8 Cool New Gadgets Every Android Phone Owner Should Know About

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With iPhone customers spending almost double that of Android clients on apps and equipment, it is a bit of a twist to seek out that Android really dominates the worldwide smartphone market. With Apple items often promoted at a premium, it does appeal to high-income customers — and these huge spenders have created that huge spending hole. Despite the dominant market share and have benefits over iOS, that income disparity creates a peculiar market dynamic the place gadget producers chase iPhone’s extra profitable buyer base. Therefore, most premium devices are designed with iPhone in thoughts first, and Android compatibility typically looks like an afterthought.

What makes this irritating is that Android’s openness may allow genuinely modern equipment. Its customization choices run deeper, and the platform permits system-level integration that Apple restricts. Combined with the best apps, Android’s structure may assist options like deeper automation, system-level controls, and broader compatibility that iPhone equipment can not match. But with lots of of fashions throughout a number of producers creating design challenges, on high of the prioritization of iPhone’s profitable market, what reaches Android customers are equipment centered on sensible benefits. 

Among these are higher codec assist, seamless connectivity, and platform-specific options that operate with out workarounds — however there are different the explanation why you may wish to swap to Android in the event you’re an iPhone consumer. The devices under both work solely with Android or provide benefits when paired with it. They are all new and got here out in no less than 2024, they usually all deserve the eye of Android customers in every single place. Here are eight new devices each Android consumer ought to find out about.

The Technics EAH-AZ100 are one other pair of wi-fi earbuds to sport a catchy identify, however what they lack in memorable branding, they make up for in efficiency. Inside every is a 10mm magnetic fluid driver that sharpens sound readability and reproduces each frequency from rumbling lows to crystalline highs. TechRadar even states the sound high quality beats the favored Sony WF-1000XM5 and mentions that “when it comes to low-end drive and dynamism, the AZ100 are one of the best pound-for-pound designs around.” So, bass lovers can rejoice. That thunderous low-end energy hits onerous with out dissolving right into a muddy chaos. 

Additionally, Android 13 customers profit from LE Audio (LC3) codec assist — a part of the platform’s upgraded Bluetooth system that improves each audio high quality and battery effectivity. Additionally, in case your Android telephone is appropriate with Sony’s LDAC codec, then you definately’ve received premium-quality streaming, too.

There’s additionally three-way Bluetooth multipoint know-how, permitting for easy switching between three gadgets, whereas the energetic noise cancellation (ANC) rivals that of different premium buds. Adaptive ANC robotically calibrates based mostly in your environment, whereas your tunes or podcasts will robotically pause if you pull the buds out. You get full Dolby Atmos spatial audio with dynamic head monitoring — one thing iPhones do not assist with third-party earbuds — plus AI-powered “Voice Focus” know-how that enhances name readability. You additionally get full contact management customization by means of the Technics Audio Connect app. Finally, battery life extends to 10 hours (28 hours with the charging case), whereas the IPX4 ranking, 5.9-gram-per-bud weight, and comfy, safe match make them supreme for the gymnasium.

First launched as an iPhone-first system, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro with AI Tracker Bundle now provides Android customers entry to the entire function set of the gimbal with none app restrictions. Android customers now not want the Insta360 app and might shoot with their native digital camera app or any third-party software program. 

With different key options like multi-person monitoring and energetic zoom monitoring beforehand for Apple customers, the AI Tracker Bundle successfully makes the Insta360 Flow 2 platform-agnostic. Digital Camera World says its monitoring algorithm is “effective,” too. It can handle obstructions momentarily blocking your topic, adapt to unpredictable animal actions, and juggle between folks with out dropping focus. AI Deep Track 4 can even maintain teams framed completely with exact zooming, and even works nicely with distant objects like birds in flight or airplanes when zoomed in.

The AI Tracker plugs straight into the gimbal’s USB-C port, and you may change its path relying in your taking pictures wants, whereas an built-in highlight has three brightness ranges and three shade temperature choices. There’s additionally a tripod constructed into the shaft, which is well deployed with sturdy legs that unfold large for further stability. It executes full 360° panning and tapping the set off thrice rotates your Android telephone 180°. If you do determine to make use of the Insta360 app, you possibly can shoot and sew 360° panoramas, whilst you’ll even have entry handy gestures to start out and cease recordings.

