Photographer Tyler Stalman reviewed the iPhone 18 Pro, emphasizing its new variable aperture as the flagship camera upgrade. The device also features a 2 nm A20 Pro chip, a vapor‑chamber cooling system, and a reduced Dynamic Island. Stalman notes the wider f/1.48 aperture improves low‑light performance, while the 4× zoom offers a more usable range than the 5× zoom on earlier models. He also highlights updated Cinematic mode, expanded Photographic Styles, Apple Reference Image, and AI‑powered editing tools.

T‑Mobile is offering a promotion that lets customers pre‑order the new iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max with a trade‑in in any condition. The deal includes up to $1,200 off the Pro Max and grants Magenta Status, which provides ongoing perks and access to T‑Mobile’s fastest network. The iPhone 18 Pro features a vapor‑cooled A20 Pro chip, a 48‑MP Fusion Main camera, and new color options, while the Pro Max offers similar hardware at a higher price point. The promotion is available immediately for new [...]

Apple’s iOS 27 update introduced a user‑interface bug that can temporarily freeze an iPhone when users quickly toggle between the Notification Center and Control Center. The glitch, present in beta and public releases, requires deliberate action to trigger and does not affect normal usage. Users report issues such as disabled scrolling physics, non‑functional notifications, and inability to swipe between Home Screen pages. AppleInsider confirmed the bug but noted it does not render the device completely unresponsive. A force‑reboot [...]

Patrick, the eCommerce Editor at Android Central, highlights a limited‑time T‑Mobile promotion that offers the Motorola Razr Plus (2026) at no upfront cost when paired with a qualifying contract. The deal requires customers to activate a new line or upgrade an existing one, with the phone’s price subsidized through monthly installments built into the plan. Patrick notes the Razr Plus retains the iconic flip design while adding a larger 6.7‑inch foldable display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, and a 5,000 mAh battery, positioning [...]

After a year with Apple’s 2025 baseline iPhone 17, the reviewer finds it functional but not beloved. Forced to replace a dying iPhone 13 mini, they note the 6.3‑inch Super Retina XDR display with 120 Hz ProMotion feels smooth, and the 256 GB storage and upgraded camera are appreciable upgrades over the mini. Daily use is limited to calls, timers, alarms and occasional photos; the device’s size feels unwieldy and it suffered a cracked screen after a fall. Despite the larger form [...]

Patrick, an eCommerce editor at Android Central, transitioned from a decade in independent bookstores and freelance writing to full‑time tech journalism in 2020. He joined the site in 2022, leading its eCommerce coverage and major sale events. Patrick specializes in helping consumers avoid buyer’s remorse, simplifying complex tech purchases such as carrier switches and smart TVs. His guidance is grounded in extensive hands‑on experience, and he balances his professional work with outdoor adventures and time with his [...]

Apple has unveiled a new “Apple Reference Image” feature for the iPhone 18 Pro that uses cryptographic signing of every pixel captured by the camera sensor. The sensor creates a unique signing identity during factory initialization, which is bound to the device’s Secure Enclave Processor. When a user activates Reference mode, the sensor signs the raw pixel data and metadata, and timestamps the capture. The signed data is sent to Apple’s Private Cloud Compute, where it is verified, processed [...]

Samsung has begun rolling out the One UI 9 update for the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, following a five‑month beta period that included seven test releases. The stable update launched in South Korea on September 16 and is now expanding to other regions, featuring the September security patch. One UI 9 introduces AI‑powered tools such as My FanCam, Now Brief, and enhanced security utilities, integrating camera, AI, and privacy functions into daily use. Samsung plans [...]

Asus launched a new Vivobook laptop range in India, offering models such as the S16, S14, 14 Flip, S14 Flip, and 16. The lineup includes Snapdragon‑powered variants (S14 and S16) featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X processor and a 45 TOPS NPU for AI capabilities. Prices start at Rs 89,990, with some models available from September 17 and Snapdragon versions arriving later. The devices boast all‑metal construction, MIL‑STD‑810H durability, up to 30 hours of battery life, Type‑C fast charging, and Microsoft Office Home 2024 [...]

ASUS refreshed its Vivobook lineup in India with new models featuring Intel, Qualcomm, and AMD processors, launching on September 17, 2026. The range includes the Vivobook S14, S16, 14 Flip, S14 Flip, and 16, with prices starting at Rs 89,990 for the AMD‑powered 16‑inch model. The S14 and S16 boast all‑metal designs, 16:10 FHD+ IPS displays, and up to 17 TOPS of AI processing, while the Flip variants add 360‑degree OLED touchscreens, stylus support, and up to 38‑hour [...]

