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The last few iPhone updates have brought a lot of changes with them. Just take a look atiOS 18.2: It introduced a ton of AI-powered features that had never before been available. If you have an older phone, it’s easy to worry that its hardware won’t be up to snuff for the next round of updates. For now, you can breathe easy: If your iPhone can handle iOS 18, then it should also work with iOS 19, according to a new leak.
The news comes from theFrench site iPhoneSoft. Although Apple guarantees five years of support for its devices, some devices get supported for longer periods of time, but this tip suggests that any phone currently capable of downloading and installing iOS 18 will also work with iOS 19, although some features could be limited.
Restricting features to expand update compatibility is nothing new. It’s already a part of the iPhone update cycle; this last update introduced Apple Intelligence features that only the most recent iPhones can use. Even an iPhone 14 is too outdated to handle it.
The leak says that any device from the iPhone XR or newer will be compatible. This includes the iPhone XS, XS Max, and the 2020 iPhone SE. It also includes the iPhone 11 and forward. However, some iPads will be left behind with the launch of iPadOS 19.
The iPad Mini 5th gen, iPad 8th gen, iPad Air 3rd gen, and iPad Pro 2018 or later will all be compatible with the next update. Any devices that predate these will lack the power needed to run iOS 19.
The continued compatibility, even with phones as far back as 2018, suggests that iOS 19 might not be a major shift from what the current version can do. It’s likely that Apple will steer more toward Apple Intelligence features, utilizing the existing platform.
Google drops Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking, an AI model that thinks on its feet.
What you need to know
Google’s Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking lets you see how it tackles tough problems, giving you a peek into its thought process.
Unlike OpenAI’s o1 model, which keeps things hidden, Gemini spells out its reasoning, making it easier to follow and avoid AI mistakes.
This approach helps Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking handle tougher challenges better than the standard version.
The model is free to try on Google’s AI Studio, though it has a 32,767-token limit.
Google has introduced Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking, an experimental AI model that lays out how it tackles tough problems in order to let you peek into its thought process and make it easier to see how it works.
Gemini 2.0Flash Thinking blends Flash tech’s speed with the reasoning chops of OpenAI’s o1 model. The difference is thatGeminispells out its thought process, while o1 keeps things behind the curtain. That clear breakdown makes it a win for anyone needing to follow complex reasoning and dodge surprise AI slip-ups.
This unique approach helps it outshine the standardGemini 2.0 Flashon tougher challenges.
Logan Kilpatrick, head of product for AI Studio, calls this model a big first step in Google’s push for smarter AI reasoning. Unlike most AI systems, these reasoning models can self-check their work, reducing common errors. The trade-off is that it takes a bit longer to get answers—sometimes seconds or even minutes.
Google DeepMind’s chief scientist, Jeff Dean, showed off on X some capabilities of Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking.
Want to see Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking in action? Check out this demo where the model solves a physics problem and explains its reasoning. pic.twitter.com/Nl0hYj7ZFS
The demo featured the AI solving tough physics problems by breaking them into smaller steps, showcasing its knack for methodical problem-solving and delivering solid, reliable results.
In another demo from Kilpatrick, the model shows off its impressive reasoning skills by combining visual and text data to solve a problem. It highlights how well the model can process and blend info from different sources.
While early demos have shown some missteps or missed details, it’s important to remember that this model is still in its early stages. Even so, these first impressions highlight the impressive potential of the DeepMind AI architecture.
The new model is free for everyone to try on Google’s AI Studio platform. That said, it has a 32,767-token limit, so it’s a bit capped compared to other versions. Still, it’s impressive how quickly it handles tricky problems that usually leave regular AI models scratching their heads.
This isn’t the first time a China-based phonemaker became embroiled in an international patent dispute.
Motorola’s comeback tour in the U.S. might be quickly coming to an abrupt halt. The brand, still a minor player in the overall market for thebest Android phones, found recent success with theMotorola Razr lineof budget and flagship foldables. However, a patent dispute between Sony Ericsson and Motorola Mobility (owned by Lenovo) could eliminate the availability of Motorola handsets in the U.S., according toReuters.
In an initial ruling Tuesday, Dec. 17, a judge for the U.S. International Trade Commission decided that Motorola’s phones infringe on key 5G patents held by Sony Ericsson. The smartphones in question include those in the Moto G, Edge, and Razr lineups. If the initial ruling by the ITC stands, imports of Motorola phones in the U.S. could be banned, all but eliminating their availability.
The ITC will issue a final ruling in April 2025, and if its initial decision is upheld, a ban on Motorola phones in the U.S. is likely to happen. That would have ripple effects throughout the U.S. market, because Lenovo made up 14% of the country’s mobile market share as of Q3 2024, according toCounterpoint Research. Crucially, some of the brand’s most successful smartphones are involved in the dispute.
Motorola’s absence would leave a hole in the market, notably where clamshell foldables are concerned. There simply isn’t another player making affordable foldables in the U.S. like Motorola did with the Razr 2023 and Razr 2024. It’s possible that instead of elevating a growing brand like OnePlus, a ban on Motorola phones would just make the big three of Apple, Samsung, and Google even more dominant.
In November 2024, one industry report indicated thata major competitor in the foldable market was considering an exit. Entering 2025, we could be down at least one foldable manufacturer if that report turns out to be accurate. Motorola could represent another, and it’s possible that no one steps up to replace it. We could be back where we started, with Samsung as the only major clamshell foldable manufacturer and no need to innovate due to a lack of competition.
