Xiaomi launched its 18 Pro series in China, offering the 18 Pro Max with a 6.9‑inch AMOLED front display and a 2.9‑inch rear screen, and the 18 Pro with a 6.4‑inch front display and a 2.7‑inch rear screen. Both models feature a new privacy screen that activates via location‑based triggers to conceal sensitive content. The Max is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, while the Pro uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. Prices start at 6,999 CNY ($1,042) [...]

Qualcomm unveiled its Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, a flagship processor built on a 2 nm process that reaches 5 GHz on its prime cores. The chip powers reference Android devices equipped with 24 GB of RAM and a 4,400 mAh battery, delivering an 8% boost in multi‑core Geekbench 7 scores and up to 22% higher 3DMark performance versus Apple’s A20 Pro. Despite the gains, the units ran hot, requiring cooldown periods between tests. The new chip signals Qualcomm’s push toward ultra‑powerful, large‑screen smartphones. [...]

Apple introduced iPhone Handoff, allowing a single phone number to switch automatically between two iPhones. The feature requires carrier support, but AT&T has declined to adopt it, citing a focus on existing eSIM activation and transfer options. CNET reports AT&T’s spokesperson said the carrier sees potential in Handoff but prioritizes simpler innovations. Only T‑Mobile currently supports the feature in the U.S., with Verizon and EE expected to add it later this year.

Samsung has begun rolling out One UI 9 to Galaxy S26 Ultra owners in the United States, but the update is currently limited to T‑Mobile models. The Android 17‑based update is roughly 4 GB and includes the September security patch. Reports indicate that unlocked devices and carriers such as AT&T and Verizon have not yet received the update, and no official release date for those variants has been announced. Users on T‑Mobile can manually check for the update in Settings. [...]

Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in China, featuring Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 processors, 200‑MP dual rear cameras, and 8,500‑mAh batteries. Both models include a new “privacy screen” that activates automatically when onlookers are detected or in crowded areas, a first for Xiaomi and a direct response to Samsung’s Privacy Display. The Pro Max offers a transparent edition. Prices start at 5,999 CNY (~$900 USD), with a global release expected later.

Apple is set to unveil next year’s iPhone Pro models with a “near‑borderless” four‑sided curved display, according to an ETNews report. The design will wrap the screen around all edges, creating a full‑screen look for the 20th‑anniversary lineup. However, Apple will drop two advanced display technologies—Color Filter on Encapsulation (COE) and Low‑Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide Plus (LTPO+)—due to higher memory costs and the search for better alternatives. The new design remains unchanged, while the omitted technologies could have [...]

Apple’s iOS 27 introduces iPhone Handoff, letting users share one phone number across two iPhones. The feature, announced at WWDC 2026, is already available on T‑Mobile in the U.S. and Deutsche Telekom in Germany, with EE in the U.K. and Verizon slated to join later in 2026. T‑Mobile charges $5/month, while Deutsche Telekom requires an $8/month multi‑SIM add‑on. AT&T, despite its historic partnership with Apple, has declined to support Handoff, citing a focus on other innovations. [...]

Apple’s iOS 27.2 beta expands Dual Capture, a feature that lets users display front‑ and rear‑camera feeds simultaneously during FaceTime. Introduced in iOS 27, Dual Capture was limited to one‑on‑one calls; the new update enables it for Group FaceTime sessions. The feature requires an iPhone 17 or newer, and all participants must run iOS 27, iPadOS 27, or macOS 27 to view the dual streams. Apple is rolling out the update in stages, with the public release expected in the coming [...]

Sean Endicott, a veteran News Writer at Windows Central, continues to shape the outlet’s coverage of Microsoft’s ecosystem, focusing on Windows 11, Surface devices, Microsoft 365, AI, and related apps. Since joining the site in 2017, he has authored more than a thousand articles, ranging from breaking news and analysis to feature pieces and opinion columns. Endicott’s responsibilities include daily reporting on software updates, hardware launches, and the company’s expanding AI and services strategy, as well as producing the [...]

Microsoft announced the October 13 release of refreshed 12‑inch Surface Pro and 13‑inch Surface Laptop models equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Plus processor. The Surface Pro gains a 25 percent brighter display, a battery claimed to be 30 percent more efficient, and an optional 5G variant, while both devices now offer only 16 GB or 24 GB of RAM and storage options of 256 GB or 512 GB, eliminating the previous 8 GB configuration. Prices start at $1,149 for the Pro and $1,199 for the Laptop, [...]

