Googlebook’s hidden ‘Glowbar Disco’ turns your laptop’s lid into a light show — how to find it

9to5google.com Oct 9, 2026

Googlebook’s hidden ‘Glowbar Disco’ turns your laptop’s lid into a light show — how to find it

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 9, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Googlebook’s hidden “Glowbar Disco” app, a relic from the Chromebook Pixel, lets users activate the laptop’s LED bar with constant colors, preset animations, gradients, or music sync. The feature is buried in Settings > Apps, requiring users to enable system apps and search for “Glowbar Disco” each time. When launched, the glowbar remains active until the app is closed, at which point the effects cease. Google acknowledges the Easter‑egg’s obscurity and suggests future integration into standard settings.

💡 Why It Matters

· The discovery highlights how legacy hardware features can be repurposed for user engagement, offering a playful customization layer that could influence future OS design choices.

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Apple ‘Welcome home’ event: Three new products are coming next week

Apple will hold a product launch on October 13, titled “Welcome home,” focusing on smart‑home devices. The headline reveal is the HomePad, a 6‑inch square smart display that can mount on walls or sit on counters, featuring multi‑person recognition and Siri AI integration. Apple will also update the Apple TV 4K with an A19 chip, adding Siri AI and new HomePod‑mini 2 with a faster processor and new colors. LG‑co‑developed HomeKit accessories may also appear.

💡 The HomePad signals Apple’s serious entry into the smart‑home hub market, potentially redefining home automation ecosystems. The upgraded Apple TV and HomePod mini expand AI‑driven media control, positioning Apple as a central player in connected living.

timesofindia.indiatimes.com · Oct 9

Apple may launch its first touch-screen MacBook on October 27: Report

Apple is set to unveil its first touch‑screen MacBook on October 27, according to Bloomberg. The event will also introduce 14‑inch MacBook Pro and iMac models powered by the new M6 chip, and a refreshed iPad mini, targeting creative professionals in video, photo, and music production. The launch follows an earlier smart‑home event on October 13, where Apple revealed a new smart‑home hub with a display, HomePod mini, and updated Apple TV. The announcements are part of CEO John Ternus’s strategy to expand Apple’s product ecosystem and service revenue.

💡 Apple’s move into touch‑screen laptops signals a strategic pivot toward hybrid work and creative workflows, potentially reshaping its competitive stance in the high‑end PC market.

androidcentral.com · Oct 9

The Galaxy S27’s rumored prices reveal why your next upgrade could cost…

Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy S27 lineup in early 2027, with four models priced at $899, $1,099, $1,299, and $1,399 in the U.S. The S27 and S27 Plus will feature M14+ OLED displays, while the S27 Pro and S27 Ultra will use newer M16 panels, potentially adding privacy‑display technology to the higher‑end phones. International prices may rise to $1,499 for the Ultra, and Samsung may adjust figures before launch. The leak highlights a split‑display strategy that could influence consumer choice.

💡 The pricing split shows Samsung’s strategy to reserve premium display tech for higher‑priced models, potentially driving buyers toward more expensive variants for better screen quality.

windowscentral.com · Oct 9

Global PC shipments fell by about 20% in Q3 2026

IDC and Omdia reported a 20‑21% year‑over‑year decline in global PC shipments for Q3 2026, with desktop units falling 23.5% and laptops 20.6%. The drop follows a strong first‑half pull‑forward that temporarily boosted sales, but inventory buildup and high RAM and storage costs have suppressed demand. HP and Lenovo experienced the steepest declines at roughly 31% and 23%, respectively, while Apple’s MacBook Neo launch only yielded an 11% fall. The trend signals a shift in PC market seasonality and pricing dynamics.

💡 The sharp contraction underscores how supply‑chain constraints and inventory strategies are reshaping consumer pricing, potentially forcing vendors to offer discounts to clear stock. This shift could alter purchasing patterns for the next few quarters.

9to5mac.com · Oct 9

Apple to launch touchscreen MacBook Pro and more on October 27: report

Apple announced a “Welcome Home” event slated for October 27, during which it will unveil its first touchscreen MacBook Pro models, a new iPad mini, and additional products aimed at creative professionals. The launch will feature an online video presentation and an in‑person press component, echoing the format used for its October 2024 Mac releases. Bloomberg reports that the event will include hands‑on opportunities for selected journalists in Los Angeles, underscoring Apple’s focus on high‑end creative workflows.

💡 The introduction of touchscreens on MacBook Pros signals a strategic shift toward hybrid device functionality, potentially redefining how professionals interact with macOS. This move could set a new industry standard for laptop design and user experience.

ksl.com · Oct 9

Apple cuts iPhone 18 Pro orders due to soft demand, Nikkei Asia…

Apple has instructed suppliers to reduce production of components for the newly launched iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, citing a decline in consumer demand amid rising memory‑chip costs. Nikkei Asia reports that October component orders were cut by at least 15% from initial requests, reflecting the company’s more cautious shipment strategy since early September. The price hike of $100 for the Pro models, combined with increased AI features, has intensified demand for high‑performance memory, contributing to global shortages and higher prices. Apple’s recent price increases for iPads and MacBooks underscore the impact of chip cost inflation on its product line.

💡 The shift signals that even premium brands are curbing supply to match subdued demand, a trend that could reshape the smartphone market’s pricing and availability dynamics.