Tech

Samsung has commenced the rollout of the One UI 8 Watch Beta in select markets, according to a report. Initially available for the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, it is based on the latest Wear OS 6 operating system (OS) for Android-powered wearables. The One UI 8 Watch Beta update reportedly adds Now Brief and Now Bar, two artificial intelligence (AI)-backed features. There are also Antioxidant Index, Bedtime Guidance, and more features which Samsung announced as part of One UI 8 last month.

One UI 8 Watch Beta for Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Watch Ultra

According to a SamMobile report, the One UI 8 Watch Beta update has been released in South Korea for the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra models. It is approximately 1.95GB in size and comes with the build numbers L705NKOU1ZYFE and L705NOKA1ZYFE.

One of the most notable additions is said to be the Now Bar and Now Brief features, powered by Galaxy AI. On the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, the Now Bar feature reportedly works via gesture actions. It is activated via a double pinch gesture on the watch face. The feature essentially functions as a widget, enabling users to see information without moving away from the watch face. It is reported to show contextual suggestions, Google Maps, media controls, Now Brief, and Now Bar tips.

Further, the One UI 8 Watch Beta update also expands the functionality of the double pinch gesture. As per the report, users can now scroll through notifications, control music, and take photos by pinching the thumb and index finger together twice. It is also said to get enhanced customisability, allowing users to set an action when they double pinch on a specific screen.

Other features include new charging animation, ability to mark reminders as important, gesture actions for responding to notifications, and a new design for notification view.

Further, Samsung has reportedly added several new health and fitness-centric features with the One UI 8 Watch Beta. First announced last month, the update brings Bedtime Guidance, Antioxidant Index, Vascular Load, and Running Coach. You can learn more about them here. These are compatible with Android phones running Android 10 or above firmware and require the Samsung Health app.

Poco F7 5G was launched in India earlier this month. The smartphone is now available for purchase in the country. As part of the first sale, the company is extending certain offers to customers. The smartphone is equipped with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, a 7,550mAh battery, a 20-megapixel selfie camera, and a 50-megapixel dual rear camera setup. It is being sold in 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB RAM and storage configurations. The Poco F7 5G runs on HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15 out-of-the-box.

Poco F7 5G Now Available for Purchase in India

Poco F7 5G is priced in India at Rs. 31,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant and Rs. 33,999 for the 12GB + 512GB variant. HDFC, SBI, or ICICI Bank cardholders can avail an instant discount of Rs. 2,000, bringing the effective prices down to Rs. 29,999 and Rs. 31,999, respectively. 

Buyers can also take advantage of a Rs. 2,000 exchange offer. First sale benefits include one-year screen damage protection worth Rs. 10,000 and an additional one-year warranty, extending total coverage to two years.

The Poco F7 5G is available for purchase in the country via Flipkart in Cyber Silver Edition, Frost White, and Phantom Black colour options.

Poco F7 5G Specifications, Features

The Poco F7 5G has a 6.83-inch 1.5K (1,280×2,772 pixels) AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 3,200 nits brightness level and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection. It gets a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 SoC paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS4.1 onboard storage. The handset ships with Android 15-based HyperOS 2.0. It is equipped with AI features like AI Notes, AI Interpreter, AI Image Expansion and more, as well as support for Google Gemini and Circle to Search.

For optics, the Poco F7 5G carries a 50-megapixel Sony IMX882 primary sensor and an 8-megapixel ultrawide shooter at the back and a 20-megapixel sensor at the front. The handset features a 3D IceLoop System with a 6,000sq mm vapour cooling chamber for thermal management. It has a dual stereo speaker system as well.

The Indian variant of the Poco F7 5G packs a 7,550mAh battery with support for 90W wired fast charging and 22.5W wired reverse charging. It is claimed to meet IP66+IP68+IP69 dust and water resistance ratings. For security, it has an in-display fingerprint sensor. It supports 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, GPS, NFC and USB Type-C connectivity. The handset measures 7.98mm in thickness and weighs 222g.

