Waymo, Alphabets autonomous vehicle company, plans to expand its ride-hailing service, Waymo One, to Washington, D.C. in 2026, the company announced Tuesday.While the nations capital currently prohibits fully autonomous operations, a Waymo spokesperson said the company will work closely with local policymakers over the coming year to help formalize necessary regulations.This marks the first time Waymo is bringing its commercial ride-hailing service to a city that experiences regular snowfall. Waymo vehicles dont yet operate in winter weather, though the company has conducted cold-weather testing in upstate New York, Michigan, and parts of California. As a result, the service would temporarily pause for public riders in D.C. during snow or icy conditionsat least until winter capabilities are added to the fleet.Waymo began as a stealth project at Google nearly 15 years ago, and has since grown into a leading player in self-driving technology. Co-led by Tekedra Mawakana and Dmitri Dolgov, the company reached full commercial deployment in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles last year. Waymo One completed more than 4 million rides in 2024, clinching more than 200,000 paid passenger trips each week. (The company also topped Fast Companys list of the Worlds 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2025.)Waymo vehicles briefly appeared on D.C. streets last year as part of its cross-country testing program and returned this January. More vehiclesequipped with safety operators behind the wheelare set to arrive in the coming weeks.Were excited to bring the comfort, consistency, and safety of Waymo One to Washingtonians, those who work and play in the city every day, and the millions of people from around the world who travel to the District every year, Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana said in a prepared statement.

Today, many of us find ourselves blessed enough to be frequently traveling whether for work or leisure. Whether youre a business professional or an adventure seeker, it is extremely important to have the right tech gear by your side, to ensure you experience a seamless and enjoyable journey. If youre jet-setting across continents for work or exploring a new destination for leisure it is crucial to stay connected, organized, and entertained.Here, we have curated a collection of the top 10 travel tech essentials every frequent flyer needs in their arsenal ranging from powerful power banks to keep your devices charged to innovative audio solutions that transform your smartphone experience, these gadgets are designed to enhance your travel comfort and efficiency. As you navigate through airports, hotel rooms, and new locales, these tech tools will ensure youre always prepared, connected, and ready to embrace whatever your travels may bring.1. HyperChargeWhen youre traveling, power banks are indispensable, and Xiaomis 212W HyperCharge Power Bank 25000 is truly a heavyweight champion that you need to consider. This power bank is far more than a simple portable charger it boasts a massive 25,000 mAh capacity and a peak output of 212W, and dwarfs most laptop chargers, offering an unparalleled power solution for frequent travelers.Whether youre a digital nomad, a business traveler, or an adventurer, this power bank ensures your devices remain charged and ready to go. With three versatile ports, including two USB-C and one USB-A, it caters to a wide array of devices, from power-hungry laptops to smartphones and tablets. The first USB-C port delivers 140W, while the second provides 45W, and the USB-A port offers 120W.Why is it essential?The Xiaomi 212W HyperCharge Power Bank 25000 is a must-have for travelers who rely heavily on electronic devices. Its high capacity and multiple charging ports mean you can keep your laptop, smartphone, and other gadgets powered up simultaneously, eliminating the anxiety of running out of battery during critical moments. This power banks ability to fast-charge high-wattage devices such as laptops makes it invaluable for business travelers or digital nomads who need to work on the go.What we likeHigh capacity and output make it suitable for charging multiple devices, including laptops.Dynamic power distribution ensures balanced charging across all connected devices.What we dislikeThe large size may not be convenient for those who prefer ultra-portability.Premium pricing could be an issue for budget-conscious travelers.2. Miatone MagBoom MiniThe Miatone MagBoom Mini redefines portable audio by transforming your iPhone into a mini entertainment system. This innovative magnetic speaker is designed to snap onto the back of your smartphone using MagSafe technology, instantly enhancing your audio experience. Despite its compact sizecomparable to a coffee podthe MagBoom Mini packs a punch with its 3W output, amplifying the sound quality compared to your phones built-in speakers.Ideal for watching movies, listening to music, or catching up on podcasts this accessory is perfect for travelers who appreciate high-quality audio on the go. Its dual-purpose nature means it also serves as a prop-stand, allowing you to enjoy media hands-free. Irrespective if youre relaxing in a hotel room, lounging at an airport, or on a long train journey the MagBoom Mini ensures you have access to clear, loud, and immersive sound.Why is it essential?The Miatone MagBoom Mini is essential for travelers who want to enrich their audio experience without carrying bulky speakers. Its compact design and MagSafe compatibility make it incredibly easy to attach and detach from your iPhone, offering instant sound enhancement wherever you are. For frequent flyers, this means uninterrupted entertainment during layovers or flights, making it a practical travel companion that enhances both audio quality and device usability.What we likeThe compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and use on the go.MagSafe attachment offers a secure and convenient connection to your iPhone.What we dislikeLimited to Apple devices with MagSafe compatibility.The 3W output, while better than phone speakers, may not satisfy audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound.3. Ringo BottleSay hello to the Ringo Bottle it brilliantly merges practicality and innovation, combining the utility of a water bottle with the convenience of a MagSafe-compatible iPhone stand. It may look like a standard travel thermos at first, but it is blessed with a unique feature that really sets it apart a magnetic stand built right into the bottle cap.This ingenious