Galaxy S25 Series Becomes World’s First To Officially Support Qi 2.1 And 15W Charging Speeds
Samsung has just released the S25 Series with Qi 2.1 wireless charging technology. Although that’s an upgrade, the charging speed is still the same. Let’s break it down for you and why Samsung is different this time with wireless charging. Qi 2.1: First for S25 Series WPC confirmed that the first devices to have Qi 2.1 are Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. Although that’s a big deal, there’s no built-in magnets like MagSafe like accessories. Funny enough, the S25 series is one of the few Android phones that supports Qi 2.0.0 or higher along with HMD Skyline. Most Android phones including the recent ones are using the older Qi 1.3.3 standard. What Does Qi 2.1 Mean for Users? Samsung is moving to Qi 2.1 which may not give immediate benefits but will prepare for future updates. This new version of the Qi standard was announced at CES 2025 and it has an innovation called “Qi2 Ready”. This allows manufacturers to move magnets from inside the phone to external accessories like cases instead of built-in magnetic components. In short, while the S25 series doesn’t have built-in magnets, you can still get the benefits of these new Qi2 and MagSafe cases by using an official magnet-equipped case from Samsung or third-party manufacturers. Samsung didn’t increase the wireless charging speed despite the new Qi standard. According to WPC, S25 series can only do 15W wireless charging which is the same as previous Samsung flagships. No Boost in Charging Speed You won’t get faster charging speed even with the magnetic alignment of Qi2 accessories. The limitation is not just Samsung’, Apple’s iPhone 16 series is listed to have 15W max wireless charging speed but can go up to 25W using certain accessories. Samsung had listed multiple magnetic wireless charging accessories on their website which are now removed. None of those accessories mentioned 25W wireless charging support for S25 series so users are wondering if faster charging speed is still possible in the future. Is Qi 2.1 Worth It? While S25 series is the first to have Qi 2.1, real world benefits of this tech is limited for now. Samsung is going for accessory compatibility rather than faster charging. For those who often use wireless charging and MagSafe like accessories, official Samsung magnet cases might be useful. But for those who are waiting for faster charging speed in wireless charging might be disappointed. Only time will tell if Samsung will bring faster charging speed through software updates or new accessories as the industry moves to Qi2 and beyond. Until then, S25’s Qi 2.1 is more about future proofing than immediate performance gain. Via
Google Launches Verified Badge For VPN Apps On Google Play
Finding a VPN to help protect online anonymity is very overwhelming. On Google Play, one finds many thousands of VPN applications. Most of the times, users end up asking how to tell whether they can be trusted or not. To solve this problem, Google is offering a “Verified” badge for VPN applications, ensuring a user will easily find safe, reliable services. Why is Verified Badge Important for VPN Users? The majority of users of VPNs use them to enjoy online privacy. This comprises hiding the IP address, location, and internet activity from people with intentions to pry eyes. Not all VPN apps, however, offer the security they say they do. The new Verified badge highlights apps meeting Google’s high security standards so that the user has every reason to trust them with data. Google defines the Verified badge as a move taken by the VPN developer to boost the security and privacy of users. Though this will not guarantee that it is protected fully, this is one step ahead of filtering unreliable or even destructive VPN apps. VPN Verification Requirements In order to have the Verified badge for a VPN app, several security-related moves have to be accomplished by the developer, among which are: 1. Aligning with Google Play’s safety and security policies. 2. Completing a Mobile Application Security Assessment validation as Level 2. 