It seems like patent disputes in the mobile sector are becoming increasingly common.OPPO and Vivo recently ended a dispute with Nokiaabout 5G patents, andOnePlus is now in hot water again in Germanyover a similar issue. While it’s great that brands are being held accountable for their use of patents, it’s a shame that these decisions only decrease the number of phones that are available for consumers.
If that sounds familiar, it should. In recent years, multiple Chinese brands have become involved in patent disputes surrounding their uses of 5G technology in smartphones. Notably, Motorola itself is fighting the same battle with Sony Ericsson in multiple markets. Initial court decisions in Brazil and Columbia already ruled in favor of Sony Ericsson, and more legal battles are taking place in South America and the United Kingdom, per Reuters.
How did we get here? The tide started to turn in Sony Ericsson’s favor earlier this month when an ITC judge rejected Motorola’s best defense against the patent infringement claims. Motorola said that a 2011 license agreement between it and Sony Ericsson covered use of Ericsson technology inMoto G,Edge, and Razr phones. In other words, the company isn’t denying it used the technology — it’s arguing that it was allowed to.
The problem with Motorola’s claim is that the 2011 agreement was penned ages ago, before the company was sold to Google and then soldagainto Lenovo. More importantly, a clause in the licensing agreement explained that Motorola would be able to use the licensed technology in “commercially reasonable updates or extensions of such Licensed products.” The ITC judge ruled in favor of Ericsson, tossing aside Motorola’s argument on the basis that none of the three phone lineups in question even existed at the time the 2011 agreement was reached (viaIP Fray).
Motorola could explore other legal avenues to block the move — lawyers for Lenovo previously argued that the licensing agreement was covered by U.K. law, and suggested that the ITC should wait for U.K. courts to rule before issuing its own ruling. Of course, in light of the ITC’s preliminary decision, that didn’t happen. And if the ITC’s ruling is upheld, Motorola phones could be off the shelves for the foreseeable future.
Which of the biggest names in ereaders works best for you?
(Image credit: Amazon / Kobo)
Digital reading has gained popularity so much that ereaders are now one of the most popular tablets people are buying. It’s not uncommon to see someone on public transport staring at aKindleor someone scribbling away on an e-paper tablet at the airport lounge while waiting to catch a flight.
And while the name ‘Kindle’ is still synonymous with ‘ereader’, there’s a lot of competition coming from one other brand – Kobo. There are currently five Kobo ereader models to choose from, compared to seven Kindles, but how exactly do the two differ and does it really matter which one you choose?
Well, both brands have ereaders that are quite similar to each other, but they offer something a little different in terms of features. To help you make the best buying choice possible, we’ve put together this little guide to help you answer the ereader conundrum of Kindle vs Kobo – which is best.
Kindle, of course, is owned by Amazon, while Japanese company Rakuten owns Kobo. Both make exquisite e-paper tablets to suit all types of readers and budgets, but they are cut from different cloth. There are other players in the ereader market, of course, with the likes of Onyx Boox, Barnes & Noble’s Nook ereaders and even PocketBook offering alternatives, but their availability around the world is limited and, even though they can be imported, they could cost you a pretty penny to do so.
That leaves Kindles and Kobos as the main choice, so here’s what you need to know before you buy.
When it comes to screen technology, both Kobo and Kindle ereaders arealmostthe same for the black-and-white models. The entry-level 2024 Kindle still uses the old hardware, so retains the E Ink Carta 1200 display, but the Kobo Clara BW and the two 2024 Paperwhites now use the E Ink Carta 1300 screen tech.
The next-gen in e-paper technology has a slight edge over the previous 1200 generation as it offers even better contrast than before. That means text on the page appears darker, so easier to read, and also sharper. It’s also a marginally more responsive screen, which makes page turns on the new Kindles remarkably quick.
All the current ereaders available from both Amazon and Kobo have a 300ppi screen resolution for grayscale displays, with the sole exception of the 10.3-inch Kobo Elipsa 2E, which gets a slightly lower 227ppi resolution. That, however, doesn’t diminish how well text and writing appears on the display. However, in terms of design, every Kobo screen is covered in plastic, while Kindle has a couple of models that’s topped with glass, giving them a premium look.
When it comes to screen size, though, Kobo has Kindle beat – covering 6 inches all the way to 10.3 inches, there’s even options for 7 and 8 inches. With Amazon, you get 6 inches, 7 inches and 10.2 inches.
IPX8 water resistance is available from both, (except on the entry-level Kindle and the 10-inch models from both brands), as are adjustable illuminated displays for reading in the dark. Most of the higher-end models also allow you to change the hue (or temperature) of the light from cold to warmer yellow for nighttime reading. However, only the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and the 2024 Kindle Scribe have a front light with an ambient light sensor that auto-adjusts its brightness. The former is also capable of wireless charging, which Kobo doesn’t offer at all.
An increasingly popular feature available from both Kobo and Kindle is Bluetooth, great for pairing wireless earphones, primarily for listening to audiobooks, although Amazon has disabled Audible support for Australia.
Amazon has also discontinued its one and only asymmetric ereader (the Oasis), which means Kobo is the only one to still offer physical page-turn buttons on select devices for better ergonomics when holding a device single-handed.
