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Here’s what using Samsung’s upcoming XR headset might be like
(Image credit: Google)
We know thatSamsung has its own XR headsetthat will arrive at some point over the next 12 months. But beyond a few minor hardware details, like the fact it’ll run on aSnapdragon XR Plus Gen 2 chip, the device is still a complete mystery. But we may have just got our first look at what the headset’s interface and apps might look like.
This isn’t a leak per-se, since this glimpse comes directly from theAndroid XR developer blog. Since we know that the Samsung headset (aka Project Moohan) will run onAndroid XR, this is our best possible look at what the headset might be like — second only to a demonstration from Samsung itself.
(Image credit: Samsung)
The blog post features a six-second video showing off a handful of app windows overlain over the real world. While brief it does show how app windows might look if you were wearing an Android XR headset, though unsurprisingly they don’t look much different from app windows on an Android tablet.
Android XR also offers users the option to switch between two modes called Home Space and Full Space. Home Space is a multitasking view with multiple app windows, and what seems to be your real-world surroundings in the background.
Home Space (left) vs Full Space (right)(Image credit: Google)
Meanwhile Full Space only offers a single window at a time, with a virtual background. HomeSpace is the default view, and the button essentially switches back and forth from the full-screen mode.
Presumably such a feature would also be available on Samsung’s headset, though the actual design of the windows may differ. After all, Samsung Galaxy phones run on Android, but the One UI interface means that things look a little different than they do on other phones. There could be similar differences with the stock version of Android XR compared to Samsung’s take — with windows possibly even taking some design cues from the upcomingOne UI 7.
Googlealso confirmed that Android XR will support multiple inputs, including hand and eye tracking, voice control, keyboard and mouse, plus dedicated controllers. Hand tracking also enables gesture control, including a pinch gesture similar to the one we’ve already seen onApple Vision ProandApple Watch 9.
We’re expecting to see more of Project Moohan at CES 2025, which starts on January 7. So we should be seeing a lot more information about the headset, and what Samsung has in store for us, in the next couple of weeks.
Google researchers turn Android devices into scientific ionosphere tools
Phone-based maps outperform the traditional Klobuchar ionospheric model globally
Underserved regions like Africa benefit from enhanced ionosphere data
Geomagnetic storms are tracked with high precision using smartphone networks
Mapping the ionosphere is critical for improving the accuracy of navigation systems, but existing methods face significant limitations. While ground-based GNSS stations provide detailed maps of ionospheric total electron content (TEC), their coverage is uneven, leaving large gaps in underserved regions.
Now, researchers fromGoogleResearch, Mountain View, CA, USA, have demonstrated an innovative solution utilizing millions ofAndroid smartphonesas a distributed network of sensors in a study published inNature.
Despite being less precise than traditional instruments, these devices effectively double the measurement coverage, offering accurate ionosphere data and addressing longstanding infrastructure disparities.
The ionosphere, a layer of ionized plasma extending from 50 to 1,500 km above Earth, significantly impacts Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals by introducing positioning errors. However, traditional ground-based GNSS stations, while precise, suffer from limited spatial coverage and leave underserved regions vulnerable to inaccuracies.
The research from Google Research capitalizes on the billions of smartphones equipped with dual-frequency GNSS receivers to address coverage gaps. Unlike conventional GNSS stations, smartphones are mobile, widely distributed, and capable of capturing vast amounts of data.
By aggregating and averaging measurements from millions of devices, researchers achieved accuracy comparable to dedicated monitoring stations, even resolving phenomena like solar storms and plasma density structures.
Android’s GNSS API facilitated the collection of satellite signal data, such as travel times and frequencies, which were then used to estimate the ionospheric total electron content (TEC).
The study showed that while individual phone measurements are noisier than those from monitoring stations, their collective data provided robust and reliable results.
Comparisons showed the phone-based TEC model outperformed existing methods like the Klobuchar model, widely used in mobile phones.
Using data from Android phones, the researchers doubled the measurement coverage of the ionosphere compared to traditional methods, and were able to map plasma bubbles over India and South America and storm-enhanced density over North America during a geomagnetic storm in May 2024.
They also observed mid-latitude troughs over Europe and equatorial anomalies – a phenomena previously inaccessible due to sparse station coverage.
Notably, regions like India, South America, and Africa, often underserved by traditional monitoring networks, benefited significantly from this approach, which produced real-time, high-resolution TEC maps.
Before Samsung launched theGalaxy S24series in January, there were rumors that the new phones would include satellite messaging, similar to the feature available on Apple’s newer models. While this feature was not included at the launch, it’s now finally rolling out for some users.
According toSamMobile, some Galaxy S24 andGalaxy Z Fold 6users in the U.S. are now starting to receive this feature.
Before getting too excited, however, this news comes with a caveat. It’s only available to T-Mobile customers who applied to test the company’s T-Mobile Starlink service. T-Mobile announced that feature in August 2022, and earlier this month, it (finally)announcedthat satellite messaging beta registration would soon be available for direct-to-cell satellite service. It doesn’t require a fee; you must have a postpaid account. You cansign up to test the feature now.
For users with supported devices, navigate to Settings > Connections > Satellite Networks to find the listing. Once set up, you can send and receive messages in areas without nearby cellular network coverage.
The T-Mobile Starlink service remains in beta. When released to the public, it should be available on any T-Mobile Android phone with LTE connectivity.
Android 15introduced satellite messaging support to Android phones for the first time, potentially enhancing communication capabilities in remote areas where traditional cellular networks are unavailable. This feature enables users to send texts for emergencies and other important messages via satellite, ensuring connectivity even in the most isolated environments.