3. App listed on Google Play for at least 90 days. 4. Target API compliance and follows Google’s Provision of a Data Safety declaration in their app listing. These measures ensure that verified VPN apps are reviewed for privacy compliance and have security checks. How to identify a verified VPN app: If a user is browsing for a VPN on Google Play, now they will find a “Verified” badge at the top of an app’s page if it meets Google’s criteria. A data safety declaration would be displayed further into the listing, confirming that it passed an independent security review. It further helps users decide which VPN they can trust without depending on other unclear promises from developers they’ve never heard of about security. Which VPNs Are Verified? Google has stated in its announcement that several popular VPN providers have agreed to the verification process. NordVPN, hide.me, and Aloha Browser have completed the assessment, and their VPN will soon receive the badge of Verified. Other major VPN developers are likely to join the ranks soon, as a badge will become the new prerequisite for attracting users. Those who don’t pass the check will not be able to compete with the verified applications. Conclusion It’s great news for the user seeking to download a trusted VPN with Google’s new Verified badge. This means, from such a plethora of options, that this will weed out dodgy applications and draw attention to those which have passed through the tightest security scrutiny. Users are still required to research their VPN service, but this Verified badge serves as a great guide to help users make an informed decision regarding their online privacy and security. Source
Google Pixel 9a Is Getting A Price Hike
It is without saying that mid-range A-series smartphones from Google have always hogged the headlines for bringing in more premium features to the budget-friendly segment. And now, when the flagship Pixel 9 series is already here, all eyes are on its upcoming cousin, the Pixel 9a. Leaks offer exciting insights into its pricing, design, and features. Pricing Details According to reports by Android Headlines, the Pixel 9a will keep a similar price as its predecessor, the Pixel 8a. It will start from $499 for the base variant with 128GB of storage, while the model with 256GB will be priced at $599. Comparison The Pixel 8a was $559 for the 256GB model, so the larger storage option of the Pixel 9a will be $40 more. Still, the base option remains at $499 to keep things in budget for budget conscious buyers. Design and Build Updates Leaked renders suggest some serious design revamp for the Pixel 9a: first and foremost, Google appears to kill the signature camera bar in favor of a flush camera module that sits seamlessly with the phone’s back. That would make it not only look more modern but also sleeker. Other design highlights include: A flat screen with rounded edges. Metal rails surrounding the frame add a more premium touch to the device. Design language is carried from the Pixel 9 flagship series. Improved Display and Performance Pixel 9a will reportedly pack in a 6.285-inch display, with very high peak brightness of around 2,700 nits, which is quite higher than that on the previous A-series models. Under the hood, the phone is tipped to pack the Tensor G4 processor, the same chip found in the Pixel 9 series. However, it may use the older Exynos Modem 5300, which could slightly affect connectivity performance. Battery and Charging The battery life of any smartphone is very crucial, and it seems that the Pixel 9a is ready to raise the bar. If rumors are to be believed, it will boast a mammoth 5,100 mAh battery-the biggest on any Pixel device. Additionally, there’s rumor of 23W charging, meaning users will see improved endurance and quicker recharge times compared to its predecessor. Early Launch Speculation One leak in particular is really surprising, where it suggests that Google could release the Pixel 9a sooner than expected, namely in mid-March of 2025. This might just fit with what has been their recent trend, as with the Pixel 9 series, and an anticipated update to Android 16. Conclusion The Pixel 9a is promising some serious upgrades in design, display, and battery life without a significant increase in price. While the higher storage model will be a bit pricier, the base model is priced at $499 to keep the device competitive in the mid-range segment. The highly expected launch may very well make the Pixel 9a one of the most interesting releases of 2025 for all smartphone fans. Source & Images: Android Headlines
Apple Is Developing visionOS Version For Smart Glasses
Apple is reportedly working on a new version of its visionOS, the operating system designed for the Apple Vision Pro, to support smart glasses. The move would make Apple’s augmented reality offerings more accessible, and practical than the headgear-like Vision Pro. Vision Pro Fails to Impress Apple Vision Pro, launched at an ambitious price of $3,500, has not lived up to the expectations of Apple. