macOS 26.3 leak hints at budget MacBook and new Studio Displays ahead of March 4 event

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Feb 21, 2026

With the Nothing Phone (4a) series set to launch on March 5, the company has now confirmed at least one important detail: the new phones will run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chipsets.

Nothing Phone (4a) series chipset teaser

The confirmation came via a teaser post on X, where Nothing shared an image featuring the Snapdragon logo and made it clear that both the Phone (4a) and the Phone (4a) Pro will use Qualcomm silicon. That continues the trend from the Phone (3a) series, which used the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. What hasn’t been confirmed yet is which Snapdragon chip we’re getting this time.

Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 looks likely

Leaks and benchmark listings strongly suggest that at least the base model could be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4. The chip is built on a 4nm process and features a Cortex-A720 prime core clocked at 2.7GHz, alongside additional performance and efficiency cores, paired with an Adreno GPU.

On paper, it should deliver modest performance and efficiency gains over the previous generation, nothing dramatic, but enough to keep the (4a) competitive in the mid-range segment.

As for the Pro variant, things are less clear. Some reports suggest it could use the same 7s Gen 4, while others hint at a step up, possibly a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4.

Beyond the processor, both models are rumored to share some core specs. A 5,400mAh battery with 50W wired charging is expected across the lineup, along with a 50MP telephoto camera offering 3.5x optical zoom.

Where they may differ more noticeably is in the rear lighting setup. The standard Phone (4a) is confirmed to feature a simplified “Glyph Bar” with nine individually controlled LEDs for cleaner lighting effects. The Pro model, meanwhile, could adopt a more advanced “Glyph Matrix” system, potentially inspired by the higher-end Phone (3) and its expanded rear lighting interface.

With the launch scheduled for March 5 (4 PM IST in India), we won’t have to wait much longer for official confirmation. For now, the real question is how much separation the Pro model will get, and whether the chipset choice brings a noticeable jump over last year’s (3a).

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(Source: Nothing)

iQOO 15R 5G prices for different configurations leak just ahead of launch

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Feb 21, 2026

iQOO is set to launch the iQOO 15R 5G smartphone in India on February 24. The company has already revealed key details of the device, including that it will be powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip. Now, a fresh leak has revealed the price of the phone just ahead of the launch.

According to tipster PassionateGeekz on X, the iQOO 15R 5G could start at Rs 45,999 for the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. The 12GB + 256GB model could launch at Rs 47,999, while the top-end 12GB + 512GB option may retail for Rs 52,999.

iQOO 15R 5G Specifications

At the center of the iQOO 15R 5G is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, paired with OriginOS 6 based on Android 16. The company has promised four years of Android updates along with six years of security patches on the software.

Moreover, the phone is said to pack a massive 7,600mAh battery with 100W FlashCharge support. To keep thermals in check, iQOO is reportedly including a 6.5K IceCore VC cooling system.

On the display side, the iQOO 15R 5G features a 1.5K AMOLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate. The company is also marketing it as an “EyeCare” display, which also supports HDR10+ and reaches up to 5,000 nits of local peak brightness.

The iQOO 15R carries a dual rear camera setup led by a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-700V primary sensor with optical image stabilisation, supported by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens. The details about the front camera aren’t out yet.

Additional features include IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, and an IR blaster. The device will launch in Triumph Silver and Dark Knight colour options.

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Poco X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max Design Leaked Ahead of Launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Feb 21, 2026

Xiaomi‘s sub-brand POCO is expected to launch two new mid-range smartphones globally, the POCO X8 Pro and POCO X8 Pro Max. Both devices were previously spotted in certifications and Geekbench listings. A new leak now shows the design of the two phones in multiple colors.

The renders were shared by X user @passionategkeez and show both models in black, white, and blue. The phones have a similar look with a pill-shaped camera module that includes a dual-camera setup. One clear difference is the flash. The Poco X8 Pro Max has a dual LED flash, while the Poco X8 Pro uses a single LED. From the front, both phones look almost identical with uniform bezels and a center punch-hole display.

