Latest news with #AndroidTablets
Android Authority
3 days ago
- Android Authority
Google is testing a smaller, more reachable Gemini overlay on tablets
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR Google is rolling out a UI update for the Gemini app on Android tablets that shrinks the size of the overlay. The new overlay is about one-third the width of the screen instead of two-thirds and is anchored to the right side. This updated interface only applies to the standard Gemini experience and seems to be part of a slow server-side rollout. There are a lot of AI chatbots you can talk to these days, but I personally use Google Gemini on all my devices. It's smart, integrates with my favorite Google services, and is available out of the box on all my Android devices. While the experience has largely been the same across my phones and tablets, Google has recently made a few small tweaks to account for the differences in form factor. For instance, Google recently rolled out a UI update that brought the Gemini mobile app more in line with the web version. The update added a navigation drawer on the left-hand side that's expanded by default on tablets but collapsed on phones. Now, the company is rolling out yet another update that shrinks the Gemini overlay on tablets. As the screenshots below show, the Gemini overlay on my tablet is now significantly narrower. Previously, it spanned nearly two-thirds of the display's width; now, it only takes up about one-third. The overlay is also anchored to the right side of the screen instead of the center, making the controls easier to reach. Old Gemini overlay UI on tablets New Gemini overlay UI on tablets Tapping the text box still moves the overlay to the middle so you can more easily see what you're typing, though. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a way to move the Gemini overlay to the left, which might inconvenience left-handed folks. Old Gemini text box UI on tablets New Gemini text box UI on tablets This new UI applies only to the standard Gemini experience, not Gemini Live. However, we've already found evidence suggesting that Google is working on a more compact overlay for Gemini Live as well. It's possible this updated interface will also be shrunk and moved to the side, but we won't know for sure until it rolls out. This new Gemini overlay seems to be rolling out slowly. So far, besides myself, we're only aware of two other people who have the feature: a user named Lord Reset on X and another named gelatinized on Discord. If you see this new Gemini overlay UI on your Android tablet or book-style foldable, let us know in the comments below! Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Phone Arena
5 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Early Fire Max 11 Prime Day deal returns Amazon's best tablet to its lowest price after six months
Does Amazon make the best Android tablets in the world right now? Probably not. But if you're willing to overlook the lack of Google Play support, it's hard to argue with the amazing overall value proposition of the e-commerce giant's Fire Max 11 ahead of next week's Prime Day 2025 extravaganza. That's without a doubt Amazon's greatest in-house iPad alternative, mind you, and if you're a Prime member, you can slash a whopping 90 bucks off its regular starting price of $229.99. The exact same discount applies to both 64 and 128GB storage variants sans lockscreen ads, which are normally available for $244.99 and $279.99 respectively. 64GB Storage, 4GB RAM, Octa-Core Processor, 11-Inch Screen with 2000 x 1200 Pixel Resolution, Up to 14 Hours of Battery Life, 15W Charging Support, 9W Power Adapter in the Box, MicroSD Card Slot, 8MP Front Camera, 8MP Rear Camera, Gray Color, With Lockscreen Ads, Prime Membership Required Buy at Amazon 64GB Storage, 4GB RAM, Octa-Core Processor, 11-Inch Screen with 2000 x 1200 Pixel Resolution, Up to 14 Hours of Battery Life, 15W Charging Support, 9W Power Adapter in the Box, MicroSD Card Slot, 8MP Front Camera, 8MP Rear Camera, Gray Color, Without Lockscreen Ads, Prime Membership Required Buy at Amazon 128GB Storage, 4GB RAM, Octa-Core Processor, 11-Inch Screen with 2000 x 1200 Pixel Resolution, Up to 14 Hours of Battery Life, 15W Charging Support, 9W Power Adapter in the Box, MicroSD Card Slot, 8MP Front Camera, 8MP Rear Camera, Gray Color, Without Lockscreen Ads, Prime Membership Required Buy at Amazon That means that you need to settle for so-called "sponsored screensavers" and only 64 gigs of local digital hoarding room if you want to keep your summer spending to a minimum. And yes, the Prime membership requirement applies across the board, which makes this an early Prime Day promotion likely to remain live through the end of Amazon's big sales event next Friday, July 11. Now, you have to understand that the Fire Max 11 is by no means a true rival for any of Apple's best iPads available today. But that's why the Android-based 11-incher is so much cheaper than the 2025-released "regular" iPad and even 2022's 10th Generation iPad with a 10.9-inch screen and A14 Bionic power. At its newly reduced prices, the largest member of the Fire tablet family delivers exceptional value, shining not just in the display size department, but also as far as screen quality, battery life, and even camera performance are concerned. The octa-core processor under the Fire Max 11's hood is pretty decent as well (at least for the sub-$150 segment), and compared to its brothers, sisters, and forerunners, this is also quite thin and elegant. Released more than two years ago and somewhat inexplicably left without a sequel since then, the Amazon Fire Max 11 has been sold at a $90 discount before. That's actually happened several times in the last 12 months alone, but the last time was all the way back in December 2024. So, yeah, you're looking at a Black Friday-grade deal here that hasn't been available since Christmas. How could you possibly waste such an amazingly rare money-saving opportunity? Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Phone Arena
