Apple’s upcoming iPhone Duo will ship with an expanded StandBy mode that includes a suite of new customizable faces, according to developer pdfu’s analysis of iOS 27 beta code. Although the Rushmore app that renders these faces is absent from the Xcode 27.1 simulator, localization strings reveal five additional face types—Home Camera, Home Module, Flow, Fade and Snoopy—beyond the familiar clock and calendar designs. The Flow face appears to incorporate “ResponsiveArt,” suggesting animation. A revamped face editor, resembling the [...]

Motorola is reportedly developing a new wide, book‑style foldable tentatively named “Razr Flex,” with the internal codename “Parker.” The device is expected to launch mid‑December and will feature a 4.97‑inch outer display and an inner panel under 7 inches, making it noticeably smaller than competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Xiaomi’s 18 Fold. Specifications mirror those of the earlier Razr Fold, and concept renders suggest a minimalist design approach. The name “Razr Flex” may or may [...]

Apple’s new iPhone Duo, its first foldable model, launches at $1,999, a steep premium over the $1,299 iPhone 18 Pro Max. The Duo offers a 7.6‑inch flexible display and the A20 Pro chip, but users forgo several key features. It lacks a telephoto zoom lens, Face ID, and a full‑size MagSafe attachment area, limiting accessory compatibility. The device also omits the mechanical aperture blades found on the Pro models, reducing optical control for photography. These trade‑offs shape the decision for buyers weighing [...]

Samsung has released the official One UI 9 changelog for its Galaxy S26, S26 Plus and S26 Ultra smartphones. The update, which began rolling out on September 21 after a brief delay, brings the Fold 8’s My FanCam video‑tracking feature to the S26 line, adds a more customizable Quick Panel, and expands the AI‑driven Now Nudge suggestions across the interface. New privacy tools include AI‑powered alerts for unusual permission use and a blue location‑access indicator. Bixby, Samsung [...]

The iPhone 18 Pro Max launches as Apple’s flagship, featuring a 6.9‑inch Super Retina XDR display, A20 Pro processor, and upgraded vapor‑chamber cooling. Its aluminum unibody incorporates 40 % recycled metal and a unified matte finish, while new color options include Burgundy and Glacier Blue. Weighing 8.78 oz, the device retains the familiar dimensions of its predecessor but adds USB‑C with 10 Gbps transfer and 45 W fast‑charging. The camera module remains large, and the phone maintains IP68 water resistance. Despite [...]

Apple unveiled a redesigned Apple Pay checkout flow in iOS 27, aimed at simplifying card selection and providing richer order details for users on apps and websites. The update lets users swipe between payment cards directly on the main Apple Pay screen and tap a card to open a grid view displaying all stored cards. The new interface also surfaces key data such as rewards, balances, debit account amounts, and pay‑later options, enabling more informed payment choices. Merchants and developers [...]

Qualcomm released its Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, both built on TSMC’s 2 nm process, featuring upgraded Oryon CPU cores, Adreno GPUs, and enhanced AI. The more powerful Extreme Gen 6 targets flagship phones, while the regular Elite Gen 6 aims at a broader range. Xiaomi launched the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, equipped with dual 200 MP Leica cameras, hardware‑level privacy screens, and batteries of 7,000 mAh and 8,500 mAh, priced at CNY 5,999 and CNY 6,999 in China. The vivo X500 series [...]

The 2026 Android market has diversified beyond Samsung and Google, with Chinese manufacturers now offering flagship cameras and batteries that outpace traditional leaders. New gaming phones feature PC‑grade liquid‑cooling systems, while the overall lineup includes a mix of high‑performance, camera‑centric, and long‑lasting devices, many of which are unavailable in the United States. Consumers face a tougher choice because no single model now excels in every category; shoppers must prioritize specific features such as photography, speed, or endurance. [...]

Amazon’s month‑end sale drops the Apple M5 15‑inch MacBook Air to $1,399, a $100 discount from its standard $1,499 MSRP. The deal includes 16 GB of unified memory and 512 GB of storage. Other M5 models see reductions up to $150, such as the 13‑inch Air with 1 TB storage priced at $1,449. The sale also offers lower‑spec variants, providing options for buyers seeking different screen sizes and storage capacities.

Apple is preparing a new MacBook Pro redesign, likely titled MacBook Ultra, slated for an October launch. Rumors indicate three major updates: an OLED display replacing the current LCD, a touch‑screen capability integrated with macOS 27, and a shift from the existing notch to a hole‑punch camera cutout that will support Dynamic Island. The OLED panel promises deeper blacks and better battery efficiency, while touch input will complement traditional trackpad and keyboard use. The design changes aim [...]

