Google’s May 2025 update for Pixel phones addresses various bugs including microphone issues, Bluetooth pairing problems and secondary language display errors.
The update includes security patches for 28 high-severity vulnerabilities.
The update is rolling out in phases to eligible Pixel devices.
Caption – May 2025 update for its Pixel smartphones is now rolling out. (Image credit – Google)
Googlehas started rolling out the May 2025 software update for its Pixel smartphones. This new update brings several bug fixes, security improvements and even patches a zero-day vulnerability that might have already been used in real-world attacks.
May 2025 Pixel Update – What’s New?
According to Google’s support page, the update addresses a number of issues users may have faced on their Pixel devices:
Fixes microphone recording issues that caused poor audio quality in certain apps.
Resolves Bluetooth pairing problems that occurred with some smartwatches under specific conditions.
Corrects secondary language display errors in the quick settings menu.
The May 2025 update includes security patches for 28 high-severity vulnerabilities including one zero-day exploit labelled CVE-2025-27363. Google says this flaw may have been “under limited, targeted exploitation.”
In addition to that, the update also addresses three more high-severity vulnerabilities and includes three carrier-related updates.
Google is also rolling out a bootloader update with this patch, but only for the Pixel 6 series and Pixel 8 series. This update stops users from reverting to older, vulnerable versions of the bootloader, offering added protection.
Who’s Getting the Update?
The May 2025 update is being rolled out in phases and should reach all eligible Pixel devices over the coming week. Here’s the full list of supported devices –
Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a
Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a
Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a
Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9a
Pixel Fold, Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Pixel Tablet
If you own any of these devices and haven’t received the update yet, chances are will see an update soon.
FAQs
Q1. What issues does the May 2025 Pixel update fix?
Answer. The update resolves microphone recording issues, Bluetooth pairing problems with smartwatches, and secondary language display errors in the quick settings menu.
Q2. What security enhancements are included in the update?
Answer. Google has patched 28 high-severity vulnerabilities, including a zero-day exploit (CVE-2025-27363) that may have been actively targeted in real-world attacks.
Q3. Which Pixel devices are receiving the update?
Answer. The update is rolling out to Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a, Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9a, Pixel Fold, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel Tablet.
Reliance Jio has paused its express SIM card home delivery plans.
This decision came after the DoT raised security concerns about delivering SIMs before completing customer verification.
The DoT has now mandated Aadhaar-based self-KYC before SIM card delivery.
Airtel is reworking its SIM delivery process to comply with new verification rules.
Caption – Reliance Jio pauses SIM Card Home Delivery for now. (Image credit – Jio)
Reliance Jio has put its express SIM card home delivery plans on hold after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) flagged security concerns. According to a report by Economic Times, the move comes shortly after the DoT objected to a similar service launched by Airtel in partnership with Blinkit.
Jio Was Set to Begin Deliveries on April 25
Jio had written to DoT Secretary Neeraj Mittal on April 16, outlining plans to kick off home delivery of SIM cards starting April 25. The idea was to speed up the onboarding process, much like Airtel’s 10-minute delivery model.
Airtelhad teamed up with Blinkitto deliver SIM cards in just 10 minutes, charging a Rs 49 convenience fee. But the DoT stepped in saying that delivering SIMs before completing customer verification posed a national security risk.
DoT Now Mandates Full KYC Before Delivery
Following this, the DoT issued a directive requiring all telecom operators to complete Aadhaar-based self-KYC before handing over a SIM card to any customer. This step was taken in light of recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, to tighten security.
With the new rule in place, Jio has abandoned its initial rollout of the fast-track delivery service. The company hasn’t said whether it will bring the plan back under a new model that meets DoT guidelines.
Sources say Airtel is now reworking its own SIM delivery process. While it still wants to offer doorstep delivery, it will likely take longer due to the added step of verifying customer identity beforehand.
Meanwhile, industry experts believe that quick SIM deliveries could help telecom companies attract more users, especially as they scale up 5G networks and look for new revenue opportunities.