design allows you to snap your MagSafe-ready iPhone onto the cap, providing a stable stand for your device. You can FaceTime family, record TikTok videos, or shoot IG Reels, while the Ringo Bottle ensures your phone is securely propped, eliminating shaky footage and precarious setups. This dual-functionality means you can stay hydrated and keep your smartphone at the perfect angle for viewing or recording.Why is it essential?The Ringo Bottle is essential for travelers who prioritize efficiency and multitasking. Its dual-purpose design keeps you hydrated and also offers a convenient solution for setting up your smartphone anywhere. This eliminates the need to carry additional tripods or stands, saving space and reducing clutter in your travel bag. The MagSafe-compatible stand ensures your phone is securely positioned for hands-free use.What we likeCombines hydration and smartphone support in one compact design.MagSafe-compatible stand provides a stable and secure phone setup.What we dislikeLimited to iPhones with MagSafe compatibility.May not offer adjustable angles beyond the fixed stand position.4. NimbleTraveling across continents can be an exhilarating experience, but it often comes with the hassle of managing multiple chargers and adapters for different devices. Meet the Nimble a revolutionary solution that consolidates all your charging needs into one compact device. Designed to support over 150 countries, the Nimble is a true global travel adapter compatible with all Quick Charge (QC) and Power Delivery (PD) devices.Gone are the days of carrying separate chargers for your laptop, smartphone, and other gadgets, as the Nimble can accommodate up to six devices simultaneously without sacrificing performance. This versatile adapter features two independent circuit boards, ensuring dedicated power through its USB-C QC/PD port to optimize charging for all compatible devices. With multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, the Nimble provides a tailored charging experience for each device, eliminating the slow charging issues common with traditional adapters.Why is it essential?The Nimble Global Travel Adapter is a must-have for frequent travelers who juggle multiple electronic devices. The adapters capacity to charge up to six devices at once ensures that all your gadgets stay powered without compromising on charging speed. For those who rely heavily on electronics during travel, the Nimble offers a convenient and efficient solution, streamlining your packing list and ensuring youre always connected.What we likeSupports charging in over 150 countries, making it highly versatile for international travel.Charges up to six devices simultaneously without losing performance.What we dislikeThe compact design may require careful handling to avoid damage during travel.5. The Taco DeviceNavigating language barriers is one of the most challenging aspects of traveling abroad. The Taco Device offers a creative solution by combining fun with functionality, allowing travelers to communicate with ease. Inspired by the playful metaphor Lets taco bout it, this device is shaped like a taco and is designed for interactive, two-way communication.When its time to use the device, you simply cut it in half, providing one half to the person youre conversing with. Each half functions as both a microphone and a speaker, allowing real-time translation of spoken language. This innovative approach brings back the nostalgic charm of two-way cup devices, now enhanced with modern digital technology. You need to press a button on your half, speak into the device, and the translation is played out of the other half for your conversation partner.Why is it essential?The Taco Translation Device is essential for travelers who want to engage with locals and explore new cultures without language limitations. Its real-time translation capability ensures that you can communicate effectively and confidently, whether youre navigating a foreign city, ordering food, or asking for directions. The devices playful design adds a fun element to interactions, making conversations more engaging and less intimidating.What we likeProvides real-time translation, enabling seamless communication in foreign languages.The playful and intuitive design makes it easy and fun to use.What we dislikeMay not support every language or dialect, potentially limiting its use in certain regions.Requires both parties to be open to using the device, which may not always be feasible.6. MinisforumThe Minisforum S100 Mini PC offers travelers a unique blend of portability and power. At first glance, this device might be mistaken for a compact power bank due to its sleek, palm-sized design. But beneath its minimalist exterior lies a full-fledged mini PC, equipped to handle a wide range of computing tasks. The S100s portability makes it an ideal companion for digital nomads and frequent travelers who require the functionality of a desktop without the bulkIt features a comprehensive set of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.2, and 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, ensuring that users can stay connected in any environment. With USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI output, and support for Power Delivery, the S100 can easily connect to external displays and peripherals, offering a seamless dual-screen setup for enhanced productivity.Why is it essential?The Minisforum S100 Mini PC is essential for travelers who need computing power without the hassle of lugging around a full-sized laptop. Its compact design and robust connectivity options allow you to set up a workstation anywhere, providing the flexibility to work or relax with ease. The devices ability to connect to multiple screens enhances productivity, making it a perfect choice for business travelers and digital nomads.What we likeThe compact and portable design makes it easy to carry and set up anywhere.Extensive connectivity options support a wide range of peripherals and dual-screen setups.What we dislikeLacks a built-in battery, requiring an external power source for operation.Limited internal hardware may not support high-end gaming or intensive graphics tasks.7. W-YZ Portable SpeakerBreaking away from conventional portable speaker designs, the W-YZ Portable Speaker introduces a unique aesthetic that merges industrial style with modern minimalism. It resembles an oversized pair of headphones, but this design cleverly houses dual drivers, making it a powerful portable audio solution. Inspired by the portable speakers of