However, carrier support and compatible devices are required to utilize this functionality entirely. Unfortunately, most manufacturers are still integrating this capability into their devices.
Meanwhile, since the iPhone 14 series, Apple iPhones have supported satellite messaging.
Thanks to iOS 18.2,Apple Intelligencehas pretty much arrived on iPhones, and based on our own reportingGenmoji is proving a hit. Genmoji, a portmanteau of generative and emoji, is an artificial intelligence-powered feature that combines two emojis to make a custom one.
I’m not a fan of Genmoji. Maybe it’s the fact that the resulting emoji sport that creepy veneer of all AI-made images; maybe it’s my Android fanboyism’s natural aversion toApple… or maybe it’s the fact that I absolutely love Android’s own version of Genmoji.
Yes, Android has its own version of Genmoji, and true Android fashion, Google actually introduced it way ahead of Apple; in 2020 to be exact. This feature is called Emoji Kitchen, and far too few people have heard of it (possibly because of that strange name).
Emoji Kitchen, like Genmoji, lets you select pick two emoji and have them combine into a new one. Smiley face plus pineapple equals smiling pineapple, crying face plus cat equals crying cat, you get the picture.
As a tech reporter, I downloaded Emoji Kitchen as soon as it was made available and have been using it ever since. In fact, I absolutely love it and use it all the time, and with Genmoji potentially making Android users green with envy, it’s time to revisit this far superior alternative.
Back when Emoji Kitchen was introduced, you needed to enrol in a beta to access it. But now anyone on Android can, as long as you’re using the default keyboard option GBoard. Emoji Kitchen doesn’t work on all messaging apps but the key ones are supported includingWhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, Messenger and a few others.
To use Emoji Kitchen, open the chat log and press in the message box, where you type. Instead of typing, press the smiley-face icon to the left of the space bar, which brings up the menu that normally lets you send emoji, gifs and stickers.
Now, pick your first emoji and press it. Instantly, in the space between the keyboard and the messaging log, you’ll see a section appear for Emoji Kitchen, giving you some suggested custom emojis (I think these are based on your most-used emoji but I’m not certain).
To combine two emoji of your choice, find in the emoji list your second choice and press it. Now, the leftmost option of the Emoji Kitchen carousel will be the custom pick. Press it, and your concoction will be sent in the chat as a sticker. Unfortunately, you can’t send them in a message as with standard emoji.
My favorite part of Emoji Kitchen is just playing around with emoji combinations, but if you’d rather know what you’re sending, there’s afull list of options available here.
You can also use Emoji Kitchen on a computer, which lets you create emoji quickly and easily and copy-and-paste them into chats.
To do so simply Google search “Emoji Kitchen” and then press “Get Cooking” below the search bar.
A pop-up will appear that lets you choose from a range of emojis to combine, in a mathematical “X + X = X”. To create an emoji, select on the one you want to swap out and then press one of the ones in the list below.
Then to copy and paste your new custom emoji, press the ‘copy’ button (two rectangles, on top of each other) under the right-hand emoji to copy it. Paste it into another document or chat.
Unlocking the full potential of Emoji Kitchen
(Image credit: Google)
I love Emoji Kitchen because some of its resulting creations look silly. Silly but cute. And isn’t the big bonus of Android emoji over iOS ones that they look so much cuter? The veritable army of new cute combos is one of the reasons I keep using the feature.
My absolute favorite is the turtle emoji (some people tell me it’s a tortoise but its primary name according to emoji makers Unicode is “turtle”, take that!), with its hopeful simple smile, and about 75% of the Emoji Kitchen stickers I send nowadays are mash-ups featuring the turt. I spam my girlfriend with it so much that she baked me a gingerbread version of the turtle-alien mash-up, a Kitchen creation I was particularly taken with.
The thing is, the turtle alien emoji was sent because it was situationally relevant to what we were talking about (invasive species of turtles, not extra-terrestrial shelled reptiles), and that’s another aspect I enjoy about Emoji Kitchen. The ability to combine emoji creates so many situationally-relevant stickers to send, that there’s rarely a time I can’t find an emoji I’d like to send.
But my favorite thing about Emoji Kitchen, which is also a dig at Genmoji, is that the stickers simply look better. This is partly my preference but also partly that Genmoji are images made by an AI trying to slam two emoji together, and it tells. Emoji Kitchen, on the other hand, are hand-drawn, something thatGoogle has confirmed itself.
I’m not here to complain about AI, but you can tell that Genmoji lacks that human touch, sitting deep in that uncanny valley (alongside half of the other Apple Intelligence generative tools) while Emoji Kitchen basks in that cartoon cuteness. I need only show some of Apple’s own promotional images to prove this point:
(Image credit: Apple)
So if you’re an Android user, you shouldn’t feel jealous that you don’t have Genmoji. You should feel glad that you can use Emoji Kitchen instead.
We are approaching the next Unpacked event, and as usual, all the smartphone surprises that Samsung harbored have been spoiled by leaks. Granted, it’s a bit shaky to put all your faith in leaks. But what about some unceremonious web upload from one of the world’s top accessories brands?
Well, that just transpired on Dbrand’s website. The notoriously outspoken company haslisteddozens ofrendersdepicting the Galaxy S25 series smartphones, draped in avarietyof skins available for enthusiasts.
Of course,the design is familiar. A little too familiar, I’d say. The vanilla Galaxy S25 and its Plus trim look identical to each other. And also to their respective Galaxy S24 series counterparts. And their Galaxy S23 series iterations. Plus, a whole bunch of Galaxy A and M series phones.
One of them is the Plus. (Hint: It’s the bigger one. Thanks, Samsung!)