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 [...]

Apple released watchOS 27.0.1 today to address a bug that caused unexpected restarts on Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models. The update, available exclusively for those two series, includes fixes for the restart issue reported by users on forums such as Reddit. Apple confirmed the problem did not affect all devices but acknowledged the need for a patch. The update is now available through the Watch app’s software update section.

Apple released watchOS 27.0.1 on Wednesday, just over a week after the rollout of watchOS 27.0, to address a spontaneous reboot bug affecting the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12. Users reported unexpected restarts while editing watch faces, making calls, using Siri, navigating Maps or the App Store, recording workouts, and even when the device was idle. An Apple forum post traced the issue to a Neural Engine timeout: a command lingered for 2,020 ms, exceeding the 2,000 ms limit [...]

Amazfit unveiled the T‑Rex Dual Solar, its first AMOLED smartwatch equipped with solar panels on both the front and rear of the device. Unlike Garmin’s Fenix line, which forces users to choose between a low‑power MIP display with solar charging or a vibrant AMOLED screen with shorter endurance, the T‑Rex retains a 1.32‑inch, 3,000‑nit AMOLED panel while harvesting sunlight from two sides. The rear glass‑ceramic panel reportedly offers twice the collection area of the front, enabling off‑wrist [...]

Apple’s hardware launch has encountered problems. Within hours of the September 18 release, owners of the Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4 reported reboots that display the Apple logo before returning to watchOS. Crash logs show a Neural Engine timeout, with a command exceeding the 2,000‑millisecond limit by 20 ms, triggering kernel panics. The failures occur during Siri AI use, watch‑face editing, app launches, calls, workouts, and when idle, and persist despite the watchOS 27.0 build and an update. A [...]

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 [...]

Meta is preparing to unveil new XR products at Meta Connect 2026, following Valve’s Steam Frame reveal. Rumors point to a “Phoenix” headset focused on passive entertainment rather than gaming, alongside potential smart glasses and extensive AI discussions. The company may keep the current Meta Quest 3 lineup unchanged, avoiding a next‑generation release to sidestep price hikes. The keynote will stream on Meta’s website and Facebook at 4 pm PDT / 7 pm EDT on September 29, with live updates [...]

Students from multiple St. Maarten schools have launched a year‑long “A Step Beyond” programme that blends film‑making, artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality and media‑literacy education. The initiative, run by Mediawegwijs and Stichting EGO and backed by the National Institute of Arts, began with a assembly at Dominic High School attended by roughly 400 pupils. Participants learned camera techniques, storyboard creation and how editing reshapes narrative, then applied these skills to “Film Your Life,” a project documenting personal daily experiences. Curriculum [...]

Apple’s newly appointed CEO John Ternus told France’s Canal+ arts program Clique TV that the Apple Vision Pro is “an absolutely amazing device” still in its infancy, likening its stage to the early days of personal computers. He highlighted that early adopters are embracing the mixed‑reality headset and that surgeons have begun using it as a superior alternative to traditional monitors. Ternus acknowledged criticism over recent layoffs in the Vision Pro division but expressed confidence that users are discovering additional applications, [...]

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 [...]

Sony has silently deployed a firmware update for two PlayStation 5 accessories – the Pulse Elite headset and the PlayStation Link dongle – without publishing any patch notes. The rollout began on September 21, and users quickly reported connection failures that appear tied to a synchronization glitch between the headset and the Link device. A workaround involves connecting the Pulse Elite via USB‑C, navigating Settings > Accessories > General > PS Link Support, and manually applying the PS Link Device Software Update, after which pairing is restored. In [...]

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. [...]

Adidas has released a limited‑edition Pokémon collection to mark the franchise’s 30th anniversary, featuring more than ten new designs across its flagship sneaker lines, including the Samba and Superstar II. Each model is themed after a specific Pokémon—such as Pikachu, Charmander, Charizard, Rayquaza and Mewtwo—and incorporates distinct graphics, colorways, and details like embroidered logos and Pokémon‑shaped lace charms. Prices range from $60 to $180, and the shoes are available immediately in full family sizing through Adidas, Foot Locker [...]

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 [...]