Current ereaders from both Kobo and Kindle go from 16GB through to 64GB (the high-end Kindle Scribe) of onboard storage, with all Kobo models from the Libra Colour and bigger offer 32GB as default. We’re not convinced that internal storage is hugely important unless you intend to cram an insane number of audiobooks onto your ereader as, otherwise, the base 16GB can hold hundreds of ebooks, if not thousands.
Kobo devices offer basic Wi-Fi across the entire range, which will suffice for most users, and that’s true on most Kindles, too, although dual-band Wi-Fi is now available on the newer Paperwhite models.
Amazon used to give Kindle users cellular connectivity for downloading ebooks too (and checking email) while away from Wi-Fi, though that no longer seems to be case in any market.
Kindle vs Kobo software, side-loading and storefronts
The most important differences between the Kindle and Kobo are in their software. Both devices are slick enough, especially since Kindle revamped its OS in 2021. Since then, it’s become very Kobo-like.
Depending on which ereader model you buy from either brand, your home screen setup will appear differently, with the number of tabs at the bottom changing if you have a note-taking ereader. Kobo’s OS is a bit more comprehensive here, with multiple tabs for ebooks, notes and Kobo’s own store. We found that the Kindle’s home screen can look comparatively more cluttered than on a Kobo, but it’s still easy to navigate.
Both brands offer direct access to their own online stores hosting many millions of ebooks. The major difference between Kindle and Kobo is that the former is locked to the Amazon store and the latter offers a more widely accessible experience. Kindles are best for those happy to download ebooks (and Audible audiobooks where support is available) to their device only from Amazon, whether via one-time downloads or while usingKindle Unlimitedand/orAmazon PrimeReading.
File format support is quite good from both brands, and that includes the Kindles now playing nice with EPUBs, which are natively supported. That said, you cannot plug in a Kindle directly to your PC to transfer files via a wired connection – you need to use the Send To Kindle platform.
On the other hand, Kobo offers unlimited reading viaKobo Plusin some markets, while its ereaders natively support all kinds of file formats from EPUB and MOBI to PDF and CBZ and CBR Comic Book formats, all of which can be side-loaded either via a wired connection or via cloud sync on the more premium models. Kobo will also allow you to side-load custom fonts too, including Amazon’s own (and rather popular) Bookerly.
In short, Amazon Kindles suit anyone willing to get tied up in a closed ecosystem, while Kobo is a little more open. The only exception that Kobo makes is audiobooks, which will play on it Bluetooth-enabled models when only purchased from the Kobo Store – no side-loaded audiobooks will work on a Kobo.
Kindle vs Kobo note-taking
It’s not much talked about, but ereaders from Kindle and Kobo allow users to highlight passages of text and type notes by pressing, holding and dragging a finger across text. On a Kindle those notes are fully searchable within an online notebook and accessible via the Kindle app on a smartphone.
However, full-featured note-takers are now gaining popularity and Amazon now has two Kindle Scribe models available for purchase. Kobo gives you a bit more variety, with stylus support on the Libra Colour, the Sage and the Elipsa 2E, so it covers different screen sizes. The last model is the only one that ships with the Kobo Stylus 2, but it can be purchased separately for use with the others.
Notes are accessible via the Kindle or Kobo apps, but you can email them to yourself on the Kindle Scribe, or sync toGoogleDrive or Dropbox on one of the Kobos.
While you can scribble in the margins of ebooks on a Kobo Libra Colour, Sage or Elipsa 2E, it works a little differently on the new Kindle Scribe. The latter uses afeature called Active Canvas(which the older Kindle Scribe will get in 2025), that automatically adds a box around your squiggles and indents the adjoining lines to reformat the page, wrapping text around your annotation.
You can create notes/notebooks of various kinds on note-taking ereaders from both brands, although the pen types and ink shades are far better on a Kobo. Moreover,Kobo’s Advanced Notebooksoffer a staggering number of tools that include handwriting recognition for converting your notes to text, plus the capability of inserting drawings, diagrams and formulae into your notes.
There are someAI features on the new Kindle Scribe, but currently available only to US customers. These include a summary option and handwritten conversion.
Borrowing library books
If you live in the US, your options to borrow ebooks from your local public library are much more. Both Kindle and Kobo ereaders will work, with the latter using OverDrive support to do so.
However, if you live outside the US and you wish to borrow library books, then Kobo should be your port of call. Every single Kobo ereader has OverDrive baked in, so you can check with your local library if support is available. After that, you just need a library card to get set up. Kobo is available in select countries, so you will need to check on library support in your local area before deciding to purchase – in Australia, for example, most public libraries now offer OverDrive support.
There was a time when a Kindle was the better-value device but given Amazon’s penchant for price increases with each new release, it’s getting harder to justify a Kindle. That’s more so because in some markets, Amazon isn’t even offering Audible support on the Kindles anymore.
Kobo, on the other hand, has managed to balance price and features much better and, despite some models costing more, offers better value for money now. From waterproofing for its entry-level model (Kobo Clara BW) to adopting the latest screen tech, Kobo has stayed ahead of the curve.
Moreover, all the 2024 Kobo ereaders are repairable, which is a gold star in our books.
