Google has announced a set of new features coming with Android 17, expected to roll out in Q2 2026 (around June or July). The update will introduce several tools aimed at content creators, including an expanded Instagram experience for tablets, built-in Screen Reactions, and enhanced editing capabilities.
The features will first arrive on Pixel devices, although exact release dates for Malaysia have not yet been confirmed.
The new Screen Reactions tool is designed to simplify reaction video creation by removing the need for green screens or chroma key editing. It appears to allow users to overlay themselves directly onto screen recordings, making it easier to produce commentary-style content for platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
In collaboration with Meta, Google is also introducing improvements such as Ultra HDR capture and playback, better video stabilization, and enhanced low-light performance for Instagram. The company is also optimising Instagram for larger tablets, while the new “Edits” tool will offer AI-powered features like smart enhancement and audio separation or boosting directly on-device.
Additionally, Adobe Premiere is expected to arrive on Android, bringing support for Advanced Professional Video (APV) format, which is already available on devices like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and vivo X300 Ultra.
The updates signal a stronger push by Google to position Android as a more creator-friendly platform, especially for mobile video production and social media content creation.
Sony Xperia 1 VIII announced with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, upgraded 48MP telephoto camera and AI features
The Sony Xperia 1 VIII has been officially announced, as confirmed earlier this week. While the official product page is not yet live, Sony has released an announcement trailer showcasing the device’s design, key specifications, and new features.
Tech specs and features
The Sony Xperia 1 VIII is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. A higher-end variant is also available with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, targeting users who require extensive storage for video recording and content creation.
Battery specifications remain unchanged, featuring a 5000mAh battery with 30W wired charging and 15W wireless charging.
On the camera front, the device features a triple 48MP rear camera setup, consisting of a 48MP main sensor (f/1.9), 48MP ultra-wide (f/2.0), and a 48MP telephoto lens (f/2.8). It also includes a 12MP front camera. Notably, the telephoto sensor is a major upgrade from the Xperia 1 VII, increasing resolution from 12MP to 48MP.
Sony has also introduced an AI Camera Assistant designed to enhance photography performance. Additional camera features include RAW multi-frame processing, Human Pose Estimation, Auto Framing, and Real-time Eye Autofocus.
The device continues Sony’s tradition of including a 3.5mm headphone jack for high-quality wired audio. It also features a 6.5-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080 × 2340 resolution, making it suitable for media consumption and gaming.
Price and availability
Sony has not yet announced official pricing or availability for the Xperia 1 VIII. However, the previous model launched at around RM6,499. With rising component costs and RAM shortages affecting 2026 devices, the new model is expected to see a slight price increase of approximately RM200–RM500.
Android 17 to arrive in Q2 2026 with expanded features for content creators
