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Spotify may drop Premium requirement for hosting Jam sessions

Code strings found in Spotify Android version 9.1.82.19 suggest Free-tier users could soon be allowed to host Jam sessions, a feature currently restricted to Premium subscribers. Jams hosted by Free users would reportedly force shuffle play, cap skips, and limit queue size for all participants, even Premium ones. Spotify has not confirmed the rollout, and the evidence comes solely from unreleased app strings.

Apple upgrades iCloud Shared Albums with full-res media and custom reactions in iOS 27

Apple's iOS 27 update brings major improvements to iCloud Shared Albums, including support for full-resolution photos and videos, custom emoji reactions instead of just likes, and easier one-tap saving. Android and Windows users can now contribute content via the web rather than only viewing shared photos, and users gain new participant permission controls plus the option to set album expiration dates.

Google cuts Pixel 11 trade-in values by up to $150

Google has reduced trade-in credits offered toward Pixel 11 series purchases, ending the launch-window bonuses it previously offered. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold saw the steepest cut, dropping from $1,000 to $850, while most other recent Pixel models lost $50 or less in trade value. Google says these new lower rates will remain in effect through September.

Android's alarm volume is separate from ringtone volume—here's how to fix it

Android phones let users set alarm volume independently from media, ringtone, and notification volumes, which can cause alarms to stay quiet even when other sounds are audible. Users can adjust alarm volume through the expanded volume menu or via Settings > Sound & vibration > Volume, and should also check Do Not Disturb settings to ensure alarms aren't being silenced.

AIArion offers free curated ChatGPT prompts for personal growth and productivity

AIArion is a website that collects free, ready-to-use ChatGPT prompts aimed at personal development, productivity and workplace skills. Rather than being an AI tool itself, it acts as a prompt library covering frameworks like PAR and CAR resume storytelling, the GROW model, procrastination-beating techniques and salary negotiation scripts.

Google upgrades Flow video tool with Gemini Omni 1.1 Flash model

Google has updated its Flow AI video studio with a new model, Gemini Omni 1.1 Flash, that adds finer editing controls such as first- and last-frame interpolation and longer scene extensions of up to 40 seconds. The update also lets creators produce cheaper, faster 360p drafts before rendering final output in 1080p or 4K, with video references to help keep characters and visuals consistent.

Google Calendar App Can't Add Subscriptions via Link, Web Version Can

A user found that Google's Calendar app on Android has no way to subscribe to an events calendar from a URL, despite running the latest OS and app version. The workaround required switching to desktop mode in a mobile browser at calendar.google.com, where adding the same calendar link worked instantly and synced back to the app.

Google sets Android memory rules for apps, deadline set for February 2027

Google has issued new guidelines requiring Android app developers to reduce memory consumption, giving them until February 2027 to comply. The move responds to a global memory shortage that has pushed phone makers to cut RAM in entry-level devices, often dropping from 6-8GB to just 4GB. Apps exceeding Google's memory thresholds for dynamic RAM use, bitmap handling, and DEX code will be throttled or force-closed by the OS.

Galaxy S27 Ultra leaks show horizontal camera bar resembling iPhone Pro design

New renders of the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra reveal a wide horizontal camera bar across the back, replacing the individual floating lenses Samsung has used for years. The design bears a striking resemblance to Apple's iPhone Pro camera layout, sparking debate among Android enthusiasts and reviewers. While unconfirmed, leaks about Samsung's flagship devices have historically proven accurate.

Google confirms only 7 phones run Gemini Nano 4, its newest on-device AI model

Google has quietly updated its developer documentation to reveal that just seven Android phones currently support Gemini Nano 4: the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8, and Z Fold 8 Ultra. These are the only devices officially equipped to run Google's latest on-device Gemini Intelligence features.

Leaked renders show Galaxy S27 base model nearly identical to Galaxy S26

New leaks attributed to leaker OnLeaks reveal that Samsung's standard Galaxy S27 will carry over the same flat display, rounded corners, and raised rear camera island seen on the Galaxy S26, with dimensions differing by only fractions of a millimeter. This comes shortly after separate renders suggested the Galaxy S27 Ultra may adopt a horizontal, iPhone-style camera plateau instead of Samsung's traditional vertical layout.

Samsung rolls out One UI 9 Beta 7 for Galaxy S26 with new AI tools

Samsung has released a seventh One UI 9 beta for the Galaxy S26 lineup, weighing 1,234MB and carrying the August 5, 2026 security patch. The update reportedly brings AI features similar to those on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, including an upgraded Finder with Google Search, My Fan Cam, and custom Now Nudge cards, alongside fixes for random reboots and Do Not Disturb behavior. It's currently rolling out in Germany, India, Poland, the UK, and South Korea, with a US release expected soon.