Sean Endicott, a veteran news writer at Windows Central, specializes in covering Windows 11, Surface devices, Microsoft 365, AI, and related applications. Since joining the site in 2017, he has authored over a thousand articles spanning breaking news, analysis, features, and opinion pieces, with a particular focus on Microsoft’s software updates, hardware launches, and the company’s expanding AI and services strategy. Endicott also pens the weekly “Windows Wrap” column, which curates the most significant stories of the week and [...]

At the Snapdragon Summit, Microsoft Surface VP Brett Ostrum explained why Surface has not entered the low‑cost gaming laptop market, citing the success of OEMs like Dell and ASUS in that segment. Ostrum noted that Surface focuses on premium tiers—Entry Premium, Premium, and Ultra Premium—starting above $1,000, and that the company will consider future options but currently sees no need to compete directly with Apple’s MacBook Neo. The discussion highlighted Surface’s strategic shift toward high‑end devices, with [...]

Microsoft has quietly discontinued the Copilot+ PC branding for its Windows laptops, as confirmed by Surface CVP Brett Ostrum. The label, introduced in 2024 to denote devices meeting specific AI hardware criteria, notably the neural processing unit, has largely been a marketing checkbox. While the new Surface models still support the required AI features, they will no longer carry the Copilot+ designation. The move follows consumer confusion over the Recall feature and a broader shift toward a [...]

Qualcomm announced an Early Developer Preview of Linux for its Snapdragon X2 laptop processors at the Snapdragon Summit in Maui. The preview combines a custom Linux kernel with Debian 13 “Trixie” userspace and targets developers, distro maintainers and hardware enablement engineers. Core components include systemd‑boot, USB, PCIe, and Qualcomm’s Universal Peripheral engine, while graphics support relies on open‑source Mesa drivers Freedreno (OpenGL), Turnip (Vulkan 1.3) and Rusticl (OpenCL). The Hexagon NPU driver is being upstreamed via FastRPC to [...]

Pixelated episode 118 features hosts Damien and Abner joined by guest Will to evaluate Google’s newly announced laptop series, dubbed the Googlebook. The trio examines the devices’ Android‑based operating system, contrasting its interface, app compatibility and multitasking model with ChromeOS. They note the hardware specifications, such as 13‑inch OLED screens, Intel Core i5 processors, and detachable keyboards, and assess battery life, performance benchmarks, and the integrated Google services ecosystem. The discussion highlights Google’s strategy to expand Android [...]

Apple’s MacBook Neo, now priced at $699 after a June hike, remains the benchmark for budget laptops, even as memory shortages push prices up. IDC projects a 17% rise in average PC prices in 2026, with shipments falling 11.3%, and no relief from the RAM crunch before 2027. The only sub‑$800 model offering 16 GB of RAM is Lenovo’s IdeaPad Slim 3x at $779.99, while budget gaming laptops like the Acer Nitro V 16 AI have slipped above $1,000. The article [...]

Bloomberg reported that Apple is developing a screenless fitness tracker, a thin fabric band with a sensor‑filled module, slated for a possible 2028 launch. The concept mirrors devices like WHOOP and Fitbit Air, aiming for comfort, extended battery life, and the ability to be worn alongside a traditional watch. A 9to5Mac columnist, who has used WHOOP for six months, highlights current shortcomings such as imperfect automatic workout detection and the need to pull out a phone to [...]

Apple unveiled upgraded health‑sensing hardware for its latest Watch, expanding electrode coverage, adding more sensors and a refined photodiode array that samples heart activity every five seconds. The new “Readiness” score offers a simple daily gauge of fitness and stress capacity, while the Health app on iPhone and iPad integrates Apple Intelligence to present metrics such as Health Age. Concurrently, rumors suggest Apple is prototyping a screen‑free, sensor‑only wearable that streams data to an iPhone, resembling third‑party [...]

Apple is slated to release its long‑rumored smart glasses, dubbed Apple Glass, by the end of 2027, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The glasses are expected to launch first as audio‑and‑camera‑enabled eyewear without a video display, similar to Meta’s Ray‑Ban partnership, with a later version adding AR visuals. Simultaneously, Apple’s Vision team is developing a new headset, codenamed N224, that may offload components to a separate puck to reduce weight and cost, targeting a 2028‑2029 launch. [...]

PNOĒ, a Massachusetts‑based startup, will release the PNOĒ 2.0 mask on Oct. 1, a portable device that measures oxygen consumption and carbon‑dioxide exhalation to calculate VO₂ max, resting metabolic rate and other biomarkers. Unlike its predecessor, the new mask can be operated by the user without a trained technician, allowing placement in gyms, pharmacies and other public venues. The eight‑minute test records 23 metabolic indicators and delivers personalized nutrition and training advice through companion software. Developed with Design Group Italia, [...]

