Verizon has reintroduced its most generous Google Pixel 11 promotion, offering a free Pixel 11 Pro 256 GB to new customers without requiring a trade‑in. The deal is available through Verizon’s online store and includes a 24‑month contract with the carrier’s 5G network. The promotion targets consumers looking for a high‑end smartphone at no upfront cost, positioning Verizon competitively against other carriers that typically demand device trade‑ins or higher monthly fees. The offer is limited to a specific [...]

Xiaomi has confirmed that its upcoming Xiaomi 18 Pro will include a privacy display similar to Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra. The feature physically alters screen light to hide content from side angles, allowing clear viewing only from a direct line of sight. Xiaomi’s implementation offers greater flexibility, enabling privacy mode in specific apps, split‑screen windows, floating app windows, and lock‑screen notifications, rather than an all‑or‑nothing toggle. The phone is slated to launch on September 23, with an [...]

PhoneBuff conducted a side‑by‑side drop test between the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the Galaxy S26 Ultra. In a 1‑meter back‑drop drop, both phones cracked on the back, but the S26 Ultra suffered more wear. A corner drop favored the S26 Ultra, leaving the iPhone dented. The decisive face drop saw the iPhone’s display stay intact while the S26 Ultra’s screen shattered and its fingerprint scanner failed. The cumulative score was 56‑53 in favor of the iPhone, marking a narrow victory in [...]

Apple unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, at a product launch led by new CEO John Ternus, marking his inaugural major event since succeeding Tim Cook less than two weeks earlier. The announcement, part of Apple’s annual iPhone hardware showcase, signals a strategic pivot from the long‑standing “iPhone era” toward an AI‑centric roadmap. Bloomberg reported that the timing of the Duo’s debut was intentional, reflecting Ternus’s intent to reshape Apple’s culture and product narrative. The event also [...]

Carl Pei announced that CMF, the lower‑priced brand launched by Nothing in September 2023, will become a separate company, majority‑owned by Indian shareholders and headquartered in India. The spin‑off, formalized in December 2025, will retain Nothing’s operating system, engineering team, and brand operations while shifting core design, manufacturing, and supply‑chain responsibilities to India. Nothing plans to invest over $100 million in a joint venture with Optiemus to produce CMF devices locally, creating roughly 1,800 jobs over three years. [...]

Xiaomi confirmed that its upcoming Xiaomi 18 Pro will include a hardware‑based smart privacy display, mirroring Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra. The screen remains fully visible from the front while side brightness falls to about 1% beyond a 60‑degree angle, rendering the display nearly black to observers. Xiaomi claims its implementation does not dim the front view, unlike Samsung’s version. Software controls will enable privacy for lock‑screen notifications and floating windows. The 18 series is slated for launch [...]

TECNO’s Spark 50 Pro, priced at $274, features a Sony LYTIA 600 50‑MP sensor—normally reserved for premium phones—paired with a MediaTek Helio G100 Ultimate 6 nm chipset. The device boasts IP69 water resistance, a 5,600‑mAh battery that reaches 63 % in 30 minutes via 60 W charging, and Android 16 with HiOS 16 AI tools. The Helio G100 prioritizes efficiency over raw speed, delivering smooth social‑media use and medium‑settings gaming. TECNO highlights 80 % battery capacity retention after six years, targeting emerging‑market consumers who keep phones longer. [...]

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max, powered by the A20 Pro chip, and Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra, featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, were compared in a speed‑test video by XEETECHCARE. The iPhone leads in boot‑up time and single‑core CPU tasks, while the Galaxy edges ahead in GPU‑heavy workloads and third‑party app loading thanks to its RAM management. Both phones offer smooth gaming, with the iPhone delivering quicker in‑game loads and the Galaxy sustaining high performance during long sessions. The comparison highlights how hardware‑software integration shapes everyday [...]

Google unveiled the “Googlebook,” a premium laptop aimed at Android users, slated for release early next month. Unlike previous Chromebooks, the device will be manufactured by partners such as Lenovo, Dell, Acer and ASUS, with Intel, Qualcomm and soon AMD components, while Google supplies only software and AI services. The hardware targets “premium Android” customers, promising Apple‑like ecosystem benefits without sacrificing Android’s openness. Central to the offering is deep integration of Google’s Gemini AI, including a native [...]

