Samsung has introduced a groundbreaking ALOP camera system in the Galaxy S26 Ultra, enabling better zoom and low-light performance without increasing phone thickness, and this innovation is expected to spread to other brands soon. The video also highlights major tech news, including Google Gemini’s new app control features, Apple’s manufacturing shift to India, and updates from OPPO, DJI, Volkswagen, Meta, Apple, Lenovo, Honor, and more.
This week’s tech roundup highlights Samsung’s quiet but significant innovation in smartphone camera technology. The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a new camera system called ALOP, or All Lens On Prism, which replaces the traditional periscope zoom lens. Unlike the old design, where lenses are stacked beside a prism, ALOP stacks them on top, allowing for larger lenses and wider apertures without making the phone thicker. This results in a smaller overall camera module that can capture more light, though it does make the camera bump slightly taller. Since Samsung’s ISOCELL division supplies camera modules to other brands, this technology is likely to appear in more flagship phones soon.
The video also covers Google’s Gemini, which now offers app control on Android devices. Users can instruct Gemini to perform tasks like ordering food through apps such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Starbucks, with the assistant navigating the phone’s interface to complete the order. The feature is currently rolling out first to the Galaxy S26 series, with Pixel phones expected to follow. While early tests show promising results, there are concerns about potential mishaps, such as accidental orders or account issues, but the convenience factor is expected to drive adoption.
Apple’s shift in manufacturing away from China is progressing steadily, with Bloomberg reporting that 25% of iPhones are now made in India. The company is also sourcing more components locally, including lithium-ion cells, and working with partners like Foxconn and Tata to establish India as a major export hub. This move is part of Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on China, reflecting a significant change in global electronics manufacturing.
Other notable tech news includes OPPO’s announcement of the Find N6 foldable phone with a nearly crease-free hinge, and DJI’s upcoming 360° drone, which has already been previewed by select YouTubers. Volkswagen reported poor earnings due to US tariffs and losing market share in China, but the company is pivoting towards large-scale battery storage projects, aiming to become a fully integrated energy company. Meanwhile, crude oil prices remain high due to geopolitical tensions, highlighting the ongoing risks of fossil fuel dependence.
The video wraps up with a series of quick updates: Meta’s acquisition of Moldbook, Apple’s new MacBook Neo earning praise for its repairability, Lenovo’s ThinkPad achieving a perfect iFixit score, and Honor showcasing its humanoid robot. The host also shares a hands-on experience with the anti-gravity A1 360° drone, praising its intuitive controls, lightweight design, and immersive VR capabilities. Additional news includes Red Power Bikes’ post-bankruptcy sale and Alt Store’s integration with the Fediverse, allowing for new ways to interact with app updates and social media.