Your upcoming phone might feature a Bluetooth connection with a range of 10 kilometers.

      AT&T

      Bluetooth connections typically have a limited range, usually up to around 33 feet. MediaTek has recently unveiled the Dimensity 9400 Plus, a cutting-edge chipset that aims to dramatically enhance this range, supporting connections up to 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles). The previous Dimensity 9400 achieved a maximum distance of 1.5 kilometers, marking a significant advancement, though the details are a bit more complex than they initially appear.

      The stated distance is relevant for direct Bluetooth connections between phones, meaning that your wireless earbuds won't suddenly see a dramatic improvement in quality over greater distances. A key detail found on MediaTek's website notes: “The Dimensity 9400+ extends phone-to-phone Bluetooth connections up to 10km when in line-of-sight, which is an increase of more than 6.6X compared to the Dimensity 9400. These ultra-long-range direct connections do not require cellular mobile services, conserving data and enhancing privacy.”

      If line-of-sight is necessary, your effective Bluetooth range may see a slight enhancement, although it won't approach 10 kilometers. Such distances would require a clear view similar to that of an airport runway. Realistic applications are somewhat limited, but any increase in connectivity range is certainly beneficial. Additionally, it could potentially enable some amusing AirDrop pranks.

      Beyond improved Bluetooth capabilities, the Dimensity 9400 Plus also boasts advancements in CPU, AI performance, and more. It includes a 12-core GPU for nearly PC-level gaming graphics, enhanced HDR video, and additional features. It supports speeds of up to 3.73GHz, expanded Wi-Fi ranges, and Wi-Fi 7.

      It's important to note that this is merely a system on a chip (SoC). Manufacturers must choose to implement it for users to experience any advantages, but the mere existence of such technology — and the significant leap it represents — is promising. The Dimensity 9400 Plus appears to be a strong contender against the popular Snapdragon 8 Elite and could greatly benefit the upcoming generation of smartphones.

      Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology, covering topics such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more.

      Huawei is set to potentially release its second tri-fold phone next year.

      The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate was the first tri-fold phone worldwide. According to leaker FixedFocus (via Huawei Central), a successor may be launched as soon as mid-2026, following the international release of the first model last month. The tipster indicated that the second-generation Mate XT is expected to resemble the original but will come with an enhanced camera system and improved Kirin 5G chips. A superior display panel is also anticipated. The current model features a three-lens setup and the Kirin 9010 5G chipset, operates on Harmony OS, offers various RAM and storage options, and includes a 5,600mAh battery.

      Your next phone will likely feature Qualcomm’s new X85 modem.

      At MWC 2025, Qualcomm presented its eighth-generation 5G modem, the X85, geared for use in smartphones expected later this year. The Qualcomm X85 modem is packed with numerous technical innovations and includes AI functionality, focusing not only on enhancing connectivity but also on boosting efficiency and prolonging battery life. The specifications are quite technical: it is the first modem to support 400MHz bandwidth in Sub-6 5G connections and can achieve speeds up to 11.6Gbps over both Sub-6 and mmWave connections. It is also the first modem to offer 3.7Gbps upload speeds under certain conditions. In addition to 5G and mmWave connectivity, the X85 supports satellite connections.

      Apple has begun pre-orders for the iPhone 16e, so you can secure yours now.

      Apple has opened pre-orders for its latest smartphone, the iPhone 16e, in the U.S. and other regions. This budget-oriented smartphone is a significant upgrade over the now-retired iPhone SE and sits below the main iPhone models, featuring several resemblances along with notable reductions in certain features. The starting price is $599 in the U.S. for the 128GB storage option, while the 256GB and 512GB versions cost $699 and $899, respectively.