Microsoft has scheduled a dedicated Surface event for October 7, confirming the date and venue for its next hardware showcase. The announcement, made via a brief press release and a teaser video, indicates that the company will unveil its upcoming lineup of Surface devices, likely including refreshed models of the Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and possibly a new Surface Studio variant. Industry analysts expect the event to highlight Microsoft’s push to integrate AI features across its hardware, aligning [...]

At IFA 2026, Microsoft’s partners unveiled a broad lineup of Windows PCs, ranging from everyday models to premium designs, gaming rigs, commercial workstations, and developer-focused machines. The showcase highlighted new AI‑enabled features, such as the OpenClaw Windows App for local model execution and Project Zenith devices that provide high‑memory, high‑bandwidth environments for coding. Acer introduced the Vero 16, a sustainability‑focused laptop built with recycled aluminum and PCR plastic, while other partners expanded repairability and performance options across price [...]

Amazon has reduced the price of the 2026 Apple MacBook Air featuring the M5 chip to $1,199, marking a 30-day low for the device. This discount applies to the 13-inch model in Silver or Midnight, which includes a 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of storage. The sale represents a $100 reduction from the standard retail price. Customers can also access savings on higher-end configurations, with discounts reaching up to $150. Models with 1TB [...]

A detailed leak from MacObserver reveals the full specifications of Lenovo’s upcoming Googlebook 15, a premium Chromebook slated for release. The model features a 15‑inch OLED display, up to 32 GB of RAM, a haptic trackpad, and a fingerprint sensor. Notably, the report mentions “Google facial authentication,” suggesting a camera‑based face unlock similar to Apple’s Face ID, though implementation details remain unclear. The laptop’s spec sheet positions it as a high‑end device, comparable to Lenovo’s ThinkPad X9 15 [...]

XMG has refreshed its 16‑inch Apex 16 and Pro 16 VE gaming laptops with the 2026 Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, boosting VRAM from 8 GB to 12 GB. The Apex 16 (M26) retains its 16‑core Ryzen 9 9955HX or 8945HX options and up to 96 GB DDR5 RAM, but adds a third fan for RAM cooling, extra ventilation, and a lighter 2.35 kg chassis with a 99.8 Wh battery. It ships with a 300 Hz IPS panel (2560×1600, 500 nits, full sRGB and DCI‑P3 coverage); the mini‑LED option remains [...]

Acer Inc. is cautiously maintaining inventories of key components, including solid-state drives, DRAM chips, CPUs, panels, and batteries, to mitigate the impact of rising prices. Although demand growth for these components is slowing and supply is increasing, predicting a return to healthy supply-demand dynamics remains difficult due to suppliers’ opaque capacity expansion plans. Acer sources most memory chips from Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron. To address surging memory prices, Acer’s product design strategy allows consumers to select [...]

Apple unveiled the Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, keeping their familiar looks while introducing a new Health Sensing System that captures heart‑rate data every five seconds, regardless of activity. The Series 12 offers updated finishes—aluminum (Dark Bronze, Light Gold, Black, Space Gray), titanium (Radiant Gold, Natural) and ceramic (Night Blue, Pearl White)—and a slightly wider case with a 2% smaller display area. The Ultra 4 retains its titanium finishes (Natural, Black) and shares the same advanced sensing hardware. Both models [...]

Lumus, the Israeli augmented‑reality optics maker, announced a strategic partnership with China‑based Crystal‑Optech to secure components for its next‑generation AR displays. Under the agreement, Crystal‑Optech will manufacture high‑precision waveguides and diffractive elements in its Shenzhen facility, while Lumus will provide optical designs and quality‑control protocols. The collaboration aims to reduce lead times, diversify sourcing away from European suppliers, and support Lumus’s planned expansion of production capacity for its “Lightfield” glasses slated for launch in 2025. Both companies [...]

Meta is reportedly preparing a version of its upcoming AI‑enabled smart glasses that omits built‑in cameras, offering a privacy‑focused alternative to the standard model. The glasses will retain Ray‑Ban‑style frames, support phone calls, and integrate Meta’s conversational AI chatbot, but will lack the video‑capture hardware that has drawn criticism from privacy advocates. Sources familiar with the product roadmap say the camera‑free option aims to address concerns that wearers could inadvertently record bystanders, a controversy that has intensified [...]

