Wednesday, December 17Huawei news & HarmonyOS updates

Reviews

Honest, in-depth reviews of Huawei phones, tablets, laptops, wearables, and accessories.

How Reliable Is The Lucid Air? Here’s What Owners Say
NEWS, Reviews

How Reliable Is The Lucid Air? Here’s What Owners Say

How Reliable Is The Lucid Air? Here's What Owners Say The Lucid Air is a car of extremes. It's arguably one of the most aesthetically pleasing cars to come out this decade, certainly among electric vehicles. It boasts the greatest range out of any EV, with the Grand Touring going an incredible 1,205 km, or 749 miles, on one charge for the Guinness World Record. The "entry" level starts at around $70,000, with the Sapphire Edition scaling up to an eye-watering $249,000 MSRP. This is a top-shelf, understated luxury machine, built for range, smoothness, and an impressive image — basically a Tesla Model S Plaid in a superb-looking designer business suit. It's also one of the least reliable vehicles ever put to market, according to some owners and experts. To put it into perspective, Consumer R...
Samsung’s $1,800 Galaxy XR headset is here to challenge Apple’s Vision Pro
NEWS, Reviews

Samsung’s $1,800 Galaxy XR headset is here to challenge Apple’s Vision Pro

Samsung's $1,800 Galaxy XR headset is here to challenge Apple's Vision Pro Samsung’s Galaxy XR blends AI and immersion to redefine how we work and play. What you need to know - Samsung launched Galaxy XR, its first AI-native headset and the debut product under the new Android XR ecosystem co-developed with Google and Qualcomm. - Powered by Google's Gemini, the headset is designed to be an AI companion that sees and hears your world, responding naturally instead of just taking commands. - Built for long-term use, it features a lightweight frame, detachable light shield, and a separate battery pack for better weight distribution and up to 2.5 hours of use. Enjoy our content? Make sure to set Android Central as a preferred source in Google Search, and find out why you should so that you can s...
I removed every ad from Windows 11 and it only took 6 steps
Laptops & PCs, NEWS, Opinion & Analysis, Reviews

I removed every ad from Windows 11 and it only took 6 steps

Windows 11 doesn't throw ads in your face the way websites do, but it still slips in promotions across the system. The Start menu can suggest apps you never searched for, the Settings app shows recommended content, and File Explorer occasionally displays a OneDrive banner. I ignored most of it for a long time because it blended in so well that it didn't feel like something I could turn off. Over time, though, I started noticing how often those prompts appeared and got curious about how much of it was built in. I opened the settings just to check, expecting most of it to be hardwired into the system. Instead, I found that most of the ads and suggestions were controlled by simple toggles. I disabled them one by one and was surprised it took only a handful of changes to clear out almost all o...
6G Satellite Connectivity to Become Standard on Smartphones and Devices
NEWS, Phones, Reviews

6G Satellite Connectivity to Become Standard on Smartphones and Devices

Satellite connectivity is poised to become a standard feature on smartphones and other devices thanks to advancements in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) technology. This development, spearheaded by initiatives within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), promises ubiquitous connectivity, even in areas without traditional cellular coverage. Currently, NTN is being implemented through 3GPP Release 17, with initial support appearing in devices like the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung S25. These devices primarily utilize NB-IoT over satellite, enabling emergency messaging when terrestrial coverage is unavailable. Mobile network operators are leveraging NTN to expand coverage, build more resilient networks, and provide connectivity in remote areas or during disasters. The evolution contin...
Laptops & PCs, NEWS, Phones, Reviews

Print Infrastructure Now a Critical Cybersecurity Consideration

For years, cybersecurity focused primarily on networks, servers, and endpoints. However, Canon Europe’s Quentyn Taylor emphasizes that print infrastructure is increasingly becoming a critical vulnerability within that chain. Failure to secure printers can compromise the security of the entire system. As modern workplaces rapidly digitize, employees access data from various locations, increasing the complexity of data visibility and expanding potential risks. Companies often prioritize network security, frequently overlooking print infrastructure. Last year, over 50% of businesses reported data loss originating from printers. Attackers can exploit a single weak point to infiltrate an entire system, and printers frequently provide that entry point. Integrated solutions combining hardware and...
Xiaomi Launches Water Purifier with Ice-Making and Heating Capabilities
Laptops & PCs, NEWS, Phones, Reviews