Google unveiled its new laptop line, the Googlebook, built on a custom OS that leans heavily on cloud and AI capabilities. The flagship 13‑inch model, called the XPS Googlebook, features 16 GB of RAM, a Qualcomm processor, and a sleek metallic chassis, diverging from the typical Chromebook design. Google’s head of hardware, Rick Osterloh, argues the project consolidates Android’s app ecosystem onto laptops, positioning the device as a “focusing move” amid the AI boom. The initiative signals Google’s [...]

Google unveiled its new “Googlebook” line, positioning the devices as Android‑centric laptops that extend smartphone integration with desktop‑class ChromeOS features. Reviewers Abner, Jordan and Damien noted smoother Android app performance, a customizable desktop and standard Chrome browser, but found the ecosystem still limited to Android, web and Linux apps. Google promotes seamless mirroring, file sync and quick‑share capabilities as a Mac‑iPhone‑style experience for Android users, yet the hardware lacks full‑desktop versions of Adobe Creative Suite and relies [...]

Google has officially released its first wave of Googlebooks, five laptops running Googlebook OS. Prices start at $899, with models from Dell, HP, ASUS, Lenovo, and Acer. All feature 120 Hz touchscreens, 16 GB of RAM, and either Intel Core Ultra or Snapdragon X Elite processors. The lineup shows improved build quality and performance compared to past Chromebooks, with standout models from Dell XPS and HP. The devices lack expandable storage and carry a premium price tag, but deliver [...]

Qualcomm has announced that its Snapdragon X Elite platform will power the first Googlebook laptops, a partnership with Google that centers on Gemini Intelligence. Dell and HP are the initial manufacturers, offering preorders for the HP Googlebook 14 and Dell models. The Snapdragon X Elite features a 12‑core Oryon CPU up to 4 GHz, a Hexagon NPU delivering 45 TOPS, and supports Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, LPDDR5x, and up to three 4K displays. Integrated Android app support and continuity features such as [...]

The article explains that certified refurbished tech offers significant savings—40% to 60% off—without compromising performance, provided buyers choose reputable sources. It distinguishes between high‑quality, manufacturer‑certified enterprise devices such as Lenovo ThinkPads, Dell Latitudes, and Apple MacBooks, which undergo rigorous testing and warranty coverage, and lower‑quality third‑party items that may be unreliable. The piece highlights that enterprise laptops are built for durability, often refreshed every 24–36 months, and refurbishers may upgrade RAM or storage before resale. It advises [...]

Sean Endicott writes for Windows Central, covering Windows 11, Surface devices, Microsoft 365, AI, and related apps. Since 2017 he has produced over a thousand pieces, ranging from breaking news to opinion and weekly “Windows Wrap” columns that synthesize major PC‑industry stories. His reporting tracks Microsoft’s software updates, hardware launches, and the firm’s expanding AI and services strategy. Endicott holds a First‑Class degree in Broadcast Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and began his career in journalism and media production, [...]

The author spent 14 days using only foldable office gear, including a laptop, keyboard, webcam, mouse, and walking pad. He tested a Logitech Mobi Fold mouse that collapses into a square and uses sensors to detect its state. The experiment aimed to assess whether a fully portable, origami‑style setup could replace conventional equipment. Over the two‑week period, the author noted the convenience for commuters and the space savings, while also observing the practicality of each device in [...]

Apple released watchOS 27.2 beta 2, reintroducing the App Switcher that was removed in watchOS 27. The new beta restores the feature with a long‑press gesture on the bottom of the screen, allowing users to scroll through recent apps with the Digital Crown or swipe left to close them. The update follows developer feedback and addresses complaints about the missing double‑click Digital Crown shortcut. The beta is available to developers, with a final release expected next month.

WhatsApp has expanded its Apple Watch emoji reaction feature to include the full watchOS emoji library. After a limited rollout that offered only six preset reactions, the app now allows users to access all eight emoji categories—Smileys, Nature, Food, Activity, Travel, Objects, Symbols, and Flags—through a larger picker. Users can tap a message, hold for defaults, or open the full picker to select any emoji, including recent choices. The rollout is gradual, potentially taking several weeks to [...]

Vocci released a titanium ring that records meetings via double‑tap, offering up to eight hours of audio on a single charge. The ring, under six grams, includes an indicator light and haptic feedback, and can be charged three times with a plastic case. While it captures long conversations accurately, the accompanying app is confusing, lacking direct AI chat initiation and reminder integration, and its feature rollout is slow. At $249, the ring targets users who prefer a [...]