Earlier leaks also revealed detailed specifications. The Poco X8 Pro Max is tipped to use a 6.83-inch 1.5K TCL M10 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 2000 nits brightness, and 3840Hz PWM dimming. It may run on the Dimensity 9500s with an Immortalis-G925 MC12 GPU, LPDDR5x Ultra RAM, and UFS 4.1 storage. The rear camera setup could include a 50MP Light Hunter 600 sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide camera, along with a 20MP OV20B front camera. Other features may include dual stereo speakers, LHDC 5.0 audio, a 3D ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings. The phone is also tipped to measure 8.15mm thick and weigh 219 grams.

The Poco X8 Pro is expected to feature a 6.59-inch 1.5K TCL M10 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2000 nits brightness. It may run on the Dimensity 8500 Ultra with a Mali-G720 MC8 GPU, LPDDR5x Ultra RAM, and UFS 4.1 storage. The camera system could include a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 20MP selfie camera. It may pack a 6,500mAh battery with 100W wired charging and 27W reverse charging.

The Poco X8 Pro is also expected to include IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings, a metal frame, NFC, an IR blaster, and an optical in-display fingerprint sensor. Connectivity may include Wi-Fi 6. Both phones are expected to launch with Android 16 and HyperOS 3 out of the box.

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(Source: 1, 2)

Is Amazon Building a Mass Surveillance Network? Ring Emails Raise Alarm

By

Sudhanshu

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Feb 20, 2026

Leaked internal emails indicate that Amazon-owned Ring may be planning to expand its AI-powered camera network far beyond its current use cases, raising fresh concerns about large-scale neighborhood surveillance.

According to emails obtained by 404 Media, Ring founder Jamie Siminoff told employees that the company’s controversial “Search Party” feature was introduced “first for finding dogs,” but could eventually evolve into technology aimed at reducing crime across neighborhoods. Search Party launched in October as an on-by-default feature that connects Ring cameras within a local area and uses AI to identify lost pets, effectively creating a shared detection network across participating homes.

“This is by far the most innovative that we have launched in the history of Ring,” Siminoff wrote in an email to staff shortly after the feature’s rollout. He added that the underlying system could become a key part of Ring’s long-term mission, describing a future where the company might help “zero out crime in neighborhoods” through AI-enabled tools.

The feature drew backlash during the Super Bowl after Ring promoted the concept in an advertisement. Critics argued that technology capable of scanning for lost animals could easily be repurposed for broader surveillance, particularly given Ring’s history of partnerships with police departments across the United States.

Recent product launches appear to reinforce those concerns. Ring has introduced “Familiar Faces,” a facial recognition feature designed to identify known individuals captured on cameras, as well as “Fire Watch,” which uses AI to alert users about nearby fires. While these tools are marketed as safety features, privacy advocates warn they could contribute to an increasingly interconnected surveillance ecosystem.

Additional emails obtained by 404 Media also highlight Ring’s growing law enforcement integrations. The company launched a “Community Requests” feature in September, allowing police to request footage directly from camera owners through a partnership with public safety technology firm Axon. Siminoff described the feature internally as “foundational” to Ring’s mission of making neighborhoods safer.

In response to the reports, a Ring spokesperson said the company focuses on providing context about local events such as lost pets or fires and emphasized that footage sharing remains optional. The spokesperson also stated that Search Party does not process human biometrics or track individuals.

Despite those assurances, the leaked emails suggest Ring’s ambitions may extend well beyond pet recovery, potentially reshaping how residential surveillance technology is used in the future.

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(Source: 404 Media)

Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro pricing revealed ahead of Unpacked event

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Feb 20, 2026

With Samsung Galaxy Unpacked just days away, leaks are starting to fill in the remaining gaps, including how much Samsung’s next earbuds might cost.

According to tipster Roland Quandt, the Galaxy Buds4 are expected to retail for $179.99 in the US, while the Buds4 Pro could come in at $249.99. If accurate, that’s identical to the launch pricing of the Buds3 lineup last year.

