Android

TL;DR Roborock is getting into pool cleaners with its new RockAqua P1. Another new outside model is the RockNeo Q2 LiDAR, an upgrade to the company’s lawn-mowing solutions. We’re also getting a host of new robotic vacuums, including a Saros 2o model with a roller mop. Robotic vacuum cleaners are the sort of life-changing smart home upgrades you really need to experience for yourself to truly appreciate, freeing you from hours of tidying-up busywork every week. But the same sort of autonomous tech isn’t just useful for cleaning inside your home, and we’ve seen plenty of companies expand outdoors, as well — like Roborock did last year at IFA as it took on robotic lawnmowers with its RockMow series. This year the company’s back with not just a whole new lineup of products, but also another new expansion, as it introduces its first robotic pool cleaner. RockAqua P1

TL;DR Some Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra users are seeing the faceplate and bezel come off on their own. Some say the company is charging up to $300 for repairs, even if the smartwatch is under warranty. Complaints about bezels randomly coming off aren’t new as similar issues were reported about a year ago. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra models are designed to withstand the elements better than most. But things don’t always go according to plan, as some owners of Samsung’s rugged smartwatch have recently found out. According to a Reddit user, the bezel and faceplate of their Galaxy Watch Ultra have fallen off the frame. The images shared by the user don’t show any visible signs of damage, except for the typical wear and tear of a smartwatch used daily. The exact Galaxy Watch Ultra variant affected here wasn’t specified, though Samsung apparently asked the user to take the wearable to uBreakiFix for repair.

Credit: Adamya Sharma / Android Authority TL;DR DJI has launched the Osmo 360 II with a new 1-inch square HDR sensor capable of recording 8K video at 60fps. The camera also gets an AI SuperNight 2.0 feature for improved low-light footage, 120MP HDR photos, and 16K timelapses. It weighs 183g and includes 105GB of built-in storage, replaceable lenses, and up to 100 minutes of 8K/30fps recording. DJI has launched its latest 360-degree action camera, the Osmo 360 II, at IFA 2026. The new camera brings a larger sensor, faster 8K recording, and promises improved low-light performance.

The Pixel lineup has visibly matured in the last few years. Gone are the days when Google would change its physical design every single year, making the camera bar a recognizable and stand-out feature. Google has made it easy to spot Pixels in a sea of iPhones at places like airports. And it’s the same tale with the software, which has become quite stable as a platform, and something you pick up a Pixel for. However, that stability comes along with decelerating growth. We’ve been seeing little meaningful innovation across Pixel generations, which seem to be getting refreshed annually just for the sake of it. Even if you skip a couple of Pixel generations, you won’t feel that big of a difference. And that is making Pixels feel boring — to the point that you’re actually better off skipping a few generations or even jumping to another brand or form factor (like a flip phone).

TL;DR Chrome’s Gemini side panel is finally gaining the ability to upload files directly through the Add attachments menu. You can hand Gemini a document and ask it to summarize, explain, or find specific information without leaving Chrome. It’s a useful addition, but Google is surprisingly late to the party, as Microsoft Edge’s Copilot sidebar has supported file uploads for years. Gemini has been steadily working its way into just about every corner of Google’s ecosystem. You can summon it across Google apps, use it on Android phones, and even have it sitting alongside whatever you’re doing in Chrome. But despite all of that integration, the Gemini side panel in Chrome has been missing a surprisingly basic feature: the ability to upload a file. That finally appears to be changing. X user Leopeva64 spotted a new file upload option inside the Gemini side panel in Chrome, tucked under the Add attachments menu. I checked Chrome on my own laptop, and the option is showing up there as well.