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg says the device is considered too heavy for extended use, overheats, and is prohibitively expensive. This has made it appeal to niche audiences only. Interest in the headset reportedly has cooled off since it shipped, with sales coming in short of projections. Smart Glasses: The Future of AR Now, Apple’s Vision Products Group is thinking beyond the Vision Pro, weighing a release of smart glasses that could pit it against Meta’s collaboration on Ray-Ban Stories. That, though, may be as far away as three years because of ongoing research and development, according to Gurman. The effort encompasses broad user research at Apple’s facilities, while the studies have internally been dubbed “Atlas.” Product Systems Quality is at the helm-a part of Apple’s hardware engineering division. The group is currently testing potential features along with interfaces for the glasses and is already working on a version of visionOS customized for the new device. Development at Apple’s Secretive Facility Apple’s AR work is anchored at a low-key campus in Santa Clara, not far from its Cupertino headquarters. Though the site saw layoffs last year, remaining employees are still working on AR. The facility also includes a manufacturing unit for testing future display technologies. Plans for a More Affordable Vision Pro Alongside working on smart glasses, Apple is redesigning the Vision Pro headset in the hope of making it more appealing to more people. It is working on a more affordable model with cheaper components. The model will cost as much as a high-end iPhone, or about $1,600. The release was initially set for the end of 2024, but Apple continues to work on locking in a prototype. Gaming Features in Collaboration with Sony On the other hand, Apple is still working on making the Vision Pro a more capable gaming tool. The company reportedly cooperates with Sony to add support for PlayStation VR2 hand controllers. The cooperation has been going on for a few months already, and the addition of VR controller support could make the device look even more promising for gamers. Conclusion Apple’s push to develop a visionOS version for smart glasses shows the company’s commitment to refining and expanding its AR product lineup. Though the Vision Pro has faced challenges, these new initiatives-from smart glasses to more affordable headsets-point to Apple’s determination to make AR technology more practical and appealing to a wider audience. Source
iPhone SE 4 Dummy Shows Similar Design As The iPhone 16
Apple is getting ready to launch the much expected iPhone SE 4, and rumors and leaks have painted a picture of an affordable phone with premium features. Earlier, there was a thought that it would look similar to the iPhone 14, but the latest buzz says it will be more like an iPhone 16, even offering a Dynamic Island. Here’s what we know so far. Design: Old Melds with New There have been reports that the design elements of the iPhone SE 4 will be carried over from the iPhone 16, though a bit smaller with a 6.1-inch display. The leaked images and dummy units suggest a very similar form factor as the iPhone 16, with some major differences. And one of the more striking design modifications is a thicker camera ring: Where the higher-end models feature either dual or triple-camera setups, the SE 4 uses a single rear camera. This lens sticks out somewhat uncomfortably compared to the camera bump on the iPhone 16. While the glass plateau surrounding the cameras on the iPhone 16 is slightly raised, for example, the SE 4 employs a simpler enclosure, which may partially explain the pronounced thickness of this lens. Dynamic Island: Game-Changer for the SE Lineup? One of the most exciting rumors surrounding the iPhone SE 4 involves the inclusion of Dynamic Island. This would replace the smaller notch from earlier SEs and would be a feature that has been given to premium models previously. If it is true, though, this will bring into the firm’s budget-friendly device a modern, dynamic user interface that furthers the bridge between the SE line and flagship models. Performance: Powered by A18 Chip The iPhone SE 4 is said to be powered by an Apple A18 chip, promising a bump in performance and efficiency. This chip will no doubt ensure seamless multitasking, playing games seamlessly, and supporting Apple Intelligence, thus making the SE 4 one of the strong options for those users seeking high performance without breaking their wallets. Camera: A Single Lens with a Big Presence But the single rear camera of the SE 4 is shaping up to be a capable shooter. Given the prominent camera ring, Apple could double down on sensor quality instead of additional lenses. Until launch day, all details about camera capabilities are, however, just speculations. Does It Feature an Action Button? Another point of speculation is the inclusion of an Action Button. Various reports have surfaced, stating that this may replace the traditional Mute Switch, with a multi-functional button; however, confirmation is yet to be given. Conclusion: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse The iPhone SE 4 could be an interesting option for those looking for a more affordable phone without too many compromises in performance. The rumored design refresh, Dynamic Island, and A18 chip may finally give the budget smartphone segment an all-new meaning. However, some compromises, like the single camera, may not be good enough for some users. More on that as Apple readies the launch of the iPhone SE 4 in the following months. Source & Images: Majin Bu