That’s notable. With component costs fluctuating and many brands quietly raising prices year over year, Samsung appears to be holding the line, at least this time.

In Europe, early retailer listings are pointing in the same direction. Italian retailer Euronics has already shown the Buds4 Pro at €249, while the standard Buds4 are tipped to land at €179. Other listings, including on Amazon in select markets, have surfaced ahead of schedule, although not all of them display final pricing.

Still, the consistency across multiple sources suggests these numbers are likely locked in.

Same price, new design?

Recent dummy units and renders indicate that Samsung is refreshing the design. Both models are expected to adopt a flatter stem look. The distinctive Blade Lights seen on the Buds3 Pro appear to be gone, signaling a shift toward a cleaner, more understated aesthetic.

At $249.99, the Buds4 Pro would go head-to-head with Apple AirPods Pro 2, which also retail at $249 in the US. Sony and Google’s premium offerings occupy a similar range.

The Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro are expected to debut alongside the Galaxy S26 lineup at Unpacked on February 25 in San Francisco. As usual, pre-orders should follow shortly after.

Nothing is official until Samsung takes the stage, but if these leaks hold, the Buds4 series may deliver an updated design without asking buyers to pay more.

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Best Titanium Watches Under $500 in 2026

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Feb 20, 2026

Titanium is one of the most desirable materials in watchmaking thanks to its lightweight strength, corrosion resistance, and premium look, but it often appears on pricier timepieces. So here’s a list of some watches that manage to bring true titanium builds with a $500 budget without sacrificing quality or features. Below, we’ve rounded up the best affordable titanium watches you can buy this year

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1. Citizen Zenshin Three-Hand Titanium Watch

Citizen Zenshin Three-Hand Titanium Watch

A standout in the affordable titanium space is the Citizen Zenshin Three-Hand Titanium Watch, which is a modern and stylish everyday timepiece with a brushed titanium case and a textured dial that adds subtle character. Powered by Citizen’s Eco-Drive solar technology, it never needs a battery change and offers reliable timekeeping with solid build quality. This is a great pick if you want a lightweight watch that looks refined enough for both work and weekend wear without crossing the $500 mark.

2. Citizen Promaster Diver

Citizen Promaster Diver

For sporty watch lovers who appreciate durability and outdoor readiness, the Citizen Promaster Diver with Super Titanium case is a rare gem under $500. Featuring 200 m water resistance, a robust rotating dive bezel, and solar-powered Eco-Drive movement, it offers serious functionality in a lightweight package. The Super Titanium coating also helps resist scratches, making this diver ideal for everyday wear and weekend adventures alike.

3. Casio Oceanus Titanium Series

Casio Oceanus Titanium Series

Casio’s Oceanus titanium watches are often overlooked but pack excellent value for under $500. These models combine precise solar-powered quartz movements with a sapphire crystal and lightweight titanium cases, making it perfect if you want a reliable and versatile daily watch with a slightly refined, dress-friendly aesthetic. Their understated design pairs easily with casual or business attire, while titanium ensures comfort during long hours on the wrist.

4. Casio Lineage Waveceptor Watch

Casio Timeless LCW-M170TD-2AER Lineage Waveceptor Watch

Casio’s Lineage series combines traditional analogue styling with modern tech perks. The titanium version tends to have radio-controlled timekeeping (Wave Ceptor), ensuring accurate time worldwide, plus a solar quartz movement for maintenance-free power. You also get radio-controlled accuracy, solar charging, sleek, and an everyday design. For those who want precision and practicality in a classy, lightweight titanium package, this model offers serious value under $500.

What Makes Titanium Watches Special

Titanium is lighter and more corrosion-resistant than stainless steel, often making watches more comfortable for long-term wear, especially for those with active or daily-wear needs. It also holds up well against scratches and daily knocks while still looking refined.

Finding a titanium watch under $500 is more feasible than ever, thanks to improved manufacturing and wider adoption of lightweight alloys in mid-tier watches. Options range from rugged divers and precise radio-controlled timepieces to classic everyday watches and sophisticated chronographs. Whether you prioritise sport features, solar power, or everyday elegance, there’s a titanium watch on this list that offers comfort, durability, and style without the premium price tag.