Apple’s iOS 26 update will arrive later this year along with new features, but not all of the new capabilities will be available to all users, according to a report. The Cupertino technology firm’s upcoming software update will introduce a revamped Liquid Glass user interface, and improvements to various apps like Phone, Messages, Photos, Maps, Wallet, and Apple Music. However, users in the European Union (EU) will reportedly have to wait a little longer for these features. Apple Intelligence features were similarly delayed for users in the EU, due to regulatory hurdles.

Apple Maps’ Visited Places Section on iOS 26 to Be Delayed in the EU

A report in The Wall Street Journal states that the “Visited Places” feature coming to Apple Maps with the iOS 26 update will not be available to users in the EU when the software rolls out later this year. The feature stores an encrypted list of places visited by a user on their iPhone, including restaurants and stores. Apple’s lawyers reportedly stated that the delay was due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) which is designed to help smaller businesses compete with Big Tech firms.

Apple Legal VP Kyle Andeer confirmed that the company has already decided that some features unveiled at WWDC will be delayed in the EU, at a workshop with developers and officials from the bloc. According to the report, Andeer cited user security as one of the reasons for the absence of some iOS 26 features at launch in the EU.

While Visited Places on Apple Maps is set to be delayed in the EU, the company is still in the process of selecting new features that will not be part of the initial iOS 26 update in the region. Apple previously cited the EU’s DMA regulation as the reason for the delayed rollout of its AI features, which eventually arrived in February.

The iPhone maker made sweeping changes to its operating system over the past couple of years, in order to comply with the DMA, which prescribes strict penalties for companies that flout the regulations. These include allowing EU customers to “sideload” apps on iPhone, supporting third party browser engines in addition to WebKit, and enabling access to the NFC chip on the handset for third party payment apps.

However, the company has also criticised these regulations and claims that they introduce users to security and privacy risks beyond the company’s control. Last month, Apple submitted a legal challenge to an EU order that directs the company to open up its ecosystem to other firms. These directives were issued in March, informing Apple how to open up its systems to rivals under the Digital Markets Act. Apple must comply with the EU order until the matter is decided by an EU court.

Halo Studios has suggested it will share details about the Halo projects in development at this year’s Halo World Championship in October. At last year’s event, the studio announced it was working on multiple Halo games, built in Unreal Engine 5. At the time, the developer, formerly 343 Industries, also said it was rebranding to Halo Studios and debuted Unreal Engine 5 footage of environments and characters from the series.

An Update on Halo Games is Coming

In a blog post published Monday ahead of HWC 2025, Halo Studios addressed rumours and speculation about the Halo projects currently in development. The studio said it would “continue the conversation” on the projects, first announced at last year’s HWC, at this year’s event.

“Last year at HaloWC, we premiered “A New Dawn” where we talked about the switch to Unreal Engine, gave you a behind the scenes look at Project Foundry, and debuted our evolution to Halo Studios as we enter a new chapter for Halo,” the company said in the post.

“For us, “A New Dawn” was just the beginning – at this year’s HaloWC, we look forward to continuing the conversation.

“Speculation is always fun, but if you want the official scoop on what Halo Studios has been working on, you won’t want to miss this year’s Halo World Championship. We really hope you’ll join us in Seattle this October!”

The Halo World Championship is set to take place October 24-26 in Seattle. The esports event will see the top 16 teams compete to become world champions and take home their share of the $1 million prize pool.

Halo Studios shared screenshots of Halo characters and environments built in UE 5 last year
Photo Credit: Microsoft/ Halo Studios

Mutliple Halo Games in Development

At last year’s HWC, Halo Studios announced it was working on multiple Halo games in Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5. The developer also debuted new Halo footage rendered in Unreal Engine 5, showing off three different environments and series protagonist Master Chief. The studio said at the time that the footage was not from a Halo game in development, but part of a “Foundry” project that would serve as a foundation for future Halo games. Halo Studios did not share a launch timeline for the games.