Theonly refinement is reserved for the Ultra version, which loses its signature sharp corners and goes with a slightly rounded approach. It’s not quite the dramatic corner radius that Apple has maintained across iPhones, iPads, and Macs over the years, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra still stands out.
What doesn’t stand out is the camera lens design, the display aesthetics, and the port-button profile. The saving grace could be a splash of new colors on the rear glass.What about the magnetically-driven Qi 2 wireless charging perk?Well, leaks are split on that convenience.
Among the new color options should be a dusty blue tone, as per leakerIceUniverse. If that turns out to be true, this is what it would look like on the Galaxy S25 series phones.
A lot can be written about Samsung’s conservative design. I am being pretty lenient here, but there are a few strong opinions in the Samsung fandom. And by fandom, I mean Reddit subs discussing Samsung Galaxy phones and Samsung’s official community forum.
“At least Samsung is not copying you know who, like everybody else.” That’s an argument rooted in factual accuracy, at least. “Why should they? Not everyone can afford or wants to pay for a flagship,” says one comment in a heated Redditdebateabout Samsung’s design approach.
But not everyone can buy into it. A healthy few also want a design that stands out and doesn’t make their thousand-dollar phone look like a $250 midranger with a near-identical design formula.
“I can’t speak for others, but I want a unique and good-looking phone, not just a powerful glass rectangle (especially for flagship prices),” claims one such Reddit argument.
I am siding with the second argument. I would rather have a flagship phone look the part than just go with slightly premium material. A case can be made about, well, cases, which are eventually going to hide all the snazz and jazz of your shiny new phone.
But that argument beats the whole purpose of spending top dollars on a high-end Galaxy S series phone. If performance is all you seek, you can get the same — and more — from a device like theRed Magic 10 Pro, which also blesses buyers with a ginormous battery.
Alternatively, if cameras are the only consideration, maybe a Google Pixel Pro series phone or the iPhone would also suffice. You are buying a premium Samsung phone, knowing all its strengths and willing to live with its weaknesses.
This phone costs half as much as a Galaxy Ultra series device. But it’s faster. And it looks terrific.
The least it can do is give you the satisfaction of unique, top-tier engineering every time you pick it up. I am hoping that Samsung comes up with some interesting shades and doesn’t keep most of the good ones limited to its online store the way it has done for the past few years.
Wishing for a change won’t change anything, of course, as the phones have been in production for a while now. But if the leaked Dbrand assets are anything to go by, I would pay for a two-tone Galaxy S25 series phone rather than a repetitive glass-and-metal chassis with a matching frame with a luster.
You’ve done it before, Samsung. Do it again, maybe.
Do unlimited reading with Amazon’s most impressive lineup yet.
All the popular models have gotten a big makeover, along with a surprise new addition. The Kindle brand name has long been synonymous with e-readers, and it’s easy to see why Amazon dominates the category.
Amazon is finally embracing color as it adds its first-ever color Kindle to the lineup, called theKindle Colorsoft Signature Edition. For most readers though, the new Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen) is a fantastic starting point if you’re looking to get your feet wet with an e-reader.
There are plenty of other great picks available at various price points. If you’re in the market for thebest E Ink tablet, here are some of our top choices when it comes to the best e-readers that Amazon makes.
+300ppi E Ink screen +IPX8 water resistance +Thin and light, with USB-C port +20% faster than before +Audible integration +Slight larger display
Reasons to avoid
-No physical buttons
The Kindle Paperwhite set the benchmark for affordable e-readers for a long time, and the latest model adds even more compelling features to the mix. The highlights of the Paperwhite (12th Gen) model include a faster processor which is said to deliver 25% quicker page turns, and a new oxide thin-film transistor in the display for a higher contrast ratio. The screen size is also slightly larger at 7 inches, and it’s the thinnest Paperwhite device yet. What’s impressive, is the (up to) three-month long battery life.
Like the previous model, the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite has IPX8 water resistance, which lets you take your e-reader to the pool. The Paperwhite can survive up to two meters of water for an hour, giving you much more flexibility. There’s only a single storage variant now with 16GB, allowing you to store thousands of books at a time. The Paperwhite also get an adjustable warm light so you can adjust the screen’s color temperature based on the ambient lighting around you. It comes in three neat colors; Black, Raspberry, and Jade.
Just like the11th Gen Signature Edition, there’s a new Paperwhite Signature Edition (12th Gen) too which has all of the features from the standard model, but with 32GB of storage, wireless charging, and auto-adjusting light sensors for roughly $50 more.
Display:6-inch display with built-in light, 300 ppi, 16-level gray scale
Weight:158g
Dimensions:157.8 x 108.6 x 8.0 mm
Storage:16GB
Battery life:Up to six weeks
Waterproofing:No
Colors:Black, Matcha
Reasons to buy
+Great value +Front light is nifty +Audible integration +Lightweight design +Bluetooth and USB-C charging
Reasons to avoid
-No water resistance
The entry-level Amazon Kindle is the perfect stepping stone if you’ve taken up reading as a hobby. The 2024 refresh comes in a fun Matcha shade, and it’s very compact and light weighing just 158g. It shares many of the features with the new Paperwhite like a 300 ppi display, 16GB of storage, Audible audiobook playback via Bluetooth, and the same max brightness of 94 nits. It does miss out on some features like the waterproofing, adjustable warm light, and has nearly half the battery life of up to six weeks.
The 2024 Amazon Kindle features faster page turns, and a front light that’s 25% brighter at max settings. Just like before, you can get it with or without lockscreen ads.