Credit: Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority TL;DR Apple is introducing “iPhone Handoff” in iOS 27, allowing a single cellular plan and phone number to be shared between a primary iPhone and a secondary companion iPhone via dual eSIMs. Unlike basic Continuity features that require Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, iPhone Handoff could potentially operate natively at the network level, keeping the companion device fully connected even when the main phone is switched off. Android has no such feature in the works for network-level phone number sharing, and it needs to copy this to reduce multi-device friction across Android’s varied form factors and use cases, such as foldables, camera phones, gaming handhelds, tablets, and even laptops. Most users carry only one phone in their pocket, and many even use two SIMs in the same phone to reduce how many phones they need to carry. That being said, there are a bunch of people (including us phone reviewers) who end up with two and sometimes even more phones in our pockets. Using the same phone number on these phones has been nearly impossible, and even handling two phones and switching between them is often a logistical nightmare by itself. With the iPhone Ultra foldable right around the corner, Apple might have a solution up its sleeve for this niche problem in the form of “iPhone Handoff,” and this is something that even Google should copy for Android. iPhone Handoff: Phone number sharing between iPhones iPhone Handoff was mentioned during WWDC 2026 on a slide listing a whole bunch of new features coming in iOS 27, but Apple didn’t share further details at the time. Now, MacRumors forum member pdfu spotted the feature in the latest iOS 27 beta 8 release, showcasing how Apple will soon allow users to seamlessly switch between two iPhones while sharing a single phone number and cellular plan across both devices.

It’s safe to suggest that the Amazon Kindle range is the industry’s leading e-reader. Even for those who aren’t too familiar with its maker, the Kindle name is often used as a blanket term for all digital book readers. This perhaps gave Amazon a sense of security in the market, but given its recent decisions, this dominance could come toppling down sooner rather than later. At the end of August, Amazon rolled out an update to the Kindle Oasis that closed a Libby loophole that allowed extended borrowing. More importantly, it also strengthened the platform’s DRM, making it even tougher for users to back up their books to other devices. For some users, like my colleague Dhruv, this is the last straw.

Credit: Pankil Shah / Android Authority There’s no shortage of great Android apps out there, but the sad part is that not all of them always get the attention they deserve. Some are niche, while others aren’t talked about enough. Panels falls into the last bucket for me. I stumbled onto it from a Reddit thread a few months ago, and now it’s something I can’t live without. Panels looks like a simple app that adds a sidebar launcher to your Android phone, but that’s underselling it. My Galaxy S26 already has a built-in version of this called Edge Panels, but I still use this app over it. That alone should give you a hint about how good it actually is.

TL;DR HUAWEI has unveiled the Nova 16s and 16s Pro for international markets. Both phones pair huge 7,000mAh batteries with exceptionally bright OLED displays. The Pro adds 200MP photography, LTPO, and flagship-focused imaging features. Despite the US ban that cut it off from Google’s Android ecosystem, HUAWEI hasn’t stopped making smartphones. The company continues to release phones internationally across Europe and Asia, with the latest arrivals being the HUAWEI Nova 16s and Nova 16s Pro, unveiled at IFA 2026 in Munich. These aren’t entirely new phones. The Nova 16s series rebrands the company’s Chinese-market Nova 16 lineup for international buyers, bringing some seriously capable hardware along for the ride.

Credit: TCL TL;DR TCL has launched the TAB A1 NXTPAPER in the US. This tablet has an eye-friendly 11-inch NXTPAPER display along with an 8,000mAh battery. The tablet is available at a recommended price of $299.99 and a promotional price of $249.99. TCL offers a range of NXTPAPER Android tablets that deliver a more eye-friendly experience than rival slates. The TAB A1 Plus NXTPAPER launched in the US a month ago, but the company has now unveiled the standard A1 NXTPAPER model. The TCL TAB A1 NXTPAPER has an 11-inch display (2,112 x 1,320, 90Hz) as opposed to the Plus model’s 12.2-inch panel. However, the star attraction here is still that NXTPAPER coating, which reduces glare, reflections, and blue light for a more pleasant viewing experience. The company also offers an Ink Paper Mode for a look akin to E-Ink displays.