Smart‑glasses enthusiasts have long praised built‑in cameras for hands‑free photo and video capture, but recent privacy scandals are turning that feature into a liability. Writer Ben Schoon recounts how Meta’s Ray‑Ban Stories, once marketed for AI‑enhanced point‑of‑view footage, lost appeal after leaks revealed human moderators viewing uncensored recordings and rumors of facial‑recognition plans. A two‑year‑long backlash culminated in Meta finally disabling a privacy‑LED hack in July, but the damage to consumer trust is evident. Competing brands such [...]

Derrek, a long‑time mobile tech enthusiast, began following Nokia phones in his teens and later tracked the company’s shift from Symbian to Windows Phone, eventually embracing Android. He earned a BA in Film & Digital Media from UC Santa Cruz before turning his hobby into a journalism career. In 2020 he joined Android Central as news editor, overseeing coverage of Google, Android, Wear OS, and related products. Now managing editor, he steers the site’s editorial direction and champions accessible, [...]

Apple’s latest wearables, the Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, launch without the hand‑washing timer that has been part of watchOS 27 and Apple Health since the pandemic‑era rollout in 2020. The feature still functions on the previous generation—Series 11 and Ultra 3—and is listed in the watchOS 27 guide, but Apple’s supported‑hardware list omits the new models. No official comment explains whether the omission is accidental or reflects a hardware change tied to the watches’ new processor and audio‑intelligence capabilities such as Siri [...]

RayNeo unveiled its newest generation of smart glasses, announcing a price reduction that brings the device into a more accessible bracket for consumers. The refreshed model incorporates a higher‑resolution micro‑display, upgraded eye‑tracking sensors, and a longer‑lasting battery that extends active use by roughly 30 percent compared to the previous version. RayNeo also introduced a slimmer frame built from a lightweight polymer alloy, improving comfort for extended wear. The company highlighted enhanced connectivity, adding Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi‑Fi 6E support, and [...]

Apple’s latest wearable, the Watch Series 12, adds several health‑tracking upgrades that aim to win back users who migrated to WHOOP. The new device samples heart rate every five seconds, a ten‑fold increase over previous Apple models, narrowing the gap with WHOOP’s one‑second cadence. Coupled with iOS 27’s revamped Health app, which presents metrics in a cleaner, more digestible format, the watch now offers a Readiness score—rated 1 to 10—derived from HRV and other recovery indicators, mirroring WHOOP’s recovery [...]

Microsoft announced a modest update to its Mixed Reality (MR) platform, introducing a handful of core functionalities that many users assumed were already available. The rollout includes native support for hand tracking, a simplified onboarding wizard for new headsets, and basic spatial audio presets integrated into Windows 11. Developers can now access a streamlined API that consolidates previously fragmented MR toolkits, enabling quicker prototyping of holographic apps. The update also adds a unified settings pane within the [...]

Apple’s new CEO John Ternus defended the Vision Pro in a detailed interview with French outlet Clique TV, framing it as an early‑stage computing device rather than a commercial flop. He compared the headset to the nascent days of personal computers, noting that early adopters—surgeons, film producers, and other professionals—are already using it to enhance workflows. Ternus highlighted Vision Pro’s potential to unlock new use cases and emphasized Apple’s long‑term commitment to spatial computing. [...]

Ball State University’s Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts (IDIA) Lab is leveraging augmented reality and web redevelopment to make Muncie’s historical assets more accessible. At the Oct. 1 ArtsWalk, the “Echoes of Muncie” AR experience lets visitors view 3D reconstructions of five downtown landmarks—including the Wysor Grand Opera House, the former Delaware County Courthouse, the Rivoli Theatre and the Ball Stores—overlaid on their current locations via a smartphone app. The project, funded by Muncie Downtown Development, the Ball [...]

Meta’s Connect 2026 conference will showcase a range of new hardware, most notably camera‑free smart glasses and the mixed‑reality “Phoenix” device. Rumors suggest the glasses will replace front‑facing cameras with additional microphones, allowing users to interact with Meta’s AI assistant while avoiding privacy backlash tied to “creepy” camera‑glass narratives. Ray‑Ban has hinted at upcoming Meta‑branded eyewear that could belong to a third‑generation line, possibly featuring dual‑lens displays for richer interaction. The Phoenix headset, long‑speculated, appears to be [...]

Specialist guidance released for first‑time virtual‑reality (VR) users emphasizes short sessions, a cleared play area, and proper headset fit to avoid physical discomfort. The advice highlights motion sickness as the most frequent early obstacle and recommends technical adjustments such as using teleportation rather than smooth locomotion, maintaining a fixed visual reference point, and reducing in‑game movement speed. It also stresses the importance of ergonomic posture and regular breaks, mirroring home‑office best practices. The guidance draws on health‑and‑safety [...]