DeepSeek Faces Cyber Attacks After Challenging ChatGPT
Silicon Valley was caught off guard when Chinese AI startup DeepSeek topped Apple’s App Store in the artificial intelligence assistant category. Beating OpenAI’s ChatGPT, DeepSeek’s popularity has created a big stir in the tech world. But this new found success has put the company in a tough spot as it’s being hit with non-stop cyber attacks that’s affecting its daily operations. Cyber attacks Force Registration Limits Because of these attacks, DeepSeek has temporarily stopped new user sign-ups to keep its platform stable. While the limits are in place, existing users can continue to use the service as usual. In a statement, the company addressed its users while trying to sort out the security issues. Timing is everything, especially since the attacks came after reports that DeepSeek’s rise has taken $384 billion off NVIDIA’s valuation. If that’s not enough, things got even more complicated with the Chinese government announcing a one trillion yuan investment to strengthen its AI industry. A New Player in the AI Space DeepSeek, founded in 2023, just released its first model, the R1, last week and it’s already a big player to industry giants like OpenAI and Google. The rapid growth of this startup is sending shockwaves across the tech world with established players like Gemini from Google already feeling the heat from other AI tools. The popularity also puts a spotlight on the bigger picture for the global AI market. While some say U.S. investors and big tech companies will start to feel the heat from DeepSeek’s rise, all of these will be seen in due time in the next few weeks. Speculations and Geopolitics The cyber attacks on DeepSeek have spawned a lot of speculations as to its origin but none are based on facts. Whether these attacks are coordinated or not, they show the risks of playing in this competitive and political sensitive industry. The world is also waiting to see what the U.S. government under Donald Trump will do with DeepSeek’s success. Analysts say it’s likely to be part of a bigger move to counter China’s rise in the AI space. Future of DeepSeek DeepSeek’s meteoric rise shows the changing landscape of the global AI industry. Whether it will sustain the growth and become a long term player to the giants remains to be seen as it faces cybersecurity threats and geopolitics. “Due to large-scale malicious attacks on DeepSeek’s services, registration may be busy. Please wait and try again. Registered users can log in normally. Thank you for your understanding and support.” Source: DeepSeek
Galaxy S25 Edge To Be Powered By 3900mAh Battery With 25W Charging Speed
The ultra-thin Galaxy S25 Edge was all set for an official introduction in April 2025. Though the Galaxy S25 Edge wasn’t one of those flagships announced in Galaxy Unpacked, it surely gathered a serious buzz because of its slim build alone. However, a recent 3C certification has spilled the beans that the slim flagship doesn’t come void of compromises. Battery Capacity: The Price of Thinness 3C certification has revealed that the Galaxy S25 Edge will pack a 3,900mAh battery, slightly smaller than the base Galaxy S25’s 4,000mAh. The reason for the reduced capacity is the price that had to be paid for the slim profile of the phone. While this might sit well with users who like thin designs, it also underlines how Samsung is struggling to keep pace with competitors in implementing the latest battery technologies. The result has been that most Chinese smartphone makers have moved to adopt silicon-carbon battery technology, allowing their devices to boast upwards of 6,000mAh batteries. Samsung and Apple are reportedly working on implementing the technology in their future devices, but for now, they’re lagging behind. Even with silicon-carbon batteries, the Galaxy S25 Edge could have packed a 5,000mAh battery to somewhat balance design and performance. Charging Speeds: A Limited Approach The other trade-off seems to be with the charging speeds. The Galaxy S25 Edge will only support 25W fast charging. Again, a strategy probably intended to keep heat dissipation in check and ensure the device has a decent shelf life, but that puts Samsung a step behind competitors who are offering considerably faster options for charging. The restricted wattage might help in maintaining battery health, but it also means that users will have to bear slower