Google’s got products to fill almost every consumer tech niche, from web search to smartphones to connected cameras to office software. For a long time, I liked that about the company; using Google’s services everywhere I could felt like a way to simplify my technological life. I’ve gotten a lot of value out of Google’s big, interconnected ecosystem over the years. But as the company’s put its weight behind converting Search into a chatbot and adding Gemini-powered features I don’t use to every corner of every app and device, I’ve found myself wishing I wasn’t so invested in its products. I’ve stuck around mostly because of inertia: I’m used to Google, and it’s already got all my data, and moving to competing services seemed like a big undertaking.

Every year — or maybe every other year — we all have one thing in common: we shop for a new phone. Phone makers know that even when sales are in a slump, there will be millions of eyeballs looking at what’s out there and what the market has to offer. The flashier and “louder” a product or feature is, the more attention it grabs and the more sales it generates. Even if you didn’t buy a Samsung foldable, you might have bought another Galaxy phone you saw while shopping. Sometimes though, it doesn’t work that way, and the lack of fanfare doesn’t drive all those eyeballs to a product or manufacturer. Fairphone is a great example, and what may well be the best phone out there and the one we should be buying is one that almost none of us will: the Fairphone Gen 6 Plus.

TL;DR Xiaomi is officially showing off the Xiaomi 18 Fold at IFA 2026. It’s Xiaomi’s first flagship smartphone powered by its own XRing O3 chip. The wide-screen foldable had previously leaked in real-world images, revealing a triple-camera setup and cherry red finish. Xiaomi is also using its IFA debut to showcase more than 380 products, including its “Human x Car x Home” ecosystem and the European expansion of its Mijia smart home brand Xiaomi has officially shown off the Xiaomi 18 Fold at IFA 2026. The company gave us our first real-world look at the upcoming wide-screen foldable after weeks of leaks. The phone is being showcased at Xiaomi’s huge IFA booth alongside more than 380 products spanning smartphones, smart home devices, cars, AI, and other tech. This is the first time Xiaomi has shown off a real Xiaomi 18 Fold, revealing a cherry red color. This follows weeks of leaks and the publication of official renders yesterday. A close look at the wide foldable reveals that it has a triple-camera setup. The text on the camera bar (see first image below) also suggests we’re looking at a focal range from 17mm to 80mm. So it’s possible that the new foldable has a ~3.3x telephoto camera.

TL;DR Belkin is bringing ANC to cheaper audio products: The new lineup includes the $59.99 SoundForm Isolate Buds, $39.99 SoundForm Dot ANC earbuds, and $49.99 SoundForm Play ANC headphones. The SoundForm Isolate Buds and Dot target everyday listeners: Isolate offers up to 45dB ANC, a secure wing-tip fit, and 32 hours of battery life, while the Dot offers ANC for just $39.99 — only $5 more than the non-ANC model. SoundForm Play ANC is built for kids: The $49.99 over-ear headphones offer up to 62 hours of battery life, an optional 85dB volume limiter, and Focus Boost soundscapes designed for studying and concentration. The idea that active noise cancelation (ANC) is a premium earbud feature might soon not stand true. The feature, once reserved for expensive headphones and earbuds, is increasingly appearing on more affordable models. Accessory-maker Belkin is trying to push that trend further. At IFA Berlin, the California-based company showed off three new additions to its audio portfolio, and they all have one thing in common: they offer ANC at relatively accessible price points. The three new additions are the SoundForm Isolate Buds, the SoundForm Dot, and the SoundForm Play ANC, and they’re designed for immersive listening, everyday value, and older kids, respectively.