While the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is marketed towards Windows and Android for wi-fi gaming, PC customers should use a 2.4GHz dongle, whereas Bluetooth mode is oddly unique to Android. However, cellular avid gamers can even play wired by way of USB-C. But how does it stack up? Well, the controller makes use of tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors within the thumbsticks, which PC Gamer believes “are more sensitive and position accurate” in comparison with Hall impact (HE) sensors whereas consuming much less energy.

The triggers, nevertheless, use HE sensors, and this mixture eliminates drift throughout all essential elements. There are further shoulder buttons and again paddles for expansive management, and the Ultimate Software V2 app guarantees full button remapping. This app additionally has a cellular model obtainable on the Play Store for Android customers. In principle, it ought to do the identical factor. However, early opinions level out points. But it must be famous that overview numbers are nonetheless very restricted and the app is free anyway, so there’s little hurt in making an attempt, or you possibly can look ahead to an replace.

Adjustable RGB LEDs illuminate the thumbstick rings for dynamic lighting. They shift with the path you are shifting and reply to button inputs — though you may wish to flip this function off if it is not one thing that does it for you, as they drain the battery. Without the coloured lights, you may stand up to fifteen hours of life (in response to TechRadar‘s testing). But you possibly can anticipate considerably lowered battery life in the event you insist on having them flashing like a Christmas tree.

The Flip 6 is an Amazon favourite, however the brand new JBL Flip 7 options the common customary broadcasting know-how. With Auracast, you possibly can broadcast out of your telephone to different Auracast-compatible audio system by way of the JBL Portable app. However, not all Android telephones function Auracast. If you could have the Pixel 7 by means of 10, a Samsung Galaxy S23–S25, any one of many Galaxy Z Fold or Z Flip telephones, or a OnePlus 11–13, amongst others, obtain that DJ app and get the occasion began. If you are an iPhone consumer, you may sadly have to start out your personal one-speaker occasion by way of Bluetooth.

Performance is severe, with wired lossless audio at as much as 24-bit/96 kHz over USB-C, bolstering JBL’s place as probably the greatest Bluetooth speaker manufacturers. The Flip 7 is constructed for the weather, too. With its IP68 ranking, it’s going to survive splashes and drops within the water at poolside events. It’s additionally dustproof, so it’s going to survive windy days on the seaside. At 1.2 kilos, you should not have an excessive amount of bother carrying it there, both. 

The speaker additionally options AI Boost that analyzes sound waves in actual time. This optimizes the output for distortion and helps to carry readability at excessive volumes. The JBL Portable app provides a 7-band EQ with 4 presets for much more sound refinement, and the overall output is 35W divided between a 25W woofer and a 10W tweeter. However, JBL claims you possibly can stand up to 16 hours, though the crew at SoundGuys did file simply six hours and 16 minutes whereas listening at a continuing 80 dB.

The Apexel PhoneMicro 5 3-in-1 is a whole package of three clip-on lenses and a stretching clamp that matches any smartphone. The clamp encompasses a slider that you simply line up along with your essential digital camera lens, from which you’ll be able to snap on both the 100x, 150x, or 200x magnification lens for some significantly detailed imagery. 

For reasonable magnification, the 100x lens reveals element on printed surfaces, whereas the 150x lens is a balanced center floor that captures the finer particulars of issues like cloth weave or grain which can be often invisible to the bare eye. The 200x magnification lens delivers the sharpest and most spectacular pictures with microscopic particulars of particular person cloth threads, leaf veins, and the intricate patterns of your pores and skin.

The small ring gentle on the lens offers three brightness ranges that eradicate shadow and 12 totally different lighting modes, together with heat, cool, and UV. The latter setting might be very illuminating, akin to the key symbols on banknotes or arthropods like scorpions and spiders that always fluoresce below UV gentle. And whereas the lens is marketed as a common gadget, Android’s Camera2 API does give third-party apps direct entry to your telephone’s digital camera {hardware}, together with focus, publicity, and body charge. This means Android customers can harness highly effective instruments like Open Camera and different wonderful pictures apps to fine-tune their pictures for extra custom-made outcomes. Digital Camera World states that the package is “a relatively affordable way to have closer encounters with flora and fauna,” and at below $75, it is onerous to argue with that.

