In the ever-evolving world of tech, 2025 is shaping up to be another year of both promising upgrades and some head-scratching decisions. From the latest leaks on the Google Pixel Watch 4 to a concerning legal story involving retro gaming handhelds, and finally, a new foldable phone that outshines Samsung’s flagship in some key areas, there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s dive into the biggest tech news you need to know, brought to you with insights and a touch of reality.
⌚ Pixel Watch 4: Bigger Batteries, Same Processor
The Google Pixel Watch 4 is on the horizon, and thanks to an exclusive hardware leak by Android Authority, we have some juicy details about what to expect. The headline is clear and simple: better battery life. If you’re a smartwatch user, you know that battery longevity is arguably the most critical feature, and Google seems to be doubling down on this.
Like its predecessor, the Pixel Watch 4 will come in two sizes: a 41mm model and a larger 45mm model — the latter being the one I’m sporting right now. The good news? Both models will pack significantly larger batteries than last year. Specifically, the 41mm version is expected to house a 327mAh battery, which is about a 7% increase over the Pixel Watch 3. Meanwhile, the 45mm model steps it up with a 459mAh battery, a 9% boost.
For some perspective, the smaller Pixel Watch 4 will have a battery roughly equivalent to the newly released Galaxy Watch 8’s smaller model, which sports a 325mAh battery. The larger Pixel Watch 4, in contrast, will outpace the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic in battery capacity. While software and hardware differences will affect actual battery life, it’s reasonable to expect the Pixel Watch 4 to offer better endurance than any previous Google smartwatch.
And let’s be honest — smartwatches should last at least a full weekend without needing a charge. Anything less just defeats the purpose of wearing one.
Now, for the slightly disappointing news: the Pixel Watch 4 is likely to use the same processor found in the Pixel Watch 3 and even the Pixel Watch 2. That means no performance upgrade this year. While this might sound frustrating, it’s worth noting that many smartwatches, including the entire Galaxy Watch 8 series, also stick with the same chip generation from previous years. After all, these wearable devices aren’t designed for heavy gaming or intensive tasks — you’re not playing The Witcher 3 on your wrist, right?
Still, the Pixel Watch 4 could surprise us with new health tracking sensors or software features that make it stand out. Regardless, the bigger batteries alone make this a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you’re still rocking an older Pixel Watch.
Mark your calendars: the Pixel Watch 4 lineup will launch on August 20th alongside the Pixel 10 series and potentially some new earbuds.
🕹️ Retro Gaming and Legal Troubles: When Reviewing Gets Risky
Next up is a story that’s as bizarre as it is concerning. An Italian YouTuber named Once Were Nerd, who specializes in reviewing retro console emulation handhelds, is reportedly facing legal action that could lead to jail time — simply for owning and reviewing these devices.
Here’s the crux of the issue: while it’s perfectly legal to create, sell, and buy hardware designed for emulation, the legal gray area lies with the ROMs — the actual game files you load into emulators. Most retro gaming handhelds come empty, meaning no preloaded games or emulators, leaving it up to the buyer’s discretion. The problem arises when companies like Anbernic include SD cards loaded with thousands of ROMs and emulators, some even offering a piracy store that lets users download games with a single press of a button.
This year, Italian authorities raided the YouTuber’s home, confiscating over thirty consoles and his personal smartphone. The SWAT team’s aggressive approach reportedly caused distress to his family. He now faces a penal notice that, in the worst case, could land him in jail for simply owning these handhelds.
“SWAT came into my house, disrespecting my whole family because somebody knocked me out.”
While piracy is undoubtedly illegal, punishing someone who merely reviews products to inform consumers seems disproportionate and counterproductive. This case raises troubling questions about how far authorities will go in cracking down on piracy and the chilling effect this could have on content creators who simply want to share their knowledge and opinions.
📱 Vivo X Fold 5: The Foldable Samsung Could Have Made
Finally, let’s talk foldables. The new Vivo X Fold 5 launched recently and it’s turning heads — not just for what it offers, but for what it implies about Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7.
The Vivo X Fold 5 is a sleek, thin book-style foldable phone, much like Samsung’s latest. But it boasts some standout features that Samsung didn’t include in the Galaxy Z Fold 7. For starters, the battery is a whopping 6000mAh, dwarfing the Galaxy’s 4400mAh battery. Charging speeds are equally impressive, with 80W wired charging and 40W wireless charging, making Samsung’s 25W wired charging look like ancient tech.
Durability-wise, the Vivo X Fold 5 packs three IP ratings — IP5X for dust resistance, IPX8 for water immersion, and IPX9 for high-pressure water jets. Samsung’s foldable only has an IPX8 rating, so it can handle water but not dust. And all these upgrades come with barely any increase in thickness compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
So, what does this mean? Simply put, Vivo has proven that Samsung could have equipped the Galaxy Z Fold 7 with a bigger battery, faster charging, and better durability. Yet, Samsung chose not to. Why? That’s a mystery only Samsung knows.
Of course, the Vivo X Fold 5 isn’t perfect. It runs last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, its camera can’t quite match Samsung’s, and the software experience is likely less polished. Plus, it’s not coming to the US or Europe, limiting its reach. Still, it’s a clear signal from Chinese manufacturers like Vivo and Honor that Samsung’s foldables could be significantly better.
Respect where it’s due, though — the Galaxy Z Fold 7 remains a stunning, powerful device. But at a $2,000 price tag, it should be the best foldable phone ever made, and right now, it’s just not.
Conclusion
2025’s tech landscape is full of contrasts. The Google Pixel Watch 4 is gearing up for a meaningful upgrade in battery life, even if performance improvements are lacking. Meanwhile, the troubling legal case involving a retro gaming YouTuber highlights ongoing tensions around emulation and piracy. And the Vivo X Fold 5 challenges Samsung’s foldable dominance with superior specs that Samsung inexplicably left on the table.
As always, these stories remind us to stay informed and critical about the tech we use and the stories behind them. Whether you’re a smartwatch enthusiast, a retro gaming fan, or a foldable phone aficionado, there’s plenty to watch for in the coming months.
FAQ 🤔
What are the battery sizes for the Pixel Watch 4 models?
The 41mm Pixel Watch 4 model is expected to have a 327mAh battery, while the 45mm model will have a 459mAh battery, both larger than their Pixel Watch 3 counterparts.
Will the Pixel Watch 4 have a new processor?
No, it’s likely to use the same processor as the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 2, meaning no performance upgrade this year.
Why is the Italian YouTuber facing legal trouble?
He is facing potential legal action for owning and reviewing emulation handhelds that allegedly include piracy-related software, despite the legal complexities around emulation hardware and ROMs.
How does the Vivo X Fold 5 compare to the Galaxy Z Fold 7?
The Vivo X Fold 5 offers a larger battery, faster charging speeds, and better dust and water resistance ratings than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, though it lacks the latest processor and the polished software experience.
When will the Pixel Watch 4 launch?
The Pixel Watch 4 is scheduled to launch on August 20th, alongside the Pixel 10 series and possibly new earbuds.