Rohan Dhamija, head of India and the Middle East at Analysys Mason, also commented on the issue saying that it is completely understandable why the government would insist on verification before SIM delivery after the recent developments in Jammu and Kashmir.
FAQ
Q1. Why did Reliance Jio pause its SIM card home delivery plans?
Answer. Reliance Jio paused its SIM home delivery plans after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) raised security concerns, citing risks associated with delivering SIMs before completing full customer verification.
Q2. What new rule has the DoT introduced for SIM card deliveries?
Answer. The DoT now requires telecom operators to complete Aadhaar-based self-KYC before delivering SIM cards, in response to security risks highlighted after recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
Q3. How is Airtel responding to the new verification rules?
Answer. Airtel is reworking its SIM delivery process to comply with DoT’s guidelines. While it still plans to offer doorstep delivery, customer identity verification will now be required beforehand.
Vivo X200 FE is expected to launch in India in July in two variants – 12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 16GB RAM + 512GB storage.
The phone will reported be priced between ₹50,000 and ₹60,000.
Expected features – 6.1-inch LTPO OLED display with 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, Dimensity 9300 Plus or Dimensity 9400e, 50MP main sensor with OIS, 8MP ultra-wide, 50MP Sony IMX882 with 3x telephoto zoom and 6,500mAh battery supporting 90W fast charging.
Caption – Vivo X200 Pro Mini. (Image credit – Vivo)
Vivois getting ready to bring a new flagship phone to India soon. While many thought it would be the Vivo X200 Pro Mini, which launched in China in October 2024, a recent report says India will actually get a different model called the Vivo X200 FE. This version will sit below the Vivo X200 and X200 Pro in terms of pricing and specs. Here’s what we know so far.
Vivo X200 FE Launch Timeline and Variants
According to a report from SmartPrix, the Vivo X200 FE is expected to launch in July. It will be available in two variants, 12GB RAM with 256GB storage and 16GB RAM with 512GB storage.
In terms of pricing, the phone could fall in the Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 range.
Vivo X200 FE – Key Specs (Leaked)
The X200 FE will be a compact yet powerful device. It’s rumoured to feature a 6.1-inch LTPO OLED display with a 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Powering the phone could be the Dimensity 9300 Plus or the upcoming Dimensity 9400e, which is expected to be an upgraded version of the 9300+.
One standout feature is its 6,500mAh battery with support for 90W fast charging. Despite the large battery, the phone is said to weigh just around 200 grams.
Vivo is sticking with its Zeiss camera partnership for the X200 FE. On the front, it will have a 50MP selfie camera and on the back, it’ll feature a triple camera setup:
50MP main sensor with OIS
8MP ultra-wide lens
50MP Sony IMX882 sensor with 3x telephoto zoom
The device will likely run on Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15 and Vivo is promising three years of OS updates and four years of security patches.
There’s also speculation that the X200 FE might be a rebranded version of the Vivo S30 Pro Mini, which is expected to launch in China this month.
FAQs
Q1. When will the Vivo X200 FE launch in India?
Answer. The Vivo X200 FE is expected to launch in India in July 2025 and will come in two variants: 12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 16GB RAM + 512GB storage.
Q2. What are the key specifications of the Vivo X200 FE?
Answer. The phone is rumored to feature a 6.1-inch LTPO OLED display with 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, a Dimensity 9300 Plus or Dimensity 9400e chipset and a 6,500mAh battery with 90W fast charging.
Q3. What camera setup does the Vivo X200 FE offer?
Answer. The Vivo X200 FE is expected to have a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor with 3x telephoto zoom.
Sony Xperia 1 VII is expected to launch first in Japan on 15 May 2025 with a global release likely delayed until July.
As of now, no official US launch date is confirmed.
The flagship device will feature Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and 12GB RAM, as revealed by its recent Geekbench listing.
Sony may also unveil its next-gen WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones alongside the Xperia 1 VII.
Caption – Sony Xperia 1 VII previously leaked render. (Image credit – OnLeaks/Xpertpick)
Sonyfans might have to wait a bit longer for the global launch of the Xperia 1 VII. While the next-gen flagship is gearing up for its debut, reports suggest that its international release could be delayed.