17-06-2025
- Phone Arena
The smart office buddy tablet: Doogee G6+ serves loyally, doesn't break the bank
This story is sponsored by Doogee. PhoneArena's opinions in this article have not been affected in any way! Disclaimer Doogee has recently rolled out three new series of Android-powered tablets. They focus on delivering performance for different needs at very competitive price points. The new Doogee Tab A series is a good choice for the kids at home or young students, while the Doogee Tab E series is the best performer in the range, with a giant screen for the best entertainment we will be taking a look at the Doogee Tab G6+ — from the office buddy G series. These are your portable platforms for learning or working, with just enough room on the 11-inch screen, Android 15 on board, and an accessory package that helps you get the most out of it anywhere. We live in the age of smooth animation and going for a default of 60 Hz nowadays feels like a 'downgrade'. It's cool to see that even value-priced tablets can now hit at least 90 Hz — at least Doogee's Tab G6+ IPS panel has a FHD resolution (1920 x 1200 pixels) and an 11-inch diagonal. 90 Hz refresh ensures that animations will feel smoother — anything above 60 Hz typically does. It's got a 16:10 aspect ratio for that golden middle between being usable as a movie player, but also having a tall enough canvas for productivity and website viewing. All the while a metal body keeps it looking sleek and pretty. And the Doogee Tab G6+ is not 'all work and no play' — it does have Widevine L1 Support, so premium UHD content from your video platform of choice can be played on it. Two speakers in landscape stereo ensure that you will get that fuller sound, whether you are watching or playing. Official Store | Use KOLG6 for 27% off Amazon Store | Use WPKYNS3T for 23% off The Doogee Tab G6+ is powered by an octa-core, 2.2 GHz Unisoc T7280 processor to keep it ticking. It comes with a pretty good 256 GB storage chip, and microSD expansion if that's not enough. The 8 GB of RAM on board is good to run Android 15 and its Gemini features straight on the tablet. Of course, with Google's latest operating system, you get the security perks, on-device encryption, and granular app permissions, which will matter to you if you want to use the tablet as a work of which, it does come in a package specifically to enhance your office experience. Or, more like, to help you bring your office anywhere!If you choose to get the VIP package of the Tab G6+, it will include everything you need to turn this portable tablet into a lightweight laptop replacer. The accessory pack includes: Stylus Bluetooth mouse Bluetooth keyboard Leather case Tempered screen protector Of course, this is on top of regular box contents — namely a charger and data yes, the Doogee Tab G6+ is made with mobile work and task completion in mind. It has a SIM slot for a 4G LTE connection, so you can sync your documents, files, and homework wherever you go. Download a game to play over the commute, or browse the web at robust LTE speeds — it's a convenience for the digital nomad that's constantly on the the Doogee Tab G6+ is a good choice for students or young content creators, with its note-taking features and keyboard, it can also be used by the youngest members of the family with pre-installed parental controls and Official Store | Use KOLG6 for 27% off Amazon Store | Use WPKYNS3T for 23% off
GSM Arena
13-06-2025
- GSM Arena
Redmi K80 Ultra and K Pad tablet detailed ahead of launch
The Redmi K80 Ultra is launching soon in China as the top-dog in the K80 series and it will apparently be joined by a new Redmi K Pad tablet. The interesting bit is that the slate will be of the compact variety and it is expected to offer flagship performance. Redmi China GM Thomas Wang shared a few interesting details on Weibo, revealing some additional specs for both the K80 Ultra and the K Pad. Redmi K80 Ultra and Redmi K Pad poster Both devices will be equipped with MediaTek's Dimensity 9400+ chipset. The K Pad will offer an 'industry-leading' high-resolution LCD screen with dual IC drivers. Despite being an LCD panel, the cost and complexity are said to be comparable to flagship OLED screens. Elsewhere, Xiaomi made custom weight reduction for key components for the K Pad's vibration motors, speakers and screen assembly. The tablet is also getting custom-built internal stacking for optimal performance. Redmi K Pad will cost in the CNY 4,000 ($557) range and is said to introduce several new technologies that have 'never been seen on Android tablets'. Based on speculation, Redmi K Pad will feature an 8.8-inch IPS LCD with "3K+" resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. It is also expected to feature 67W fast charging. Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3 (all in Chinese)
Digital Trends
11-06-2025
- Digital Trends
Apple's new iPadOS 26 shows Google what Android tablets need