Meta has announced a new smart glasses model, Luna, that omits built‑in cameras to address privacy concerns. The device will feature six microphones and a side button to activate Meta’s AI chatbot and Muse, its consumer agent. Luna is slated for a potential reveal at Meta Connect in Menlo Park next week. The move follows backlash over the company’s camera‑equipped glasses, which critics labeled “pervert glasses.” Meta’s Reality Labs continues to post significant losses, underscoring the financial [...]

Apple’s watchOS 27 introduces a new Siri app that, for the first time, preserves chat history across devices. The feature allows users to reference prior queries and resume conversations without restarting, improving natural interaction. While the iPhone, iPad, and Mac versions support seamless thread continuation, the Apple Watch version displays chat threads but lacks a direct UI to continue them. Users can still append to a thread by invoking Siri via the Digital Crown or voice command while [...]

Google began rolling out the September 2026 Feature Drop for Wear OS, delivering a software update to Pixel Watch 2, 3 and 4 models. The update introduces “Gemini Personalization,” which draws on users’ past conversations and data from Gmail, Calendar, Search, YouTube and Photos to generate more contextual responses, using a hybrid offline profile and live online retrieval. New voice prompts such as “What’s on my calendar today” and “Find the tracking number in my email” become available across [...]

Apple’s new Series 12 Watch introduces “Siri Recap,” a feature that continuously listens to conversations and summarizes them, and “Live Rewind,” which retrieves the last 15 seconds of audio as text. The watch also automatically identifies sounds like alarms, sirens, and doorbells. Apple claims the audio is processed in a secure hardware enclave, the Secure Exclave, preventing the company from accessing raw recordings. Encrypted audio can be sent to a paired iPhone for text conversion, but remains [...]

Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra 4 at its Wednesday event, keeping the same 49 mm titanium design as the Ultra 3 but adding a new S11 chip, enhanced health sensors, and AI features such as Siri Recaps and Live Rewind. Battery life extends to 50 hours (84 in Low Power Mode) versus 42 hours on the previous model. The Ultra 4 also introduces satellite‑enabled emergency SOS, messages, and Find My, while maintaining 100‑meter water resistance and MIL‑STD 810H durability.

Snap Inc. unveiled its first AR glasses, priced at $2,200, after five years of development. The author of the piece spent a day wearing the sleek, rectangular frames, noting the micro‑displays that overlay text, emojis and navigation cues onto the wearer’s field of view. Battery life lasted roughly three hours of mixed use before the device entered a low‑power mode. Voice commands triggered Snap’s Lens Studio apps, while the camera captured short video snippets that automatically synced [...]

Lumus, the Israeli augmented‑reality optics maker, announced a strategic partnership with China‑based Crystal‑Optech to secure components for its next‑generation AR displays. Under the agreement, Crystal‑Optech will manufacture high‑precision waveguides and diffractive elements in its Shenzhen facility, while Lumus will provide optical designs and quality‑control protocols. The collaboration aims to reduce lead times, diversify sourcing away from European suppliers, and support Lumus’s planned expansion of production capacity for its “Lightfield” glasses slated for launch in 2025. Both companies [...]

Snap announced its SPECS smart glasses, priced at $2,196 in the U.S., with pre‑orders open and a late‑fall launch slated for the U.S., U.K., and France. The glasses feature an AI‑native OS that supports hands‑free browsing, real‑time translation, navigation, and AR experiences, including partnerships with HBO Max, Spotify, and the NBA. Users can stream content on a virtual 115‑inch display, access interactive educational content, and share experiences via Connected Lens. Snap emphasizes privacy, stating the glasses do [...]

Leadwerks Game Engine 5.2 has launched, adding an OpenXR‑based backend that enables support for virtually all current VR headsets, including the new Steam Frame. The update introduces realistic hand and finger animations, high‑fidelity physics that auto‑activates in VR, and low‑latency hand‑attachment collision objects. New locomotion options let developers use thumb‑stick dash and teleportation to reduce motion sickness. The editor now offers enhanced UV unwrapping tools. The engine is available for purchase on Steam or as a 30‑day [...]

Meta is reportedly developing Luna, a camera‑free smart‑glasses line that could ship as early as next month. Luna will feature six microphones, six speakers, and a dedicated side button for instant access to Meta AI, allowing users to interact with the chatbot without a phone. The glasses will be available in Clubmaster and Burbank styles, designed to resemble conventional eyewear and reduce bulk. Meta also plans Phoenix AR glasses, slated for 2027, which will offer virtual workspaces [...]

