal is exactly what Optimus Prime gave his life for. We should honor him (and then binge 'Transformers')

Excuse me if I have "Transformers" on my mind; I just finished binge-watching all the films on my TCL QM6K. It's a fantastic TV, especially for the price, but if you want something even better, the TCL QM7K is currently on sale for Optimus Prime Day, and it's a deal you shouldn't miss out on!

The TCL 55QM7K wasn't exactly cheap when it launched, retailing for $1,299 back in 2025. It has since had a few discounts, but this current Prime Day deal is about as low as it gets, bringing it down to just $498, which is still much cheaper than the $649 it was recently priced at. That's less than $500 for an incredible 4K Google TV set! Optimus Prime would be proud!

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

A $152 discount from its $650 price isn't bad, but it's even better when you realize this TV originally cost $1300 just a year ago. That makes the $498 price even better, because this is still a fantastic TV, especially for the price.View Deal

✅Recommended if: You're in the market for a Google TV set with great color, a high refresh rate, the latest Gemini AI features, and must-have gaming capabilities like VRR.

❌Skip this deal if: You want the deeper contrast and inky black of an OLED.

Prime Day"

Since I have the TCL QM6K, I guess you can say I have a big of experience with the QM7K model. I love my TV set, but the 7K model is a step up from what I have. With this model, you get a slimmer design, a brighter QD-Mini LED display, and higher-quality Bang & Olufsen speakers. The display is also anti-reflective, which is a must-have, especially if you plan to put it in a relatively bright space.

And of course, it runs Google TV out of the box. This gives you access to tons of streaming apps, which you can control directly from your phone using Google Cast. It also gives you access to Gemini features and better content recommendations based on your apps and the content you've watched. And with the press of a button, you can use natural language to ask Gemini to find a movie or show instead of scrolling through a ton of apps yourself.

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I beat the summer heatwave with this wearable AC, and it just went on sale

As someone who lives in India, I know a thing (or ten) about intense heat. This summer is proving to be particularly hot, going up to 107 degrees F (42 degrees Celsius) in my city. Other parts of the world are also experiencing heatwaves, and if you're going out on vacation or just need a way to stay cool while outdoors, there's a product for you.

Accessory brand Torras makes wearable air conditioners, and the Coolify Cyber Fold does a great job controlling your microclimate — the immediate vicinity around you. It's designed to cool up to 50 degrees F and provides cool airflow of 3m/s, and you know what? It actually works. I tested it for the last two months, and even on days when it was 104 degrees out (40 deg C), it made a legitimate difference. The Cyber Fold is the costliest model in the Coolify range, and it's now down to $226. If you need an affordable alternative, the Coolify 2S Pro is a good option at $161, and the Coolify Air is just $89 right now.

• Prime Day is LIVE June 23-26: see the full list of deals

The Cyber Fold is the best product in the Coolify range, and it is the one I used the most. If you just need a wearable AC that's a little more affordable, you should consider the 2S Pro. View Deal

✅Recommended if: You need an easy way to stay cool outdoors. The Cyber Fold uses innovative cooling tech that immediately makes a difference, and it's effective even in extreme heat.

❌Skip this deal if: You want something that isn't conspicuous. You will get plenty of attention while wearing this.

The Coolify Cyber Fold has much better build quality than other wearable ACs, and it uses Peltier cooling tech in conjunction with fans to ensure you stay cool outdoors. There are eight vents around the product that blow air, and you get decent coverage around your face and neck.

Obviously, the design means it will stand out when you're wearing it in public — there's no getting around that. But I will admit that it isn't as bulky or unwieldy as it looks, and I didn't notice the heft after a day or two of regular use. The best part about the Cyber Fold is that it's effective even on days where it's over 100 degrees F, and the cooling pads around your neck make a huge difference.

The built-in battery doesn't quite last all day, but it's good enough for a few hours of use on full blast. You can eke out better battery life by switching to efficient cooling, and unless it's over 100 degrees outside, you won't need to crank up the cooling all the way.