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Apple is moving toward encrypted RCS — just not across platforms yet

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Feb 20, 2026

In the latest iOS 26.4 developer beta, Apple has quietly enabled early support for end-to-end encrypted RCS chats. On paper, that sounds like a big deal. RCS has long been one of the most debated topics in the iPhone vs Android messaging saga. But if you were hoping this means secure iPhone-to-Android texting is here, not quite.

For years, Apple avoided adopting Rich Communication Services, better known as RCS, arguing that the standard lacked proper end-to-end encryption. In the meantime, iPhone users had iMessage (fully encrypted, blue bubbles), while conversations with Android users dropped down to plain SMS. That divide became part technical limitation, part ecosystem strategy.

Apple finally introduced RCS support with iOS 18, but encryption wasn’t included. Now, in iOS 26.4 beta, there’s a new toggle in Settings that enables encrypted RCS for supported users. Encrypted chats show a lock icon, similar to iMessage, indicating messages are secured in transit.

Here’s the limitation

Right now, encrypted RCS only works between Apple devices. The feature does not yet enable encrypted messaging between iPhones and Android phones. In other words, the green-bubble security issue remains unresolved.

There’s another interesting detail: encrypted RCS activates only when iMessage is turned off. If iMessage is enabled, Apple’s own messaging system continues to take priority for Apple-to-Apple chats.

Google has offered encrypted RCS in its Messages app for compatible devices for years. But true cross-platform encryption requires every major player, including Apple, to fully implement the same specification.

So when will Android-to-iPhone encryption arrive?

That’s the big question. This beta confirms Apple is actively working on encrypted RCS. But full cross-platform support doesn’t appear ready yet. It’s also absent from the stable iOS 26.4 release roadmap. Realistically, widespread encrypted RCS between iPhone and Android users could still be far away.

For now, this update is progress, just not the breakthrough we have been waiting for. Apple is moving forward on RCS encryption, but it’s doing so carefully and, at least for now, still within its own ecosystem boundaries.

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(Source | Image)

Best Smartphones Under Rs 25,000 in Feb 2026

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Feb 20, 2026

The sub-Rs 25,000 segment remains one of the most competitive in the Indian smartphone market. Devices in this price band now offer strong performance, capable cameras, fast charging, and refined software, blurring the lines with pricier mid range models. Whether you’re a gamer or just someone who wants a balanced daily driver, we’ve rounded up the 5 best smartphones under Rs 25,000 that deliver the most bang for your buck right now.

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1. Realme P4 Power

Realme P4 Power

The realme P4 Power 5G starts off our list as a phone that aggressively targets power users with battery-hungry needs. What sets it apart is its massive 10,001mAh battery, making it one of the largest you’ll find in any commercially available smartphone right now. Pair this with an 80W wired fast charging, expect to spend less time charging your phone and more time using it.

Apart from the battery, it sports a 6.8-inch 144Hz HyperGlow curved display that gets impressively bright for outdoor visibility. The MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra chipset delivers smooth performance for daily tasks and gaming, and the 50MP + 8MP + 2MP camera setup handles everyday photography well enough.

2. Nothing Phone (3a)

Nothing Phone (3a)

Next up, the Nothing Phone 3a is one of the most exciting options in this price bracket thanks to its clean design and polished software experience. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset and a 6.77-inch AMOLED display, it offers smooth visuals and capable performance for everyday use.

It offers a strong triple camera setup, with all three sensors actually being usable (main, telephoto, & ultra wide). A sizeable 5,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 50W wired fast charging. Nothing’s unique Glyph Lighting (and transparent construction) and refined Nothing OS give this phone a premium vibe normally reserved for higher-end devices, making it a strong contender if you value both aesthetics and performance.

3. Redmi Note 14 Pro+

Redmi Note 14 Pro+ in Sand Gold

The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G also brings some capable features to the Rs 25,000 price range. It packs a 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with vibrant colors and a high refresh rate, paired with a massive 6200mAh battery supported by 90W fast charging.