the 80s, the W-YZ is designed to be carried in hand, with a simple metal tube handle that recalls the eras iconic boomboxes.The blocky design is both eye-catching and functional, offering a stable, easy-to-carry form that suits a variety of settings from outdoor adventures to casual gatherings. The minimalist surfaces are equipped with only essential labels, emphasizing its sleek, uncluttered design. Its a travel tech essential that combines nostalgia with cutting-edge technology, appealing to those who appreciate both style and substance in their audio equipment.Why is it essential?The W-YZ Portable Speaker is a must-have for travelers who refuse to compromise on sound quality while on the move. It features a unique design that makes it easily portable and sets it apart from typical speaker designs. The dual drivers deliver powerful audio, making it perfect for outdoor events or parties. Frequent travelers can enjoy music and podcasts in high quality, enhancing the travel experience with its combination of style, portability, and performance.What we likeDual drivers provide powerful audio, ideal for outdoor and indoor use.The unique design with a carrying handle makes it easy to carry around.What we dislikeThe large size may not be suitable for those with limited packing space.The industrial design may not appeal to all aesthetic preferences.8. Travel TripodThis Travel Tripod by Peak Design redefines the conventional tripod design with its innovative approach, making it an indispensable tool for photographers and travel enthusiasts. Unlike most tripods that feature a hollow channel through their center, this travel tripod boasts a unique design that eliminates this space, resulting in a stronger, more compact, and highly portable accessory.Crafted from carbon fiber, the Travel Tripod is incredibly lightweight, weighing under 3 pounds, yet it can support up to 20 pounds of equipment, making it perfect for both casual and professional photographers. The design is optimized for ease of use, featuring precisely machined dials, knobs, and an aluminum ball head that allow intuitive positioning and angling of your camera. It is blessed with the ability to adjust to heights of 5 feet and a full 90-degree leg opening for low-angle shots.Why is it essential?The Travel Tripod is essential for travelers who want to capture high-quality images and videos without the bulk of traditional tripods. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry, while its sturdy construction can support heavy camera equipment. The inclusion of a smartphone mount expands its utility, allowing for versatile shooting options from professional cameras to mobile devices.What we likeCompact and lightweight, making it highly portable for travel.The versatile design supports both cameras and smartphones, offering wide usability.What we dislikeThe carbon fiber version may be more expensive than traditional tripods.Adjustments may require a learning curve for those unfamiliar with advanced tripod features.9. LARQ BottleA reliable water bottle is a must-have while traveling, but the LARQ Bottle takes this necessity to the next level with its innovative self-cleaning technology. While many of us might neglect to clean our water bottles regularly, the LARQ Bottle ensures that both the bottle and the water inside remain pristine and germ-free with minimal effort. While the previously mentioned Ringo Bottles USP is the smartphone support it provides, the LARQ bottle prioritizes providing you with clean and safe drinking water.Equipped with a UVC LED light built into the cap, this bottle uses cutting-edge technology to disinfect itself and the water it holds. The stainless steel construction aids in reflecting the UV light, effectively killing 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.99% of viruses, providing you with pure, safe drinking water. Designed to be the worlds first portable mercury-free purification system, it operates with a simple tap on the cap, activating the UVC LED light to begin the cleaning process. Within just 60 seconds, the LARQ Bottle ensures your water is free from germs, odors, and contaminants.Why is it essential?The LARQ Bottle is essential for travelers who prioritize health and convenience. Its self-cleaning technology ensures that your drinking water is always safe and free from harmful pathogens, eliminating the need for frequent manual cleaning. This feature is beneficial for those on the go, providing peace of mind that your water remains pure no matter where your travels take you.What we likeSelf-cleaning technology ensures continuous purification, offering safe drinking water.Simple activation with a tap on the cap, making it incredibly user-friendly.What we dislikeThe advanced technology may come at a higher price point compared to regular water bottles.Requires charging for the UVC LED system, adding an extra step to maintenance.10. The CueDesigned by Indian designer Rahul G M, the Cue Watch captures the essence of traditional pocket watches while equipping adventurers with a suite of smart features. The Cue is designed for travelers who appreciate both style and utility, offering functionalities such as navigation aids, activity tracking, health monitoring, and medication reminders.The minimalistic, circular design pays homage to pocket watches of the past, featuring a single multifunctional button that controls its operations. This button allows users to power the device on or off, access the menu, or activate the emergency SOS service, depending on the type of interaction. A quick click powers the device, a seven-second press opens the menu, and a 15-second press engages the SOS slider.Why is it essential?The Cue Smart Pocket Watch is essential for travelers and adventurers who appreciate the fusion of classic design with cutting-edge technology. Its comprehensive feature set, including navigation, health tracking, and SOS alerts, makes it a versatile companion for exploring new terrains. The pocket watch design offers a nostalgic touch, while its smart capabilities ensure you stay informed and safe on the go.What we likeCombines classic pocket watch design with modern smart features for versatile use.Includes emergency SOS alerts, enhancing safety during adventurous travels.What we dislikeThe niche design may not appeal to those who prefer wristwatches for convenience.It is a concept, so we are unsure when it will be widely available.The post Top 10 Essentials That Are The Ultimate Travel Tech Gear Checklist For Frequent Flyers first appeared on Yanko Design.

