Blog iOutlet™

Before resetting Android to factory settings, first remove all Google accounts from the phone. The reset erases local content, but it can leave the device ‘haunted’ on your Google Account (Play Store, Find Hub and device activity), causing confusion and privacy risks.

Windows 11 already has tools to work better, be more secure and reduce friction in day-to-day use, but many are hidden in menus and shortcuts. These tricks, from Snap Layouts to passkeys and Copilot, help you get the most out of the system without installing anything.

At a ‘Limitless’ exhibition dedicated to Banksy in London, some touch screens displayed a Windows activation warning. The episode is a public embarrassment and a practical reminder: digital signage and kiosks need licensing, management and maintenance to avoid failing in full view of everyone.

For 2026, Android’s ‘wishlist’ points to seven fronts: equally large batteries across all markets, iPhone-level video, cooler high-end chips, more affordable foldables, telephoto in the mid-range, Pixels without battery problems, and more phones with Linux desktop apps.

A Google Pixel fan points out five issues Google needs to fix in 2026: audio, ‘safe’ photography, mid-range and formats, persistent bugs, and Tensor performance/efficiency. This matters because it affects daily reliability and the perceived value of a flagship device.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra was released in China with a clear focus on photography: a physical control ring (on the Leica Edition), a main 1-inch sensor and a 200 MP periscope telephoto lens. It combines a very bright display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a large battery in a slim body.

A survey in the US suggests that nearly half of people say they are ‘addicted’ to their phone, and that the habit of checking it is constant throughout the day. The issue matters because it affects productivity, sleep, road safety and even decisions about buying and upgrading a smartphone.

A new “dumbphone mode” is gaining traction: instead of ditching the smartphone, many users (especially Gen Z) are simplifying it with launchers, lock screens and iOS/Android features. The idea is to reduce scrolling and notifications without giving up maps, calls and messages.

Xiaomi has launched the Buds 6 in China with Harman tuning and Snapdragon Sound (aptX Lossless), promising better audio quality and up to 35 hours with the case. The announcement is relevant for anyone looking for “half in-ear” earbuds with a focus on sound and noise cancellation.

Xiaomi Watch 5: 1.54-inch AMOLED, eSIM and dual chips to balance performance and endurance Xiaomi unveiled the Watch 5 in China alongside the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, with a clear proposition: a smartwatch with a circular…

Good Lock is Samsung’s “Swiss army knife” for customization: it adds modules that change gestures, quick panel, multitasking and camera. These 10 tweaks improve ergonomics, productivity and system control – especially on large phones with One UI.

A discreet One UI shortcut (press and hold on the volume slider in the Quick Panel) gives you instant access to advanced sound settings like the equaliser, Dolby Atmos and loudness normalisation. It matters because it cuts down on hunting through Settings and speeds up useful everyday adjustments.

Apple “cleans up” catalogue in 2025: less legacy, more focus on USB‑C, Qi2 and AI-ready hardware A recent article suggests that Apple has discontinued up to 25 products in 2025, spanning iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple…

Android still doesn’t have a truly universal Spotlight-style search, which creates daily friction. The free Pixel Search app returns with updates and new features (including fuzzy search and custom engines), making it a practical way to speed up tasks on almost any Android.

Pixel Search has become relevant again: the free app that attempts to give Android the “universal search” it lacks Android has evolved in AI, widgets and automation, but still lacks truly cross-system search capable of…

Google has announced AirDrop compatibility with Android (debuting on the Pixel 10), backed by European rules pushing for more interoperability. The benefit is obvious for anyone sharing files between iPhone/Mac and Android, but there are limits: on iPhone, for now, it requires ‘Everyone’.