Mobile 3 December 2025 - 31 December 2025

Android Factory Reset Mistake Leaves “Ghost” Devices Behind — Here’s the Correct Way to Wipe Your Phone
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Android Factory Reset Mistake Leaves “Ghost” Devices Behind — Here’s the Correct Way to Wipe Your Phone

Factory resetting an Android phone may leave “ghost” devices tied to your Google account in Google Play and Find Hub, according to a December 2025 Android Authority report. Removing your Google account from the device before resetting it is necessary to prevent this issue. Google’s help pages confirm that factory reset alone does not fully detach the device from account services.
December 31, 2025
Samsung Galaxy S26 leaks (Dec. 31, 2025): Double-storage pre-order perk may vanish as S26 Ultra dummy units and One UI 8.5 camera upgrades surface
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Samsung Galaxy S26 leaks (Dec. 31, 2025): Double-storage pre-order perk may vanish as S26 Ultra dummy units and One UI 8.5 camera upgrades surface

Leaks indicate Samsung may drop its “double storage” pre-order deal for the Galaxy S26 series and raise prices. Dummy units show a new camera layout and S Pen slot for the S26 Ultra. One UI 8.5’s Camera Assistant is expected to add advanced video controls. Samsung has not confirmed these changes.
December 31, 2025
Hidden Android Phone Sensors You’re Not Using in 2025 — and Why Today’s “Virtual Sensor” News Matters (Dec 29, 2025)
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Hidden Android Phone Sensors You’re Not Using in 2025 — and Why Today’s “Virtual Sensor” News Matters (Dec 29, 2025)

Elliptic Labs expanded its contract with a top-five smartphone maker to supply AI virtual proximity sensors for over 20 models launching in 2026–2027. Consumer tech sites highlighted underused Android sensors like the ambient light sensor and magnetometer. Samsung updated its SmartThings Privacy Notice to specify collection of sensor-derived data, effective December 29, 2025.
December 29, 2025
How to Buy a Refurbished iPhone Without Getting Burned in 2025: Today’s Checklist, Prices, and Red Flags (Dec 28 Update)
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How to Buy a Refurbished iPhone Without Getting Burned in 2025: Today’s Checklist, Prices, and Red Flags (Dec 28 Update)

On Dec. 28, 2025, Indian retailers launched Apple Days sales including demo and open-box iPhones, with model number prefixes (M, F, N, P, 3A) flagged as key to spotting refurbished or demo units. Swappa updated used iPhone prices the same day. Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones remain the only option with a new battery, shell, and one-year warranty.
December 28, 2025
Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica vs Huawei Mate 80 Pro Max: Manual Zoom Ring Ignites 2025’s Biggest Camera Phone Battle (Dec 28, 2025)
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Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica vs Huawei Mate 80 Pro Max: Manual Zoom Ring Ignites 2025’s Biggest Camera Phone Battle (Dec 28, 2025)

Xiaomi has launched the 17 Ultra by Leica, featuring a mechanical “Master Zoom Ring” and a 200MP continuous optical zoom camera. The device competes directly with Huawei’s Mate 80 Pro Max, which offers a quad-camera XMAGE system and dual telephoto lenses. Both phones are drawing attention for their contrasting approaches to smartphone photography.
December 28, 2025
iOS 26.3 Release Date: What Apple’s Next “x.3” iPhone Update Could Bring—and What the Roadmap Says About iOS 27 (Dec. 28, 2025)
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iOS 26.3 Release Date: What Apple’s Next “x.3” iPhone Update Could Bring—and What the Roadmap Says About iOS 27 (Dec. 28, 2025)

Apple’s iOS 26.3 is in beta and expected to launch in late January 2026, featuring a new “Transfer to Android” tool and expanded EU wearable pairing. Reports say major Siri and Health updates are planned for later versions, not 26.3. Apple has not confirmed a public release date. Security patches for WebKit vulnerabilities remain a focus.
December 28, 2025
Moto G Power (2026) vs Moto G Play (2026): Price, Specs, Release Date, and Why the Headphone Jack Still Matters
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Moto G Power (2026) vs Moto G Play (2026): Price, Specs, Release Date, and Why the Headphone Jack Still Matters

Motorola will release the Moto G Power (2026) in the US on January 8 for $299, featuring a 6.8-inch 120Hz display, IP68/IP69 durability, a 5,200mAh battery, and a 50MP main camera. The phone keeps a 3.5mm headphone jack. The lower-priced Moto G Play (2026) sells for around $180. The Moto G Power will be available unlocked and through Verizon at launch.
December 19, 2025
iOS 26.3 Public Beta 1 Arrives With iPhone to Android Transfers and EU Notification Forwarding — Dec 18 2025
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iOS 26.3 Public Beta 1 Arrives With iPhone to Android Transfers and EU Notification Forwarding — Dec 18 2025

Apple released the iOS 26.3 public beta, introducing a built-in “Transfer to Android” tool for easier data migration between iPhone and Android devices. The update also adds EU-only notification forwarding to third-party wearables and new Weather wallpapers. Most changes target iPhone users. The beta is available for public testers as of this week.
December 18, 2025
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 lands on Pixel with new location tracking alert, Samsung-style buttons, and a major Pixel 10 GPU driver upgrade (Dec. 18, 2025)
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Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 lands on Pixel with new location tracking alert, Samsung-style buttons, and a major Pixel 10 GPU driver upgrade (Dec. 18, 2025)

Google has released Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 (build CP11.251114.006) to Tensor-powered Pixel devices, adding a tappable blue location privacy indicator and the ability to flip 3-button navigation order. The update also introduces adjustable flashlight brightness and GPU driver updates for Pixel 10. The OTA rollout began this week. Stable release is expected by March 2026.
December 18, 2025
Android 17 “Motion Cues” could reduce phone car sickness with smart on-screen dots — here’s what’s new on Dec. 17, 2025
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Android 17 “Motion Cues” could reduce phone car sickness with smart on-screen dots — here’s what’s new on Dec. 17, 2025