Moreover, if you really want to tinker with the parameters of the text, bring in ebooks and documents in several different formats and arrange them in custom collections, then you should be looking at a Kobo ereader. That goes double if you live outside the US and are keen on borrowing library books.
However, if you’re a bit less demanding and you’re fine with just downloading books from Amazon, a Kindle is probably going to be the most convenient option for you. Or if you live in the US, where there’s wider library support for Kindles.
It’ll be a major boost to the availability of Gemini features for iPhone users.
(Image credit: Google)
What you need to know
The public build of the Gemini app for iOS is getting Gemini 2.0 Experimental models before the Android version.
Gemini 2.0 Flash Experimental hit the Gemini app in the Android beta channel earlier this week.
Additionally, the iOS app supports more languages and extensions.
Google is continuing to roll out experimental features based on its Gemini 2.0 models, and now, the Gemini app for iOS is starting to get feature parity with its Android counterpart. According to the release notes, the latest Gemini app update landed on the App Store on December 18. Among them, Google included support for the experimental Gemini 2.0 model and support for two additional Gemini extensions.
Currently, updating toversion1.2024.4970016of the Gemini app for iOS adds the option for Gemini Advanced subscribers to use Gemini 2.0 Flash Experimental. This is an early version of Google’s smaller, lightweight AI model. Although the app’s release notes describe the update as adding support for “our latest experimental Gemini 2.0 models,” only 2.0 Flash Experimental appears to be live at the moment. The higher-end model,Gemini 2.0 Experimental, hit the Gemini web client Dec. 17 but isn’t available in the mobile app.
Notably, the Gemini app for iOS is receiving the Gemini 2.0 Flash Experimental model before the Android app. The functionalityreached beta testers this week, while it went straight to public release on the iOS version. It still requires Gemini Advanced, which costs $20 per month.
(Image credit: Google)
The iPhone app got a few other upgrades, too. It’s available in the following 11 new languages: Bulgarian, Estonian, Gujarati, Kannada, Latvian, Lithuanian, Malayalam, Serbian, Slovenian, Swahili, and Urdu. Additionally, Gemini Live support was added for the following 21 languages: Bengali, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, Gujarati, Hungarian, Kannada, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Malayalam, Marathi, Norwegian Bokmål, Romanian, Slovenian, Swahili, Swedish, Tamil, Telugu, Ukrainian, and Urdu.
Gemini Advanced users can also agree to store their personal information to get better responses from Gemini. Plus, “conversation starters” are coming to the Gemini app for iOS for non-subscribers.
Two new extensions are arriving on the platform for the first time, too. TheGoogle Home extension launched on Android last month, and it’s now available for iOS. The same goes for the Google Photos extension.
As it tries to build up Gemini to compete with ChatGPT, it has done a decent job of bringing its best features to both versions of the Gemini mobile app — iOS and Android. This time around, the public build of the Gemini app for iOS is getting a hit feature before the Android version.
You can check your Oura Year in Review report now, while Oura has highlighted global trends for Oura users’ sleep, stress, and more.
What you need to know
Oura released its 2024 Year in Review report highlighting Oura Ring users’ Global Community Data.
New Zealand retained its 2023 crown for the country with the best sleep scores, followed by Australia and Sweden.
The United States is the “most stressed country,” with North Dakota topping the states.
You can check your personal 2024 trends in the Oura app’s Today tab, with monthly stats for steps, resilience, stress, and so on.
Oura Ring users looking for some insights into what went right (and wrong) in 2024 should open up their apps: Oura just released its 2024 Year in Review reports, with “personalized insights” based on your sleep, stress, and activity data this year.
The report will highlight your average sleep and wake times, and how those changed every month, noting if you weren’t consistent or formed bad habits over time, based on data from yourOura Ring 4orOura Ring 3.
The Oura Year in Review report will also indicate the times of day when you were most active (or stressed), your total steps and naps for the year, and whether your Cardiovascular age (relative to your real age) trended upwards or downwards in 2024.
(Image credit: Oura)
Outside of your personalized data, Oura is also releasing some curatedGlobal Community dataabout its users, showing international trends and average stats.
According to Oura, New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, Finland, and Austria had the five best sleep score averages worldwide. Compared to the2023 report, the Kiwis improved their sleep average by 1.8 points to 79.8 to keep their top spot, while Australia rose from #5 to #2 and Austria kicked off Switzerland. The worldwide sleep score average is 77, or Fair.
Ireland led the daily step-count average at 10,079, the only country to hit the10,000-step mark— though there’s reason to questionhow many of those steps are false positives. Estonia, the UK and Northern Ireland, Sweden, and Czechia took the next four spots.
Sweden seems to be the all-around champion of this Oura 2024 report, as its users have the lowest cardiovascular age gap of -2.63 years, followed by Norway, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and Denmark. Generally speaking, these Scandanavian and middle-European countries seem to have a healthier lifestyle worth emulating.
If you’ve noticed America’s conspicuous absence from this list, the U.S. did show up #1 in one category: most stressed. Oura attributed it to our “fast-paced cultrue, sedentary lifestyles, and pervasive sleep deprivation,” as well as a “high-stakes election” pushing up stress in recent months.
Oura didn’t share specific U.S. state data in this summary, but it did share some interesting tidbits with us directly: Montana had the highest sleep scores, New Yorkers were the most active, Hawaii had the lowest Cardiovascular age, and North Dakota was the most stressed.