You also get a versatile camera setup with the inclusion of a dedicated telephoto lens in this segment, giving it an edge over its rivals. This Xiaomi device delivers balanced performance, strong visuals, and a versatile camera setup, making it a compelling choice for those who want a more complete smartphone experience.

4. Realme 14 Pro+

Realme 14 Pro+

The realme 14 Pro+ is another notable pick that blends performance with imaging prowess. It features a 6.83-inch curved OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, promising an immersive viewing experience, whether you’re gaming or streaming content.

On the camera front, the 14 Pro+ leans into capable imaging hardware, which also includes a telephoto shooter. With reliable battery life and fast charging, it’s one of the best balanced phones under this price range if you want rounded performance across use cases. Some of its notable features include Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, a big 6,000mAh battery pack, and 80W wired fast charging.

5. OnePlus Nord CE 5

OnePlus Nord CE 5

Rounding up the list is the OnePlus Nord CE5, which strikes a great balance between performance, design, and long-term software support. It sports a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It doesn’t lag behind in performance either with the Dimensity 8350 Apex SoC, offering dependable responsiveness for social apps, multitasking, and even gaming.

Battery life is solid, and OxygenOS (based on Android) remains one of the cleaner software experiences you’ll find at this price, with buttery smooth UI animations and impressive customization options. If you’re looking for a phone that feels premium in day-to-day use without the premium price tag, the Nord CE5 makes a strong case.

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Vivo T5 Pro surfaces on IMEI, suggesting development is underway

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Feb 20, 2026

Just months after launching the T4 Pro, vivo already appears to be working on its successor. The upcoming vivo T5 Pro has now surfaced in a global IMEI database, marking its first public appearance. The listing reveals the model number V2568. While the database doesn’t disclose any hardware details, it does confirm that the device is in development and likely inching closer to launch.

That timing makes sense. The vivo T4 Pro, which debuted in India in August 2025, carved out a strong position in the sub-₹30,000 segment.

To recap, the T4 Pro featured a 6.77-inch quad-curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a claimed 5,000-nit local peak brightness. Under the hood, it ran on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.

Cameras were a key highlight. The phone packed a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, a 50MP periscope telephoto offering 3x optical zoom (also with OIS), and a 2MP auxiliary sensor. On the front, a 32MP shooter handled selfies. Add to that a sizable 6,500mAh battery with 90W fast charging and IP68/IP69 ratings, and it’s easy to see why the device attracted attention.

Now the question is: what does the T5 Pro improve?

It’s too early for confirmed specs, but a chipset upgrade feels likely, possibly a newer Snapdragon 7-series chip or a MediaTek Dimensity alternative. Refined camera hardware and tuning are also on the table.

The IMEI listing doesn’t reveal much beyond the model number, but it’s usually one of the first signs that a launch cycle has begun. Given vivo’s cadence in India, a release in August 2026 wouldn’t be surprising.

With brands like Realme, Redmi, and Nothing continuing to push aggressive mid-range offerings, vivo will need to bring meaningful upgrades, not just incremental tweaks, if it wants the T5 Pro to stand out.

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(Via)

Google Bans 80,000 Developer Accounts, Blocks 1.75M Harmful Apps in 2025

By

Sudhanshu

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Feb 20, 2026

Google has shared new details about how it is strengthening security across the Android ecosystem, focusing on AI-driven protections, stricter developer policies, and expanded real-time defenses to protect users from malware, fraud, and privacy risks.

In 2025, Google prevented more than 1.75 million apps that violated policies from being published on Google Play. The company also banned over 80,000 developer accounts linked to harmful activity. Google says measures such as developer verification, mandatory pre-review checks, and testing requirements have made it harder for bad actors to enter the platform while helping legitimate developers build compliant apps more easily.

Apps listed on Google Play go through extensive safety reviews. Google runs over 10,000 checks on every app before publication and continues monitoring apps after they are released. During 2025, the company integrated its latest generative AI models into the review process, allowing human reviewers to detect complex malicious patterns faster.