Here’s what we know so far.
Xperia 1 VII to Launch in Japan First
Sony is expected to officially unveil the Xperia 1 VII later this month with Japan likely being the first to get the phone.
According to a recent report from Sumaho Digest, the device is set to launch in Japan on 15th May 2025. But if you’re outside of Japan, especially in regions like Europe, you might not see the phone hit shelves until July.
It is important to note that there’s still no official word on when it will launch in the US and all of this is based on speculation for now. More interestingly, if the May 15 Japan launch date is accurate, it would follow the same schedule as last year’s Xperia 1 VI, which was also introduced on 15th May 2024.
Flagship Specs and Headphone Rumours
The Xperia 1 VII is expected to come packed with top-tier features like the latest Qualcomm chipset and powerful camera hardware. It recently showed up on Geekbench, revealing a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and 12GB of RAM.
Sony is also working on its next-gen wireless headphones, the WH-1000XM6. These were spotted on the FCC database earlier this year and also received IMDA certification. There’s a chance Sony could unveil the headphones alongside the Xperia 1 VII, but nothing is confirmed yet.
FAQs
Q1. When will the Sony Xperia 1 VII launch?
Answer. The Sony Xperia 1 VII is expected to launch in Japan first on 15 May 2025, with a global release likely delayed until July. There is no confirmed US launch date yet.
Q2. What are the rumoured specifications of the Xperia 1 VII?
Answer. The Xperia 1 VII was recently spotted on Geekbench, revealing a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and 12GB of RAM, suggesting powerful flagship-level performance.
Q3. Will Sony launch new headphones alongside the Xperia 1 VII?
Answer. Sony’s next-gen WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones were recently spotted in FCC and IMDA certifications, leading to speculation that they could launch alongside the Xperia 1 VII.
Leaked feature – a 6.67-inch P-OLED display with 1.5K resolution, MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, 8GB or 12GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB storage, Android 15 with two major OS updates and four years of security patches.
Motorolais getting ready to launch the Moto G86, the successor to last year’s Moto G85 featuring the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3. The new model has already had its design, colour options and pricing leaked in previous reports. But now, we have a full look at its key specs thanks to popular tipster Evan Blass. Here’s what we know after the leak.
“Nice” pic.twitter.com/LPYr5bDDzq
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) May 6, 2025
Moto G86 5G – Full Specs (Leaked)
Caption – Moto G86 5G full specs (Image credit – Evan Blass on X)
According to the latest leak, the Moto G86 will sport a 6.67-inch P-OLED display with a 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive 4,500 nits peak brightness. The screen will also feature Gorilla Glass 7i for protection and an in-display fingerprint sensor. For sound, it’ll pack dual speakers with Dolby Atmos.
Under the hood, the phone will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset. Depending on the region, it will come with either a 5,200mAh or a 6,720mAh battery, both supporting 33W fast charging. The 5,200mAh version will be thinner and lighter at 7.87mm and 185g, while the 6,720mAh variant will measure 8.65mm and weigh 198g.
The Moto G86 will run Android 15 out of the box and is promised to get two major Android updates and four years of security patches.
It’ll be available in configurations of 8GB or 12GB of RAM with support for up to 12GB of virtual RAM. Storage options will include 128GB or 256GB and there will also be a microSD card slot for expansion.
For cameras, the phone will feature a 32MP front camera for selfies and video calls. On the back, there will be a 50MP Sony LYT-600 main camera with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide camera that also supports autofocus for macro shots.
The Moto G86 will also include Smart Connect, 5G and dual-SIM support, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, MIL-STD-810H certification and IP68/69 dust and water resistance.
Colour options will follow Pantone’s palette including Spellbound, Pantone Chrysanthemum and Pantone Gossamer Sky.
A recent report suggests that the 8GB+256GB variant will be priced at €330 in Europe.
FAQs
Q1. What are the key display features of the Moto G86 5G?
Answer. The Moto G86 5G features a 6.67-inch P-OLED display with 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 4,500 nits peak brightness, Gorilla Glass 7i protection, and an in-display fingerprint sensor.