We love this trend of fitness companies sharing general trends, as a baseline for people to compare against. For example, theStrava annual reportshowed the median averages for runners, cyclists, and hikers across age groups, along with their favorite devices for activities. And theGarmin annual reportdiscussed people’s average Body Battery, Daily Readiness, sleep, and stress scores; Garmin users seem to sleep worse and be less “ready” than Oura users, though this may be because of a more active lifestyle.
The service would reportedly have customers rent devices instead of buying them.
Apple has apparently shelved its plans for aniPhone hardware subscription service. It’s just as well — the last thing anyone needs in this economy is yet another ongoing expense.
Bloombergreports that Apple is no longer working on its iPhone subscription service, according to sources close to the matter.First rumoured in 2022, the tech giant’s hardware subscription would have given customers the option to pay a regular monthly fee to essentially rent their iPhone. They’d also be able to upgrade to the latest iPhone as new models were released.
This iPhone subscription service had reportedly been planned for launch the same year it was leaked, but was delayed by issues such as software problems and legal concerns. Now it seems the service won’t arrive at all.
Judging from the scant details that have emerged, Apple’s proposed subscription service seemed to have borne some similarities to its iPhone Upgrade Program. Introduced in 2015, this program allows customers to enter a two-year monthly payment plan for their iPhone, with current plans starting at $39.50 per month for the 128GB iPhone 16. Once they’ve made 12 payments, they’re eligible to upgrade their phone when the next model arrives, entering a new loan.
However, the iPhone Upgrade Program enables customers to ultimately own their device outright if they complete the payment plan. In contrast, Apple’s previously planned service sounded more akin to renting a device, with customers presumably required to return their iPhone if they cancelled their subscription.
Apple also discontinued its Apple Pay Later service earlier this year, a possible indication that the company is reassessing its financial products. Initially announced in 2022, Apple Pay Later was a Buy Now Pay Later service that allowed customers to split payments into multiple smaller installments spread out over several weeks.
Verdict For the most part, Google didn’t try and reinvent the wheel with the Pixel Tablet. As an Android tablet, it’s pretty much the perfect tablet for almost everything. But it really flexes its muscles when attached to the included Charging Speaker Dock, transforming it into a supercharged smart home display. There are a few quirks here and there, but honestly, it’s nothing that’s earth-shattering.
Pros
+Pixel experience comes back to tablets
+Includes Charging Speaker Dock
+USI 2.0 support
+Could be a look at the future of Google’s Nest products
+Design is reminiscent of the Pixel 5
Cons
-Not ideal for serious gaming
-No first-party stylus or keyboard options
-Removing the tablet off of the dock takes a bit of practice
I’ve used my fair share of tablets over the years. Predominantly, my time has been spent with an iPad Pro of some sort, but I do enjoy a good Android tablet whenever one is actually released. Like many of us Android nerds, we’ve been longing for Google to get back into the tablet game, and our prayers were finally answered with the Pixel Tablet.
I’ve been longing for a Google tablet that can capture my interest in the same way that theNexus 7did. And after a couple of weeks with the Pixel Tablet, Google is definitely onto something here.
Google Pixel Tablet: Price and availability
The Google Pixel Tablet was first introduced atGoogle I/O 2022, before making it was officially released in June 2023. There are three different colors available, as Google is offering it in Porcelain, Hazel, or Rose, complete with matching a Charging Speaker Dock in the box. Pricing starts at $499 for the 128GB model and goes up to $599 for the version with 256GB of storage.
Google Pixel Tablet: Brand new, yet familiar design
The first thing that I noticed when I took the Pixel Tablet out of the box is the feel of the back cover. It reminds me of the finish found on older Pixel phones like thePixel 4 XLandPixel 5. It’s soft to the touch, yet comfortable to hold and there aren’t any worries about fingerprints turning this into a smudgy mess, at least on the back.
This isn’t the same sentiment when it comes to the display, thanks to the glossy finish, which will likely show fingerprints as soon as you unwrap it. But something else I noticed is that Google didn’t want to go down the same path as theGalaxy Tab S8or iPad Air here. Instead, the bezels are large enough so you don’t have to worry about accidentally touching the screen. It’s likely the same approach Google made with the bezels on the Pixel Fold, and it’s actually been a bit refreshing.
Admittedly, the larger bezels do make the Pixel Tabletlooklike a device that was released a few years ago. Well really, thePixel Tabletlookslike the Nest Hubwith a better screen, but more on that in a bit.
That being said, I’m also a big fan of both the selfie camera and fingerprint scanner being placed in the correct positions. It seems that every other company, besides Apple, has learned that the camera should be orientated for landscape use, not at the top of the screen. And the fingerprint scanner, even with a case on, is still accessible and has been more reliable than the in-display one in my Pixel 7 Pro.
Google Pixel Tablet: Performance is what you’d expect
I won’t bore you with benchmarking scores and a spec breakdown because basically, the Pixel Tablet is aPixel 7wrapped in a larger screen. Google’s getting the most out of theTensor G2chip, which debuted along with the Pixel 7 and is now powering a total of five devices in Google’s lineup (including thePixel Fold.)
What that means is that it’ll handle pretty much all of the best Android games, while the 8GB of RAM is enough to take advantage of the changes to multitasking inAndroid 13. In fact, I’m sitting here writing this review with the Pixel Tablet propped up on my desk connected to a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard.