Colors:Black Kindle with Starfish, Cyber City, or Diary of a Wimpy Kid cover
Reasons to buy
+Same great features of the standard Paperwhite +Excellent value +Two-year warranty +Cover included +USB Type-C port
Reasons to avoid
-Heavier device -Only six months of Kids+ subscription (down from 1-year)
There’s never been a better device with a screen to hand to your kids than the Kindle Paperwhite Kids. This 12th Gen 2024 model gets all the same upgrades as the standard 2024 Paperwhite, but with a bundled cover and two years of “worry-free” warranty from Amazon. The latter entitles you to a ‘no-questions-asked’ replacement of the device in case it gets damaged through regular wear and tear. There are three new themes for the covers on the 2024 kids edition, which are Cyber City, Starfish, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
One of the other advanatge of getting the Kids edition of the Paperwhite is the six month subscription to Amazon Kids+. This used to be one year on the previous model, so its a bit of a downgrade actually. With this subscription though, your child will be able to read thousands of kid-friendly books for free. You can even restrict access to certian types of books for your child via the Amazon Kids+ Parent Dashboard app for Android and iOS.
+Premium Pen included +10.2-inch 300ppi e-paper display +Improved design +Amazing battery life with USB-C port +16GB, 32GB, and 64GB memory variants
Reasons to avoid
-Not waterproof -Large size can be uncomfortable to hold for long durations -Expensive
The new Kindle Scribe (2024) comes with a redesigned display with evenly thick white borders all around it. The e-reader has the same 10.2-inch glare-free display as the firstKindle Scribe, and with the paper-like texture makes it feel like you’re writing on an actual piece of paper. The new design looks a lot more modern and the added color option is welcomed. Amazon has addressed ourbiggest complaint with the Scribe, and the 2024 model has something called Active Canvas which lets you annotate directly within the pages of the book. Not only that, your notes stay anchored to the text and adapt to the change in layout or font size. This is a fantastic new addition, which should make it easier to read your written notes.
The new Kindle Scribe lets you highlight text for the first time. There’s also an AI-driven summary feature that’ll come as an update next year, which is said to be able to summarize pages or the notes taken in the hideable side panel. The second generation Scribe has the same three storage variants, and starts at the same price too of $399.99. The e-reader ships with the Premium Pen which is weighted to feel like an actual pen and sticks magneticallly to the side of the Scribe. It even has a soft-tip eraser for erasing written notes.
Best color Kindle
(Image credit: Amazon)
5. Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition
Best color Kindle
Specifications
Display:7-inch Colorsoft display, 300 ppi B&W, 150 ppi color, 16-level gray scale
Weight:219g
Dimensions:127.6 x 176.7 x 7.8 mm
Storage:32GB
Battery life:Up to eight weeks
Waterproofing:IPX8
Colors:Metallic Black
Reasons to buy
+7-inch color display +Up to eight weeks of battery life +Same features as Paperwhite Signature Edition +Supports wireless charging
Reasons to avoid
-Only comes in one color -Pricey
This bold new addition to the Kindle family finally lets you read your graphic novels in full color. Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition is essentially the Paperwhite Signature Edition but with a new color display. The screen can show black and white content at 300 ppi, but also color at 150 ppi. This version also lets you highlight text in different colors. The paper-like colors should make browsing your library more vibrant and comic books more fun to read. The new Kindle Colorsoft has dedicated child profiles too, so you can share your Kindle with your kids.
The Colorsoft has a claimed battery life of up to eight weeks, which is pretty respectable for a color display. It’s only available in a single Metallic Black though, which means you’ll have to get a case for it if you want a different look. This is Amazon’s first attempt at a color Kindle, which it hopes will keep customers looking for a color e-reader from going to the competition like Onyx Boox. The Kindle Colorsoft only comes in one storage variant, and it’s a bit on the pricey side.
How to choose
Which is the best overall?
The Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen) is the best e-reader for most people, and it is an absolute steal for what’s on offer. The superb features — in the form of water resistance, a bigger display, and a warm light setting — represent a significant step up from the base Kindle, making the Paperwhite 2024 a no-brainer if you’re in the market for a new e-reader. If you’re simply looking to upgrade from an older device, like a 11th Gen Paperwhite, then this might not be a massive upgrade for you.
What if I’m looking for some extra features?
The Signature Edition of the Paperwhite (12th Gen) tablet is worth looking at if you need more storage and wireless charging, on top of the slew of features already included with the base version.
Which is the best for writing?
The new Kindle Scribe 2024 is currently the best option if you’re looking for anE Ink tabletsporting the Kindle brand. The improved note-taking abilities and upcoming AI-integration makes it a no-brainer over the first model. It is quite expensive though which means you need to make sure you’ll use all its features before making this commitment.
Why should I buy the Kids Paperwhite over the standard version?
If you have a child and you want to get them their own Kindle, you may be wondering why the Kids version of the Paperwhite is a better option than the non-Kids Paperwhite. While the ordinary Paperwhite is certainly a viable pick for a child, the Kids version comes with the Amazon Kids+ trial, along with the Vocabulary Builder and Word Wise tools. A range of cases more suitable for children makes the Kids’ edition of the Paperwhite potentially more appealing visually as well.
What if I want a color e-reader?
In the world of Kindle, you only have one choice right now and that’s the newly launched Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition. It’s essentially the Paperwhite Signature Edition but with a color display and a higher price tag. If you’re reading regular books, this might not be of great value. But if you have a vast comic book or graphic novel collection, viewing them in color would be an infinitely better experience.
The Notes app has evolved into a powerhouse withiOS 18.2’s new Image Wand feature, which generates AI images from your descriptions or sketches. It’s part of Apple Intelligence’s growing toolkit, alongsideVisual Intelligencefor object and place recognition,Writing Toolsfor smarter messaging and, of course,Image Playground.