Q2. What are the battery and performance specs of the Moto G86 5G?
Answer. The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset and will come with either a 5,200mAh or 6,720mAh battery, both supporting 33W fast charging. The 5,200mAh version is thinner and lighter, while the 6,720mAh variant is slightly heavier.
Q3. What are the camera specifications of the Moto G86 5G?
Answer. The Moto G86 5G will have a 32MP front camera for selfies and video calls. On the back, it features a 50MP Sony LYT-600 main camera with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide camera that also supports autofocus for macro shots.
OnePlusseems to be gearing up for the launch of two new Ace-series phones in China this May. The two models in question are the OnePlus Ace 5 Racing Edition and the Ace 5 Supreme Edition (also referred to as the Ace 5 Ultra). The Racing model is expected to come with the upcoming Dimensity 9400e chipset, while the Supreme Edition is likely to feature the more powerful Dimensity 9400 Plus.
Meanwhile, a new OnePlus phone carrying the model number PLC110 has now been spotted on Geekbench. According to tipster Anvin on X (formerly Twitter), it’s believed to be the upcoming Ace 5 Supreme Edition. Here’s what we know so far.
OnePlus Ace 5 Supreme Edition (PLC110) appears on Geekbench
– Dimensity 9400+
– 16GB RAM
– Android 15
China launch this month.
Main remain exclusive to China. #OnePlusAce5SupremeEdition #OnePlus #OnePlusAce5Ultra pic.twitter.com/cuJ4qKB5YK
— Anvin (@ZionsAnvin) May 6, 2025
Geekbench Listing Reveals Key Specs
The Geekbench listing, details of which were shared by tipster Anvin, shows that the OnePlus PLC110 is powered by the Dimensity 9400 Plus chip. Although the chip’s name isn’t directly mentioned, details from the CPU and GPU (via the listing’s source code) confirm its identity.
Caption – OnePlus phone spotted on Geekbench. (Image credit – @ZionsAnvin on X)
The listing also reveals the phone packs 16GB of RAM and runs on Android 15. In benchmark tests, it scored 2,779 points in the single-core test and 8,660 in the multi-core test.
OnePlus Ace Series – What Else to Expect?
Based on earlier leaks, the OnePlus Ace 5 Supreme Edition is expected to feature a flat OLED display with 1.5K resolution. It could also house a massive 7,000mAh battery, although nothing is officially confirmed yet.
While other details remain under wraps for now, it is also suggested that the phone may stay exclusive to the Chinese market.
Meanwhile, the Racing Edition launching alongside the Supreme Edition is said to feature the Dimensity 9400e. Rumours suggest that this model could be rebranded as the OnePlus Nord 5 for global markets.
FAQs
Q1. What are the upcoming OnePlus Ace-series models?
Answer. OnePlus is expected to launch the Ace 5 Racing Edition with a Dimensity 9400e chipset and the Ace 5 Supreme Edition (also known as the Ace 5 Ultra) with the more powerful Dimensity 9400 Plus processor.
Q2. What does the Geekbench listing reveal about the Ace 5 Supreme Edition?
Answer. A Geekbench listing for a OnePlus device believed to be the Ace 5 Supreme Edition shows it is powered by the Dimensity 9400 Plus chip, packs 16GB of RAM, and runs on Android 15, scoring 2,779 (single-core) and 8,660 (multi-core) in benchmarks.
Q3. What are the rumoured features of the Ace 5 Supreme Edition?
Answer. Leaks suggest it may feature a flat OLED display with 1.5K resolution and a 7,000mAh battery, though official confirmation is still pending. The phone may also remain exclusive to the Chinese market.
Rockstar Games unexpectedly released GTA 6’s second trailer.
It showcases deeper insights into the main characters Jason and Lucia, their criminal journey and Leonida’s dark world.
The game’s release date has been officially delayed to 26 May 2026.
Reports suggest GTA 6 might be Rockstar’s most expensive game yet with the standard edition potentially costing ₹5,999.