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MacworldIf you wear your Apple Watch to bed and have Silent Mode activated, your morning alarm will be silent too, attempting to wake you with soft haptic taps rather than any noise. Many users find this sufficient, but others sleep through the alarm with potentially dire consequences. Apple has unveiled a new feature that should solve this problem.The upcoming watchOS 11.4 software update, as spotted by MacRumors, includes a new feature called Break Through Silent Mode. When this option is turned on, the watch will attempt to wake the user with both haptics and sound.MacRumors says the new option toggle is accessible in two different ways. You can use the settings for the Sleep app and tap on Sounds & Haptics, or you can open the Alarm app and tap one of your alarms.watchOS 11.4 isnt yet available to the general public: the current software version is 11.3. But it shouldnt be long. The final version of 11.4 has been released to developers and it should be rolled out to the public in early April.To update watchOS on your Apple Watch, open the Settings app and go to General > Software Update and tap Download and Install. Alternatively you can install the update by opening the Watch app on the paired iPhone and go to General > Software Update and following the instructions.

MacworldThe iPhones and Macs we use today arent mere smartphones and desktop computerstheyre the fruit of decades worth of research and testing behind the scenes at Apple HQ. Like most corporations in this field, Apple spends large sums of money trialing all sorts of wild and innovative prototypes. Naturally, many of these experiments never make it to the consumer market and instead act as lessons or even foundations for future devices. While there are numerous unreleased products concealed in Apples secret basement, here are seven notable products Apple developed that never saw the light of day.1. Apple CarThe most recent instance of a product that failed to get out the door is Apples self-driving car project. For many years, the company was rumored to be working on a self-driving vehicle dubbed Project Titan that integrates seamlessly with its ecosystem. The electric automobile couldve potentially featured a CarPlay-like dashboard interface and relied on advanced sensors utilizing the power of four M2 Ultra chipsets to detect surrounding objects. Apple reportedly poured more than a billion dollars into researching it over the span of a decade, and thousands of employees were involved in its development.A year ago, Apple reportedly killed the car project and decided to reallocate its resources to develop artificial intelligence technology. Given the intense competition in AI right nowand presumably due to the challenging, complex nature of releasing an autonomous vehicle that matches Apples high standardspivoting away from a car makes more sense for the company. Additionally, Apple never referenced the car publicly or made any relevant promises it couldnt keep. As a result, the firm didnt face any significant user backlash for discontinuing it.2. AirPowerWhile most unreleased Apple products were never officially unveiled to the public, Apples Airpower charging mat was one instance where a promised device was teased during a keynote only to be axed before its launch.First previewed during the iPhone launch event in 2017, AirPower was supposed to act as a multipurpose wireless charging mat capable of charging an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods case simultaneously. This futuristic vision, however, was riddled with technological obstacles that made executing it unfeasible.AirPower was hailed as the next big thing in charging but Apple quietly killed it before it hit shelves.AppleFor starters, Apple had to internally distribute coils all over the mat, as Qi wireless charging requires precise coil alignment to work. This wouldve allowed users to place their iPhones anywhere on AirPower rather than positioning them in a very specific spot. Another hurdle was the Apple Watchs proprietary wireless charging standard, which, for reasons unknown, is incompatible with Qi. Consequently, the company had to stack two layers of charging tech in a thin matreportedly causing unmanageable overheating issues.While Apple officially declared it wont release the AirPower in 2019, its vision lived on. In 2020, the company launched the foldable MagSafe Duo Charger, bundling a MagSafe pad and an Apple Watch charging puck. However, that was discontinued in 2023 due to its high price, dubious hinge, and lack of support for fast Apple Watch charging and the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max.3. Magic