Meta is preparing to launch a new line of camera‑free smart glasses, dubbed Luna, amid ongoing privacy concerns over its earlier camera‑enabled models. The glasses will feature six microphones for voice interaction with Meta AI, built‑in speakers, and a discreet design that reduces arm size, making them resemble ordinary frames. Meta plans to ship Luna in October in two styles—Clubmaster and Burbank—while also unveiling AR glasses named Phoenix at Connect, slated for a 2027 release. The removal [...]

Valve launched the Steam Frame VR headset in the United States on September 14, offering 256‑GB and 1‑TB models priced at US$1,059 and US$1,299, respectively. The device runs both dedicated VR titles and standard Steam games, granting users full library access. Each unit includes a free digital copy of Half‑Life: Alyx for non‑owners, automatically linked to the customer’s Steam account upon registration. Valve also sells optional bundles for battery power, maintenance, and ergonomics. Purchasers must register before [...]

Meta’s Project Phoenix, a lightweight mixed‑reality headset, has been revealed through HorizonOS Prescription Lens images. The design resembles chunky glasses, using nose pads and temple‑mounted sensors, and includes a cable from the left temple to an external compute puck. Prescription lens inserts attach via a QR‑code setup, and the headset appears to support controller‑free interaction. The new form factor promises reduced facial weight but introduces a separate computing unit, potentially redefining casual XR wearability. [...]

Apple’s fifth‑generation AirPods, announced with on‑bud volume controls, have sparked criticism for pricing a basic feature that many inexpensive earbuds already provide. In a recent podcast episode, the host highlighted the disparity, noting that dozens of Amazon‑listed wireless earbuds under $20 include volume buttons, while Apple reserves the function for its premium model. Colleagues on the show dismissed the utility of the controls, but the host argued that volume adjustment is a fundamental expectation for any earbud. [...]

Harish Jonnalagadda, Android Central’s Senior Editor, has spent over a decade covering Android and Chinese phone brands. Beginning his tech journey with Windows XP tweaks, he transitioned from PC hardware reviews at VR‑Zone to mobile journalism after adopting the Nexus 4. Since joining Android Central in 2014, he oversees coverage of Chinese manufacturers, audio gear, networking hardware, and storage servers, drawing on his engineering background to provide in‑depth product evaluations. Outside work, he enjoys sci‑fi reading and [...]

Apple launched the AirPods 5 with a wireless charging case alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, offering a compact design, improved IP57 water resistance, and a new algorithm that boosts active noise cancellation by 50 %. Both base and high‑end models share identical audio quality, while the premium version adds capacitive volume controls and wireless charging compatibility. The earbuds maintain a neutral sound profile, excel in transparency mode, and provide comparable ANC to the Pro 3, though the Pro still edges out in [...]

Nothing confirmed the Malaysian launch of its Phone (4b) smartphone and Ear (3a) earbuds, with pre‑orders now open on the company’s website, Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop. Official sales begin 20 September 2026 at Nothing retail stores and selected outlets nationwide. The Phone (4b) is marketed as an entry‑level model, featuring a unibody design, the signature Glyph Bar, IP64 protection, a Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor, a 5,200 mAh battery with 33 W fast charging and 7.5 W reverse charging, and a 50 MP main camera with OIS plus [...]

Farwave, a new indie audio application for iOS 18 and later, introduces a unique 3D globe interface for exploring global radio stations. Users can rotate the virtual planet to select specific regions or utilize a random selection feature. Beyond live radio, the app organizes podcasts and local music files on separate visual planets, supporting RSS feeds, playback queues, adjustable speeds, and offline downloads. While the base app is free on the App Store for iPhone and iPad, [...]

JBL released the Live 680NC headphones on March 12, 2026, priced at $159.95 ($129.99 in the UK, AU$199.95). The mid‑range pair feature 40 mm drivers, adaptive ANC, Ambient Aware, personalized EQ, spatial audio, and Auracast support. Battery life is exceptionally long, but the headphones lack a charging cable and exert pressure on the top of the head during extended use. Sound is warm with a bass‑heavy profile and a slightly rolled‑off high end, while spatial audio feels underwhelming. The 680NC offers [...]