Caption – GTA 6 trailer 2 is now out. (Image credit – Rockstar Games)
Wake Up, GTA fans! Rockstar Games just dropped a surprise bombshell. The second trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) is out now! And no fan saw it coming. The studio released it without any prior hints on their official YouTube channel. Here’s what we know.
GTA 6 Trailer 2 Out Now!
This new trailer picks up where the first one left off, giving us a deeper look at the game’s main characters, Jason and Lucia.
According to the official synopsis, the duo gets caught up in a dangerous situation when what seems like a simple heist goes horribly wrong. Their journey takes them into the criminal heart of Leonida, a fictional state inspired by Florida, filled with betrayal, crime, and conspiracies.
As the trailer description puts it. “Jason and Lucia have always known the deck is stacked against them. But when an easy score goes wrong, they find themselves on the darkest side of the sunniest place in America… forced to rely on each other more than ever if they want to make it out alive.”
Unsurprisingly, fans flooded social media after the drop, making hashtags like #GTA6 and #Leonida trend worldwide. The trailer is packed with action, stunning visuals drenched in neon, and a gritty tone that shows Rockstar is once again pushing boundaries in open-world storytelling.
At the time of writing this, the trailer already received over 46 millions views.
What’s In The New Trailer?
Caption – Grand Theft Auto VI narrative centres around the main characters Jason and Lucia. (Image credit – Rockstar Games)
The trailer opens with Jason doing everyday things around the lively streets of Vice City, setting the tone. We then see him holding up a convenience store, cruising through the city and working out on the beach, classic GTA vibes.
The pace quickly picks up with a fast-cut montage showing wild heists, late-night bar crawls, and intense underground fights. It’s everything fans expect from GTA, and then some.
GTA 6 Release Date
Rockstar has officially pushed back the release date for GTA 6 to 26 May 2026. The news came via their Newswire platform, where the studio acknowledged fans’ excitement and their disappointment over the delay.
Rockstar said, “Hi everyone, Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to release on 26 May 2026. We are very sorry that this is later than you expected. The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto have been truly humbling for our entire team. We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game.”
The delay sparked mixed reactions on X (formerly Twitter). Some fans were understandably upset, especially with how long the wait has already been.
One particularly over-the-top reaction went viral, where a fan wrote, “I just smashed my TV in front of 30 guests at my party because of the game. My wife just took our crying kids and said they’re all spending the week at a hotel. This delay has ruined my life and my expectations. I can’t handle this anymore. Goodbye Rockstar. I am no longer a fan.”
I just smashed my TV in front of 30 guests at my party because of the game. My wife just took our crying kids and said they’re all spending the week at a hotel. This delay has ruined my life and my expectations. I can’t handle this anymore. Goodbye Rockstar. I am no longer a fan.
— PrimitiveAK 🇯🇲 (@PrimitiveAK) May 2, 2025
A fan account named GTA 6 Countdown posted, “If you are gonna delay it, at least give us some screenshots. This marketing strategy may be working for you, but it is painful for the fans.”
If you are gonna delay it, at least give us some screenshots.
This marketing strategy may be working for you, but it is painful for the fans
— GTA 6 Countdown ⏳ (@GTAVI_Countdown) May 2, 2025
Another user, @DarrylRMFC_, was more direct, “I speak for everyone when I say, keep the game—we don’t want it anymore.”
I speak for everyone when I say, keep the game we don’t want it anymore pic.twitter.com/OuRhDaQyCx
— 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒚𝒍༒(fan) (@DarrylRMFC_) May 2, 2025
GTA 6: How Much Will it Cost?
With hype building, there are reports that GTA 6 could be priced higher than previous titles. According to Digit, the standard edition might cost around ₹5,999, while the special editions could go up to ₹7,299. In global markets, the price could even hit ₹9,000, making it one of the most expensive Rockstar titles ever.
FAQs
Q1. When did Rockstar release the second GTA 6 trailer?
Answer. Rockstar Games unexpectedly dropped the second trailer for GTA 6 without any prior hints on their official YouTube channel, surprising fans worldwide.
Q2. What does the new trailer reveal about GTA 6?
