News
Google is screwing over some Android users
A small percentage of Android device owners are about to lose a boatload of features.
According to a recent entry on the Android Developers Blog, the latest version of Google Play services, which is required to access the app store among many things, will end support for Android 2.3 Gingerbread.
Beginning early 2017, once version 10.2.0 of the client library gets released, only Android 4.0.1 Ice Cream Sandwich and above will have full functionality.
While it’s understandable that developers would cut off older devices in order to focus on updated platforms, Gingerbread users still form 1.3 percent of the total Android population based on a recent report.
[irp posts=”7414″ name=”Android smartphone market share goes up, iOS phones down”]
Doesn’t sound like much, but Google will be alienating a significant chunk of Android fans from developing countries, and it isn’t even their fault why they aren’t getting updates past Gingerbread.
Fragmentation has been a problem for Google’s mobile operating system since its conception. By introducing a new version each year, third-party manufacturers and regional network carriers can’t catch up in updating every single one of their products.
Looking at the same report mentioned earlier, there are even fewer 7.0 Nougat users than those with 2.3 Gingerbread — 0.3 percent compared to 1.3 percent. That’s just sad.
If you’re wondering about the fate of 3.0 Honeycomb, well, no one, including Google itself, cares about the forgotten tablet-only Android iteration.
[irp posts=”7497″ name=”LG jumps ahead in Android Nougat rollout race”]
Source: Android Developers Blog
The best part of the Steam Deck is its portability. However, an underrated aspect of the handheld console is its button layout. Unlike its contemporaries, the Steam Deck has two trackpads on either side of the device. Now, that same layout is coming to the Steam Controller.
The Steam Controller was part of the trio of innovative devices that Valve announced late last year. While the spotlight is on the Steam Machine, the Controller is also enough to whet any gamer’s appetite.
Besides the convenient layout, the Steam Controller offers easy integration with Steam. The peripheral can communicate with any device — PC or mobile — that has Steam or the Steam Link app installed. As such, it’s easy to take control of your gaming library straight from the controller.
The only catch, though, is that it works solely on Steam. Any other game that has its own separate launcher, such as Genshin Impact, cannot be used with the Steam Controller unless they’re added directly to Steam.
The Steam Controller is launching on May 4 globally. It will retail for US$ 99.
On the flip side, Valve has not announced when the rest of its hardware will launch. Both the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame have not made appearances yet, reportedly because of the ongoing issues with RAM production all over the world. However, the company is still optimistic about releasing these devices within the year.
SEE ALSO: Valve announces its own console called the Steam Machine
News
Samsung Galaxy Glasses revealed in leaked images
It’s out first glimpse since getting teased by Samsung.
Samsung’s next major project is now making its first peek from the shadows. The upcoming Galaxy Glasses recently surfaced in a major leak.
Being an unannounced device, Samsung has not revealed anything substantial about the new glasses yet. We know it exists, though. Months ago, the company made direct allusions to “next-generation AR glasses.” Now, for the first time, the so-called Galaxy Glasses are real, albeit via a leak.
Revealed by Android Headlines, the Galaxy Glasses look like a standard set of frames but with some tech built inside. It’s not a complete package yet, though. Codenamed “Jinju,” the first iteration of the wearable will not have a display. Instead, it will have a built-in camera, which users can interface with via Android XR.
It’s not the only thing, too. Though the leak depicts the Jinju, Samsung is reportedly working on a second iteration already. Codenamed “Haean,” the second generation will have a micro-LED display. That pair might debut in 2027.
In the meantime, the Jinju is expected to launch later this year at an undisclosed date. The likeliest candidate is the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked in a few months.
Though undisclosed, this might not be the only time we’ll hear about the Galaxy Glasses. Next month, Google is hosting its annual I/O event. Android XR will likely make an appearance, so expect Samsung’s wearable to be bandied around even if it’s just a mention.
Additionally, Samsung won’t be the only player. Google is also expected to launch its own pair of glasses soon.
SEE ALSO: Samsung is teasing smart glasses again
News
This rumored iPhone 18 color will make you switch phones
The rumored Dark Cherry color looks so premium.
(Cosmic) orange is the new black. With the iPhone 17 series, Apple introduced the color as the next fashion statement for the ubiquitous phone. If you see an orange phone today, chances are that it’s an all-new iPhone 17 Pro Max. This year, the series might get another new statement color: Dark Cherry.
Though the usual suspects of colors will always be there, Apple often leaves a bit of room for more experimental options for those who want to stand out with their new phone. As you can probably tell from the ongoing deluge of orange, the strategy is working well for Apple.
According to Macworld, Apple is working on a Dark Cherry option for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
Red isn’t a color foreign to the iPhone. In the past, several generations included a limited red colorway option. If the reports are true, red might be a standard option, rather than a limited edition.
But, of course, Dark Cherry is different from the red that we’re used to. Instead of the bright red, the new option will be more similar to the color of wine.
Besides Dark Cherry, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will also have Light Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver as options. Though Light Blue also looks great, the wine-like color looks like a personal highlight for me. I didn’t know I wanted a wine-colored iPhone until I saw the renders for this.
SEE ALSO: iPhone 18 may have lower specs and a delayed launch, rumor says
-
Cameras2 weeks agoDJI Osmo Pocket 4 review: A solo creator’s production crew
-
Reviews2 weeks agoHONOR MagicPad4: A tablet that found its place
-
Automotive2 weeks agoLuxury you can ride: The Vespa 180cc Collection
-
Reviews7 days agoHONOR 600 review: A taste of more
-
Laptops7 days agoASUS Zenbook S14 (2026) review: The perfect portable buddy
-
News2 weeks agovivo X300 FE launches with ZEISS telephoto system
-
News1 week agoForget the Pro+ and Ultra! HUAWEI unveils the Pura 90 Pro Max
-
Malaysia1 week agoThe OPPO Find X9 Ultra is Galaxy S26 Ultra’s biggest enemy

