Latest news with #GooglePixels
Tom's Guide
14 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I timed how long it took to update to iOS 26 vs Android 16 — and the results shocked me
Since my job involves dealing with phones, I spend a lot of time updating the software — especially during beta software season. One of my longstanding complaints has always been that iPhone updates take too long, especially during the reboot phase, but I never actually sat down and figured out how long the phone was out of commission. Turns out my love of complaining got the better of me. After timing how long it takes to install the iOS 26 developer beta compared with Android 16, I realized that Apple updates aren't nearly as bad as I thought. Or, at least, they're a lot less intrusive than they used to be. And apparently faster than updating to Android 16. Android and iPhone updates aren't all that dissimilar, once they're actually available that is. Apple devices, of course, have much easier access to new software on account of the sheer number of Android phone makers and the fact they all control if and when updates are released. The whole process involves downloading updates, optimizing the device and then actually physically installing it. The key difference is that a lot of Android phones have an update feature pioneered by Google Pixels, where all the updating is done behind the scenes. Once that whole process is finished, the phone does an ordinary restart. This should take the same amount of time as any other restart. iPhones on the other hand take things differently, and once the restart process begins you need to sit and wait for a progress bar to fill up — during which the phone is totally unusable. It hasn't always been this way, but Android's seamless update feature has been around since the release of Android 7. Not every phone maker got on board right away, and Samsung didn't include this until the release of the Galaxy S25, but for the most part it's made Android updates a little less painful. But as I found out, they're no faster at getting things done. As sensible as it might be to simply update my phones overnight, I tend not to do that. Mainly because a big part of my job includes testing out new features (or bugs) that come with new updates. So I usually end up triggering them manually, and then having to sit and wait while the software gets itself ready. Don't get me wrong, mobile updates are not fast — it doesn't matter which platform you're using. What always bugged me was that iPhone updates always seemed to cut you off from your phone for much longer. But as I timed the whole process, with a simultaneous install of Android 16 and the iOS 26 developer beta, I found that my attitudes may have been slightly wrong. Not only did the iPhone update take significantly less time than Android, the phone was only out of commission for about 10 minutes. That's a lot longer than my Pixel 9 Pro, which restarts in around 45 seconds, but it's not as long as I'd actually thought. I can go 10 minutes without access to a phone, and it's highly unlikely that anything that does come through while the phone is restarting is so important that it can't wait 10 minutes. Overall the iOS 26 update, which, according to The Times of India, is around 15GB, was done within an hour. Meanwhile the Android 16 update, which included the June Pixel Drop, took an hour and a half — even though the file size was around 1.5GB — 10 times smaller. That's pretty poor performance from Google, I have to say, and it seemed to be because my Pixel spent quite a long time processing the update after it had been downloaded. Which is not ideal. If you're going to sit and wait for devices to update, then you're going to have a bad time. It's a long, tedious process that is better suited to being done overnight when you're asleep. It doesn't actually matter which platform you use, the only reason not to do this is because you're a bored phone critic that needs to see if his Pixel is going to get bricked for no apparent reason. But at least I now have the peace of mind that, despite the extra downtime, iPhone updates are not as bad as I had always assumed. Maybe it's down to Apple improving the process, or maybe I'm just extremely impatient. Either way it means I can get on with my day, and start complaining about the true evil update mastermind: Windows.
Scottish Sun
09-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Millions of phone owners getting ‘Hold' robot that waits for human helper FOR you – saving you hours of misery
Google has a similar tool, called Hold For Me, for Android phone owners APPLE A DAY Millions of phone owners getting 'Hold' robot that waits for human helper FOR you – saving you hours of misery Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) APPLE is giving iPhone owners their very own personal robot assistant that will wait in phone call queues for you. The tool will go on hold so you don't have to. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Apple fans have been calling for the feature for months Credit: Apple / WWDC For example, when you call a business and you're put on hold, you can get Apple's new Hold Assist tool to wait in line for you. It will then notify you when the human support rep is ready to speak with you. Google has a similar tool, called Hold For Me, for Android phone owners. Apple fans have been calling for the feature for months. "I'd love to basically have a "hold for me" feature, like the Google Pixels have had for a while now," one Apple user wrote on Reddit earlier this year. "Basically, the phone detects when you are on hold, and can mute the call and notify you when there's finally a person on the other line." But that's not all. At this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple also unveiled a new Call Screening feature. It aims to tackle unwanted calls, helping you gauge whether a phone call is important or another pesky telemarketer. The tool automatically answers calls from unknown numbers in the background - so you won't even realise it's happening. After the caller gives their name and reason for calling, the phone rings and offers you a transcription of what they said. This way, you can either pick up the phone or ignore it.