It’s a wonderful way to dress up your notes and you can choose from one of three styles: sketch, illustration and animation. It’s also possible to use the feature on an iPad. When combined with a Pencil, Image Wand really comes into its own as you’re able to hand write notes and create images based on that text.
Generated images can be moved around and resized, and there are few limitations. Beyond standard prohibited content, a notable limitation is it can’t generate images of people. Still, Image Wand is a great feature. Here’s how to get started with Image Wand.
How to replace a rough sketch with a professional image
Quickly get an image out of your head and on to the screen and then get Image Wand to produce something more stylish.
You can nowuse your finger to start drawingon the screen. It’s up to you what you draw — a castle or car, perhaps, if you want to experiment a bit.
3. Select Image Wand
When you have completed your sketch, simplytap the Image Wand icon. It’s the one which looks like a magician’s wand with a colorful tip.
4. Circle your sketches
Now,draw a circlearound your sketch and enter a description of the image you’ve created andtap Done.
5. Choose an image
You can nowswipe through the suggested imagesandtap one you’d liketo use. You canrewrite the descriptionif you wish.
6. Select a different style
Don’t like what you see?Tap the + iconandchoose a different style. You canselect Animation, Illustration or Sketch.
7. Use the image
Once you’re satisfied you like an image,b in the top right corner and you cancopy, share or save the image. When youtap Doneand go back to your note, you’ll find the chosen image has replaced your sketch.
How to edit an image you’ve created
You can make alterations to an existing image.
1. Select an image
Choose the imageyou want to edit andselect the edit buttonwhich looks like a blobby circle.
2. Make your edits
You will now see the image and any associated descriptions. You canadd a new description,tap an existing oneand modify it ortap “—”next to any element to remove it.
3. Remove backgrounds
Once an image has been placed within a note, you cantap the image,select the three-dot iconandchoose Remove Backgroundto isolate the main image.
How to use surrounding content to create an image
Image Wand can also be used to pull information from other words and pictures.
1. Tap Image Wand
Launch the Notes appandopen a note. Thentap the Sketch iconwhich looks like a pencil in a circle,select Image Wandanddraw a circle in an empty spaceclose to some words or images.
2. Draw a circle
Image Wand will be inspired by the nearby elements ans use them as the basis for your new image. You canswipe through the suggested imagesand make alterations.
It is also possible tohighlight some textandtap Create Image. Image Wand will get to work on a fresh creation.
And there you go. You now know how to use Image Wand in iOS 18.2. You can also learn How to use ChatGPT with Siri in iOS 18.2and try Apple Intelligence’s Photos Clean Up feature. You might also be interested in how to bring the volume slider back to your iPhone lock screen in iOS 18.2.
Gemini Advanced’s Deep Research feature was first announced for users early this month for English language.
The feature is now being expanded to more languages and regions.
Deep Research allows users to explore complex topics and convert them to an easy-to-read report within minutes.
Google has rolled out impressive upgrades for its Gemini, and as part of the upgrade, it also announced a new tool dubbed Deep Research for Gemini Advanced users, which is now expanding to more countries and in additional new languages.
Deep Research is a personal AI research assistant tool for Gemini AI users, and it is now available in over 45 languages and across 100 countries worldwide, the company announced for Gemini Advanced users just before the holidays. Users can try it by selecting “Gemini 1.5 Pro with Deep Research” from the Gemini Advanced drop-down menu.
Deep Research aims to save hours of time by “deeply analyzing relevant information from across the web,” making the AI assistant even more helpful than it already is.
For instance, if you raise a question, Deep Research “creates a multi-step research plan for you to either revise or approve. Once you approve, it begins deeply analyzing relevant information from across the web on your behalf.”
The new feature will try to explore complex topics and convert them to a more comprehensive and easy-to-read report, which can further be exported to your Google Docs.
The organized report will also include links with original sources, relevant websites, or businesses if users want to dive in further for more details. Since it’s an AI assistant, users can further ask follow-up questions or ask it to refine, and it will generate reports within minutes.
The search giant began the Deep Research rollout early this month for Gemini Advanced users on Desktop and mobile web. While the initial rollout was for English-speaking users, the latest announcement adds languages and more countries as aforementioned. The Gemini mobile app users, however, can expect the feature rollout as early as next year, according to the announcement blog post.
Much improved 4K video to match rivals, plus unique flip screen, but 8K is gimmicky
For
Excellent all-round video
Good low-light image quality
Impressive audio from built-in mics
Works slickly with Insta360 mobile app
Against
No built-in storage
Flip screen might not appeal to some
8K recording comes with lots of caveats
When Insta360 launched theAce Pro 2, it was clear that the series had come of age, with the new model ready to challenge theHero 13 BlackandOsmo Action 5 Pro. We now have three highly capable action cameras from three big names: GoPro,DJI, and Insta360. But which one is thebest action camera?
Truth is, each camera is better than any other model that has previously existed, and each model will serve you well capturing your adventures in stunning clarity, ably supported by image stabilization for smooth footage. However, each camera has its own take on the format and distinct advantages over the others in certain areas; so rather than address which one is best overall, which is a near-impossible task, the more useful question that we’ll aim to answer is:which one is the best for me?
This three-way versus piece highlights the key differences between these 4.5 star-rated cameras, and their common features. Hopefully, when you’ve read it you should have a better idea of which camera is best for your particular demands.
The Osmo Action 5 Pro costs the less than the Hero 13 Black and Ace Pro 2, but there are good-value bundles to be had with the other models
1. Insta360 Ace Pro 2 vs GoPro Hero 13 Black vs DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: price and availability
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 from $399.99
Hero 13 Black from $399.99
Osmo Action 5 Pro from $349
The GoPro Hero 13 Black came first on September 4 and hit the shelves later that month, costing $399.99 for the standard bundle. The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro followed two weeks later on September 19, and undercut GoPro with a lower asking price of $349 for a standard bundle. Then came the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 on October 22, at virtually the same price as the Hero 13 Black (unless you live in Australia where it’s pricier), costing $399.99.