ChargerAnother official charging accessory that never saw the light of day is the Magic Charger. Unlike AirPower, Apple never unveiled this gadget publicly, but a collector who came across a prototype shed light on the accessory in 2022.The Magic Charger basically integrated a flexible MagSafe pad into a metallic stand. Like the MagSafe Duo Charger, users wouldve been able to attach an iPhone to a flat surface or stand it vertically by folding it. Its unclear why Apple never released the accessory, especially given its practicality and the lack of major engineering obstacles. It wouldve complemented the StandBy feature introduced with iOS 17.Apples Magic Charger is the portable MagSage stand we always wanted.@TheBlueMister4. PaladinWay back in 1995, Apple was reportedly working on an all-in-one device for small businesses. The Paladin was designed to function as a computer, fax machine, scanner, and phone. The device wouldve let business owners do all of their productivity tasks with a single device.The Paladin could have done for offices what the iMac did for boxy PCs.Jim Abeles/FlickrApple Paladin reportedly ran software dubbed Complete Office, letting users switch between its various modes with the click of a button. This would cause the interface to change depending on whether the fax or computing functions were in use. While Paladin had a basic monochrome LCD, it reportedly supported external, full-color displays through a dedicated port. It would have been revolutionary back in the 90s but alas it never saw the light of day.5. PowerBook G5During the early 2000s, Apple was heavily rumored to be working on a PowerBook G5 laptop to succeed the popular G4 model. That never came to fruition, though. Instead, Apple released its first MacBook Pro in 2006 withIntel Core 2Duo processors, marking a shift in its laptop branding and design. Two years later, the iconic MacBook Air followed, offering users balanced power in a competitively sleek and timeless design.The PowerBook G5 was the rumored successor to the PowerBook G4 (left) but Apple released the MacBook Pro instead.Foundry6. iPod phoneBefore releasing the original iPhone, Apple seemingly explored an iPod phone. Building on the success of its portable music player, the company is rumored to have considered adding a cellular modem to the iPod design. However, the Click Wheel input made dialing phone numbers unintuitive, and as a result, it never made it out of the R&D stage. Interestingly, during the unveiling of the first-generation iPhone, Steve Jobs humorously previewed a mockup of a click-wheel-equipped phone, portraying its ridiculousness and impracticalitywith a wink to the rumors that were circulating at the time.The iPod phone make an appearance in the keynote to announce the original iPhone.AppleWill Siri 2.0 join the list?Of all the items on this list, only one, the AirPower charging mat, was actually announced. Apple doesnt typically unveil new products until theyre ready to ship, a policy that gives Apple the time and space it needs to perfect them while also maintaining its credibility and users trust.During last years WWDC, Apple promised that iOS 18 would bring a massive Siri update, giving it awareness of on-screen content, work within third-party apps, and fetch personal data from various parts of the systemsuch as emails and messages. There was even an ad campaign, but earlier this month, Apple delayed the upgraded Siri until the coming year, suggesting it might not arrive until iOS 19 in 2026.It gets worse: A recent report even suggested the new Siri is so far behind, that Apple might have to rebuild the project from scratch. Given the sensitivity of user data and how unpredictable AI can be, Apple is evidently struggling to build an assistant that can reliably and securely perform the promised tasks. If Siri 2.0 is back to square one, what guarantees that things will be any different a year from now?The delays are bad enough, but failing to deliver Siri 2.0 will be a much bigger hit on Apples reputation than AirPower, especially when considering Googles and other rivals advances in AI. Siri is already lagging behind its peers, and a failure to deliver on its promises for a smarter and more aware assistant could be Apples biggest failure ever.

Microsoft has introduced a new set of AI agents for its Security Copilot platform, designed to automate key cybersecurity functions as organizations face increasingly complex and fast-moving digital threats.The new tools focus on tasks such asphishingdetection, data protection, and identity management areas where attackers continue to exploit vulnerabilities at scale.

