Google TV shows off its ‘new’ features in fullscreen roundup when you turn on your TV [Gallery]

9to5google.com Oct 19, 2026

Google TV shows off its ‘new’ features in fullscreen roundup when you turn on your TV [Gallery]

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 19, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Google TV has released a new fullscreen feature roundup that appears when users power on their devices. The update lists recent additions such as Freeplay channels, an expanded library of free on‑demand movies and shows, dynamic slideshows, photo search, and a relocated Watchlist from a previous homescreen redesign. While most items were introduced months ago, the roundup presents them as “new” for the October 2026 release. The practice of highlighting a broad range of updates has been used twice yearly on Google TV Streamer and similar devices.

💡 Why It Matters

· By re‑branding older updates as “new,” Google keeps users engaged with its ecosystem, subtly encouraging continued platform loyalty.

Read full article on 9to5google.com

Moto Tag 2 is no longer $19.99 as the UWB tracker gears…

Motorola’s Moto Tag 2, once discounted to $20, has reverted to its intended $29.99 price on both the company’s site and Amazon. The tracker, notable for its UWB capability, offers precise location fixes beyond standard Bluetooth pings, making it the most advanced Android Find Hub device. Competitors like Pebblebee and Chipolo cost $35–$40 but lack UWB. A 4‑pack remains available for $100, while Google’s upcoming Pixel Tag will debut at the same price, setting a direct price contest.

💡 The price reset signals a tightening market for UWB‑enabled trackers, forcing consumers to weigh early‑bird discounts against long‑term value. It also positions Moto and Google as direct rivals, potentially accelerating feature and price innovation in the Android tracking ecosystem.

9to5google.com · Oct 19

Samsung reportedly hasn’t finalized Galaxy S27 details, considers February launch

Samsung has not yet confirmed a launch date for the Galaxy S27 Pro and Ultra, with leaks suggesting a February release at the latest. The delay stems from unresolved component decisions, particularly the memory configuration and potential adoption of UFS 5.0 and LPDDR6. While the base and Plus models appear finalized, the high‑end devices remain undecided. Samsung’s typical release cadence—January or February following CES—remains intact, but the exact timing is still pending.

💡 The postponement underscores Samsung’s push to integrate cutting‑edge storage and memory, potentially raising the flagship’s performance ceiling and price point.

9to5mac.com · Oct 19

Some iPhone Duo orders getting moved up to earlier dates

Apple opened pre‑orders for the iPhone Duo last Friday, but demand quickly pushed the rollout into late January 2027. Over the weekend, a cluster of Japanese customers reported that Apple’s shipping estimates were revised upward, moving delivery dates from December to as early as October 23. Screenshots shared on social media and compiled by 9to5Mac’s Dylan McDonald show several orders being advanced by weeks, a change that so far appears limited to devices purchased directly from Apple’s online store. Apple has not commented on the cause of the adjustment, and it remains unclear whether the earlier dates will be applied to other regions or if the updates are temporary errors. The phenomenon highlights an unexpected shift in Apple’s supply‑chain scheduling for its newest handset.

💡 Japanese buyers are seeing their iPhone Duo in hand months sooner, suggesting Apple may have untapped inventory or a faster‑than‑expected production ramp that could reshape global rollout expectations.

9to5google.com · Oct 19

Dizzying lineup of Galaxy Z Fold 9 devices leaks, including the Galaxy…

Samsung’s 2027 Galaxy Z lineup is set to be the most extensive foldable range yet, featuring the Galaxy Z Fold 9, Fold 9 Pro, Fold 9 Ultra, and the newly leaked Galaxy Z Slide. A Twitter/X leak also names the Galaxy Z TriFold 2, a lighter successor to the original TriFold, and the Galaxy Z Flip 9. The releases promise thinner, lighter designs and battery improvements, though exact specifications remain unconfirmed. Samsung plans staggered launches rather than a single event.

💡 The expanded lineup signals Samsung’s push to dominate the foldable market, offering diverse form factors that could reshape consumer expectations for mobile form and function.

windowscentral.com · Oct 19

Gears of War: E‑Day hits VR and looks fantastic?

Gears of War: E‑Day’s launch has been met with strong approval, as critics and players commend both its campaign and multiplayer experiences. Early community activity includes a Halo‑themed squad‑swap mod and a standout virtual‑reality conversion posted by user @rockonthehillc on X. The VR mod adds full‑body tracking, manual reloads and other immersive features, prompting speculation about a first‑person Gears title. The author argues that expanding the franchise into new perspectives—such as first‑person horror set amid the Locust—could revitalize the IP, noting Xbox’s recent genre experiments with Gears and contrasting them with Halo’s missed opportunities. While an official VR or first‑person game remains unlikely, the fan‑driven project showcases the series’ adaptability and the community’s enthusiasm for innovative gameplay.

💡 The VR mod demonstrates that fan‑crafted tools can unlock fresh ways to experience established franchises, pressuring publishers to consider officially supporting such immersive formats.

ign.com · Oct 19

PlayStation 6 RAM and Storage Alone May Cost $680, According to Leaker

A leak on NeoGaf by the frequent source Kepler_L2 claims the PlayStation 6’s RAM and NAND storage alone will cost over $680, pushing the console’s bill of materials (BoM) toward $960 after a $200 increase attributed to the current RAM shortage. Earlier in March the same leaker estimated a total BoM of $760, but the revised figure excludes R&D, marketing and logistics. The rumor also suggests a GPU delivering roughly 40 teraflops, with a “Project Helix” variant at 56 teraflops, positioning the PS6 at more than double the compute power of the PS5 Pro and comparable to a Radeon RX 9070‑XT, a component that alone retails near $900. Analysts infer a manufacturing cost exceeding $1,000, implying a launch price unlikely to dip below $1,200, especially after Sony announced the end of disc support in 2028.

💡 If accurate, the component costs could force Sony to price the PS6 well above $1,000, reshaping consumer expectations for next‑gen consoles and testing the market’s willingness to pay premium hardware without physical media.