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Paul Sutter, an astrophysicist and science communicator, wrote in Nautilus that he used AI 'vibe coding' to build a faster, more sophisticated update to his void-detection algorithm. Ten minutes into presenting it to collaborators, a colleague flagged that its handling of survey edges was fundamentally wrong, meaning every result built on it was also incorrect.
An Android Authority reviewer who tests dozens of phones annually reports being unable to put down the Galaxy Z Fold 8 nearly two weeks after switching his SIM into it. The writer, who has historically preferred clamshell foldables over book-style ones, says Samsung's latest model finally closes the gap between niche enthusiast gadget and a phone suited for everyday users. Despite acknowledging the device has flaws, the reviewer says its form factor outweighs them.
Samsung has overhauled the Galaxy Z Flip 8's outer display, giving it a more phone-like interface with swipe-down notifications, quick settings, and an app drawer. The 4-inch cover screen now supports full versions of apps rather than the limited widgets Samsung previously favored, and it prompts users to install MultiStar, a Good Lock module that unlocks any app on the outer screen.
Samsung's latest folding phone experiment appears to be resonating with buyers, continuing the company's pattern of testing unconventional smartphone form factors in public before they go mainstream. The device's reception is drawing attention as Apple prepares its own entry into the foldable phone category.
Samsung's One UI 9 Beta 7 for the Galaxy S26 series introduces a Netflix toggle inside Now Brief's content settings. When enabled, it displays a 'Top picks for you' card with Galaxy AI-curated movie suggestions directly in the Now Brief feed. The feature is also present in the stable One UI 9 release for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8.
Samsung has begun rolling out the One UI 9 Watch beta to US-based owners of the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic, following an earlier launch in South Korea. The update, accessible through the Samsung Members app, brings a redesigned Galaxy Wearable app, revamped Samsung Health metrics, and new workout and camera remote features.
Leaker Kacper Skrzypek shared screenshots and video showing Xiaomi's upcoming Smart Privacy Display, a feature that lets users block onlookers from viewing their screen at certain apps or notifications. Unlike Samsung's hardware-based Privacy Display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Xiaomi's version appears to be software-driven and is expected to arrive with the HyperOS 4 update later this year. Some related options, like Page Privacy Display and XiaoAI app groups, currently only appear on the China ROM.
Samsung's One UI 9 Beta 7 update for the Galaxy S26 series adds two Bixby features previously seen elsewhere: a gesture wake-up option that activates the assistant when users hold the phone near their mouth, and home screen widgets in 2x1, 2x2 and 4x2 sizes for quick voice or text input. The update also includes other additions like My FanCam, Call Brief, and a split Finder-Google Search bar, though Samsung's official changelog didn't mention these Bixby changes.
Despite underwhelming sales, Apple's ultra-thin iPhone Air appears to have served as a testing ground for thinner designs and component choices that could enable a foldable iPhone. Analysts suggest Apple may debut a foldable device, speculatively called the iPhone Ultra, at its September event, with a second-generation Air possibly following in early 2027.
Google has added support for Apple's AirDrop protocol to newer Android phones, including Pixel and Galaxy models, letting users send photos, links, and files directly to iPhones without third-party apps. Setup involves enabling sharing settings on both devices—such as Quick Share on Samsung or AirDrop visibility on iOS—after which either device can initiate a transfer that the other must accept.
Durability tester JerryRigEverything ran the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra through his usual scratch and bend tests. The cover screen held up similarly to other flagships and the Z Fold 7, but the inner foldable display stopped working after a couple of forceful bends, flickering before going unusable. Dust resistance remained comparable to the previous generation.
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.