At Xbox Games Showcase last month, Xbox chief Phil Spencer announced the “return of a classic” next year, suggesting a remaster or a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved was in the works. Spencer didn’t mention the game by name but said it would arrive next year when Xbox celebrates its 25th anniversary.

“As we think about bringing a new generation of players to these iconic franchises, I’m excited to share that players will get to celebrate 25 years of Xbox with a new Fable, the next Forza, Gears of War: E-Day, and the return of a classic that’s been with us since the beginning,” the Xbox boss said at Xbox Games Showcase.

In addition to a remaster/remake of the first game likely in development, Halo Studios is also likely working on the next mainline Halo game. The last entry in the series was Halo Infinite, which launched on PC and Xbox Series S/X in 2021.

Smartphones are probably the first choice for most people when asked about their preferred device to access the internet, but a growing number of users are considering a “dumb phone” as a secondary handset. These are no-frills phones that offer a features like calling and texting at a more affordable price, along with access to some apps like WhatsApp. While they support internet connectivity, they are also used for a “digital detox” as they lack all the bells and whistles of a modern smartphone.

While there was a clear preference for basic feature phones in the past, WhatsApp support for operating systems like KaiOS was discontinued in 2024. This means that you can no longer run WhatsApp on feature phones from Nokia or Alcatel, as well as various JioPhone models. Instead, users now opt for basic handsets that run on Android as a secondary phone, as WhatsApp only supports iOS and Android mobile devices.

Here’s a list of some alternative basic phones with WhatsApp support that you can buy in 2025, without giving up your primary Android smartphone or iPhone. You should note that some of these models are only sold in select regions, so you will need to check for local availability.

TCL Flip 2

Equipped with a compact 2.8-inch LCD inner screen and an even smaller 1.4-inch cover display, the TCL Flip 2 lets you run messaging apps and check your email without distractions. It features tactile buttons that are easy to press, and the handset is also equipped with an emergency button. You get support for Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, and Bluetooth connectivity, and the phone runs on a 1,850mAh battery.

Photo Credit: TCL

Key Specifications

• Display: 2.8-inch QVGA (240×320 pixels) LCD screen, 1.44-inch TFT LCD outer display
• Processor: MediaTek MT6739-CH
• RAM and Storage: 1GB RAM, 4GB built-in storage (expandable)
• Rear Cameras: 2-megapixel
• Front Cameras: N/A
• Battery: 1,850mAh
• Operating System: Android 
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, 4G LTE, GPS, USB Type-C port

Emporia TouchSmart 2

If you’re looking for a flip phone for a grandparent, you might want to consider the Emporia TouchSmart 2, which has a simple user interface and shortcut keys for messaging apps. It also has an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, which means it can handle a bit of moisture. The TouchSmart 2 is equipped with two cameras, and runs on Android 11 Go.

Photo Credit: Emporia

Key Specifications

• Display: 3.25-inch TFT LCD (480×854 pixels), 1.54-inch outer screen
• Processor: MediaTek MT6739V
• RAM and Storage: 1GB RAM, 8GB built-in storage (expandable)
• Rear Cameras: 8-megapixel
• Front Cameras: 2-megapixel
• Battery: 1,400mAh
• Operating System: Android 11 Go
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, 4G LTE, GPS, USB Type-C port

Cat S22 Flip

One of the most rugged basic phones on this list, the Cat S22 Flip has a MIL-STD-810H durability certification and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. This flip phone is ideal for those in the field or those who just want a distraction-free phone that is durable. You get a 5-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front camera. The Cat S22 Flip is equipped with a 2,000mAh battery.