Answer. The trailer offers a deeper look at the main characters, Jason and Lucia, as they navigate the criminal underworld of Leonida, a fictional state inspired by Florida.
Q3. When is GTA 6 releasing?
Answer. Rockstar officially announced that GTA 6 will be released on 26 May 2026. The studio apologised for the delay and thanked fans for their patience and support.
Q4. How much will GTA 6 cost?
Answer. Reports suggest GTA 6 could be Rockstar’s most expensive game yet, with the standard edition priced at ₹5,999 and special editions going up to ₹7,299 or even higher.
Google’s latest #BestPhonesForever video playfully pokes fun at Apple following leaked images of the rumoured iPhone 17 design.
The iPhone 17 series reportedly features a horizontal camera bar similar to Google Pixel phones.
The skit humorously highlights Apple adopting features years after Google, mentioning Night Mode, Magic Eraser and widgets.
Caption – A still from Google’s latest #BestPhonesForver video. (Image credit – Google)
Keeping the tradition of #BestPhonesForver alive, Google is having a little fun at Apple’s expense. After leaked images of the upcoming iPhone 17 series surfaced online, the design sparked a lot of chatter. The one thing that many online users pointed out was the comparisons to Google’s Pixel phones. Jumping on the buzz, Google dropped a hilarious video poking fun at the rumored redesign.
Google’s New #BestPhonesForver Video
If you have been following the new cycle, several leaks of both dummy units and cases of the upcoming iPhone series have revealed what the phones might look like. These hinted at a new rear design featuring a large horizontal camera bar.
Caption – Apple iPhone 17 Pro Case leaked renders. (Image credit – @MajinBuOfficial on X)
iPhone 16 Pro Cases pic.twitter.com/eEDzg1njWr
— Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) April 19, 2025
Although these are just leaks and Apple hasn’t confirmed anything about a redesign yet, the similarities with Pixel phones haven’t gone unnoticed. Many online were quick to say Apple was copying Google’s signature Visor-style camera setup.
Now Google has joined the conversation, in a funny way.
In the latest episode of its #BestPhonesForever YouTube series, Google put out a funny skit featuring a Pixel and an iPhone chatting like old friends. The iPhone, portrayed as a bit behind the times, brings up the redesign rumours.
As a not-so-subtle nod to Apple being late to the game, the iPhone in the video says, “Can you imagine me doing the same thing you did first years later?”
Before Pixel can reply, the iPhone rattles off a list of features that Apple adopted after Google. Night Mode, for example, came to Pixel in 2018 but only showed up on iPhones a year later. The Magic Eraser launched on Pixel in 2021 and didn’t hit iPhones until 2024.
Even widgets came up in the conversation. iPhone says, “And that one time when I like, got widgets but you’d already had widgets for like..” to which Pixel replies, “Since my first video nine years ago.”
The ad wraps up with Pixel reminding viewers, “These rumours are just rumours!”
It’s all clearly playful jabs at Apple, but the light tone and friendly banter keep it funny rather than mean-spirited. The video continues Google’s ongoing ad series where a Pixel and an iPhone are imagined as best friends chatting about phones and throwing shade in a fun way.
FAQs
Q1. Why did Google release a video about the iPhone 17 redesign?
Answer. Google’s latest #BestPhonesForever video playfully responds to leaked images of the rumoured iPhone 17 design, which features a large horizontal camera bar similar to Pixel phones. The video humorously highlights the design similarities and pokes fun at the idea that Apple might be copying Google’s signature Visor-style camera setup.
Q2. How does Google’s video reference past iPhone and Pixel features?
Answer. The skit humorously points out how Apple has adopted several features years after Google introduced them such as Night Mode (Pixel: 2018, iPhone: 2019), Magic Eraser (Pixel: 2021, iPhone: 2024), and widgets (Pixel had them for nine years before iPhone got them).
Q3. What are Google’s #BestPhonesForever videos?
Answer. Despite the playful jabs at Apple, the video maintains a lighthearted tone. It continues Google’s ad series where Pixel and iPhone are depicted as best friends, engaging in friendly banter about phones and teasing each other in an entertaining way.