DJI wins on price outright. However, there are variations in price when you start considering the bundles on offer with additional accessories, and many people will want to consider one of these depending on what they plan to use their camera for. It’s certainly worth checking out what accessories are available, and how much they add to the cost. For example, GoPro’s ‘Accessories’ bundle costs around the same as DJI’s Adventure Combo, with the two priced at $449 and $449 respectively.
Price winner: DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
The Ace Pro 2’s screen can be flipped up for the largest selfie display of the three cameras here, plus it can be tilted up for easy waist-level viewing
2. Insta360 Ace Pro 2 vs GoPro Hero 13 Black vs DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: design and displays
Ace Pro 2: Flip up 2.5-inch rear touchscreen
Hero 13 Black: twin LCD screens, only the 2.27-inch main screen is touch sensitive
Osmo Action 5 Pro: twin OLED screens, both touch sensitive, 2.5-inch main screen
Insta360 takes a unique approach to screen design in that its Ace Pro 2 is the only camera here with a flip-up rear touchscreen. At 2.5 inches it’s the largest display too. There’s also a small front LCD, but that’s for menus only, and doesn’t display the image when you’re taking selfies.
GoPro and DJI, on the other hand, utilize a front and rear dual-screen arrangement, and DJI has the upper hand over GoPro here: its Osmo Action 5 Pro has cutting-edge dualOLEDtouchscreens, while the Hero 13 Black has simpler dual LCDs, and only the rear screen is touch sensitive. The Osmo Action 5 Pro’s rear screen is larger than Hero 13 Black’s too, at 2.5 inches against 2.27 inches.
Both DJI’s and GoPro’s screens offers similar brightness levels, but overall DJI’s screens are better than GoPro’s. So what about the Insta360 Ace Pro 2? Well, there are distinct advantages to the Ace Pro 2’s flip-up screen: you get the largest selfie display for easier viewing, plus the screen can rest at any angle within its 180-degree range. That means you can tilt it up 90 degrees for easier viewing at low angles – and that facility will come in handy a lot, trust us. One example is when the camera is mounted to a bike – you can easily see the screen while riding.
It’s not a one-way street though. For selfies you need to take that extra step of flipping the screen up, whereas the Osmo Action 5 Pro’s fixed selfie screen is always there, even if it is smaller. There’s also the impact on design and durability overall. Action cameras are likely to take plenty of knocks, and the additional mechanisms in the flip-up screen could prove to be a point of weakness that the GoPro and DJI models don’t have – we haven’t broken an Ace Pro-series screen yet though.
The Ace Pro 2 is also a little larger than its rivals, and that’s no doubt due in part to its screen design. Which screen is best? It depends on how you’re using your camera, but the Ace Pro 2’s is the most versatile.
Design and displays winner: Insta360 Ace Pro 2
The Hero 13 Black’s best new feature is its auto-detected lens mount system. Add one of the HB-series of lenses or ND filters and the camera will automatically optimize settings accordingly
3. Insta360 Ace Pro 2 vs GoPro Hero 13 Black vs DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: design and accessories
Hero 13 Black: 33ft / 10m waterproofing, HB-series of lenses and filters, three ways to mount
Osmo Action 5 Pro: 66ft / 20m waterproofing, easy Bluetooth mic connectivity, 47GB internal storage
GoPro action cameras have been around the longest and enjoy the widest range of accessories, and dedicated accessories are what you’ll likely need to secure your camera for capturing the action. The Hero 13 Black also gained a new HB-series of lenses and ND filters, which opens up some exciting possibilities.
At the Hero 13 Black launch, GoPro also announced a macro lens with focus ring, an ultrawide lens (essentially the same as the previous Max Mod for the Hero 12 Black), and a set of four ND filters, plus an anamorphic lens that’s due in 2025.
What’s best of all is that these lens mods and filters are auto-detected by the Hero 13 Black, which will automatically optimize that camera settings accordingly. The Macro lens mod is especially handy for vlogging because it gives you a 4x shorter close-focus distance – the 40cm (approx) close-focusing distance of all the cameras, Hero 13 Black included, can make vlogging a challenge.
All three cameras have removable lens protectors, magnetic mounting as well as screw-on mounting, plus a durable build quality. The Osmo Action 5 Pro boasts the best waterproofing plus a built-in depth gauge, although there are also underwater cases available to further improve the waterproofing for serious divers – GoPro offers an optional 60m-proof underwater case.
Each camera also offers Bluetooth connectivity for accessories such as wireless mics. However, if you use any of DJI’s wireless mics with the Osmo Action 5 Pro, such as the Mic 2, the experience feels a lot slicker and streamlined than connecting third-party mics, as you’ll need to do with the other two cameras.
The Osmo Action 5 Pro is the only camera to offer internal storage, to the tune of 47GB. It otherwise records onto microSD, like the other cameras.
Design winner: GoPro Hero 13 Black
4. Ace Pro 2 vs GoPro Hero 13 Black vs DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: sensor and image quality
Ace Pro 2: 1/1.3-inch sensor, limited 8K video, 4K 60fps, up to 50MP photos
Hero 13 Black: 1/1.9-inch multi-aspect sensor, 27MP photos, 5.3K video
Osmo Action 5 Pro: 1/1.3-inch sensor, up to 40MP photos, 4K video
Insta360 and DJI go toe-to-toe in their sensor specs. Both are 1/1.3-inch, being larger than the GoPro’s, capable of shooting 50MP and 40MP stills respectively. We’ve shot night footage side by side with the two cameras, and you can see the results above – the quality is pretty similar, and streets ahead of the GoPro’s.