Like many recent Android versions, Android 15 may seem subtle on the surface.And, to be fair, it certainly isnt the sort of dramatic interface reinvention weve seen from Google in the past. But that doesnt mean its short on efficiency-enhancing treats just waiting to be found.In fact, most of Android 15s most noteworthy advancements are things youd never even notice if you didnt know where to look. Once theyre on your radar, though, youd better believe theyll make your life and your work a heck of a lot easier.Here, then, are 20 advanced Android 15 treasures. Whether youve had Android 15 in your life for ages already (hiya, Pixel pals!) or youre keeping an eye out for the update to reach you hopefully any day now (oh, Samsung), this will serve as your roadmap to tracking down the softwares best surprises whenever they become relevant to you.Note that these features are presented as they apply to Google-made Pixel phones and Samsung-made Galaxy devices, specifically. Different device-makers modify Android in different ways, so if youre using a phone made by any other company, the availability and exact presentation of some items may vary.Android 15 tips, part I: Notification nuance1. As of the most recent Android 15 quarterly update, Googles Pixel devices have a new Notification Cooldown feature that lets you avoid being annoyed by incessant incoming alerts. Once you flip the switch within the Notification section of your system settings your phone will automatically lower its volume anytime you get a bunch of back-to-back notifications from the same app.Googles Android 15 Notification Cooldown makes notifications less annoying.JR Raphael / FoundryNo Pixel? No problem: You can set up something similar and even more customizable on any Android device, no matter what Android version its running.2. Also specific to our Pixel-preferring persons, Android 15 adds in a nifty new option that lets your phones vibration behavior automatically adjust itself based on your environment. If your phone is in your pocket, for instance, itll vibrate at full-blast but if its sitting out on a table, itll calm its buzz considerably.All youve gotta do is flip the switch to activate your new Adaptive Vibration advantage. Look in the Sound & Vibration section of your system settings, then tap Vibration & haptics followed by Adaptive vibration to find the toggle.3. Another recent Android 15 addition is the introduction of a slightly perplexing new system called Modes. Modes is essentially an expansion of Androids existing Do Not Disturb setting that bundles options like Bedtime and Driving into a broader interruption-controlling umbrella.It also allows you to create your own custom modes for how you want to be notified in different scenarios if, say, youd like to set up a mode for work in which only work-related apps are allowed to bother you and a mode for weekends where only personal messaging apps can make any sounds.Android 15s Modes system provides a new way to think about controlling your phones behavior.JR Raphael / FoundryYou can set up modes however you want by looking for the new Modes section within the main system settings menu. Just note that in Googles version of Android, Do Not Disturb is now part of Modes meaning your devices Do Not Disturb status is actually one of the modes you can select whereas in Samsungs Android interface, Do Not Disturb continues to exist separately, as its own independent option outside of the main modes list.4. Speaking of Samsung-specific changes, Androids keeper of the Galaxy has introduced a major shift with the way you view notifications in Android 15. Instead of having Androids notifications and Quick Settings exist in a single combined panel thats summoned with a swipe down from the top of the screen, Samsung now has those two areas divided out into completely different panels.That means on any Samsung device where this change is present, youll swipe down from the left half of your screens top edge to see your notifications and swipe down from the right half to see your Quick Settings.See? srcset="https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/04-android-15-samsung-quick-settings-notifications.webp?quality=50&strip=all 800w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/04-android-15-samsung-quick-settings-notifications.webp?resize=277%2C300&quality=50&strip=all 277w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/04-android-15-samsung-quick-settings-notifications.webp?resize=768%2C832&quality=50&strip=all 768w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/04-android-15-samsung-quick-settings-notifications.webp?resize=643%2C697&quality=50&strip=all 643w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/04-android-15-samsung-quick-settings-notifications.webp?resize=155%2C168&quality=50&strip=all 155w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/04-android-15-samsung-quick-settings-notifications.webp?resize=78%2C84&quality=50&strip=all 78w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/04-android-15-samsung-quick-settings-notifications.webp?resize=443%2C480&quality=50&strip=all 443w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/04-android-15-samsung-quick-settings-notifications.webp?resize=332%2C360&quality=50&strip=all 332w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/04-android-15-samsung-quick-settings-notifications.webp?resize=231%2C250&quality=50&strip=all 231w" width="800" height="867" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px">With Android 15, Samsungs Quick Settings and notification panels are in two separate places.JR Raphael / Foundry5. With Samsungs new split notifications-Quick-Settings setup, you also have the ability to swipe between those two areas of Android whenever theyre visible. Just slide your finger horizontally toward the left, if youre seeing notifications, and toward the right, from the Quick Settings view to switch from one to the other.6. If you find that split-apart setup to be more work than its worth, you can go back to the standard combined panel interface. First, swipe down from the top-right of the screen to open the Samsung version of Quick Settings, then tap the pencil-shaped editing icon, select Panel settings, and tap Together in the menu that pops up.Android 15 tips, part II: Apps, multitasking, and on-demand info7. Android 15 adds in a way to create an extra layer of privacy a Private Space designation that increases the protection around any especially important (or maybe just sensitive) apps and info.Any apps in your devices Private Space wont show up in your app drawer, recent apps view, notifications, or even settings. And theyll always require authentication a pattern, PIN, password, or