Photo Credit: Cat (via Amazon)

Key Specifications

• Display: 2.8-inch TFT LCD (480×640 pixels), 1.44-inch outer screen
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 
• RAM and Storage: 2GB RAM, 16GB built-in storage (expandable)
• Rear Cameras: 5-megapixel
• Front Cameras: 2-megapixel
• Battery: 2,000mAh
• Operating System: Android 11 Go
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, 4G LTE, GPS, USB Type-C port

TTfone TT970

An alternative to the TouchSmart 2, the senior friendly TTfone TT970 runs on an unspecified but simplified version of Android that supports apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Lite. it also has a dock charger, and is equipped with an emergency button. There’s a 2.8-inch inner screen and a smaller 1.8-inch cover display on the TT970 handset. It is equipped with a 1,400mAh battery.

Photo Credit: TTfone

Key Specifications

• Display: 2.8-inch TFT LCD, 1.8-inch outer screen
• Processor: Unspecified
• RAM and Storage: 1GB RAM, 8GB built-in storage (expandable)
• Rear Cameras: 5-megapixel
• Front Cameras: 2-megapixel
• Battery: 1,400mAh
• Operating System: Android
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, 4G LTE, GPS, USB Type-C port

AGM M7

If you’re looking for a basic bar-style phone that can run WhatsApp, you can also consider the AGM M7. This handset has a 2.4-inch QVGA screen, and it also features a 3.5W speaker. The handset runs on Android, and it has a MIL-STD-810H durability certification, like the Cat S22 Flip, as well as IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. The handset is equipped with a 2,500mAh battery that can be easily removed. 

Photo Credit: AGM Mobile

Key Specifications

• Display: 2.4-inch QVGA (240×320) LCD screen
• Processor: MediaTek MT6739
• RAM and Storage: 1GB RAM, 8GB built-in storage (expandable)
• Rear Cameras: 2-megapixel
• Front Cameras: 0.3-megapixel
• Battery: 2,500mAh, Removable
• Operating System: Android 8.1
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, 4G LTE, GPS, USB Type-C port

Google’s Pixel 10 series is likely to be unveiled in August. While the launch date remains a mystery, full specifications of the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL have leaked online. The upcoming Pixel 10 Pro phones are said to come with a Tensor G5 chipset and up to 16GB of RAM. They are tipped to offer a larger battery and faster charging speed over the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Meanwhile, the camera hardware on the phones could remain almost the same as last year’s models.

Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL Specifications (Expected)

Android Headlines has shared alleged specifications of the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. They will likely offer few changes compared to their predecessors. The Pixel 10 Pro is said to feature a 6.3-inch display, while the Pixel 10 Pro XL is tipped to get a 6.8-inch screen. They will reportedly have LTPO panels with up to 120Hz refresh rate and 3,000nits of peak brightness, similar to their predecessors. They could have Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on the front and back.

The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL will reportedly run on the Tensor G5 chipset, coupled with up to 16GB of RAM. The former is said to come in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options, while the latter could be launched in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options.

Google’s Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL are said to maintain a similar rear camera setup as their predecessors. Their rear camera setup could include a 50-megapixel primary sensor, a 48-megapixel ultrawide-angle camera, and a 48-megapixel telephoto sensor with 5x optical zoom. They are said to carry a 42-megapixel selfie shooter. The ultrawide and the telephoto sensors could be capable of macro photography. 

Google is expected to pack a 4,870mAh battery on the Pixel 10 Pro, a slight upgrade over the 4,700mAh battery available on the Pixel 9 Pro. The new model is said to feature a larger vapour chamber. The Pixel 10 Pro XL will reportedly house a 5,200mAh battery, which could be the largest yet for a Google Pixel handset. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, for reference, had a 5,060mAh cell.

The Pixel 10 Pro is said to support 29W charging, while the Pixel 10 Pro could offer faster 39W charging. Both models are said to offer 15W wireless charging support.

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Series One UI 8 Beta 3 With Bug Fixes Reportedly Live in the UK, Other Markets