The Irish Sun
09-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Millions of phone owners getting ‘Hold' robot that waits for human helper FOR you – saving you hours of misery
APPLE is giving iPhone owners their very own personal robot assistant that will wait in phone call queues for you. The tool will go on hold so you don't have to. Advertisement 2 Apple fans have been calling for the feature for months Credit: Apple / WWDC For example, when you call a business and you're put on hold, you can get Apple's new Hold Assist tool to wait in line for you. It will then notify you when the human support rep is ready to speak with you. Google has a similar tool, called Hold For Me, for Android phone owners. Apple fans have been calling for the feature for months. Advertisement READ MORE ON APPLE "I'd love to basically have a "hold for me" feature, like the Google Pixels have had for a while now," one Apple user "Basically, the phone detects when you are on hold, and can mute the call and notify you when there's finally a person on the other line." But that's not all. At this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple also unveiled a new Call Screening feature. Advertisement Most read in Tech It aims to tackle unwanted calls, helping you gauge whether a phone call is important or another pesky telemarketer. The tool automatically answers calls from unknown numbers in the background - so you won't even realise it's happening. After the caller gives their name and reason for calling, the phone rings and offers you a transcription of what they said. This way, you can either pick up the phone or ignore it. Advertisement 2 Apple unveiling Hold Assist at WWDC 2025 today Credit: Apple / WWDC
Time Business News
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Why Global eSIMs Are a Game-Changer for Remote Workers
In recent years, many people have embraced the digital nomad lifestyle thanks to the rise of remote jobs. Since remote workers aim to stay productive during travel, they need reliable internet access. A Global eSIM is a new technology that helps remote workers stay connected in different countries. A Global eSIM simplifies phone network usage and helps anyone switch networks quickly. This blog will examine the ways in which Global eSIMs assist remote workers worldwide. A Global eSIM replaces physical SIMs. It lets users install a cellular plan directly from their device's don't need to buy a new SIM when you travel. Simply select and activate a plan from the eSIM travelers can skip physical stores, avoid roaming fees, and get connected in minutes. Just select your plan and turn it on. Let's explore some common issues remote workers face while traveling: Getting local SIM cards in unfamiliar places Language barriers when buying a new data plan Expensive roaming charges Unsafe or unreliable public Wi-Fi Poor communication when switching providers These challenges often cause missed meetings, poor communication, and increased stress. Remote workers can connect to the internet right after landing in a new no need to visit telecom stores or fumble with SIM ejector tools. Many eSIM providers offer coverage in over 100 workers can rely on stable internet, whether they work from a Bali beach café or a Berlin co-working space. Remote workers often face high international roaming costs with traditional eSIMs solve this with affordable localized data plans. These plans reduce roaming expenses while maintaining connection quality. Global eSIM providers offer daily, weekly, and monthly data packages. Choose a plan based on your travel only for what you need. Switch between plans easily using a mobile for the short term if you travel you work remotely long-term, use a monthly plan without paperwork. Teams, Slack, and Zoom are the tools that remote teams use to collaborate in real time. Dropped calls hurt client relationships. Global eSIMs provide strong 4G and 5G networks for stable global video calls. Public Wi-Fi in cafés, hotels, or airports puts remote workers at risk of can be intercepted by hackers, resulting in security breaches and monetary eSIMs let you use mobile data, helping you avoid unsafe public networks and work securely. Digital nomads once carried multiple SIMs and juggled between data plans are kept in one location with a Global eSIM. You'll carry less and stay can switch networks or countries with a few taps. Most new smartphones, tablets, and laptops support eSIMs work on iPhones (XS or newer), Google Pixels, Samsung Galaxies, and don't need extra devices or hardware upgrades. Spend less time waiting for Wi-Fi by using eSIM laptops or tablets. Global eSIMs not only improve connectivity but also reduce plastic SIM use and packaging makes them better for the planet. As telecom systems evolve, Global eSIMs are becoming the industry workers who use Global eSIMs prepare for future challenges in global connectivity. Remote freelancers, consultants, and international employees see Global eSIMs as essential tools—not just travel add-ons. They help workers stay connected, save money, work securely, and adapt with ease wherever they our borderless world, staying connected with coworkers, clients, and loved ones is vital. Global eSIMs make this possible. Are You Prepared to Feel Free with a Global eSIM? If you're a remote worker tired of phone service issues, it's time to Gleesim, choose from multiple Global eSIM plans. Stay productive, travel freely, and remain connected anywhere. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Yahoo