Apple released the Watch Series 12 with a new Siri Recap, an upgraded heart‑rate sensor, and a faster, longer‑lasting S11 chip. Battery life now comfortably covers a full day and overnight, eliminating sleep‑tracking charging anxiety. The watch charges 12 hours of use in 15 minutes and offers a quick‑charge feature. A new Readiness app combines sleep, activity, and vitals into a recovery score, exclusive to Series 12. The aluminum model gains Ceramic Shield 2, improving scratch resistance.

Amazon offers the newly launched Apple Watch Ultra 4 at $779.99, a $20 discount on several models, including the Natural Titanium case with Translucent Gray Ocean Band and the Black Titanium case with Burgundy Trail Loop. The sale coincides with the September 22 release and also features $10 reductions on select Apple Watch Series 12 models. The deals highlight Amazon’s strategy to attract buyers early in the product cycle.

Meta dominated its Connect conference with a parade of smart‑glasses prototypes, signaling the company’s full commitment to wearable AI. Attendees, staff and influencers all wore the devices, and most demos required them. Among the highlights were unreleased audio‑only glasses that replace cameras with six microphones, addressing recent privacy criticism. The lightweight frames let users stream music, take calls and interact with Meta’s upcoming Muse personal agent, which can execute tasks and answer questions via voice. A second [...]

Google has begun rolling out new health metrics for Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5, adding blood pressure trends, insulin resistance trends, and sleep breathing quality metrics. The blood pressure feature passively tracks pulse and motion over a month, requiring at least five consecutive days per week, while insulin resistance analysis uses multi‑week physiological data and needs seven days per month. Both trends appear in the Google Health app on the first of each month. Sleep breathing [...]

HCLTech, a global technology leader, participated as a Gold sponsor in the second CII Edu-Tech Expo 2026 in Chennai from September 24‑26. The company showcased AI‑driven and immersive learning solutions, including augmented reality, virtual reality, and digital twins, aimed at transforming teaching, learning, and workforce development. HCLTech contributed to a panel titled “From Theory to Practice: Immersive Learning Across Disciplines,” and ran a hands‑on workshop, “AI for Educators: Create Your Own AI Agent for Teaching and Tutoring,” [...]

Inmo announced a recall of its Air3 smart glasses after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that the device’s left arm can overheat during prolonged use, creating a burn hazard that could cause serious injury or death. The recall affects roughly 1,600 units sold in the United States, priced between $900 and $1,300. Health Canada also issued a notice urging owners to stop using the glasses and install firmware version 3.16 before any further use. The overheating [...]

Apple is developing a new Vision Pro successor, code‑named N224, after shelving the earlier Vision Air (N100). Bloomberg reports the device could launch between late 2028 and early 2029, potentially offering a lighter, all‑in‑one design or an external puck similar to Meta’s VR glasses. Apple is experimenting with materials—plastic, titanium, and other metals—to reduce weight while maintaining performance. The new headset may feature an A‑series chip capable of running visionOS without active cooling, positioning it as a [...]

Apple’s internal “development graveyard” – a repository of abandoned prototypes – illustrates the company’s disciplined approach to product development, exemplified by the Vision Pro headset. While analysts criticize Apple for not accelerating a lighter, cheaper version after a 28‑month gap between the M2 and M5 chips, the firm reportedly rejected several design iterations to preserve its fidelity standards. Bloomberg’s “Power On” newsletter notes that Apple maintains dozens of active projects, from rollable OLED displays to drones, yet only [...]

A new virtual‑reality training module, funded by the Alzheimer’s Society, immerses users in a ten‑minute supermarket simulation that replicates the sensory and cognitive challenges faced by people with dementia. Developed by a research team led by Dr Megan Rose Readman, the tool places participants in the perspective of a dementia patient, aiming to foster empathy among retail staff and the wider public. Early trials are underway, with plans to roll the program out to major retailers after evaluation. [...]

The article examines the current state of consumer virtual reality, arguing that the market’s slump may be reversing with Meta’s upcoming VR glasses. It recounts how the Oculus Quest 2 dominated during pandemic lockdowns thanks to its low price, while newer devices such as the Quest 3, Apple Vision Pro, and Samsung Galaxy XR have struggled to gain traction due to higher costs and limited perceived value. The author notes that the Quest 3’s improved specifications and mixed‑reality features failed [...]

Meta’s Connect 2026 event unveiled a suite of face‑worn devices, highlighted by the Ray‑Ban Meta Audio AI glasses and a new line of VR glasses. The AI glasses, lacking cameras, weigh 1.5 ounces, start at $349 and ship on October 13, with a slimmer third‑generation model and expanded style options from Ray‑Ban, Oakley and Meta. A separate Muse Charm keychain lets users summon Meta’s AI assistant without a phone. The headline VR product weighs about 3.5 ounces, is priced at [...]