It is a niche product, but it's one that made a decent amount of difference in the summer months, and if you're interested in trying out a wearable AC, the Cyber Fold is the one I'd recommend — get it while it's still down to $226.

More Prime Day 2026 — quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

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No way! The best 4K TV streaming stick is somehow just $17 for Prime Day

If you're using an older TV or have a model where the built-in interface is being laggy, you'll want to use a dedicated streaming stick. There are plenty of great models in this category, and Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Select continues to dominate for two reasons: it's reliable, and much more affordable than other models. That affordability is getting even better for Prime Day, as the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is now down to just $17, a huge 55% discount.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is an even better choice if you want HDR and Dolby Vision, and that model is discounted by 50% and is now selling for $24. Also, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max has better connectivity and storage, and if that's something you need, it is now down to $34. As someone who uses the Shield TV Pro regularly — which still costs $199 — it's ridiculous that Amazon is discounting its best-selling streamers to this extent, and if you need to use one of these, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is the best choice.

• Prime Day is LIVE June 23-26: see the full list of deals

There's do doubt that the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is the device to buy if you need a reliable 4K TV streaming stick. View Deal

The Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is the HDR and Dolby Vision upgrade, and if you have a newer TV, this is the model to buy. View Deal

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the ideal upgrade if you want double the amount of storage and better connectivity. View Deal

✅Recommended if: You need a reliable way to stream your TV shows and movies. All Fire TV Stick 4K models have a fluid interface with no lag, and if you're getting the Plus or Max, you get Dolby Vision.

❌Skip this deal if: You need much more power. The Fire TV Stick 4K should be good enough for most users, but if you need additional power, look at the Shield TV or Shield TV Pro.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Select is a great option to consider, and it doesn't really miss out on much. Other than Dolby Atmos audio and Dolby Vision, you get all the same features as the other models, and as the name suggests, you get 4K resolution.

As good as it is, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus hits the sweet spot, and this model has both Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision in addition to HDR10+ and all the features of the Select. Honestly, this is the one to buy if you just need a reliable TV streamer with all the extras — you even get GeForce Now integration, which is missing on the Select.

Regardless of whichever model you buy, you're getting a reliable streamer, and with prices starting as low as $17, now is the best time to do so.

More Prime Day 2026 — quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

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You deserve a chill summer staycation, and this Kindle Prime Day deal is just what you need

Some of us like ot travel and explore during the summer, while others just prefer to relax and take it easy. I've already highlighted some enticing Prime Day deals for essential travel accessories, but what about for those of you staying home? Well, Amazon has just the thing for readers with this deal on the 16GB Kindle.

This model launched in 2024, but it's currently the latest base Kindle model available. Originally $110, this 23% discount brings it down to $85 and includes three months of Kindle Unlimited. However, keep in mind that this price still comes with lock-screen ads, which will set you back $104 (down from $129) to get rid of.

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

This Kindle deal is more than meets the eye, because not only are you getting $25 off an excellent e-reader, but you can also get three months of free Kindle Unlimited. All you have to do is select the option on the product page and be sure to remember when it will auto-renew. Otherwise, skip the subscription and just start growing your library!View Deal

✅Recommended if: You love to read but don't own a lot of physical books or want an easy way to take your favorite books with you on the go.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a larger e-reader with more than 16GB of storage and with support for color.

I reviewed the 2022 Kindle model, and it turned me into a believer in e-readers, thanks to its compact size, very readable display, and long battery life. However, a few things annoyed me, such as the choppiness of the animations, and Amazon says the 2024 model has faster page turns, which hopefully addresses my complaint.

Otherwise, the 16GB of storage can hold thousands of books, which you can download from the Kindle store or upload to the device. And the display is plenty bright and easy on the eyes, making it a great alternative to a physical book.