OnePlushas just dropped a teaser video on X (formerly Twitter) that shows off the full design of its upcoming smartphone, the OnePlus 13s. While the back of the phone was already revealed on microsites for OnePlus India and Amazon, this is the first time we’re getting a clear look at the front as well. Here’s what we know so far.
OnePlus 13s Teaser
Strength. Stature. Superpower. Presenting the all-new #OnePlus13s pic.twitter.com/zhsW1NvYK2
— OnePlus India (@OnePlus_IN) May 5, 2025
The OnePlus 13s features a 6.32-inch display that features a punch-hole cutout for the front camera. The right side of the phone has the volume rocker and power button, while the left side includes a new hardware button. This button is likely customisable, and notably, it replaces the traditional Alert Slider, making it the first OnePlus phone outside China to do so.
Around the back, the phone has a raised dual-camera module paired with an LED flash. The overall design is quite similar to the OnePlus 13T, which is currently available in China. OnePlus has also confirmed that the phone will come in two colours, including Pink Satin and Black Velvet.
The company has already announced that the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset will power the 13s, but other specs are still under wraps.
It also looks like the OnePlus 13s could be exclusive to India, as reports say it won’t be launching in North America or Europe.
What Else Is Expected From OnePlus?
Meanwhile, OnePlus has more phones on the way.
For India, the brand is reportedly working on the Dimensity 8350-powered Nord CE 5, expected to arrive in the first half of this year, along with a more powerful Nord 5.
In China, the company is planning to launch the Ace 5 Racing and Ace 5 Supreme Edition later this month. These devices are said to feature the upcoming Dimensity 9400e and Dimensity 9400 Plus chipsets.
FAQs
Q1. What design changes does the OnePlus 13s introduce?
Answer. The OnePlus 13s features a 6.32-inch punch-hole display, a dual-camera setup, and a new hardware button replacing the traditional Alert Slider.
Q2. What chipset powers the OnePlus 13s, and where will it launch?
Answer. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset powers the OnePlus 13s, but other specs remain undisclosed. Reports suggest the device may be exclusive to India.
Q3. What other OnePlus phones are expected soon?
Answer. OnePlus is preparing to launch the Nord CE 5 with Dimensity 8350 in India, while China will see the Ace 5 Racing and Ace 5 Supreme Edition later this month.
Google accidentally leaked details about Material 3 Expressive ahead of I/O 2025.
It highlighted a bold new design direction focused on emotional engagement.
The update includes redesigned battery icons in Android 16, a floating toolbar and a refreshed Google Clock app.
Tests show users spot key UI elements 4x faster with modernity and innovation perceptions increasing significantly across all age groups.
Caption – Android’s Material 3 Expressive. (Image credit – Google via Wayback Machine)
Googleis getting ready for its I/O 2025 event later this month, where it’s expected to talk about Android, Chrome, Google Cloud, Gemini, Android XR and more. But ahead of the event, Google accidentally posted a blog revealing details about Android’s upcoming Material 3 Expressive design language.
Although the post was quickly taken down, it was saved by the Wayback Machine and spotted by 9to5Google. According to the blog, Material 3 Expressive is also called “M3 Expressive” or just “expressive design” and is part of a “bold new direction for design” and is “the most-researched update to Google’s design system, ever.” Here’s what we know after the recent leaks.
Google Accidentally Leaks Android’s Material 3 Expressive design
Caption – Android’s Material 3 Expressive or M3 Expressive design details leaked. (Image credit – Google via 9To5 Google)
In the now-removed blog post, Google says the main idea behind this new design is to move beyond “clean” and “boring” interfaces and instead build apps that “connect with people on an emotional level.” The key elements of expressive design include colour, shape, size, motion and containment. The update is all about bold visuals and more engaging experiences.
“These design aspects are also fundamental to what makes a product more usable by drawing attention to what matters in the interface: Making key actions stand out, and grouping like elements together,” Google wrote in the blog post.