Both Insta360 and DJI also claim up to 13.5 stops of dynamic range. Presumably that’s in the optimizedHDRvideo mode – while the two cameras also offer night modes, called PureVideo (in4Kup to 60fps) and SuperNight respectively (in 4K up to 30fps).
The Ace Pro 2 is also the only camera here with8Kvideo. However, it comes with a few limitations: the field of view is smaller, it doesn’t support the camera’s best image stabilization, nor can you shoot with the new I-Log color profile. We can’t knock Insta360 for including it, especially as the other cameras don’t have it, but don’t pin your hopes on the Ace Pro 2’s 8K footage.
GoPro’s Hero 13 Black is the only camera to offer 5.3K video, together with HDR and HLG modes to eliminate blown highlights in bright clouds. Its 8:7 aspect 1/1.9-inch sensor is good for mixing up shooting horizontal, square and vertical footage, while its 27MP stills are decent.
When shooting in bright light the cameras are evenly matched, and so it comes down to taste really, with the Hero 13 Black arguably having the edge, while in low light the Ace Pro 2 and Osmo Action 5 Pro are evenly matched, with both outperforming the GoPro.
Sensor and image quality winner: Tie
The battery hub of the Osmo Action 5 Pro can recharge batteries quicker than its rivals
5. Ace Pro 2 vs GoPro Hero 13 Black vs DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: battery life
Ace Pro 2: 1800mAh battery with up to 3 hours record time (Enduro mode)
Hero 13 Black: 1,900mAh battery with up to 2.5 hours record time
Osmo Action 5 Pro: 1,950mAh battery with up to 4 hours record time
Improved battery life was clearly on the agenda for all three brands, with their latest flagships all boasting significantly better performance compared to their predecessors.
According to the specs, the GoPro Hero 13 Black can record 1080p video for up to 2.5 hours and 5.3K video for up to 1.5 hours. That would put it in last place. However, we found the Ace Pro 2’s superior battery life quotes to be generous, we were only able to record around 2.25 hours of 4K 30fps footage, or 70 minutes of 4K 60fps. That’s still an excellent if similar performance to GoPro. GoPro’s battery is a higher capacity cell, but Insta360 has seemingly been able to increase efficiency in its Ace Pro 2 camera.
DJI outdoes both Insta360 and GoPro with its marginally higher-capacity 1950mAh cell and notably higher battery life – the Osmo Action 5 can supposedly last up to four hours of 1080p shooting. It’ll also recharge batteries faster too, although not by much over the Ace Pro 2.
There are endless battery life tests that we could perform that could turn out different results to the quoted times that are based on certain camera settings. Utilizing Wi-Fi and GPS will have an adverse impact on battery life, as will leaving the screens on. You can extend the life of the battery by sacrificing any of those features.
Battery life winner: Osmo Action 5 Pro
6. Ace Pro 2 vs GoPro Hero 13 Black vs DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: shooting modes
Ace Pro 2: 4K 120fps slow-motion, 4K 60fps night and HDR modes
Hero 13 Black: 4K 120fps slow-mo, 2.7K video at 240fps, 400fps at 720p
Osmo Action 5 Pro: 4K SuperNight mode, 4K 120fps
There are shooting modes aplenty in all three cameras. Be warned, though: it’s normal for the more exotic modes – like the 8K resolution of the Ace Pro 2 or the 400fps slow-motion recording of the Hero 13 Black – to come with numerous caveats. I’ve already listed the limitations of the Ace Pro 2’s 8K, while the slow-motion recording modes of the Hero 13 Black are hampered by limited record times and prolonged buffering that delays when you can shoot again.
That said, each camera can be commended for offering the above modes that their rivals lack. For example, the Hero 13 Black’s 240fps mode can be shot in 2.7K resolution, whereas its rivals are limited to Full HD, plus it can shoot up to 400fps.
However, it’s the modes that users will typically rely on that should come under closer scrutiny. For example, HDR is extremely handy in good light for maintaining detail in bright highlights such as clouds. The Hero 13 Black can shoot HDR video at full 5.3K resolution, but only up to 30fps – you lose 60fps. Both Ace Pro 2 and Osmo Action 5 Pro can shoot 4K HDR up to 60fps. The Ace Pro 2’s night mode, called PureVideo, can record in 4K 60fps, while you lose that frame rate with the Osmo Action 5 Pro.
The best advice here is do your research. If you know that you’ll use a particular mode a lot, check out if it comes with limitations that could spoil the experience.
Modes and features winner: Tie
(Image credit: DJI / GoPro / Insta360)
Early verdict
We’ve reviewed each camera in-depth separately, and made basic comparisons between DJI and Insta360’s action cams against the GoPro Hero 13 Black. Each camera is highly capable in its own right, and which the best of the bunch depends on your needs.
GoPro has been in the game the longest, and has the widest range of accessories, which is further growing with its new HB-series of lenses and filters. The implementation of these accessories, particularly the auto-detection skills, is a standout feature. Insta360 is a relative newbie and has some way to go, although it’s active in the 360-degree camera space and has a decent set of accessories that are compatible with the Ace Pro 2, such as selfie sticks.
Of the three, GoPro is the brand that’s moving the slowest in terms of camera development. DJI and Insta360 had some catching up to do, and boy have they done that in a short time. DJI has doubled down on pro-friendly features, delivered superb build quality, battery life, waterproofing and audio recording with DJI accessories. Insta360 has the neat flip touchscreen and an excellent app editor.