Google is testing Motion Cues for Android 17, a feature that overlays animated dots on the screen to reduce motion sickness when using phones in moving vehicles. Reports on December 17 indicate Google is integrating this at the system level, allowing the dots to appear even on lock screens and notifications. Apple already offers a similar feature on iOS.
December 17, 2025
Samsung One UI 8.5 Battery Indicator Update: How to Hide the Battery “Pill” (Dec 15, 2025)
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Samsung One UI 8.5 Battery Indicator Update: How to Hide the Battery “Pill” (Dec 15, 2025)

Samsung’s One UI 8.5 beta, released December 8, 2025, adds a toggle to remove the pill-shaped battery icon background while keeping the percentage visible in the status bar. The feature is available on Galaxy S25 devices in select markets, including the U.S., UK, Germany, India, Korea, and Poland. Users can enable it in Settings under Status bar. The option is limited to the beta release for now.
December 15, 2025
iOS 26.2 Is Out: Critical WebKit Security Fixes, AirDrop Codes, and 14 iPhone Shortcuts to Try Today (Dec 14, 2025)
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iOS 26.2 Is Out: Critical WebKit Security Fixes, AirDrop Codes, and 14 iPhone Shortcuts to Try Today (Dec 14, 2025)

Apple began rolling out iOS 26.2 on December 14, addressing two WebKit zero-day vulnerabilities that may have been used in targeted attacks, according to Apple and Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency. The update also brings new features to AirDrop, Reminders, Apple Music, and Podcasts. Apple highlighted an emergency calling fix for iPhone 12 users in Australia. iOS 18.7.3 was released as a security update for older devices.
December 14, 2025
iOS 26.2 Update: Apple Urges iPhone Users to Install Critical Security Fixes, Adds Liquid Glass Lock Screen Controls, AirDrop Codes, and More
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iOS 26.2 Update: Apple Urges iPhone Users to Install Critical Security Fixes, Adds Liquid Glass Lock Screen Controls, AirDrop Codes, and More

Apple released iOS 26.2 on Dec. 12, addressing over 20 security vulnerabilities, including two WebKit flaws reportedly used in “extremely sophisticated” targeted attacks. The update also adds an option to reduce Lock Screen clock transparency, following user complaints. Apple issued similar security patches for older iPhones and other platforms. An emergency-calling fix is included for users in Australia.
December 13, 2025
Google Pixel Quick Tap Finally Feels Reliable After Android 16 QPR2 — Here’s What Changed
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Google Pixel Quick Tap Finally Feels Reliable After Android 16 QPR2 — Here’s What Changed

Google’s December 2025 Pixel update with Android 16 QPR2 quietly fixes the Quick Tap back-tap gesture, making shortcuts like screenshots and flashlight toggles work reliably. Multiple reports confirm the gesture now triggers consistently after the update. Google did not mention this change in its official notes. The fix applies to Pixel 6 and newer models.
December 6, 2025
Smartphone NPUs Are Getting Crazy Fast — So Why Doesn’t Mobile AI Feel Much Smarter? (December 5, 2025)
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Smartphone NPUs Are Getting Crazy Fast — So Why Doesn’t Mobile AI Feel Much Smarter? (December 5, 2025)

The new OnePlus 15, launched with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and a 7,300 mAh battery, delivers faster performance and longer battery life but few standout AI features. Despite major NPU upgrades, reviews note that most AI functions remain subtle or background, with visible improvements limited to areas like photo processing and voice recognition. Many users still find the benefits of dedicated AI hardware unclear.
December 5, 2025
Motorola Edge 70 Cloud Dancer Edition Debuts in Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year with Swarovski Crystals
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Motorola Edge 70 Cloud Dancer Edition Debuts in Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year with Swarovski Crystals

Motorola unveiled a special edition Edge 70 smartphone in “Cloud Dancer,” Pantone’s Color of the Year 2026, on December 4. The device features an almost-white finish and Swarovski crystal accents. This marks the first time Pantone’s annual pick is a near-white shade. The release extends Motorola’s ongoing collaboration with Pantone on color-themed phones.
December 5, 2025
Apple’s Record iPhone 17 Sales Set to Power 2025 Smartphone Growth, IDC Warns of 2026 Slowdown
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Apple’s Record iPhone 17 Sales Set to Power 2025 Smartphone Growth, IDC Warns of 2026 Slowdown

Apple is projected to ship over 247 million iPhones in 2025, marking its highest annual total and driving global smartphone shipments to 1.25 billion units, according to IDC. The firm raised its 2025 market growth forecast to 1.5%, citing surging iPhone 17 demand, especially in China. IDC expects shipments to contract 0.9% in 2026 amid rising memory prices and supply constraints.
December 3, 2025
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Stock Market Today

  • Designer Sues Australian Shopify Over Alleged Ghost Stores Copying Work Nearly 4,000 Times
    May 23, 2026, 5:59 PM EDT. Ryan Billington, a 20-year-old poster designer, is suing Shopify in Australia for hosting two ghost stores that allegedly copied his designs 3,929 times. Ghost stores are online shops that mimic legitimate brands to deceive customers, often delivering poor or no products. Billington's Brisbane federal court claim follows Shopify's failure to act on 45 infringement notices related to websites clutchposters.com and audibleposters.com. Despite copyright protections, Billington says Shopify ignored repeated takedown requests. The lawsuit highlights challenges global platforms face in policing copyright infringement across borderless e-commerce sites. Both accused ghost stores appear offline days after the lawsuit filing. Shopify declined to comment.