TL;DR The Narwal Freo 20 Edge offers 31,000Pa suction, FlowWash mopping, and edge cleaning. It drops some of the Freo 20’s premium features while retaining its core cleaning technology. Narwal also unveiled the lightweight V50 Cube and new flagship wet-and-dry vacuums. There’s no shortage of affordable cleaning robots, but the best robot vacuums can get expensive once you start piling on the fancy features. Narwal’s latest robot vacuum aims to deliver some of those features for less. The company only started selling the $1,099.99 Narwal Freo 20 last month, but it’s already back with a cheaper alternative. Unveiled at IFA 2026, the Freo 20 Edge drops the price to $799.99 while keeping several of its pricier siblings’ headline cleaning features.

TL;DR Belkin’s new UltraCharge power bank lineup adds slimmer designs and built-in USB-C cables to its portable charging range. SureFind adds cross-platform tracking for keys, bags, wallets, and other everyday essentials. The new magnetic ring stand works with Pixel 9 and 10, while support for Pixel 11 is unclear. While the IFA 2026 event isn’t particularly focused on smartphones and tablets, Belkin has just unveiled several products to charge them and help you keep track of your everyday belongings. Ranging from slimmer power banks and high-capacity portable chargers to cross-platform trackers and a magnetic ring stand, the company has a broad lineup of accessories coming your way this month. Belkin wants its power banks to take up less space

Credit: Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Google could adopt the iPhone Ultra’s dual UTG structure for the Pixel 12 Pro Fold, according to a new report. This structure reduces the display crease, suggesting that the Pixel 12 Pro Fold could have a less prominent crease or none at all. OPPO and vivo are also apparently planning to adopt this structure for their own next-generation foldable phones. The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold launched last month, and it has a reduced display crease compared to previous Pixel foldables. However, it sounds like the Pixel 12 Pro Fold could take a page from the iPhone Ultra‘s playbook in this regard. The Elec reports that Google, OPPO, and vivo will all adopt dual ultra-thin glass (UTG) structures for the inner screen on their next-generation foldables, citing industry sources. The outlet reports that Apple’s foldable iPhone, expected to debut next week, will be the first foldable phone with this structure.

Credit: Anker TL;DR Anker’s MagGo Power Bank Pro 2 features a built-in cooling fan to keep the temperature below 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit during charges. The company claims its Laptop Charger Pro is the first charger to be able to recognize your exact laptop model. The MagStand Charging Station fits three ways to charge in one. While IFA 2026 officially starts on September 4, the major press conferences always start before the event. So far, we’ve seen a flurry of announcements from brands like Dell, HTC, XGIMI, and more. Anker has also shared some interesting news, including a trio of new chargers to be on the lookout for. Anker MagGo Power Bank Pro 2 The MagGo Power Bank Pro 2 may look like your average power bank, but this device boasts a unique feature. Inside this charger, you’ll find a built-in cooling fan. Anker claims that this cooling fan is what makes the MagGo Power Bank Pro 2 the fastest and coolest wireless power bank in the world.

TL;DR Anker’s SleepLab Pro tracks sleep without anything on your body, using 60GHz radar to monitor heart rate, breathing, and four sleep stages from your bedside. It uses your sleep data to personalize sounds, lighting, and breathing exercises, including a 28-day program and more than 180 built-in sounds. No subscription or phone is required to use its core sleep features, although Anker hasn’t revealed pricing yet. Anker is in the middle of a pretty big identity change. The company is gradually bringing familiar names like Soundcore and Eufy under the Anker umbrella, and at IFA 2026, we’re getting an interesting look at what that future could involve. One of the more unusual products coming out of that shift is the Anker Soundcore SleepLab Pro. It’s essentially a bedside speaker that wants to help you sleep better, but unlike a smartwatch, smart ring, or dedicated sleep tracker, you don’t actually have to wear anything to bed. That alone could make the SleepLab Pro interesting for anyone who likes tracking their sleep but hates sleeping with a watch strapped to their wrist. The speaker uses 60GHz radar to monitor your heart rate and breathing from your bedside, while also figuring out which of four sleep stages you’re in. You can simply get into bed as usual and let it do its thing in the background.