Privacy protection was another major focus. Google prevented more than 255,000 apps from gaining unnecessary access to sensitive user data by enforcing stricter policies. Developer tools such as Play Policy Insights in Android Studio and the Data Safety section helped developers reduce permission requests and meet policy requirements earlier in the development process.

To maintain trust in app ratings, Google blocked 160 million spam reviews and ratings, including attempts to inflate or deflate scores. The company says its protections also prevented an average 0.5-star rating drop for apps targeted by review bombing.

Google Play Protect continues to operate as Android’s main malware defense. It now scans more than 350 billion apps every day, including apps installed from outside Google Play. In 2025, real-time scanning detected over 27 million new malicious apps from external sources. Enhanced fraud protection, now available in 185 markets covering more than 2.8 billion devices, blocked 266 million risky installation attempts linked to 872,000 high-risk apps. Google also introduced in-call scam protection that prevents users from disabling Play Protect during suspicious calls.

For developers, Play Integrity API now supports hardware-backed signals and new tools such as device recall to identify repeat offenders. Android 16 also introduces tapjacking protection that developers can enable with minimal code.

Google says it will continue investing in AI defenses and developer verification programs to strengthen trust across the Android ecosystem.

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Samsung SDI weighs $6.9B Samsung Display stake sale to speed up solid-state batteries

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Feb 20, 2026

According to industry reports, Samsung SDI, the battery arm of Samsung Group, is considering selling its 15.2% stake in Samsung Display. That stake is currently valued at around 10 trillion won (roughly $6.9 billion) based on book value, a sizeable asset that could free up serious capital if divested.

While no final decision has been announced, the move appears tied to Samsung SDI’s push into next-generation battery technologies, particularly all-solid-state batteries.

Samsung SDI hasn’t had an easy run lately. The slowdown in global EV demand has pressured battery makers across the board, and recent quarters have reportedly seen heavy operating losses. Rather than simply cutting costs, Samsung seems to be reshuffling resources. Selling a non-core stake could provide funding for expansion in areas that are still seeing strong growth — especially energy storage systems (ESS), which are benefiting from rising demand from AI-driven data centers.

At the same time, Samsung SDI is investing in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to stay competitive in lower-cost segments, while continuing aggressive R&D into more advanced chemistries.

The bigger goal: solid-state batteries

Unlike conventional lithium-ion cells, solid-state batteries replace flammable liquid electrolytes with solid materials. In theory, that brings higher energy density, improved safety, longer lifespan, and potentially faster charging, all major advantages for electric vehicles and large-scale storage.

Samsung SDI has already established pilot production lines and is reportedly working with partners such as BMW and Solid Power on validation and supply development.

A company representative stated that any potential stake sale would go through internal review, including evaluation by the Sustainability Management Committee before final board approval. Details such as timing, structure, and potential buyers have not yet been finalized.

Speculation suggests the stake could be sold internally within the Samsung Group or to a strategic investor, but for now, nothing is confirmed.

What’s clear is the broader strategy: focus capital on batteries. As next-generation technologies approach commercialization, scale and funding matter more than ever. If Samsung successfully channels billions into solid-state development and ESS expansion, it could strengthen its position in a market that’s rapidly evolving.

Solid-state batteries have been “five years away” for what feels like a decade. But with giants like Samsung accelerating investment, the timeline may finally be tightening.

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Nothing Phone (4a) to feature new Glyph Bar powered by 9 individually controllable mini-LEDs

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Feb 20, 2026

Nothing has started revealing key highlights of the upcoming Nothing Phone (4a) lineup ahead of its March 5 launch in India. The latest teaser focuses on a redesigned lighting system called the Glyph Bar, signalling a shift in how the brand approaches its signature rear lighting concept.

Nothing Phone (4a)’s Glyph Bar teased

According to the company, the Glyph Bar is an evolution of its earlier Glyph Interface, aiming to provide clearer visual cues while minimizing distraction. The system consists of nine individually controllable mini-LEDs arranged to deliver sharper signals and a cleaner visual output.