The Kindle also lasts for up to six weeks per charge, so you don't have to worry about the battery dying while you're on your little staycation. But if it does, be ready to sit around while it charges, as it can take up to 2 hours at 9W. Honestly, it's a small price to pay when the battery lasts that long.

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Make like Team Norway and RO to this Prime Day NAS deal

There's a lot to like about how Team Norway are going about their World Cup, and with Haaland and Odegaard, there's a decent chance that they'll last long in the tournament.

You know what else lasts long? SSDs. Regular NAS servers use mechanical HDDs, but if you want to make the switch to flash storage, there are a few decent choices available. The benefit of using an all-flash NAS is that you get significantly higher bandwidth; most traditional HDDs can hit 250MB/s at a maximum, but with an SSD, you easily get ten times that bandwidth.

I tested all the SSD NAS servers available today, and TerraMaster's F8 SSD Plus is the best of the lot. It holds eight SSDs, comes with thermal pads that ensure the drives don't overheat, and you get active cooling.

The best part is that the NAS is now selling at just $719, and I think that is a good value. While it debuted at $899, the F8 SSD Plus usually sells at around the $765 to $799 figure, so even in that context, you're getting a good overall deal this time.

• Prime Day 2026 is June 23-26: see the full list of deals

The F8 SSD Plus is a great all-flash NAS, and this is easily the best time to get your hands on the model. View Deal

✅Recommended if: You're ready to move to SSD storage. The F8 SSD Plus has 10GbE connectivity, holds eight drives, and doesn't take up much room at all.

❌Skip this deal if: You just want a media server. There are plenty of other choices if you just need a NAS server to house your media collection, and going with a regular HDD is still a better choice.

While I use the F8 SSD Plus regularly, most of my media is in another NAS with regular HDDs. That's because you don't get nearly as much storage when buying SSDs as you do mechanical drives. I have four 2TB SSDs totaling 8TB in the F8 SSD Plus, and they cumulatively cost as much as a 24TB HDD.

With SSD prices inflated right now because of high demand, you'll end up shelling a lot of cash to get a decent amount of storage. The plus side is that as SSDs don't contain any moving parts, they generally last longer than a HDD. An all-flash NAS is better-suited for office tasks, and it's generally overkill if you just want a media server.

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

Coming to the F8 SSD Plus, you get eight NVMe slots in total, so you can add eight drives, with each slot able to hold 8TB, giving you 64TB of total addressable storage. The NAS is powered by Intel's N305 platform, and it's designed to be fast; I didn't see any issues whatsoever after close to a year of use.

With connectivity, the F8 SSD Plus has 10GbE as standard, and you can easily saturate the bandwidth of the connection with the available bandwidth. While the initial costs are higher, the F8 SSD Plus is a great all-round choice if you want an all-flash NAS with standout features.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

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GameSir's best mobile gaming controller is somehow down to just $63 during Prime Day

I used a lot of mobile gaming controllers over the last three years, and GameSir's products stood out consistently for the build quality, performance, and reliability. The GameSir G8+ is the best of the lot, and it's just a delight to use.

I played dozens of hours of games on the G8+, and GameSir rolled out a new model dubbed the G8 Plus MFi. The key difference between the two is that G8 Plus relies on Bluetooth, while the G8 Plus MFi has USB-C connectivity. GameSir really should have done a better job naming these controllers, because to anyone else just looking at the models, it looks like the G8+ MFi also has Bluetooth.

Having said that, the G8 Plus MFi is terrific, and I like that it works with iPhones and the iPad mini along with Android phones. The controller usually costs $79, but it is now down to $63 on Amazon, which is a decent 20% discount on one of the best products in this category.

• Prime Day 2026 is June 23-26: see the full list of deals

The G8 Plus MFi works with Android alongside iPhones and iPads, and it is the best mobile gaming controller I used yet.View Deal

✅Recommended if: You need a great mobile controller with hall effect joysticks and analog triggers. The G8 Plus MFi has excellent feedback, anti-stick drift, and USB-C connectivity.

