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Android Central's Best of 2025 Awards: The best phones, smartwatches, tablets, apps, and more
AppWizard
December 29, 2025

Android Central’s Best of 2025 Awards: The best phones, smartwatches, tablets, apps, and more

The OnePlus 15 was named Best Android Phone, featuring a fast chip, three-day battery life, and a 165Hz display. The Google Pixel 10 Pro won Best Camera with its Gemini-powered photo system. The Nothing's CMF Phone 2 Pro was recognized as the best budget option. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 was awarded Best Foldable Device, while the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 was named Best Flip Phone. Samsung was recognized as the most improved brand. The Google Pixel Watch 4 won Best Smartwatch, and the Oura Ring 4 was the top smart ring. The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 was the best smart glasses, with the Oakley Meta Vanguard for athletes and the Xreal One Pro as Best XR Glasses. Marvel's Deadpool VR won Best Single-Player VR, and Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked was Best Multiplayer VR Game. The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 was the Best Chromebook, and the OnePlus Pad 3 was the best tablet. The Amazon Kindle Scribe was awarded Best E-Reader. Spotify was named Best Music Streaming Service, and Netflix was Best Video Streaming Service. The Gemini app won Best Android App, and Pokémon TCG Pocket was Best Android Game. Spigen was recognized as Best Phone Case Manufacturer, Anker was the top charging brand, Sony WH-1000XM6 won Best Wireless Headphones, and Apple AirPods Pro 3 were the best earbuds.
Samsung Galaxy XR Gets Realistic Face-Tracked 'Likeness' Avatars
AppWizard
December 9, 2025

Samsung Galaxy XR Gets Realistic Face-Tracked ‘Likeness’ Avatars

The rollout of the first significant update for Google's Android XR on the Samsung Galaxy XR includes several new features: 1. Likeness (Beta): A beta version of an avatar system for video calls that replaces traditional video feeds with virtual representations, using advanced eye and face tracking capabilities. Users can create their avatar by scanning their face with their phone. 2. Travel Mode: A feature that enhances positional tracking while in motion, reducing the misinterpretation of vehicle movements as head movements by relying more on computer vision. 3. PC Connect (Beta): A feature that allows users to connect to and control their Windows PC as a virtual screen within Android XR, requiring a streamer app on the PC. Additionally, Android XR is getting an AI feature that can convert any 2D content into 3D.
I saw the future of Android XR smart glasses, and Google left me stunned at the progress
AppWizard
December 8, 2025

I saw the future of Android XR smart glasses, and Google left me stunned at the progress

Last week, a demonstration of Android XR glasses took place at Google's Hudson River office, showcasing features such as visual assistance and gyroscopic navigation. These glasses are part of a developer kit for Android developers. Google aims to integrate these devices with Android phones and smartwatches by 2026. The strategy for AI glasses includes two types: one focusing on audio and camera features, and another incorporating a display for visual cues. Developer Preview 3 of the Android XR SDK is set to launch soon, supporting a wide range of existing third-party Android apps. The glasses can display navigation routes and driver information for Uber rides. Gemini, the assistant, provides contextual information immediately upon wearing the glasses. The Samsung Galaxy XR headset has new features like PC Connect and travel mode, while Xreal's Project Aura glasses offer a 70-degree field of view and access to Android apps. The anticipated price for Project Aura could be around ,000, with a potential late next year launch.
Google is making playing PC games on Android XR as easy as opening an app
AppWizard
December 8, 2025

Google is making playing PC games on Android XR as easy as opening an app

Google has introduced PC Connect, a feature that allows users to stream their computer's display to the Android XR headset, facilitating seamless connectivity between multiple computers. This feature enhances user experience by simplifying access to media and applications directly through the headset. Users can launch the PC Connect app from the XR headset, enabling easy access to PC-hosted games and applications. Additionally, users can utilize Google's AI assistant, Gemini, while interacting with PC content, as it can observe the PC display and respond to queries. Beta access to PC Connect has begun for Galaxy XR headset owners.
Google Play Store update makes finding apps built for XR headsets way simpler
AppWizard
November 17, 2025

Google Play Store update makes finding apps built for XR headsets way simpler

Google is enhancing the Play Store with a significant upgrade for mixed reality headset owners, introducing an “XR headset” chip that will display headset-specific screenshots, reviews, and app details. A dedicated XR section has been added within the Apps and Games tabs to streamline the discovery of mixed-reality and virtual reality applications. This update coincides with the anticipated launch of devices like the Samsung Galaxy XR headset. Google aims to ensure Android apps work seamlessly across the XR landscape, collaborating with platforms like Valve’s Steam Frame VR to support Android applications. The revamped Play Store layout will help users easily identify applications optimized for immersive experiences, providing a more streamlined preview experience and intuitive browsing for spatial environments. This proactive approach positions Android for a vibrant ecosystem as XR hardware gains traction in the mainstream market.
Google Play Store rolls out dedicated XR section for apps and games
BetaBeacon
November 13, 2025

Google Play Store rolls out dedicated XR section for apps and games

Google Play Store has updated its app listings to include a carousel of chips for XR headsets, allowing users to see information specific to those devices. Additionally, there is now a dedicated section for XR headsets in the Games and Apps tabs, making it easier to discover XR-friendly apps for Android XR devices.
I used Samsung's Galaxy XR headset, and it's the 'laptop for your face' you've been waiting for
BetaBeacon
October 26, 2025

I used Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset, and it’s the ‘laptop for your face’ you’ve been waiting for

Gemini is the key feature of the Galaxy XR experience, allowing for a variety of functions such as opening apps, generating videos, providing gaming tips, and creating personalized responses for NPCs in games. The Galaxy XR headset also supports independently tracked controllers for gaming and multitasking capabilities, with the ability to run multiple apps simultaneously. The headset is compatible with all apps built on the Android platform, providing a seamless experience for users. The main question remains whether users can afford to purchase the headset in addition to a laptop, considering the potential benefits it offers.
Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Little Big Workshop, Aether Creature Cards, more
AppWizard
October 23, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Little Big Workshop, Aether Creature Cards, more

This week's Android game and app deals include promotional offers for the new Android XR headset, discounts on Xbox gaming handhelds, savings of up to on Bose QuietComfort Ultra ANC headphones, and a price drop of on the Pixel 9. There are various app and game price reductions available, along with additional active Android app promotions.
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