Since the launch of the first iPad, Android tablets have struggled to compete. A lack of optimized apps means that Android tablets still don't offer as seamless a transition to larger displays, which also impacts the best folding phones, where many apps don't take advantage of the larger displays. However, one area where Android tablets have outperformed the iPad is in productivity and multitasking. Samsung's DeX desktop mode has been key to ensuring that some Android tablets offer a desktop-like experience, albeit one that needs more optimized applications. Last week, OnePlus also joined the party with the innovative Open Canvas system on the OnePlus Pad 3. Recommended Videos Until WWDC 2025, Apple had basic multitasking features like SlideOver, despite the hardware powering its best iPads being the same chipset as the new MacBook Air. Last year's iPad Pro M4 (2024) is extremely powerful and ideally suited to the new iPadOS 26 experience. Two days into using it, I've already covered how it's transformed the iPad. However, I've also noticed three things that Google should implement immediately on all Android tablets, as well as a broader problem it needs to address. The new windowing system and optimized apps To varying degrees, the iPad and all Android tablets share a common problem: they both employ a mobile-first platform, adapted for larger screens. As a result, neither quite achieved the same desktop experience offered by the best Windows tablets, which utilize a desktop-class platform optimized for smaller tablet sizes. The new windowing system changes this, and brings the iPad much closer to the Mac. Interestingly, Google also just announced that a new windowing system is coming to Android tablets in Android 16. Built upon the Samsung DeX experience, it's designed to revamp the Android tablet experience, but strangely, it won't be available on folding phones. Instead, you'll need to plug one of the best Android phones into an external display to activate the same feature. Each manufacturer can choose whether to implement Android 16's desktop mode or use an alternative, if at all, so we can still expect to see some differences in multitasking on Android tablets. Having tried the current desktop-mode implementations on Android, it's clear that alongside this feature, Google needs to entice developers to build apps and experiences that can properly transition from a touchscreen tablet to a desktop mode when docked or paired with a keyboard accessory. The menu bar and cursor I've been surprised at how crucial the new menu bar and cursor are to the new desktop-like experience. Two days in, I'm surprised at how quickly it felt familiar, how it feels more desktop-like, and how I already default to looking at the menu bar for options. The experience makes the iPad more akin to the Microsoft Surface than it does to the less-optimized experience offered by Android tablets. The menu bar and revamped cursor also make the iPad feel more like a small Mac rather than a big iPhone. This is a key distinction, as it comes in direct response to criticisms and feedback from iPad owners and the media, who are asking for better apps and features to take advantage of the increased power in the iPad. The new platform goes a long way toward addressing this, especially since the new Files and Preview apps are optimized versions of their Mac counterparts, bringing all the best features to the iPad for the first time. Apple has just announced iPadOS 26, so we won't see many apps build new experiences for it yet, but already, every app has a menu bar. It's filled with all the familiar commands from the same apps on Mac, and instantly familiar even if you use a Windows PC. A seamless transition between desktop and tablet Apple has managed to achieve what every tablet maker has wanted to: an experience that feels seamless whether using it with a keyboard or not. It's powerful enough with a keyboard attached to replace your Mac for many tasks, yet it's designed to work just as well with a finger. I've used the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and the OnePlus Pad 3, and I enjoy using both tablets for different reasons. The former is one of the best tablets that Samsung has ever produced, featuring DeX, a best-in-class solution on Android. The latter is an incredibly polished tablet with great specs, offers outstanding value for money, and has the Open Canvas multitasking solution. Each of these is excellent when used as an Android tablet, but neither matches the productivity of a PC or Mac in desktop mode. After installing iPadOS 26 on my iPad Pro, I have instantly become more productive, and it has become my favorite small laptop to use. An alternative to the Apple Magic Keyboard Even if Google were to adopt a similar system and approach to iPadOS 26, there's one other area that Android tablets regularly fall short: accessories. In particular, the Magic Keyboard for the iPad. Available for most of Apple's iPad range, the Magic Keyboard transforms the iPad into a mini laptop by using magnets to suspend it above the keyboard and bring the display closer to your eyes. It essentially mimics the display and keyboard setup of a computer, making it ideal for use on the go. Having used many Android tablets, there's one area that they seem to fall short: the keyboard. Most have adopted a Smart Keyboard or Folio case with an integrated keyboard, but these are ineffective when used on a lap, such as in a car or on a train. The Magic Keyboard holds the iPad in place even in these use cases, making it the ideal small computer for cramped spaces. Tablets have always required some form of tradeoff, especially as they're not as portable as a phone, and usually not quite as capable as a laptop. Microsoft addressed this issue with Windows, and now Apple has resolved it with iPadOS 16. Now, let's hope Google also does the same.