The new taskbar is similar to what you’ll find on theGalaxy Z Fold 4and other large-screen devices. With just a swipe up from the bottom, the taskbar appears, revealing your most recently-used apps, along with an app drawer button. Touch and hold on an app icon and you’re able to drag it into split-screen mode, but it’s not all sunshine and roses.
For example, you can’t have more than two apps open at a time when working on a split-screen. And this decision honestly has me scratching my head a bit. I haven’t even been able to get a third app to open as a floating window, which is pretty disappointing if I’m being honest.
Then again, Google isn’t positioning the Pixel Tablet as a productivity device, at least not yet. The software changes for Android tablets are more than welcome, especially on a large-screen device from Google. And you can still adjust the size of the app windows by dragging the line in the middle of the screen left or right.
If there was one thing that surprised me about the Pixel Tablet announcement, besides the obvious stuff, is the included support for USI 2.0. This means you can use the same USI pen from your Chromebook with your Pixel Tablet. My go-to USI pen has been thePenoval USI 2.0 stylus, and it’s worked pretty darn well, whether I’m trying to find a song to play or jot down some quick notes. You can even install the Google Canvas web app, along with any of the other best note-taking apps for Android, and don’t have to worry about dealing with a pairing process just to use a stylus.
Keeping with the stylus for a moment, I’m not someone who takes a bunch of hand-written notes on tablets orfoldable phones, but there are times when being able to do so just comes in handy. But I can’t help but feel like there’s just a little bit too much lag between what I write on the screen and when it actually shows up.
At first, I thought maybe something was up with the Penoval pen I was using, but it also happened with my otherUSI pens. Perhaps there’s a setting in Developer Options that will let me tweak things, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if improvements are made with future software updates.
Google Pixel Tablet: My new smart home hub
I have more smart displays and speakers in my house than I can count, but none of them are being actively used in my office. Until I/O 2023, there was aNest Hubon a shelf, accompanied by a Nest Hub Max in the kitchen and another Nest Hub in my living room. But even before I was offered to write this review, I knew that I would end up with a Pixel Tablet.
And instead of throwing it in a corner of the room, I’ve placed it on my desk, just to the right of my monitors. Google keeps trying to tell everyone that the Pixel Tablet is not a Nest Hub replacement, but after spending some time with it, I’m still of the mindset that Google’s just playing coy.
When docked, the Pixel Tablet’s Hub Mode can be customized with many of the same options that you’ll find on the Nest Hub Max. But the biggest benefit is the redesignedGoogle Homeapp which continues to come in handy when I want to turn on the lights or check my cameras.
As for the speaker itself, it’s quite a bit louder than I expected, despite the difference in speakers compared to theNest Hub Max. But what has come in really handy is the built-in Chromecast, as I have a tendency of starting videos when I take out my dog and want to continue watching them when I come inside. As you can see in the pictures, there is no shortage of screens in my office, but casting from my phone to the Pixel Tablet is much faster compared to anything else.
Instead of trying to find reasons to use the Pixel Tablet, it’s just become second nature to rely on it for things like music playback or video watching when I want something off to the side. Google really nailed it here, and while you won’t enjoy the best audio quality, it’s still quite a bit better than what I was expecting.
Google Pixel Tablet: There are trade-offs, for now at least
As much as I want to sit here and tell everyone to go buy the Pixel Tablet right now, I can’t exactly do that. It’s not the “end-all-be-all” device, let alone thebest Android tabletout there. Google did have to make a few compromises, some of which have shown up in my time with it so far, while others might just be a non-factor.
My biggest disappointment, so far at least, shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, but Ireallywanted Google to release a first-party stylus and keyboard cover for the Pixel Tablet. As someone who likes being able to work from pretty much anywhere, at any time, I don’t always want to throw in aBluetooth keyboardjust to get some work done on my tablet. There are some rumors that this could be rectified in the coming months, but I’m of the mindset of “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
That’s not to say that Google’s first-party Pixel Tablet case is bad, as the built-in adjustable kickstand has been quite nice to use. Plus, it still works with the Charging Speaker Dock, so I don’t need to worry about taking off the case whenever I want to throw my tablet on the dock. And as I mentioned earlier, the case doesn’t get in the way of my trying to unlock the tablet with my fingerprint, which is a nice touch.
Instead, my biggest problem with the case is that I feel like I’m either destined to live with scratches, or I’ll need to buy a screen protector if I ever want to take the tablet with me. The case does have a bit of a lip around the edges, which will definitely help if I place the tablet screen down. But that will do practically nothing if I throw the Pixel Tablet in my bag and then accidentally put something else in the same sleeve.
Another disappointment that I’ve had, was one that I didn’t expect, and that’s the Charging Speaker Dock becoming a large paperweight whenever the tablet is detached. After this was revealed by Google, I really didn’t think it would both me all that much, and honestly, it hasn’t. But there have been times when I was listening to music, then wanted to pick up the tablet to look at something, only to have the music switch.
Google Pixel Tablet: The competition
As is the case with most tablets, the most obvious competition to the Pixel Tablet is an iPad, and in this case, it’s theiPad (10th Generation). This is priced at $50 less than the Pixel Tablet but adopts the modern design found with almost every other option in Apple’s lineup. But for $449, you’ll only get the iPad and charging cable in the box and will need to spring for any other accessories that you might want.