RayNeo unveiled its newest generation of smart glasses, announcing a price reduction that brings the device into a more accessible bracket for consumers. The refreshed model incorporates a higher‑resolution micro‑display, upgraded eye‑tracking sensors, and a longer‑lasting battery that extends active use by roughly 30 percent compared to the previous version. RayNeo also introduced a slimmer frame built from a lightweight polymer alloy, improving comfort for extended wear. The company highlighted enhanced connectivity, adding Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi‑Fi 6E support, and [...]

Meta is poised to showcase its Project Phoenix headset at the upcoming Connect 2026 keynote, pairing the device with a full‑body, photorealistic hologram call experience powered by Codec Avatars. Phoenix, an ultralight, open‑periphery glasses‑like VR headset with a tethered compute puck, is positioned as a premium, productivity‑focused product similar to the Quest Pro but with a sleeker form factor. The demo will feature CTO Andrew Bosworth appearing as a hologram, highlighting Meta’s advances in spatial telepresence and [...]

Valve released the Steam Frame, a $1,000+ VR headset, on September 18, 2026, following its November 2025 announcement. Reviewers praised its ergonomic design, ease of use, and the ability to stream non‑VR Steam games to a large virtual screen, effectively replacing a traditional monitor. PC Gamer highlighted its comfort and convenience, IGN noted its versatility, and Kotaku praised its wireless PC gaming performance. Critics, however, cited battery life, buggy performance, and limited launch game support. The device [...]

Apple has opened Apple Music Hall, a 600‑seat concert venue and Spatial Audio recording space inside its UK headquarters at Battersea Power Station in London. The auditorium features a 48‑speaker spatial sound system, a minimum of 16 cameras, two dedicated audio‑recording studios, and a broadcast video control room, enabling live performances to be captured and streamed in high‑fidelity formats. The venue joins the existing Apple Store and corporate offices within the historic power‑station complex, expanding Apple’s physical [...]

Apple released the AirPods 5, a redesigned, lower‑priced version of the 2024 AirPods 4 that now includes active noise cancellation (ANC) at the base price of $129. The premium model, priced at $149, adds a wireless charging case and a volume‑swipe sensor on the earbud neck. Compared to the AirPods 4, the new AirPods 5 offer improved ANC, longer battery life (five hours vs. four), and a more compact form factor. Apple’s move eliminates the previous price gap between standard and [...]

Microsoft’s emergency update KB5129195, released on September 14, 2026, resolved RDP and Claude Cowork issues but introduced new problems. The patch still breaks audio on some Windows 11 PCs, causing “no audio output” and “Code 10” errors, particularly affecting USB audio devices. Domain‑joined machines lose secure trust, disrupting workplace logins. The fix is not scheduled until the October 13 Patch Tuesday, leaving users with unresolved audio and authentication issues for several weeks.

Apple released two new AirPods models: the $129 AirPods 5 with ANC and a $149 variant featuring a wireless‑charging case, and the $249 AirPods Pro 3. Both use the H2 chip and support Adaptive Audio, Transparency, and Conversation Awareness. AirPods 5 have an open‑ear design without silicone tips, weighing 4.3 g each, while Pro 3 earbuds include silicone tips, weigh 5.55 g, and offer a seal for passive noise isolation. Pro 3 delivers longer battery life—up to eight hours [...]

Rockstar Games has announced that the official soundtrack for the highly anticipated title Grand Theft Auto VI will be issued on vinyl, catering to collectors and audiophiles who prefer physical media. The double‑LP set features 30 tracks spanning the game’s diverse in‑game radio stations, including original compositions and licensed songs curated for the Los Santos setting. Press releases indicate the vinyl will be pressed on 180‑gram black vinyl, include a full tracklist booklet with artwork, and be available for [...]

Rockstar Games unveiled six tracks from the 34‑song original soundtrack for Grand Theft Auto VI, available for streaming now on major platforms. The revealed songs feature a diverse lineup, including Yung Lean with Future and Metro Boomin, Travis Scott produced by Guy‑Manuel de Homem‑Christo, a collaboration among CA7RIEL, Paco Amoroso, PinkPantheress, Fred again.. and Etienne de Crécy, Morgan Wallen, Rauw Alejandro, and Keith Richards. The full album, titled “Grand Theft Auto 6: The Album,” will drop on 19 November alongside the game’s launch for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]