Nothing claims the new implementation is around 40 percent brighter compared to the previous (a) series while producing a more natural glow without light bleed. The lighting setup is designed to convey notifications and status information instantly through six square lighting zones.

Earlier Nothing devices experimented with different approaches, ranging from multiple segmented lights to the Glyph Matrix display introduced recently. With the Phone (4a), the company appears to be refining the concept rather than expanding it into a full rear display. Teasers and early visuals suggest the lighting strip may sit closer to the device’s edge, possibly around a vertically aligned camera module, though the exact placement remains unclear.

Nothing Phone (4a) series leaked specs

Leaks suggest the standard Nothing Phone (4a) could feature a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset. Camera details indicate a 50-megapixel primary sensor paired with an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens, along with a 32-megapixel front camera. The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro variant is expected to introduce additional upgrades such as a periscope telephoto lens and a faster 144Hz display on a slightly larger screen.

Both models are tipped to include larger batteries around the 5,200mAh range with 50W charging support, along with upgraded UFS 3.1 storage. Color options are said to include Black, Blue, Pink and White for the standard version, while pricing could see a slight increase due to industry-wide component costs.

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Leak Suggests Xiaomi 17T Series Will Launch Ahead of Schedule

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Feb 20, 2026

While the Xiaomi 17 series of flagship smartphones finally got an official global launch date, fresh report has revealed more details of its next-gen budget flagship phones. The Xiaomi 17T lineup might be making its debut months ahead of schedule, which could mean an earlier global release as well.

Early Certifications of the Xiaomi 17T is The First Clue

The earliest clue came via official regulatory filings and global SKU listings that reference new Xiaomi devices earlier than usual in the year. Xiaomi’s T-series usually arrive in the second half of the year, but these sightings have hinted at the Xiaomi 17T and Xiaomi 17T Pro models launching much earlier. So instead of an expected September 2026 release, the new budget flagships might drop sometime around May 2026.

Known tipster Experience More backs this claim by stating that the Xiaomi 17T and 17T Pro are launching four months ahead of the previous generation. This also means that the wider overseas availability should also be quicker than the previous generation. To recall, the Xiaomi 17T was recently spotted on the HyperOS codebase, which confirmed a sizeable jump in battery capacity; going from 5,500mAh on its predecessor, to a 6,500mAh cell.

Although the charging speeds remains at 67W. Furthermore, the Xiaomi 17T will reportedly pack a triple camera setup with a OmniVision OV50E main camera, along with a OmniVision OV13B ultra wide angle lens, and a Samsung ISOCELL JN5 telephoto shooter. Under the hood, this model could be equipped with MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500s chipset. Keep in mind that this is still just speculation at this moment, so take this report with a pinch of salt.

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Meet the Petite Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW2NC Earbuds: Lightweight, Colorful & ANC-Enabled

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Feb 20, 2026

Audio-Technica has just unveiled its ATH-SQ1TW2NC truly wireless earbuds, which are a pair of ultra-compact buds with ANC (Active Noise Cancellation). This is a suite of handy listening features and a range of bright color options that stand out in a crowd. So here are all the details.

Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW2NC Specifications

The ATH-SQ1TW2NC earbuds use a square-style compact body that’s light enough for extended wear without fatigue. Each earbud measures just 4 grams, and the hearables are available in six fun color options, including black, café latte, forest green, gray, pink, and white camel. Audio-Technica’s latest TWS support Bluetooth 5.2 and features 5.8mm dynamic drivers that support 20Hz to 20kHz audio range.

Despite their tiny form factor, the ATH-SQ1TW2NC offer ANC support along with up to 6 hours of audio playback on a single full charge. The charging case offers an additional 18 hours of battery life, with a full charge taking around 2.5 hours. Other notable features include touch sensitive controls, an IPX5 rating for water and dust resistance, a partner app that brings soothing nature sounds, and a 64 step volume adjustment.