charging times compared to other flagship devices. This trade-off may deter power users seeking efficiency and quick top-ups. Performance: A Mixed Bag Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 Edge will pack Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. The benchmarks suggest performance cores are running at 4.47GHz instead of the standard 4.32GHz for powerful performance. Multi-core performance scores have been underwhelming so far, likely due to either software optimization issues or limitations set by the slim form factor. These performance bottlenecks do raise one or two questions about how the device will cope with heavier usage. Despite these shortcomings, the Galaxy S25 Edge is an extraordinary achievement in terms of engineering-a state-of-the-art processor in an extremely slim casing. Should You Buy the Galaxy S25 Edge? Galaxy S25 Edge targets those who will choose aesthetics and portability over long battery life and fast charging. Considering this premium performance and look-and-feel device, users may not find it suitable for those looking to power all day or for faster charging. As Samsung continues to innovate, the Galaxy S25 Edge is a showcase of the brand’s commitment to design excellence, but the compromises it brings do well to remind that finding a middle ground between form and function remains a significant challenge in today’s flagship smartphones. News Source: Abhishek Yadav Images: 9to5Google
Sony Has Finalized PlayStation 6 Chip Design
Sony has been consistent with the timeline of their console launches. The first PS3 was launched in 2006, PS4 in 2013 and PS5 in 2020. If this trend continues the PlayStation 6 will be released in 2027 which will give Sony 3 years to prepare. But recent rumors say the timeline might be shorter than that. Development Timeline: Closer Than Expected A reliable leaker named Kepler (Kepler_L2 on X) says Sony takes 2 years from the final silicon design of their console to its official release. So while the PS6 may seem years away, most of the critical work has to be done soon. Lucky for us Kepler says Sony has already finished the design of the PS6 main processor which is a big milestone. A Cutting-Edge Processor with 3D V-Cache PS6 is said to bring revolutionary tech to its processor. A post from ChipHell forums, user zhangzhonghao says the console will use 3D V-Cache, a tech that stacks the cache memory of the processor. While the majority of the post talks about AMD’s upcoming PC hardware, the mention of Sony using stacked cache for their SoC aligns with AMD’s research on this tech for high performance parts like the rumored Strix Halo. If true, the PS6 will have significant boost in processing and graphics performance. For gamers, that means smoother gameplay, faster load times and potentially more visual effects. The Role of AMD in the PlayStation 6 The development of PlayStation 5 hardware was in collaboration with AMD, as they used their custom processor on previous generations too. The collaboration will likely continue on PS6, using the latest CPU and GPU tech from AMD. Stacked-silicon GPU cache inclusion will make PS6 a leader in gaming hardware innovation. Speculation and High Hopes This is good news for PC gamers too. New console generations usually brings advancements in graphics tech that trickles down to PC components and gaming capabilities. While these are not confirmed, the info from Kepler and zhangzhonghao is looking good for PS6. Sony’s focus on 3D V-Cache shows they are serious about delivering a powerful gaming experience. As gamers wait for official announcement, the 2027 release with latest hardware has got the gaming world excited. Whether console or PC gamer, PS6 will bring a new era of innovation. Conclusion PS6 is looking to be the next big thing in gaming. AMD hardware and stacked-silicon cache will change the game for console gaming. Of course it’s still years away but the leaks and rumors are fun. Source
iPhone SE 4 Dummies Leaked In Two Colors
Apple is all geared up to unveil its new-generation affordable smartphone, the iPhone SE 4. Early images of dummy units give an overview of what to expect in terms of design and features for the upcoming model, suggesting major upgrades both inside and outside. Let’s have a closer look at what the iPhone SE 4 has in store. Design Upgrades: Flat Edges and Larger Display While past SE models reused previous chassis designs, the new iPhone SE 4 adopts a flat-edged shell with a larger display akin to the iPhone 16. This naturally makes the model closer to Apple’s current design language, keeping the price at an affordable point. Images of dummy units in two colors show a sleek, minimalist look. In spite of these upgrades, some cost-cutting measures are quite apparent. The camera setup will be