TL;DR Anker has launched the Omni E35 robot vacuum and S2 Max lawn mower at IFA 2026. The Omni E35 is the most powerful robot vacuum in Anker’s lineup and is priced at $1,099.99. The S2 Max comes with all-wheel drive and vision-based navigation, and is priced at $3,999. Ahead of the official start of IFA 2026, we’re seeing a bunch of news and product launches from brands. Alongside the announcement that Anker is consolidating its sub-brands under the “Anker” name, the company has introduced new home appliances. Anker Eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35 Anker’s latest robot vacuum cleaner features its AeroTurbo 2.0 system and delivers up to 35,000Pa of suction power. That makes the Omni E35 the most powerful robot vacuum cleaner in Anker’s lineup.

TL;DR Anker is bringing MindBase, an AI-powered smart home hub with up to 48TB of local storage and support for Matter, HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Home Assistant, to IFA. Anker’s sub-brand Eufy is launching the E50 NVR Security System, combining 2K and 4K cameras with AI-powered tracking, starting at $999. Eufy’s Video Doorbell S4 launches later this month, while the new Window Camera E10 arrives in Q4 for $69.99. It’s September, and if you follow tech even loosely, you know what that means: IFA is here, and like every year, Berlin is expected to be packed with consumer tech that gives us a clear look at where the industry is headed next. Charging accessory giant Anker has been a staple at the trade show for the last few years, and that’s not changing this time around. The accessory giant has given us an early look at what it’s been cooking, and among a host of upcoming releases, a few have caught our attention. Anker MindBase

Credit: Jonathan Feist / Android Authority TL;DR Anker has announced that it will gradually retire Soundcore, Eufy, and other sub-brands worldwide in favor of a single “Anker” identity. The transition will happen market by market. The rebrand comes as Anker expands its physical retail presence and builds a broader ecosystem of products, including the new MindBase AI home hub. Anker is putting an end to the brand names that have helped it build a presence beyond chargers and power banks. The company will gradually bring Soundcore, Eufy, and its other sub-brands under a single Anker identity as it looks to become a more unified brand name.

TL;DR A WhatsApp privacy flaw can allow anyone to view your photos without unlocking your phone. The flaw lies in WhatsApp’s “create with AI” feature, which seems to bypass lock screen restrictions. It has already been reported to Meta and Google. If you think your locked phone can prevent people from accessing your personal data, such as your photos, think again. A new flaw was recently discovered in WhatsApp that bypasses the usual lock screen restrictions and allows anyone to view all the photos saved in your phone’s gallery. The flaw was shared by Jose Rodriguez on X, explaining how it works and showing it in action (via NotebookCheck). When you receive a WhatsApp video call on your locked Android phone, you can answer it without unlocking the phone. That’s expected behavior—no surprises there.

TL;DR Claude can now use your computer in the background. You can continue working while Claude handles tasks without disrupting your work. It will also wait for you to stop typing before taking over your keyboard if needed. Claude Cowork can be really helpful for handling busywork, leaving you free to pursue the leisure activity of your choice. However, if you’re looking to max out your multitasking capabilities with Cowork, Anthropic’s latest Claude update might be exactly what you need. The company announced in an X post that Claude can now use your computer in the background. This means when you hand off a task to Claude Cowork or Claude Code, you can continue using your computer without the AI trying to take over your cursor or keyboard.

TL;DR Google Vids now supports turning documents into videos. It can create a script and voiceover for PDFs, Google Docs, and Word files. Google Vids keeps getting new features every few months. It already supports Veo 3.1 for video generation, and the company even integrated it into Google Slides for easier video creation. Now, Google is adding another capability to Vids that could be both useful and entertaining. Google announced today that Google Vids now supports converting PDF files, Google Docs files, and Word documents into well-polished video summaries. A new “Docs to Video” option in the File menu lets users choose a document from Google Drive or upload one from their computer.