There is also support for pass-through and talk-through modes that lets users stay aware of their surroundings. Audio-Technica has launched the ATH-SQ1TW2NC earbuds in Japan first, with pre-orders already live at a retail price of about ¥12,980 (roughly $85). Shippinh is set to kick off on 27th February 2026, although global availability is still unclear. Audio-Technica just announced these earbuds after releasing the Ash Wood headphones in a Guitar Lacquer finish.

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Xiaomi Pad 8 Could Be Launching In India Soon

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Feb 20, 2026

Xiaomi has dropped fresh hints that it’s gearing up to expand its tablet lineup in India, which could be the brand’s high-end Xiaomi Pad 8 model. Considering how the Pad 8 first launched in China back in September 2025, this could mark the global debut of the next-gen premium tablets.

Xiaomi Pad 8 India Launch Nears

In a recent social media post, Xiaomi teased the arrival of a new device described only as a computing device with hints toward a thin, light form factor and flat-frame design. At the same time, Xiaomi India’s Associate Director of Marketing and PR shared a series of emojis, including a TV, smartphone icons and a tablet, suggesting multiple product launches on the horizon. The brand just released the Xiaomi QLED TV X Pro 75 (2026), and the Xiaomi 17 models global launch is right around the corner. So this teaser likely hints at its latest tablet.

To recall, the Chinese tech giant just confirmed the Xiaomi 17 series’ global release date. Back in September, the Xiaomi Pad 8 lineup was also unveiled alongside these premium devices. So, the global debut this time could be near the worldwide announcement of the Xiaomi 17. Meanwhile, tipsters like Abhishek Yadav say these hints most likely point to the Xiaomi Pad 8 entering the Indian market soon.

While Xiaomi hasn’t shared India-specific details yet, the Xiaomi Pad 8 series is already on sale in China. So we have some idea regarding its specs and features:

It sports an 11.2-inch 3.2K LCD display with a smooth 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10, and Dolby Vision support
A 9,200mAh battery tuned for long usage sessions across media, gaming and productivity tasks
Near-flagship level performance with Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 SoC

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Motorola’s premium phones finally receive Android 16 update in the US

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Vicky

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Feb 20, 2026

The Android 16 update is finally rolling out to Motorola’s most premium smartphones, Razr 2025 and Razr Ultra 2025, in the US, just as Google has released the first Android 17 beta. Both Razr phones entered Android 16 beta testing about half a year ago, and now, after a long wait, the stable update is finally here.

The Android 16 update for 2025’s Razr smartphones is currently available on T-Mobile and Verizon carriers in the US, as spotted by Ytechb. For the Razr 2025, the update arrives with the firmware version W1UC36H.96-35-1, whereas the Razr Ultra 2025 users can identify the update by the firmware version W1VL36H.59-55-5.

This is the first major OS update for the Razr 2025 and Razr Ultra 2025, which has a massive download size of about 4GB. It’s best to download such large packages over Wi-Fi and make sure the battery is at least 40% charged for a smooth upgrade to Android 16.

While it’s a major OS upgrade, don’t expect major visual changes or groundbreaking features. That said, there are still some useful upgrades and new features that further improve the software experience. It introduces a new notification cooldown feature that prevents you from getting annoyed when an app sends too many notifications from the same app within a short time. It does so by reducing the volume of incoming notifications for that particular app.

Android 16 lets you create custom models based on your needs, in addition to the existing modes, including Do Not Disturb, Bedtime, and Driving. You can also connect to a hotspot of a different device without entering the password, provided that both devices are logged in to the same Google account. The update also brings improvements to hearing aids, protection from malicious apps, and performance upgrades.

While Motorola is busy rolling out the Android 16 update, Google has already started developing Android 17. In fact, the first beta has been out for a few days now, with more to arrive in the coming weeks and months. The stable build could arrive around June or July 2026. We’ve a dedicated Android 17 section where we regularly post the latest developments on the same. You can follow that along to stay up-to-date.

To ensure you don’t miss out on the latest updates from Motorola, remember to visit the Motorola section once in a while. Or, you can join our Telegram channel to get instant notifications as soon as we publish new stories.

Xiaomi 17 Series Finally Gets a Global Launch Date

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