pretty basic: a single sensor in the front and back. While this will make the device at a disadvantage in photography when compared to the premium models, it keeps the price within reach of budget-conscious buyers. Powerful Internals: A18 Chip and 8GB RAM The new iPhone SE 4 will come with powerful hardware under its hood. The upcoming model is tipped to run on Apple’s A18 chip, the same chip driving the iPhone 16. With this chip, accompanied by 8GB of RAM, the configuration positions the iPhone SE 4 well for advanced features, including the generative AI tools of the Apple Intelligence ecosystem. This hardware leap ensures that the device will provide a seamless user experience, even if it lacks some of the premium features found in higher-end models. A Cost-Effective Camera Setup One notable compromise is the simplified camera system. With just two sensors—one on the front and one on the back—the iPhone SE 4 will be a disappointment to photography enthusiasts. However, Apple’s strong software and ecosystem will offset this, allowing users to do more through computational photography. Apple’s First Custom 5G Modem The iPhone SE 4 could also be the first Apple device to boast an in-house 5G modem. This would, in essence, reduce dependence on the pricey baseband chips from Qualcomm and showcase the progress Apple has made in developing its modem technology. If things go according to plan, this will open the doors for more budget-friendly and integrated solutions across the Apple product range. Launch in April According to different industry sources, the iPhone SE 4 is likely to be announced this April. With its modern design and powerful internals, combined with an affordable price tag, it is bound to fare very well in the mid-range smartphone market. Conclusion: A Balanced Upgrade Losing some features like advanced camera systems, SE4 makes up for with a powerful processor, ample RAM, and modern design. Adding to that luster, Apple has also included a custom 5G modem in this device to make top-shelf connectivity more available at a lower price. Source & Images: Majin Bu
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Hands-On Image Leaked
While the smartphone market continues with the buzz of the release of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, Xiaomi is getting ready to make a name for its series. In terms of the widely speculated Xiaomi 15 Ultra, it might make its world debut alongside the standard Xiaomi 15 at MWC 2025. According to reports, the global trade show scheduled in Barcelona from March 3 to March 6 is already confirmed to be Xiaomi’s launch stage for next-generation flagship. A Peek at the Xiaomi 15 Ultra Well, it’s almost months before the much-anticipated MWC 2025, yet online reports have presented a first peek into the upcoming Xiaomi 15 Ultra. We can see the design features of this flagship, judging from the new, bold look unlike some previous ‘Ultras’ from the likes of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and even Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Interestingly the famous wraparound mid-frame design and vegan leather rear panel of its predecessors are not adopted. Instead, Xiaomi has used a roughened glass back – apparently the only finish available for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. It’s said to mimic a more roughened version of the Sandstone finish popularized by OnePlus. Enhanced Camera Design Other significant features in the leaked images include the camera module. Xiaomi 15 Ultra features an entirely new layout for the camera, with a slightly oblong lens placed at the top right on the rear panel. The space next to the lens seems vacant but is probably a place for the much-needed powerful 200 MP periscope telephoto sensor with at least 5x optical zoom. If true, this upgrade could significantly enhance the device’s photography capabilities, making it a standout choice for camera enthusiasts. What to Expect in the Coming Weeks As the MWC 2025 countdown begins, there is a likelihood that more leaks and details about Xiaomi 15 Ultra will be uncovered. The actual specifications of the device are unknown, but preliminary revelations suggest Xiaomi is targeting something that would revolutionize the competition. For those who are putting off buying the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or equivalents, Xiaomi 15 Ultra can probably catch their interest at launch. Bold design changes, a fresh and innovative camera system with premium materials, this looks clearly to be just the product that Xiaomi needs to stake their new flagship’s ground in the high-end smartphone market. Stay tuned for more updates as the MWC 2025 event draws closer and Xiaomi prepares to showcase its latest technological advancements to the world. Source