biometric verification to be seen or opened.On a Pixel phone or another device that follows Googles standard Android setup, you can activate and set up your Private Space by looking for the Private Space option within the Security & Privacy section of your system settings. Once youve got it going, youll be able to find and interact with your Private Space at the bottom of your standard app drawer (which you can always access with a single swipe up on your home screen).Once activated, Private Space adds a special area of protected apps into your standard Android app drawer.JR Raphael / FoundrySamsung didnt bring Private Space into its heavily modified Android interface, but Galaxy devices have had a similar equivalent for some time now. If you have a Samsung device, search your system settings for Secure Folder to find and enable that feature.8. Androids been in a league of its own with multitasking since the platforms earliest days, but one of the softwares most useful features is also one of the toughest to find and to remember to keep using.Im talkin about the ability to split your screen in half and see (and use!) two apps at once, on screen together at the same time. With Android 15, that action gets easier to manage and keep front and center. Thats because of a new option that empowers you to create a shortcut for a specific preset pair of apps say, Gmail and Chrome or maybe Docs and Outlook and then open those two apps into a split together with a single swift tap.To start, youll first need to fire up a regular split-screen with the two apps you want to use for your shortcut:Open up your phones Overview mode (by swiping up about an inch from the bottom of the screen and then stopping, if youre using the current Android gesture system, or by tapping the square- or three-line Overview button along your devices bottom edge, if youre still stickin with the legacy three-button nav setup).Tap the icon above any app in that area, select Split screen (with standard Android) or Open in split screen view (in Samsungs Android vernacular), and select another app to pair with it.Head back into that same Overview area, tap one of the icons above your newly created split, and tap the option to Save app pair or Add app pair, with Samsungs different-for-the-sake-of-different equivalent.Android 15s app pair feature makes it easy to use two specific apps together at the same time.JR Raphael / FoundryThatll put a single shortcut to open that specific pair of apps together in a split right on your home screen so the next time you want to make that happen, youll need only that one fast tap. (If you arent seeing the option to create a new app pair, by the way, try switching back to your devices default launcher. It seems that support for this feature may be limited to that environment.)9. Im a big proponent of uninstalling stuff you arent actively using. That keeps unused apps from needlessly burning up resources on your device and potentially creating unnecessarily opened windows into your data. But if you arent gonna stay on top of that task regularly, Android 15 has a new next-best-thing option thatll help.Its a feature that automatically archives apps for you when they havent been used in a while. And it could actually be advantageous in certain scenarios even if youre pretty good about eliminating unused apps on your own, as it makes it easy to restore an app later with its previous data and settings still in place without having to start over from square one.Any apps put into that pile are temporarily unavailable and compressed down to take up less space. But all it takes is a couple taps to bring em back to life from there, should the desire ever strike.This feature is on by default in most Android 15 environments, so you shouldnt have to do anything to have it available. If you dont want certain specific apps to ever be archived even if theyre unused head into the Apps area of your system settings, tap the line to see all apps, and select any app from the list. Then, within its settings screen, look for the Manage app if unused toggle and flip it into the off position.10. Pixel owners, take note: Android 15 introduces a simple but supremely welcome new switch thatll keep your apps names from being cut off in your app drawer.Traditionally, apps with long names have been truncated in that area leaving you with awkward and occasionally confusing abbreviations like American Ai (for American Airlines). With Android 15, you can opt to instead have any such titles split into two lines and shown in their entirety.All youve gotta do is flip a switch: Provided youre using the standard Pixel Launcher and not a custom Android home screen setup, long-press on any open space on your Pixels home screen and select Home settings followed by Apps list settings. Then, nudge the toggle next to Show long app names into the on position.Just note that this change doesnt apply to the home screen only the app drawer. But hey, thats what custom Android launchers are for!11. While were on the subject of understated but appreciated adjustments, with its take on Android 15, Samsung is at long last giving Galaxy owners the ability to have their app drawers scroll in a sensible vertical style by swiping up and down, in other words, instead of being forced to clumsily swipe through multiple pages just to see all of your apps.This one may or may not be activated by default, but it isnt at all difficult to dig up once you know where to look. On any Galaxy gadget with Android 15 in place:Open up your app drawer (by swiping upward on your home screen).Tap the three-dot menu icon within the search bar at the bottom.Select Sort, then change that option from Custom order to Alphabetical order.Flip one switch, and boom: Samsungs Android app drawer suddenly makes sense.JR Raphael / Foundry12. Heres one for any large-screen Pixel appreciators out there: Your devices dynamic taskbar that handy little app-switching bar that pops up when you swipe up gently from the bottom of your screen can now be kept visible and at your fingertips all the time instead of only when you summon it.The secret lies within an easily overlooked new option deep inside Android 15s innards. So if youre toting a Pixel Tablet or a folding Pixel, try this: Summon the taskbar by swiping up gently from the bottom of the screen (while your phone is in its unfolded state, on a Fold). Then press and hold the little vertical line on the taskbars left side, between the app drawer icon and the first app in the list. Thatll reveal the newly added option to keep the taskbar permanently in place.13. I wouldnt be surprised if youd never once thought about Androids screen saver system. Its one of the platforms