News Weekly: Early look at the OnePlus 15R, Wear OS 6 lands on older Galaxy watches, Android Auto gets Gemini’s tricks, an

News Weekly

(Image credit: Future)

News Weekly is our column where we highlight and summarize some of the week’s top stories so you can catch up on the latest tech news.

This is Android Central’s News Weekly, your go-to source for a concise roundup of the week’s most significant tech stories. This is where we delve into the top headlines that provide the latest developments and innovations contributing to the digital landscape.

here

OnePlus 15 just launched globally last week, and OnePlus is teasing its next set of devices, the OnePlus 15R, and a mystery watch.

Although OnePlus has not yet confirmed or disclosed the specifications of its budget device, the company did tease the OnePlus 15R on its U.K. website alongside a mystery smartwatch. These images showcased the device in two available colors: olive green and black. What is certain at this point is that the OnePlus 15R will come pre-installed with the most recent OxygenOS 16, which is based on Android 16, consistent with the flagship model.

The next OnePlus Watch 4 is expected in early 2026, but a recent mysterious listing has everyone wondering if it might drop as early as December 17th. Is this the actual Watch 4 or maybe just a cheaper version?

here

As promised, WearOS is finally trickling down to older Galaxy watches. This week, the stable One UI 8 Watch update, which is based on Wear OS 6, has officially started in South Korea, with firmware version CYK2, introducing a new interface.

So Galaxy Watch 6 users will see a better UI with stacked tiles that organize important information more clearly. This means that health data, media controls, timers, and other tools are now easier to find without having to swipe as much.

To update your Galaxy Watch 6 or Watch 6 Classic, open the Galaxy Wearable app, go to Watch settings, tap Watch software update, and select Download and install.

here

Android Auto is being bolstered with Gemini globally, starting this week (Nov. 20). With Gemini in your car, you’d be able to get more done on your drive to work. This means you can have lengthy conversations with it and also get more complex tasks done. For instance, Gemini can double as your tour guide and local expert, with it fully integrated in Google Maps.

Gemini will look at reviews to offer business insights, answer common questions, and help users find and navigate to local spots. If you say, “Hey Google, I need your help. I’m suddenly craving barbecue. Any good spots along my route that are open now, near my destination?”

here

Let’s just say Google is taking the lead on bridging the gap between Android and Apple users. First, with advocating for a breakdown of the blue and green bubble divide, and now it’s bringing an update for its Pixel 10 series that makes it possible for Android’s file-sharing app, Quick Share, to work with Apple’s AirDrop.

Once this feature is available, a Pixel 10 user tapping Quick Share to send a file should be able to detect nearby iPhones. This new functionality is also expected to work when sending files from an iPhone to a Pixel 10 as well. Talk about an industry-changing move.

The company states it has tested its “strong safeguards” with “independent security experts” to ensure that the data you’re sending between devices remains protected. It’s worth noting that as long as your Android device and iPhone are set to receive files from others, this Quick Share/AirDrop update will work seamlessly. Moreover, Google says it plans on expanding this to other devices in the near future.

here

The next Galaxy Buds Pro were caught in an interesting leak this week, suggesting that the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro’s charging case will introduce a much-needed utility feature missing from previous models: a dedicated “Find Your Phone” button.

Hints to this were found in the One UI 8.5 firmware, which states that the button could be placed next to the USB-C port, allowing users to ping their connected smartphone via Bluetooth, making it much easier to locate a misplaced device.

Furthermore, the rumour suggests that it could have a built-in speaker grille on the case itself. This would enable the case to emit sound when lost, addressing the frustration of digging for silent earbuds between sofa cushions. Beyond these functional upgrades, the leak suggests a physical redesign: the earbuds would sit flat rather than upright, suggesting the Korean OEM is chasing a sleeker look for these buds.

News Weekly: Early look at the OnePlus 15R, Wear OS 6 lands on older Galaxy watches, Android Auto gets Gemini’s tricks, and more

Why all four Xenoblade Chronicles games need Nintendo Switch 2 Editions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Categories

News Weekly: Early look at the OnePlus 15R, Wear OS 6 lands on older Galaxy watches, Android Auto gets Gemini’s tricks, and more

Why all four Xenoblade Chronicles games need Nintendo Switch 2 Editions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Categories

Get more stuff like this in your inbox

Get more stuff like this
in your inbox