With a wonderfully spherical show set on a trendy cushion-shaped case, the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 appears to be like nice. In truth, it has trimmed itself down by a very good millimeter or so in thickness. But in the event you favor the majority, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic could also be higher. However, the Watch8 is brighter and extra cheerful than its predecessor, the Watch7. Given that it might now attain 3,000 nits, checking your knowledge when operating on a sunny day must be a straightforward look, and the upgraded UI retains issues user-friendly. Apps are organized extra intuitively, and there is additionally the comfort of the Now Bar. This function provides quick access to any duties you is likely to be operating, whether or not you are clocking your steps or roasting a turkey.

Google Gemini makes its smartwatch debut right here, too. The Watch8 is the primary to have it built-in, and it may see you rattling off complicated directions into your wrist such as you’re Dick Tracy. Other options embrace Running Coach, an built-in private coach, and the Antioxidant Index, which challenges your dietary selections by measuring the carotenoid degree in your pores and skin. 

The Watch8 is a severe piece of tech for individuals who take their well being significantly. Its efficiency monitoring throughout exercises is the stuff of champions, and, according to TechRadar, its monitoring accuracy rivals high opponents like Garmin. The suggestions you get after exercising can also be genuinely helpful stuff, and with a battery that may final past 24 hours, it is unlikely to allow you to down mid-workout.

Fitness trackers might be too cumbersome for all-day put on, particularly if you’re in mattress. Smart rings are lighter options that also seize these important well being metrics. The Samsung Galaxy Ring is among the finest choices for Android customers. It works independently, or you possibly can pair it with a Galaxy Watch to increase the battery life and enhance accuracy throughout each gadgets. The ring repeatedly displays coronary heart charge, sleep high quality, pores and skin temperature, blood oxygen, and your actions. For the latter, strolling, operating, and different exertions are robotically logged with none consumer enter. Galaxy AI analyzes the info, spots irregularities, and generates an Energy Score every morning, combining detailed AI-driven breakdowns of your relaxation patterns with yesterday’s actions.

It’s obtainable in US sizes 5 to 13, is constructed from high-grade titanium, and is available in three eye-catching colours: black, gold, and silver. For safety, the sensors are recessed right into a groove alongside the internal floor. This means you possibly can safely brush your hand in opposition to a doorframe, desk, or the rest with out the concern of damaging the internals. Another benefit over a smartwatch is the battery life. TechRadar states that “it will almost never run out of battery,” which can be a slight exaggeration, however it does maintain sufficient cost for as much as seven days, and the offered cradle offers an extra six full costs. The Galaxy Ring can also be waterproof. Its 10ATM and IP68-equivalent ranking means you possibly can put on it within the bathe, and heavy, sweaty exercises are inspired. Gesture management, the place you possibly can silence morning alarms or seize a photograph, is one other nifty function.

AR glasses provide you with an enormous digital display wherever you occur to be. They are notably helpful when touring and are perfect for each leisure and productiveness. You can use them to look at films on a large digital show, or you possibly can deal with duties like spreadsheets, multi-window workflows, and video calls.

The XReal One Pro AR Glasses appear like common outsized glasses, however they undertaking a 171-inch digital display. The lenses have handbook dimming, and the arms home audio system and tactile controls for brightness and quantity, in addition to the USB-C port. Connectivity is easy you probably have the best {hardware}. For most Android customers, that is on the spot plug-and-play accessibility. iPhones older than 15 will want an additional adapter to stand up and operating.

Once linked, you could have two viewing choices. Anchor Mode lets you pin your show to a set spot, whereas Follow Mode retains every little thing centered as you progress. The XReal One Pro packs a 0.55-inch micro-OLED with a 1080p decision and an industry-leading 57-degree subject of view, which PC Mag says “delivers the most expansive picture you can put in front of your eyes without strapping on a full headset.” Its 700-nit brightness outshines the usual One mannequin, whereas the 120Hz refresh charge retains the motion easy. Text is crisp, colours are vibrant, and the superb distinction handles each shiny highlights and darkish shadows with spectacular readability. The Bose-engineered audio system ship strong audio, although the bass response is proscribed, which is commonly the case on AR glasses as a result of bodily air gaps.