In hishands-on, my colleague callie noted that theLenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2is also a formidable competitor. However, Google gains an edge in the software update department, while Lenovo’s tablet “costs slightly less with a better display.”
Google Pixel Tablet: Should you buy it?
You should buy this if:
You want an Android tablet with Google’s Pixel software interface.
You want an Android tablet that doubles as a smart home hub.
You want software updates as soon as Google makes them available.
You want a solid overall tablet and are okay with a few compromises.
You shouldn’t buy this if:
You’re looking for a productivity-focused tablet.
You’re on a budget.
While I’ve come around to One UI and am okay with software interfaces from other OEMs, there’s just something about Pixel UI that brings me back. It’s part of the reason why I wanted to see aGoogle Play Edition of the Galaxy Z Fold 3or 4 until Google announced the Pixel Fold.
The Pixel Tablet is not the best at any one thing but still manages to stand out from the pack with Material You and the Charging Speaker Dock. I’m still holding out hope that Google will release a keyboard case and its own USI stylus, but there are some pretty great options already available.
It’s also not often that I actually want to pick up and use a tablet while sitting on the couch, as opposed to just using my phone. To answer the question of what is “the one” from the title, the Pixel Tablet is the master of doing everything you want. Including things, you wouldn’t have expected.
Here’s a rundown of what’s new on your iPhone with iOS 18.2
Apple Intelligence is definitely the headliner when it comes toiOS 18.2, the most recent update to Apple’s iPhone software. But the list of new features doesn’t end with Image Playground, Genmoji and any of the other AI-powered tools that iOS 18.2 brings to the table.
And that’s good news for most iPhone owners who either haven’t upgraded to the latestiPhone 16 modelsor own aniPhone 15 ProoriPhone 15 Pro Max. Those are the only iPhones that can run Apple Intelligence, making additional AI capabilities irrelevant to other iPhone owners. In contrast, nearly all of the remaining iOS 18.2 improvements benefit any iPhone that supports theiOS 18update — which includes devices dating back to the iPhone XR and XS models released in 2018. (For the record, there are a few iPhone 16-specific features in iOS 18.2, which we talk about later.)
We’ve detailedall the currently available Apple Intelligence featuresbrought about the iOS 18.2 update this month as well as theiOS 18.1 releaseat the end of October. Here’s a look at the rest of the iOS 18.2 improvements and additions aimed at your iPhone.
Video playback in Photos in iOS 18.2 (left) vs. video playback in Photos in iOS 18.1 (right)
Outside of Apple Intelligence, Photos probably sees the biggest batch of changes in iOS 18.2, with the most significant ones giving you expanded control over how to customize the redesigned photos app. I’ve shown youhow to use many of the new iOS 18.2 features in Photos, including deleting images from the Recently Viewed and Recently Shared folders, turning off auto-looping on video playback and re-ordering your albums so that they’re listed in alphabetical order.
But there are some other changes to be aware of, too, starting with video playback. It’s now full-screen in iOS 18.2 — previously, you had to tap on the video as it played to switch to full screen mode. You can also now scrub frame-by-frame when watching videos by pressing and holding on the slider, before dragging it back and forth.
There are a few other cosmetic changes to Photos in iOS 18.2. An album of Favorites now appears in the Utilities section. When looking at Collections, swiping right now takes you back to the previous view.
We’ve covered the changes to Mail in iOS 18.2, but just to be thorough, iOS 18.2 introduces a new organizational layout, where your inbox is split into different categories. Besides Primary, you get a Transactions inbox that houses receipts; Updates, which features newsletters and other notifications; and Promotions, which is where various e-commerce and sales promos will appear.
I’m not necessarily a fan of the new look in iOS 18.2 Mail, primarily because it’s hard to tell when new mail has arrived in the different folders. Managing older emails from the same sender is also more difficult than it needs to be. If you feel the same way — or if you don’t like the look of iOS 18.2 Mail for any other reason, just tap the More button in the upper right corner. (It’s the one with three dots.) That summons up the option of reverting to the familiar list view featuring a single inbox.
Here’s another reason to explore the More pop-up menu: in the shipping version of iOS 18.2, it’s added an option to disable Group by Sender. Tap that option and emails from the same source are no longer bunched together, addressing my complaint that it’s too difficult to delete individual messages while keeping the ones that are still relevant to you.
iOS 18.2 Safari
Besides some security improvements — URLs are now upgraded to HTTPS wherever possible, and Apple’s browser now warns you when a website doesn’t have a valid SSL certificate for an encrypted connection —Safarimakes a few house-cleaning changes. You’ll see new options for your start page background images. (Hit Edit at the bottom of the start page to find them.) Import and Export controls let you move browsing data between Safari and other browsers.
Download a file in Safari, and you can now chart the progress of the download in the Dynamic Island area of your iPhone if your handset offers that feature. The feature appears as a circle that fills in, much like an AirDrop transfer, but if your Safari downloads are as speedy as mine, the download indicator will likely appear and disappear before you even notice it.
TV app searches (left) and favorite genres in Podcasts (right) in iOS 18.2
As part of Apple Intelligence,the Photos app supports natural language searches— a capability that’s even supported by older iPhones based on my iOS 18 testing. The same thing now goes for searches in the Music and TV apps. You can type things like “Coen Brothers movies from the 1990s” and the TV app will bring “Fargo” and “Barton Fink” to the top of your results list.