Xiaomi Launches Water Purifier with Ice-Making and Heating Capabilities

Xiaomi has released the Mijia Water Purifier Ice-Making Edition, a new water purification system with integrated ice production and hot water dispensing features. The device utilizes a variable frequency ice-making system, capable of producing 5 ice cubes (10 grams each) every 15 minutes in standard mode, or 5 ice cubes (6 grams each) in 10 minutes in fast mode. The compressor, paired with dual-speed fans, maintains consistent performance while operating at a noise level of 35 dB. The system can store up to 40-50 ice cubes and maintains a 75% efficiency over a five-hour period. The water purification process employs a six-stage RO+GC filtration system, filtering down to 0.0001 microns to remove microplastics, heavy metals, PFAS, and other contaminants. The resulting water quality meets in...
HarmonyOS 6 Boasts 40% Performance Improvement
HarmonyOS & Software, NEWS, Phones, Reviews

HarmonyOS 6 Boasts 40% Performance Improvement

Huawei has announced HarmonyOS 6, the latest iteration of its operating system. According to Huawei, the new version delivers a 40% performance increase compared to HarmonyOS 5. The improvement encompasses various aspects, including application launch speeds, system responsiveness, and overall operational efficiency. Specific technical details regarding the architecture changes driving this performance gain have not yet been extensively released. Huawei emphasized the OS’s continued focus on cross-device collaboration and distributed capabilities. It continues to position HarmonyOS as a key element of its broader ecosystem strategy, targeting a range of devices from smartphones and tablets to smart home appliances and vehicles.While the announcement focuses on performance, it does not yet ...
Test New Android Auto Versions Without Joining the Beta Program
NEWS, Reviews

Test New Android Auto Versions Without Joining the Beta Program

For enthusiasts eager to experience the latest features, accessing Android Auto beta versions can be challenging. While participation in the official beta program is often difficult to secure, a workaround exists. Google typically releases Android Auto versions in a tiered approach: a beta phase for testers, followed by a staged official rollout. The time between beta release and official availability can vary significantly, as evidenced by the Coolwalk release timeline. The appeal of beta versions lies in early access to new features, security patches, and design refinements. However, beta software is inherently unstable, prone to bugs, crashes, and unresolved issues. Users not enrolled in the beta program can still access these versions. The process involves downloading the APK file f...
Xiaomi Launches Self-Install Smart Lock: No Drilling Required
NEWS, Reviews

Xiaomi Launches Self-Install Smart Lock: No Drilling Required

Xiaomi has introduced a new smart lock designed to simplify home security and installation. Addressing a common barrier to adoption—the complexity of installation—the Xiaomi Self-Install Smart Lock aims to make smart locks accessible to a wider audience by eliminating the need for drilling or door modifications. The lock is engineered to adapt to existing door cylinders, allowing for installation within minutes without requiring any alterations to the doorframe. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Matter compatibility, enabling seamless integration with existing smart home ecosystems, regardless of brand. User authentication is versatile, supporting multiple methods including PIN codes (permanent, temporary, or single-use), Bluetooth, fingerprint scanning, app access, and vo...
Samsung Galaxy XR Priced at $1,799
NEWS, Reviews

Samsung Galaxy XR Priced at $1,799

Samsung has officially announced the pricing for the Galaxy XR headset, confirming expectations of a premium price point. The Samsung Galaxy XR is available for $1,799. This price positions the Galaxy XR significantly lower than its primary competitor, the Apple Vision Pro, which carries a considerably higher cost. While $1,799 represents a substantial investment, it's approximately half the price of the Vision Pro and slightly more than the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Notably, the headset’s controllers are not included in the base price. However, Samsung emphasizes that the controllers are not essential for a satisfactory user experience, citing effective hand-tracking capabilities through integrated cameras. Navigation within the Android XR operating system relies heavily on hand gestures, includin...
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