Smartphones

iOS 14.5 will make Face ID compatible with face masks

But there’s a caveat

Published

February 2, 2021

Luigi Leonardo

At the moment, face masks are still a huge problem for face recognition software. Current iterations were never built to recognize users wearing face masks. Unfortunately, as we know now, face masks are now our reality. In the latest iOS update, Apple’s upcoming iOS 14.5 is making Face ID compatible with face masks.

In a previous update, iOS 13.5, Apple added a Face ID update to partially resolve the issue. Instead of completely blocking users from accessing their phones, iOS 13.5 brought up manual passcode prompts. Though it was helpful, the update was only a partial solution. Face masks remain a problem for the technology.

In the upcoming iOS 14.5, iPhone users can now unlock their devices using a partial face scan, as reported by Engadget. Even if your face is under a mask, you can still access your iPhone. However, the convenience feature does come with a huge caveat: You’ll need an Apple Watch.

Unfortunately, it’s a needed tradeoff. A partial face scan will definitely lower Face ID’s security if implemented completely. With an Apple Watch requirement, Apple can retain some sort of security amid the laxer standard.

Now, if your iPhone detects that you’re wearing a mask and an Apple Watch, the iPhone will unlock, nonetheless.

Currently, there is no definite timeline when iOS 14.5 will launch.

News

New leak reveals first look at Samsung’s wide foldable

It looks like there’s only one book-style foldable this year.

Published

July 9, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Image source: Android Headlines

Coming in just a heartbeat, Samsung will unveil the next foldables during the upcoming Unpacked event. The spotlight, naturally, lands on the rumored wide foldable. Now, we don’t have an official look yet, but a new leak is spoiling that for us.

Leaked by Android Headlines, the upcoming foldable, purportedly named the Galaxy Z Fold 8, looks as advertised. The brand’s first wide foldable takes a few inches off the top to deliver a, literally, wide resolution for more display real estate.

There’s not much to say about the specs, but the model does have a camera setup with two shooters. It will also be available in three colorway options: black, white, and lavender. A limited-edition green variant might also make an appearance.

Among the scheduled devices this coming Unpacked, the wide foldable is the main event. Plus, the new leak reveals that a regular Fold isn’t debuting with this batch. Rather, Samsung might go all-in on the wide foldable format.

If that’s not your style, the leak also unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip 8. The new model doesn’t look different from the usual Flips that we’re used to, so it’s not a big headline.

Image source: Android Headlines

Finally, the leak reveals the Galaxy Watch 9 and the Watch Ultra 2.

Image source: Android Headlines

It won’t be long before we see these devices for real. Samsung has officially scheduled the next Galaxy Unpacked event for July 22.

News

Honor might launch the Robot Phone in August, leak says

No word on whether it’s a global or a regional launch, though.

Published

July 8, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Back in CES earlier this year, Honor unveiled the oddly shaped Robot Phone. A unique concept of a smartphone melded with an action camera, the Robot Phone teased a launch date for the third quarter of this year. Well, we’re in the third quarter now, and a new leak has teased that the one-of-a-kind phone is launching in August.

According to Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station (via GizmoChina), Honor has narrowed down August as the launch date of its new smartphone. To be clear, the leaker did not clarify whether this is a global launch or just the regional one.

It should still be an exciting time for a launch, though. The lovechild between a smartphone and an action camera comes just in time for the era of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 and the Insta360 Luna. A hybrid device scratches both itches.

Honor isn’t shy about showcasing the capabilities of the Robot Phone. Only recently, the Chinese brand showed off the first professional video shot using the new phone.

When it comes to hardware, the Robot Phone touts a 200-megapixel main camera attached to a stabilized gimbal system. If not in use, the camera folds into the device. Super Steady Video keeps the camera steady when taking shots while moving. Meanwhile, AI Object Tracking follows subjects seamlessly, making it a great tool for shooting videos in the field.

News

Google will host its Pixel 11 event on August 12

The event happens between Samsung’s and Apple’s events.

Published

July 8, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Earlier today, Samsung officially announced the date of its next Unpacked event. The South Korean brand isn’t the only one to tease its future. It’s that time of the year when the invites keep coming in. Also today, Google has announced its own upcoming Pixel event set for August 12.

It is around this time when the big brands announce the debuts of their respective flagships. Apple, Google, and Samsung all hold their events in this quarter. And it’s looking like it’s going to be one per month, assuming that Apple will hold its event in September.

Google has announced that the next Pixel event will be held in New York on August 12.

Though the invite doesn’t specifically name the series, the Pixel 11 lineup will likely debut during this event. Right now, we don’t know much about the flagship series. Unlike previous years, Google today isn’t a leaky boat, showing off its unannounced devices left and right. That said, it’s still over a month away, so there’s still time for the brand to let loose some of its secrets.

Google does have stiff competition this year, though. Samsung, as has been teased relentlessly, will likely showcase its very first wide foldable. Apple, on the other hand, is rumored to launch its first entry into the foldable market. The poster boy for Android needs a strong outing to compete with its third-quarter contemporaries.

SEE ALSO: Google launches the Pixel 10a