One of the standout features is a new floating toolbar, a pill-shaped bottom bar that doesn’t stretch across the full screen, allowing some background to show through. This design is already seen in Google Chat, and edge-to-edge visuals are becoming more common.
Caption – Android’s Material 3 Expressive. (Image credit – Google via Wayback Machine)
Google’s research shows that users found expressive designs easier to use, helping them spot important actions quickly and navigate faster. The post also noted that expressive design was preferred across all age groups compared to more basic designs, like those that follow Apple’s iOS Human Interface Guidelines.
“… participants were able to spot key UI elements up to 4x faster, showing that these designs work to steer a user’s attention to the most important part of the screen. We’ve seen many apps achieve these levels of improvements, and this extends beyond just eye fixation times. We’ve seen time to tap on key actions decrease by seconds across different designs we’ve tested as well,” the blog post added.
Caption – Android’s Material 3 Expressive. (Image credit – Google via Wayback Machine)
“When we look at particular designs, such as the screens for a case study of an email app below, we can see the benefit of expressive principles directly. For example, the Send button in the new design is larger, placed just above the keyboard, and uses a secondary color to draw attention to it. We can compare this to the non-expressive design, which places the small Send button in the top-of-screen toolbar with other controls like attaching a file. When participants were asked to “Send the email” in the app, their eyes saw the button 4x faster in the expressive design,” the blog explains.
Caption – Android’s Material 3 Expressive. (Image credit – Google via Wayback Machine)
Google even found that using M3 Expressive made products seem cooler and more modern:
A 32% increase in how “in-the-know” people felt the brand was
A 34% jump in perceived modernity
A 30% boost in rebelliousness, suggesting bold innovation
Android 16’s Redesigned Battery Icons and Material 3 Expressive Google Clock Redesign Also Leaked
While we are already seeing hints of this new look, Mystic Leaks on Telegram shared images of a redesigned battery icon in Android 16. It now appears horizontally, has rounded corners, and changes colours based on status, red or yellow at 20% (yellow for battery saver) and green while charging, with icons appearing next to it.
Caption – Recently shared images of the new battery icon in Android 16. (Image credit – Mystic Leaks on Telegram)
The fresh look matches the expressive theme and marks a clear shift from older Android versions.
Mystic Leaks also shared screenshots of a redesigned Google Clock app. Changes include:
A narrower pill-shaped bottom bar
Caption – Current vs upcoming design. (Image credit – Mystic Leaks on Telegram)
Tweaked tab icons, with names like “World Clock,” “Alarms,” and “Timers”
A new rounded-square FAB (floating action button)
Updated UI when editing alarms, with cleaner layouts and a new font
More obvious action buttons like “Dismiss”
New toggles using Material 3’s on/off switch style
Caption – Current vs upcoming design. (Image credit – Mystic Leaks on Telegram)
For Timers, you can now set a name right away, and the “play” icon is replaced by a “Start” button. The Stopwatch gets a simplified layout, removing the circular design and replacing icons with large, clear text buttons.
Caption – Current vs upcoming design. (Image credit – Mystic Leaks on Telegram)
The Bedtime tab hasn’t changed much, and the World Clock screen wasn’t shown. The Clock app is now built entirely with Jetpack Compose, which is Google’s modern toolkit for native UI.
Google is using Material 3 Expressive to clean up its apps and make them more user-friendly. While the designs could still change before the final release, it’s clear that expressive design is going to play a big role in Android’s future.
FAQs
Q1. What is Material 3 Expressive, and how does it change Android’s design?
Answer. Material 3 Expressive, or M3 Expressive, is a bold new design language focused on emotional engagement through colour, shape, motion and containment, making interfaces more visually striking and user-friendly.
Q2. What new UI changes are coming with Android 16?
Answer. Android 16 will introduce a redesigned battery icon, new expressive elements, and revamped Google Clock UI, featuring floating toolbars, tweaked tab icons, and refined usability.
Q3. How does M3 Expressive improve user experience?
Answer. Google’s research shows users spot key UI elements 4x faster, making navigation smoother and actions easier to find, while also increasing the modern and innovative feel of apps.