Regarding image quality, if you’re shooting in good light, then the best image quality pretty much comes down to taste. We think the Insta360 Ace Pro 2’s 8K video recording is a bit of a gimmick, but its improved 4K video quality and color profiles are a match for its rivals. It’s even a close call between the Ace Pro 2 and Osmo Action 5 Pro for the best low-light performer, with GoPro otherwise lagging behind.
Whichever camera you land on, you have a winner on your hands.
Local manufacturers are once again likely to continue their dominance in 2025.
The Asian handset market is very interesting, with a significantly broader range of devices sold in the region than anywhere else. You have the usual Chinese contingent of Vivo, OPPO, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Honor dominating sales, but Samsung and Google also sell most of their products in Asian markets, and Apple is slowly building momentum with the iPhone.
I used over 70 phones over the course of 2024, and while there were devices that didn’t measure up to their asking price, I didn’t run into any bad phones as such. The one brand that stood out the most to me is Vivo. It delivered truly incredible cameras in theX100 ProandX100 Ultra, and it made heady gains in the mid-range with theV30 ProandV40 Pro, delivering much better sensors.
Clearly, I’m not the only one who liked the brand’s progress, as Vivo managed to extend its lead in both China and India considerably. Vivo is likely to continue that momentum in 2025 on the back of the X200 Pro. As much as I like the X200 Pro, I’m waiting to see what the X200 Ultra brings to the table. Vivo doesn’t actually need to change much with the device, but if it manages to retain the same set of cameras while making the phone available in at least select regions outside China, it will be a monumental achievement.
While the V series is stronger than ever, the upgrades with the V40 Pro pushed it closer to value flagships, and Vivo needs to focus on the Y series to maintain its mid-range presence. I’m excited to see what’s in store with the V50 and V50 Pro, and whether they can deliver the same caliber of photos as the X series.
Although OPPO lost ground in China, it solidified its position as the second-largest handset brand in India on the back of the Reno 12, K series, and A series devices. While I enjoyed using theFind X8 Proquite a bit, I don’t think OPPO has the cachet to steal market share from Apple and Samsung just yet, but its introduction in additional global markets should give OPPO a decent platform on which to build. The one issue I have with the X8 Pro is that it doesn’t have the best cameras the brand makes, and that will inevitably debut on the X8 Ultra sometime in Q2 2025. Just like with Vivo, the X8 Ultra needs to launch globally to make the cameras accessible by a wider audience.
OnePlus, meanwhile, is doing all the right things. Although the manufacturer lost market share in 2024, its device portfolio is stronger than ever, and the imminent global launch of theOnePlus 13should allow the brand to take on Samsung and Google. What I like is that the R series is also sold globally, and with the OnePlus 12R still one of the best mid-rangers available today, I’m intrigued to see what the 13R can deliver. I just want to see the device continue to deliver the same value-focused ethos, and with the manufacturer confirming a class-leading 6000mAh battery, it has the potential to do incredibly well.
Xiaomi continues to do well thanks to its budget-focused portfolio, but that narrative has changed in recent years as it shifted to the mid-range with devices like the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus. In doing so, Xiaomi is effectively ceding ground to its rivals, and that’s one of the reasons why it is no longer in the top position in India. The brand needs to rethink its strategy and go back to delivering budget phones with strong value — that just hasn’t been the case in the last two years. Honestly, Xiaomi needs to do an overhaul of its devices, and rethink its strategy. That’s the only way it can retain its footing against its rivals, but I don’t see the brand doing so in 2025.
I really like what Honor is doing these days; the Magic 6 Pro and Magic V3 are two of my best phones of the year — with the latter being one of the best foldables around — and the brand is taking a radically different strategy to everyone else, positioning itself as a premium player to stand out. While that may not yield market share, Honor certainly takes up a lot of mind share, and with the brand regaining its foothold in India, 2025 should be a pivotal year for its global ambitions. The Magic 7 Pro is launching shortly, and I’d like to see the device delivering better cameras; while the 6 Pro was great in its own right, it didn’t quite measure up to the X100 Pro, and Honor needs to be on the same level as Vivo.
I usually turn to a Pixel as my daily driver, and that hasn’t changed in 2024. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a worthy upgrade, and while it costs more, it has meaningful changes across the board and takes brilliant photos. The only issue with the device is that the hardware isn’t on par with its rivals, although that may change in 2025. Google is set to switch away from Samsung’s designs and go with MediaTek, which means that the Pixel 10 should be noticeably better in this regard. The biggest thing that Google needs to change with the Pixel 10 is the internal hardware; the Tensor platform may be good in mid-rangers, but it just doesn’t measure up against what Qualcomm and MediaTek are doing in the high-end category, and Google needs to do better. The latest leaks point to the brand doing just that with the Tensor G5, but I want to get my hands on the device to see how it actually holds up.
As for Samsung, the brand lost ground in India and other Asian markets this year, and that’sdown to its own shortcomings. While it built up an early lead in foldables, the lack of any meaningful innovation has allowed Chinese brands to eat into its market share, and Samsung is losing ground in the mid-range as well. What’s interesting is that the brand is positioning the FE devices as its value-focused models in major regions like the U.S. instead of traditional bestsellers like the Galaxy A55, and I don’t think that’s the best move. While high-end devices contribute to Samsung’s bottom line, it’s the mid-range where the brand sees a bulk of its sales, and it needs to bring its best devices to all regions.
Like much of the last decade, value-focused phones will dominate sales in 2025, but there is a growing demand for mid-range and even high-end devices, and that’s encouraging to see. With all major manufacturers introducing their products earlier than before, we don’t have to wait as long to see what’s in store with the best 2025 phones, and that’s always a good thing.
Credit: Google