Rumors indicate Nothing is preparing to launch the Headphone 1 Pro in late September 2026. The device reportedly features a premium design incorporating aluminum and glass elements, distinguishing it from the base model. Expected colorways include white and black. Audio performance may improve with a triple driver setup, promising enhanced bass, sharper precision, and better treble. Active Noise Cancellation is rumored to be adaptive and superior to the original. Battery life could reach 60 hours, though it [...]

Pocket FM, an Indian audio storytelling platform, has doubled its annualized revenue run rate to $500 million, driven by a shift to artificial intelligence that now powers 93 % of its catalog and 99 % of new content. The company’s AI tools, trained on internal data, cut production costs 80‑fold, enabling 2.5 million hours of content annually from 550,000 creators. Revenue retention rose to 76 % from 44 % two years ago, and the U.S. market now accounts for 70 % of earnings.

Code discovered within the iOS 27 release candidate reveals that Apple is introducing a dedicated animation for attaching Hermès MagSafe wallets to iPhones. Unlike the standard animation for Apple’s own MagSafe accessories, this new feature displays the Hermès logo upon connection. Leaked images shared by user pdfu on X indicate that Apple is preparing additional Hermès MagSafe wallet designs featuring various colors, leather, and patterned materials. These new accessories will also include Find My support for tracking. [...]

Wokyis has launched the G5 and G7, new retro-style docks designed for the Mac mini and Mac Studio. These devices combine nostalgic aesthetics with high-performance connectivity, featuring Thunderbolt 5 support in the flagship G7 model. The docks include a 7-inch flip-up IPS display, an NVMe SSD enclosure supporting up to 8TB of storage, and extensive port selections including USB-C and card readers. The G7 offers 80 Gbps speeds, enabling external storage performance comparable to internal drives. Physical [...]

A curated list of top fast charging accessories for the iPhone 18 Pro highlights various options for different user needs. The selection includes a compact 45W charger with an adjustable display for $29.99, which offers near-maximum speeds. For peak performance, Apple’s 60W adapter charges the device to 50% in 15 minutes for $34.99. The Anker Nano 70W provides versatile multi-device charging for laptops and phones at $39.99. For desk setups, the ESR CryoBoost 3-in-1 stand supports 25W [...]

LTTStore introduced “TrueSpec” USB‑C cables that feature etched labels on both ends, clearly indicating power, data, and display capabilities. The move addresses long‑standing confusion over which cables support high‑wattage charging, 40 Gbps data transfer, or video output, as many cables look identical. TrueSpec cables adhere strictly to USB‑C specifications, offer thick rubber sheathing for durability, and are priced from about $22 for USB‑C to $17 for USB‑A. The product fills a niche that has been largely ignored by [...]

Apple unveiled a $129 folio case equipped with a built‑in kickstand designed specifically for the iPhone Duo, the company’s dual‑screen smartphone. The accessory features a leather‑like exterior, magnetic closure, and a sturdy aluminum hinge that allows the device to prop up in landscape mode for hands‑free video viewing or video calls. Apple’s product page lists the case as compatible only with the iPhone Duo’s unique dimensions and dual‑screen hinge, and it includes a detachable magnetic cover for [...]

Corsair has officially launched the TC80, a new entry-level gaming chair priced at $199.99 in the United States and £169.99 in the United Kingdom. Despite its budget positioning, the chair features a design similar to cheaper, unbranded alternatives found at major retailers. The TC80 includes fixed armrests, a strapped head cushion, and a recline range of 90 to 115 degrees. Corsair states the product underwent durability testing across more than 30 categories to ensure high build quality [...]

Nintendo announced Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo for its upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, slated for release in 2027. The figures will unlock classic masks from the 1998 Nintendo 64 title. They are part of a broader 40th‑anniversary celebration that includes a new Switch 2 edition, concerts, a Link & Epona Lego set, and a Mineru's Construct figure launching September 17, 2026. The amiibo are expected to arrive a few months after [...]

Microsoft has launched the Designed for Xbox Cozy Collection, a curated lineup of gaming peripherals aimed at players who enjoy side quests and relaxed adventures. The collection features products from 8BitDo, SteelSeries, and KontrolFreek, unified by a whimsical, nature-inspired aesthetic. Key items include the 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard and Retro R8 Mouse in Forest Wonder, featuring tactile switches and RGB lighting. The 8BitDo Ultimate 3 Controller in Mossy Lagoon offers improved grip and multi-platform connectivity. Audio [...]