EU adds exemptions to its removable battery rule for smartwatches, fitness trackers, ear buds

Back in 2022, the EU prepared new legislation that will bring back user-replaceable batteries on electronic devices. This will go into effect in February 2027, but some companies are already making the jump – for example, Nintendo released a special Switch 2 with a replaceable battery. But what about devices where having a replaceable battery might affect features such as water resistance? Well, the EU just added several exemptions just for such cases. An important category is the so-called “wet appliances”. These include: “wearable devices, such as wireless earbuds, heart rate monitor...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/the_eu_adds_exemptions_to_its_removable_battery_rule_for_smartwatches_fitness_trackers_ear_buds-news-73746.php

More details about OpenAI's smart speaker surface

OpenAI's first device will be a screen-less smart speaker, according to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. It will be designed to be used inside the home but will be easy to move around the house and will use a rechargeable battery. Like any other smart speaker, it will be able to control smart home appliances, play media, answer questions, respond to messages, and of course this being an OpenAI product, it will have ChatGPT built-in. The chatbot will use a more advanced version of the new ChatGPT voice mode, with which you can have a true back-and-forth conversation, interrupting...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/more_details_about_openais_smart_speaker_surface-news-73736.php

Huawei MatePad Air (2026) hands-on

During its yesterday's event in Malaysia, Huawei introduced the Pura 90s series along with the FreeClip 2 S and MatePad Air (2026). We had our chance to meet the devices in person, so here's a quick rundown of the updated MatePad Air for this year. MatePad Air (2026) Just like its predecessor, the MatePad Air (2026) features a 12-inch display, but instead of a plain old IPS LCD panel, the newer Air swaps it out for a brighter OLED one with a 144Hz refresh rate. What's more, the screen features Huawei's PaperMatte coating that makes it look like paper. Reflections are reduced,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_matepad_air_2026_handson-news-73711.php

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra full specs leak

We recently saw leaked renders showing Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, and now it's time for their full specs. These have been leaked today by a usually reliable source, so let's dive right in. As you may already know, the Galaxy Z Fold8 will be the wide-style foldable that's aiming to compete with the iPhone Ultra. This will have a 7.6-inch 2448x1848 main folding screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio, and a 5.5-inch cover display with 1248x1972 resolution. Both panels will have 120Hz refresh rate. The display substrate is titanium now, which should make the crease...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_z_fold8_and_galaxy_z_fold8_ultra_full_specs_leak-news-73738.php

Third-party app stores will soon be available through the Google Play Store in the US

Running an app store is a profitable business – one that platform makers are keen to protect. That used to be the case with Google too, but the conclusion of a 6-year legal battle with Epic Games has come to a surprise ending that will make third-party app stores that much more accessible. The story started in 2020 when Epic sued Google, alleging that Google held a monopoly in the Android app distribution market and in-app billing services. A jury sided with Epic, but this then went through an appeal process until, eventually, the two companies reached a settlement agreement in...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/starting_next_week_thirdparty_app_stores_will_be_available_through_the_google_play_store_in_the_us-news-73735.php

Samsung teases Flex Titanium tech, a key innovation for its next-gen foldables

The Galaxy Z Fold7 featured a third generation of Armor FlexHinge, which was 27% thinner and 43% lighter than the hinge inside the Z Fold6. Now the company is introducing the next innovation that will make foldable displays even tougher and slimmer while minimizing the crease – Flex Titanium. This is just a preview of what is to come on Wednesday next week. The Flex Titanium technology promises a more refined viewing experience for the new Z Folds, while making the display more resistant to external shocks and the wear and tear of being folded and unfolded hundreds of thousands of...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_introduces_flex_titanium_a_key_innovation_for_its_nextgen_foldables-news-73709.php