Meta unveiled its next‑generation VR glasses at Connect 2026, featuring a lightweight 100‑gram frame paired with a detachable Compute Puck that houses a Snapdragon Reality Elite processor, 12 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. Dual micro‑OLED displays deliver 2412 × 2288 pixels per eye at 120 Hz, while a 70° horizontal field of view narrows the visual envelope compared with competitors. The system supports eye tracking, hand gestures, voice commands and Meta AI integration, plus optional controllers for mixed‑reality interaction. Connectivity relies on a [...]

Apple has opened the Apple Music Hall at Battersea Power Station, a 600‑seat venue that doubles as a high‑tech recording studio. The space features an immersive audio speaker system and dedicated studios for recording and broadcasting, including Apple Music Radio sessions. Designed by Apple’s in‑house team, the hall blends art‑deco arches, bronze balconies, and exposed brickwork that echoes the building’s exterior. The venue offers performers and listeners a hybrid live‑performance and studio experience within one of the [...]

Sennheiser released the Momentum 5 headphones at $399.99, positioning them between the Sony WH‑1000XM6 and Apple AirPods Max 2. The pair delivers balanced sound with strong bass, Dolby Atmos support, and an eight‑mic ANC system that claims up to three times better noise rejection than its predecessor. Comfort is solid but not premium, while battery life tops 57 hours, double Sony’s and triple AirPods Max’s. A replaceable cell and a slim carrying case add practical value, and the companion [...]

Amazon has launched an October Prime Day Audible promotion that runs until October 7. Prime members can enroll in Audible Standard for four months at $0.99 per month and receive an additional $20 in Audible credit. After the promotional period, the subscription automatically switches to the $8.99 monthly rate, though users may cancel anytime. Audible Standard, priced at $8.95 monthly, offers the same catalog of over one million titles as the Premium Plus tier but provides only one [...]

Apple Music has unveiled the inaugural lineup for its new Apple Music Hall in London’s Battersea Power Station, kicking off with Elton John on September 28, 2026. The intimate 600‑seat venue will host eight acts between late September and early December, including Baby Keem, Skye Newman, Troye Sivan, Arlo Parks, Burna Boy, Chase & Status, and Charli XC. Tickets, priced at a single £40 tier, go on sale the morning of each concert, beginning with the Elton John show. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the first three [...]

Apple is preparing a second‑generation HomePod mini that retains the original spherical chassis while adding four color options. The new lineup will replace the current yellow and orange finishes with powder pink and forest‑green, while blue, black and white return. The details emerged from product‑image files embedded in Apple’s software code, which MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris uncovered and shared. Apple has not formally announced the device, but the presence of the images suggests a launch is imminent. [...]

Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2, its first audio processor to embed micro‑power Wi‑Fi 6E alongside AI‑driven “intelligent hearable” functions. By consolidating Wi‑Fi and audio processing onto a single chip, the new silicon eliminates the separate Wi‑Fi module required by the earlier S7 Pro platform, shrinking overall size by roughly 30 percent and lowering power draw. The integration enables true lossless streaming—24‑bit/96 kHz—from a home network directly to earbuds or audio glasses without relying on Bluetooth’s limited bandwidth. Qualcomm cites the chip’s [...]

Sonos has launched the Ace Ultra headphones, a significant upgrade over the original Ace model. After two weeks of testing, the reviewer highlights five key improvements: an eight‑band equalizer that offers granular sound tuning, an expanded microphone array for better voice capture, new high‑performance drivers that enhance musicality, additional smart features integrated with Sonos’ ecosystem, and a final, game‑changing upgrade detailed as the fifth point. These enhancements address the original Ace’s shortcomings in audio fidelity and competitive [...]

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 [...]

Anker has launched the 25W Prime MagSafe 3‑in‑1, a foldable wireless charger that supports Qi2.2 and fits iPhone 16/17/18 models. The unit delivers up to 25 watts to an iPhone, while simultaneously powering AirPods and an Apple Watch, thanks to a built‑in 45 W power brick and USB‑C cable included in the package. Active cooling prevents overheating, a feature now common among 25 W chargers. The stand‑like design lets the iPhone reach 50 % charge in about 27 minutes, and the Apple [...]

Harish Jonnalagadda, Android Central’s Senior Editor, has spent more than a decade covering Android devices and Chinese phone brands. Beginning his tech career by modifying Windows XP, he transitioned from PC hardware reviews to mobile journalism after adopting a 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 evaluations of phones and accessories. He also enjoys sci‑fi [...]

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 [...]