As for Apple’s Podcasts app, it now invites you to designate your favorite genres — doing so will apparently influence recommendations the app makes on podcasts you should listen to. I’m guessing it also has an impact on another change from iOS 18.2 that promises a “personalized serach page,” where Podcasts will highlight the most relevant categories and collections based on your interests.
iOS 18.2 Voice Memos
I’m told musicians like to use the Voice Memos apps as way to try out music and lyrics they might be working on, and it sounds like there’s a change in the Voice Memos app that will appeal directly to that use case. As of iOS 18.2, the app supports layered recordings, where you can add a vocal track over an existing song.iPhone 16 ProandiPhone 16 Pro Maxusers can also import any two-track projects into Logic Pro.
iOS 18.2 Apple News Plus
The array of puzzles available to Apple News Plus subscribers continues to grow. AfteriOS 17.5 brought the Quartiles word puzzleto the subscription news service earlier this year, Sudoku now joins the ranks of games.
You can try out a sample Sudoku game in the Puzzles section of the News app. But if you find yourself hooked, you’ll need to pay $12.99/month for an Apple News Plus subscription.
iOS 18.2 Find My
You have a new option aimed at giving strangers a better opportunity of finding any lost items you’ve equipped with anAirTag. Enabled the new Share Item Location feature, and you can get a link showing the last known location of the item, that you can then handle over to a trusted third party — Apple specifically mentions airlines in its iOS 18.2 documentation.
The link is live for a limited time and doesn’t recall an Apple device, widening the pool of people who can track down anything you’ve left behind.
iOS 18.2 Camera Control
Here’s an iPhone 16-specific addition to iOS 18.2 that brings three new control options to the button Apple added to this year’s models. You now have the option to lock the autofocus and auto exposure settings when you apply light pressure to theCamera Control button, releasing that lock when you lift your finger. That option can be setting in the Camera section of the Settings app: just select Camera Control and toggle on the AE/AF Lock option.
Additionally, heading to the Accessibility section in Settings will let you adjust the double-click speed of the Camera Control button. Besides the default speed, your options are Slow and Slower.
In a settings change that’s sure to ease the worries of anyone who frets about inadvertently pressing the Camera Control button when reaching for their phone, you can now set the button to only work when your iPhone’s screen is active. Go to the Display & Brightness section of Settings and select Require Screen On for the Camera Control.
iOS 18.2 Audio controls
If you’d like the ability to adjust playback volume from your lock screen, you can add a volume slider in iOS 18.2. In the Settings app, select Accessibility, followed by Audio & Visual. On the ensuing screen, there’s a Always Show Volume Control button that restores a slider to the lock screen just under the playback controls. This setting works whether you’re listening via headphones or the built-in speaker on your iPhone.
Another new audio setting lets you adjust the limit of the iPhone speaker volume — helpful if you don’t want to damage the built-in speaker or annoy other people with the audio from whatever you’re listening to. That setting can be found in the Sound & Haptics section of Settings, where you tap Volume Limit to toggle on the control and adjust the volume with a slider. Note that changes you make only seem to affect playback and not things like phone call and FaceTime volume, alerts, alarms, ringtones or system sounds.
Change the default apps
iOS 18.2 expands the number of default apps you can change to include apps for phone calls and messaging.
Apple finallybrought Apple Maps to web browsersback in June, allowing people without iPhones or Macs to access its navigation system for the very first time. That version ofApple Mapswas a bit limited since it was still in beta, but now it’s received a usefulGoogle Maps-inspired upgrade.
Apple has added the Look Around feature to Apple Maps on the web. For those that aren’t familiar with Apple Maps, it’s basically Apple’s take onGoogle Street View— letting you view different locations from street level. Of course, it’s not available in every location, and the system isn’t quite as intuitive as what Street View has to offer.
While Google Maps lets you click specific areas, or drag the yellow Pin man onto the map to load up Street View, Apple’s system is different. So long as you’re looking at a city with Look Around support, you have to keep an eye out for a set of binoculars in the bottom left. Clicking that starts Look Around’s pop-up window that superimposes the street view onto the map.
It works much the same way as Google’s Street View, letting you spin around 360 degrees and click locations in the distance to travel there. Alternatively, you can move the large map around if you want a little more control over where you end up.
I managed to get Look Around up and running in GoogleChromeon Windows, and it seems to be working pretty well. However, it did take me a hot minute to figure out how I was supposed to get started since Apple just expects you to know what to do. The only real downside is that Look Around is a lot more limited than Street View, which has almost the entire world covered in some shape or form.
Only select cities in the U.S., Canada, EU, U.K. and New Zealand are supported, and Apple has afull liston its website. But this won’t stop you from wandering those virtual streets in Look Around when you live elsewhere.
Whether Apple will expand Look Around in the future isn’t clear, but it has promised to improve the beta version of Apple Maps Web. Support for more features, platforms and languages will apparently happen, which hopefully means that Apple Maps will finally come to Android in some form in the near future. While loyal Android users may be appalled at the idea, it’s always better to have options beyond thetwo big Google-owned navigation apps.
Video playback in Photos in iOS 18.2 (left) vs. video playback in Photos in iOS 18.1 (right) 
