GM Tech Nerds!

The regulators are circling, the leaks are flying, and Android 16 is getting real close to prime time. ​

From bold browser accusations in the UK to beefy foldable cameras and next-gen tablet specs—we’ve got a lot to chew on today.

📦 In this drop:

• ⚖️ UK watchdog says Apple & Google are holding back browser innovation
• 📱 Android 16 Beta 3 is almost here—final release incoming
• 🤯 Galaxy Z Fold 7 might steal the S25 Ultra’s best camera
• 🔍 iPhone 17 Air’s camera bump is thicc
• 📸 Oppo Find X8 Ultra shows off serious camera muscle
• 🧠 OnePlus Pad 2 Pro specs leak—and they’re wild
• 🎧 Samsung’s new audio product might break the mold
• 📏 Honor 400 & 400 Pro ditch big screens
• 🐉 Huawei Pocket 3 teased as a wild card release
• 📊 Huawei Mate XT Ultimate review lands

Let’s dig in 👇

The Main Event

🚀 Android 16 Beta 3 Lands TOMORROW...

​Android 16 Beta 3 lands March 14, and it's a major milestone in Google’s rollout roadmap.

We’re now entering the final stretch toward platform stability, with a full release likely to hit sometime around late summer (August–September).

So, what’s in the mix this time?

👉 Key highlights:

• 🚀 Performance gains are real — expect smoother animations and faster response times
• 🔐 Privacy improvements continue — under-the-hood tweaks make your device smarter AND safer
• 🎨 UX refinements — cleaner transitions, tighter layouts, and better app behavior
• ✅ Platform stability phase begins soon, meaning no more major API changes for developers
• 📱 Pixel 6 and newer supported (yes, that includes Fold and Tablet models)

Developers, tinkerers, and early adopters can grab it via the Android Beta Program, but even if you’re just watching from the sidelines, now’s the time to start paying attention — this is the version that’ll shape Android’s next chapter.

⚖️ UK REGULATORS: APPLE & GOOGLE ARE CHOKING MOBILE BROWSERS

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) just called out the big dogs.

According to a damning new report, Apple and Google are “holding back” mobile browser innovation, using Safari and Chrome’s dominance to stifle competition and lock users into walled gardens.

Me? I switched to Brave and DuckDuckGo in 2023 and haven't looked back.

The CMA says this duo’s grip on web standards and browser engine choices is bad news for both developers and consumers.

Apple’s tight Safari rules on iOS and Google’s Chrome-centric Android ecosystem are creating a stranglehold.

👉 Why it matters:

• This could trigger massive changes to browser policies in the UK
• Developers want freedom to innovate—CMA wants to give them that
• If this escalates, we could see new browser engines on iOS for the first time ever

🔗 Full story →​

📷 GALAXY Z FOLD 7 MIGHT STEAL THE S25 ULTRA’S BEST CAMERA

If the latest rumors are true, the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 may borrow the S25 Ultra’s best shooter.

That means flagship-grade photography in foldable form, which could be a game-changer.

👉 Why it matters:

• Foldables need more than flashy form factors—they need Pro-tier camera chops
• Samsung might finally merge power and portability in one package

📏 IPHONE 17 AIR’S CAMERA BUMP IS THICKER THAN EXPECTED

New leaks are giving us a closer look at the iPhone 17 Air’s camera bump, and let’s just say… it’s got some serious thickness.

According to the latest renders, Apple might be cramming in a much larger sensor setup—possibly to support improved low-light performance or higher-resolution optics—but the trade-off is clear: this thing sticks out. A lot.

So much so, it could force a full rethink of how Apple designs the Air series, especially when it comes to symmetry, ergonomics, and how that camera bump fits into ultra-slim chassis goals.

👉 Why it matters:

• Apple’s chasing better photography—but at the cost of that minimalist design ethos
• A bigger bump could mean hardware upgrades are coming, even if the body stays thin
• It also means you’ll definitely need a case if you want to avoid the dreaded desk wobble

🔗 Catch the full story here →​

📸 OPPO FIND X8 ULTRA SHOWS OFF ITS CAMERA HARDWARE

​Oppo just revealed the camera sensors for the upcoming Find X8 Ultra, and they’re nothing short of elite.

fenibook @feni_book The camera of OPPO Find X8 Ultra. There are five rear cameras in total, two telephoto. Awesome. Not sure if it will be released globally. 5:42 AM • Mar 13, 2025 0 Retweets 26 Likes Read 2 replies

​

Expect pro-grade imaging with flagship flair.

🧠 ONEPLUS PAD 2 PRO: MONSTER SPECS JUST LEAKED

​New leaks suggest OnePlus is going full beast mode with its next-gen tablet.

Valbert Vaz - Analista TECH @VazValbert ✨ OnePlus Pad 2 Pro ➡️ Snapdragon 8 Elite ➡️ 16GB LPDDR5X RAM ➡️ 1TB UFS 4.0 Storage ➡️ 13.2-inch 3.4K LCD custom screen ➡️ 13MP rear camera ➡️ 8MP front camera ➡️ 10,000mAh large battery ➡️ 67W/80W charging 11:53 AM • Mar 12, 2025 0 Retweets 0 Likes

​

We're talking top-tier internals, premium display tech, and serious performance ambition.

👉 Why it matters:

• OnePlus is eyeing iPad territory now
• This could be one of the most powerful Android tablets to date

🎧 SURPRISE AUDIO PRODUCT COMING WITH GALAXY Z FOLD 7?

Rumor alert: Samsung may launch a bone conduction audio product alongside the Z Fold 7.

Totally different from Galaxy Buds—and possibly something entirely new in the wearable audio game.

📏 HONOR 400 & 400 PRO TO DOWNSIZE THEIR DISPLAYS

Leaked specs confirm the Honor 400 and 400 Pro are trimming screen size.

In a world of giant phones, this could be a nice change of pace.

🐉 HUAWEI POCKET 3 TEASED AS AN “UNEXPECTED PRODUCT”

Huawei just teased the Pocket 3, calling it an “unexpected product” ahead of its launch next week.

​More here →​

🔍 THE FIRST HUAWEI MATE XT ULTIMATE REVIEW IS IN

Looking for something a little extra premium? The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate just got the deep-dive review treatment.

Huawei isn’t messing around here—this device is loaded with flagship specs, a sleek foldable design, and a build quality that screams “top shelf.”

It’s not just about looking expensive (though it definitely does)—this thing backs it up with cutting-edge hardware, powerful cameras, and a polished user experience.

👉 Key takeaways from the review:

• 📱 Refined folding display with a smooth hinge and minimal crease
• 🔋 Excellent battery life, even with a high-refresh display
• 📸 Pro-grade camera system that keeps pace with other premium flagships
• 💰 And yes—it costs a small fortune, but it earns it

If you’re shopping in the hyper-premium foldable market, this is one you’ll want on your radar—if not in your pocket.

Spoiler: It’s impressive, but far from budget-friendly.

That’s a wrap for this edition, legends ⚡

From browser battles to foldable flagships, the mobile world doesn’t slow down—and neither do we.

Catch you in the next one,
—The I/O Crew

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