How and where to buy refurbished tech online
There's no denying the allure of shiny new tech (I mean, have you seen the smartphone images Engadget's Sam Rutherford takes?). But the latest model isn't always necessary for every purchase you make. Buying refurbished is obviously easier on your wallet — sometimes saving you hundreds of dollars over buying new. It's also far easier on the environment, since the majority of a device's environmental impact happens in the manufacturing process. Plus, buying refurbished is more efficient than recycling electronics and keeps a device out of the e-waste stream for a little no regulation for what constitutes 'refurbished' tech, but it's often a level or two above 'used' items you'd buy off a guy on the street. Refurbished usually means the device has undergone some combination of testing, cleaning and repair — often all three — and it should perform as if it were new, with only minor scuffs to indicate its past life. But some outlets aren't as trustworthy as others when it comes to refurbished options. We have a few recommendations for places to find refurbished tech that all have documented processes for how they handle the process. We also point out what to look for when you're shopping for such tech, so you get something as close to new as possible. Refurbished is not the same as used. Used items tend to be sold 'as-is,'' which means you're simply inheriting whatever mileage and quirks a device had when the previous owner said goodbye to it. It's true that most refurbished items were previously owned, and many are a result of the growing trend of trading in your old device when you upgrade. But others were hardly used at all and are one of the millions of returns generated each year. Either way, a properly refurbished item has undergone testing to verify that it works, along with cleaning, repairs and parts replacement as needed. Since there are no government regulations for renewed items, it's up to the sellers to define what steps they take to ready a device for sale. And it's up to the buyer to find out what those steps are before taking the plunge. The processes for refurbishing devices from Apple, Bose, Microsoft, Google Pixels and Samsung, for example, include cleaning, inspection, parts replacement as needed and shipment in a new box with the originally supplied accessories. They also all provide a one-year warranty. A refurbished device should perform as well as its new counterpart, but the only way to guarantee that's the case is to make sure it comes with a warranty. All of the sites we recommend below include a warranty with the products they sell. If you see something labeled as refurbished, but doesn't include some sort of guarantee as to its reliability – shop elsewhere. Also, a good return policy will let you send the item back (preferably with the same free shipping a new item gets) for any reason — including that you just changed your mind. That way if a refurbished product doesn't look as good as you thought it would, you can send it back without having to prove there's something wrong with it. Most refurbished tech was used before it made its way back on the market. And while renewed items are cleaned, you'll still need to consider your comfort with sanitation issues when buying things like headphones and earbuds. We recommend going directly to the manufacturer whenever possible, especially for more technical items like smartphones and laptops. If you need a new MacBook, check out Apple's refurbished stock first; if you want a new Galaxy phone, hit up Samsung before anyone else. Repairs will be handled using genuine parts and you're far more likely to get items that were properly unpaired from the original owner and all data wiped. Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy are decent options if you're on a tighter budget or if you're looking for gadgets from a manufacturer that may not have its own refurbished outlet. Refurbished marketplaces like BackMarket can be useful if you're looking for older, more specific items, or if price is the number one factor for your purchase. Some smaller manufacturers like Dyson, Vitamix, Nintendo and JBL offer their own refurbished products, but for many other brands, you may need to head to a retailer.