❌Skip this deal if: You absolutely need Bluetooth connectivity, or want to use it with a Nintendo Switch/Switch 2. Just get the regular G8+ in that case — it's the same controller otherwise.

GameSir didn't change the basics with the G8 Plus MFi, and that's a good thing. This is a mobile controller that's extremely comfortable to hold and use, and it feels just like a regular Xbox controller. The full-size joysticks, buttons, and triggers make a difference in that area, and you get a satisfying rumble from the built-in motors.

The hall effect joysticks ensure there's no stick drift whatsoever, and this hasn't been a problem on any GameSir controller I used in the last three years. The analog triggers also use hall effect switches, and they have excellent feedback.

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

The G8 Plus MFi does two things better than the traditional G8+: it accommodates phones with huge camera islands — like the Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra — and the bridge extends a little wider, so you can easily slot in tablets like the iPad mini without any issues.

It doesn't have Bluetooth, so you can only connect USB-C devices, like Android phones, recent iPhones, and iPads that use USB-C. If you need a controller to use with your Switch or any other Bluetooth device, get the G8+.

On the whole, if you just need a reliable controller to play your favorite mobile games, the G8 Plus MFi is my recommendation in 2026. And coming in at $63, now is the best time to get your hands on this controller.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

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iPhone user? This Prime Day Pixel deal will convince you to switch to Android

If you're an iPhone user and are willing to switch to Android, now is the best time to do so. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is the best Android flagship you can buy in the U.S., and while I prefer the Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra, you don't get those devices Stateside, so if I have to choose between the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Motorola Signature, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL, Google's phone wins out.

There's just one issue: the pricing. The Pixel 10 Pro XL debuted at $1,199, and that's way too much. Thankfully, the phone is down to $884 during Prime Day, a huge $315 discount that makes this the ideal time to get your hands on the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Google's phones always sell well during these sale, and it's no different this time. And what about the iPhone, you ask? There aren't any deals around this year, so you'll need to shell out the full $1,199 to get your hands on the 17 Pro Max.

• Prime Day 2026 is June 23-26: see the full list of deals

The Pixel 10 Pro XL has the best software, standout cameras, and all the extras you need in a flagship. There isn't anything better in the U.S., and the $315 discount makes it the ideal time to switch if you're using an iPhone. View Deal

✅Recommended if: You want the best phone in the U.S. The Pixel 10 Pro XL has better cameras than the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the software is cleaner, and you get an extensive set of AI features if that's what you want in a phone.

❌Skip this deal if: You're used to the iPhone. I get that it's hard to change, and with the iPhone, you get an interface that's essentially unchanged over the last decade.

Google sorted out a lot of the lingering issues this time, and the result is that the Pixel 10 Pro XL is noticeably better than its predecessors. The fundamentals haven't changed; you still get great cameras, clean software with plenty of meaningful features, good battery life, and a bright OLED panel.

It's the software where the Pixel 10 Pro XL truly comes into its own. The phone just got the Android 17 update, and alongside a slate of new features and a new floating windows mode called bubbles, the update made the phone a little faster, making it even better to use.

Google has a dominant lead when it comes to phone-based AI features, so much so that Apple is using Google's models on the iPhone now. But if you're not a fan of generative AI or don't need these features, you don't have to use any on the Pixel 10 Pro XL — I don't. Outside of the software, the Pixel 10 Pro XL cameras continue to stand out, and you consistently get great photos and videos.

The OLED panel is among the brightest of any phone around, and I like its color vibrancy. Battery life is decent, and while it doesn't measure up to Chinese rivals, I still get a day's worth of use consistently.

Google has been making phones for the better part of a decade now, and with the Pixel 10 Pro XL, it's clear that the brand has a phone that's among the best around. If you're not satisfied with your iPhone and want to try something new, the Pixel 10 Pro XL would be my recommendation — get the phone while it's still down to $884.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

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