most potential-packed possibilities, though and with Android 15, its getting even more powerful.Specifically: Android 15 takes the once-Pixel-Tablet-exclusive ability to show a connected-device control panel anytime your device is docked or charging and makes it available on any Android product, thereby making said contraption significantly more useful in its idle state.Just march on over to the Display section of your system settings and tap the Screen saver option. Turn the system on, if it isnt already, then look for the Home Controls choice or Device Control, in Samsung vernacular to set and select your smart new setup.Dont let its name fool you: The new Home Control screen saver can be incredibly useful for anykind of connected-device control.JR Raphael / FoundryAnd if you arent seeing that option, make your way to the Play Store and install the Google Home app. Its the hub for all connected-device controls, whether theyre in your home or in an office (or even in a fully colonized frog palace). Once youve opened it and signed into it a single time, the new screen saver option should appear and be available for you.14. Googles next-gen Gemini Android assistant may be overly complicated, inconsistent, and at times dangerously inaccurate, but it does have a handful of potentially useful tricks. And with Android 15, it gains a big one: the ability to perform multipart actions across multiple apps on your behalf.So, for instance, you might ask Gemini to find all the best lunch spots in a specific area and then text em to a particular client or colleague or to look up the address of a certain restaurant and then add it into an event in your calendar for dinner tonight at 6 p.m.Its fantastically useful, when it works. The tricky thing is knowing its limitations and which apps are compatible and then getting it to do what you want it to do.But its well worth your while to play around with and see how it might save you time. And while this capability is currently being framed as a feature thats exclusive to the new Samsung Galaxy S25 phone, I was able to get it working both on that device and on a Pixel 9 Pro so while its hard to say exactly how far its spread at this point, it certainly isnt limited to any one Android-15-running model.Just fire up Gemini to give it a go for yourself. Depending on your device, you might be able to do that by saying Hey Google or pressing and holding your physical power button or, if you havent yet opted into using Gemini (and it wasnt already present by default for you), try downloading the official Google Gemini app and then opening it once to get it up and running.Android 15 tips, part III: Smarter sounds15. With Android 15 on your device, youve got a snazzy new look for your volume panel and with Pixel devices, that means you now have the ability to control exactly where any audio playing from your phone or tablet gets directed.Just tap the three-dot menu icon within the volume panel (after pressing either of your devices physical volume buttons to make it appear), then tap the big Audio will play on button at the top of the panels expanded view to explore your options.The newly expanded Android 15 volume panel has a handy option for determining where your devices audio is sent.JR Raphael / Foundry16. Another one for the Pixel adorers among us: The next time you temporarily turn off Bluetooth on your device, you can have it automatically come back on a day later without having to remember yourself.Youll see the option appear anytime you disable Bluetooth, or you can also find the associated toggle in the Connected Devices section of your system settings under Connection preferences and then Bluetooth.17. If youre packin a Pixel 8 or higher, Android 15 gives you some spectacular new superpowers around improving the sound in any videos you capture. Its an expansion to your Pixels existing Magic Audio Eraser system, which lets you select specific individual sounds to remove from a video.With Android 15, Magic Audio Eraser can identify distinct different sounds like one particular persons voice or even wind noise and make it easy for you to lower or erase everything associated with that specific area.Tap the Edit button beneath any video on your phone (in either the Camera app or Photos), then select Audio Eraser to get started.18. Got a Galaxy gizmo? Get yourself over into your Samsung Phone app settings to surface the newly present option for recording and creating an instant transcript and summary of the conversation. Just look for the Record calls section in the Phone apps settings section (accessible via the three-dot menu icon in the apps upper-right corner).A similar feature has been available with Googles Pixel 9 models for a while now as well. And if you want to record a call on any other Android device well, where theres a will, theres a way.Android 15 tips, part V: The finer touches19. Android has long offered settings to boost your screens contrast and make it a teensy bit easier on the eyes. As of Android 15, you can take that customization up a notch with a sophisticated new series of contrast controls.Look for the Color contrast option within the Display section of your system settings or, if youre using a Samsung-made device, go instead to the Accessibility section of your settings and then tap Vision enhancements.Android 15s expanded contrast controls, as seen in Googles standard Android interface (left) and in Samsungs version of the software (right).JR Raphael / FoundryEither way you get there, youll find yourself facing a freshly expanded array of contrast-related choices, with plenty of room to figure out which precise path looks most pleasing to you.20. Last but not least is a new touch of nuance for your devices charging habits. While Google recently released an Adaptive Charging system for Pixels that lets you cap your phones charge at 80% in order to prolong its battery health, Samsung has stepped things up in that department and will now let you choose exactly where your phone should stop its charge.That means you can enjoy the same stamina-stretching advantage while having a little more flexibility if, say, you find 80% just isnt quite enough to make it through the day and youd rather charge up to 85% or 90% instead.You can find the new options within the Battery section of your system settings on a Samsung Android device, under the Battery protection submenu.And there you have it: 20 bits of Android 15 brilliance to seek out and explore. Find something new and useful or if youre still waiting for Android 15 to arrive on your device, save this page for later and head over to my collection of Android-15-inspired features you can bring to any Android device today.