In episode 46 of the 9to5Google podcast “The Sideload,” host Will Sattelberg sits down with tech analyst Allison Johnson to evaluate Meta’s newly released agentic AI chatbot, Muse. The conversation probes whether AI agents can genuinely streamline tasks for users, weighing Muse’s conversational abilities against practical productivity gains. Johnson also shares her impressions of Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, focusing on its variable aperture system and how it may affect low‑light photography. The duo further discusses the iPhone Duo, a dual‑screen [...]

Apple Creator Studio’s latest update expands its suite of creative and productivity tools across Mac, iPad and iPhone. Pixelmator Pro for iPad now includes Select and Mask controls for precise edge refinement and adds sports, business and podcast artwork templates on both platforms. Final Cut Pro and Motion on Mac can apply Cinematic mode effects to footage shot on the iPhone 18 Pro, with editors able to shift focus points and depth of field directly in the timeline; Compressor adds conversion to the legacy Cinematic [...]

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6.1 adds message notification support to HiLight on the Pixel 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, and 11 Pro Fold. After updating, users can enable “Messages from favorites” in Settings > System > HiLight, which highlights incoming messages from selected contacts. The feature currently works with Google Messages and is expected to support WhatsApp once calls are enabled. HiLight blinks twice when a message arrives. The beta includes the September 2026 security patch and [...]

Apple’s first foldable, the iPhone Duo, is slated for a late‑October launch, entering a mature market dominated by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and Google’s Pixel Pro Fold. The Duo promises a 7.6‑inch foldable phone that doubles as a tablet, but it runs iOS, not iPadOS, limiting multitasking to two apps and offering only four docked apps. It supports the Apple Pencil via USB‑C, yet lacks the Pro stylus’s advanced features. Compared to buying an iPhone 18 Pro and [...]

The first leak of Google’s Pixel 11a shows a design virtually identical to its predecessors, featuring the same bar‑less camera layout and dimensions of 153.46 × 72.35 × 9 mm. CAD renders reveal a new color lineup that includes black, silver, green, and a deeper purple shade, a return of purple to the Pixel series. The device is expected to run the Tensor G6 processor, bypassing the Tensor G5 used in other mid‑range models. The leak also confirms the phone’s compact, lightweight profile. [...]

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit 2026 unveiled two flagship mobile chipsets: the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 for standard high‑end phones and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 for Pro Max and Ultra models, offering higher CPU, GPU, NPU performance and 8K60FPS video capture. Wearables and headphones received the new Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2, a slimmer audio processor with Wi‑Fi and AI assistant connectivity. The event also showcased collaborations with Google, Microsoft, Xiaomi, Meta, and Snap Inc., and introduced new Surface laptop variants and the Xiaomi 18 Pro series. Qualcomm covered travel and [...]

Apple software chief Craig Federighi revealed that the iPhone Duo’s hinge mechanism is now exposed to developers via an API that reports hinge angle to about five degrees and device pose. He highlighted Apple’s own use of the angle for a subtle screen‑defocus animation that lets users see the inner screen as the phone opens. Federighi emphasized that the pose information—book, on‑table, tent—will allow apps to adapt automatically, while raw data can enable creative animations. Apple has [...]

October 4 marks the tenth anniversary of Google’s Pixel line, which began as HTC‑built phones showcasing Android best practices and early‑release updates. Over the decade the brand expanded to include budget and flagship smartphones, the Tensor‑powered Pixel 6, Pixel Watch, earbuds, tablets and a short‑lived Pixelbook, while enduring hardware setbacks such as camera flaws on the Pixel 2/3, supply issues for the Pixel 5 and modem problems on the Pixel 6. Integration with Google services, especially the Gemini AI suite, has become a [...]

The 2026 Dell XPS 13 was reviewed on September 29, 2026 by veteran journalist Leigh Stark, who has nearly two decades of experience and regular appearances on ABC, 2GB and 3AW. Stark describes the new XPS 13 as “oddly placed” in the market, noting that while it does not directly rival Apple’s MacBook Neo, it comes close to offering a comparable alternative. The review highlights the laptop’s interesting design and feature set, but points out that it fails to perfect the [...]

Amazon has launched a clearance sale on Apple’s current‑generation M5 Pro and M5 Max 14‑inch MacBook Pros as it prepares inventory for the fourth quarter. The 14‑inch M5 Pro model, featuring an 18‑core CPU, 20‑core GPU, 24 GB of unified memory and a 2 TB SSD, is reduced by $500 to $2,699. The 14‑inch M5 Max variant, with an 18‑core CPU, 32‑core GPU, 36 GB of memory and a 2 TB SSD, is discounted by $600, now costing $3,499. Additional markdowns [...]

Google has launched a new Android‑based laptop platform called “Googlebook,” but the name clashes with its existing “Google Books” service. When users search for “Googlebook” on Google Search, they are redirected to the book index or receive a “Did you mean?” prompt, forcing manual navigation to find the laptop platform. The naming confusion highlights a branding oversight that could confuse consumers and dilute the distinct identities of Google’s products.

Google announced that Chromebook updates will continue through the Googlebook era, with many existing models eligible to transition from ChromeOS to Googlebook OS. The company confirmed that current Chromebooks will receive updates until mid‑2034, after which devices with a 10‑year support cycle extending beyond that year can migrate to Googlebook OS. Enterprise and education management features will remain, with new tools slated for release in late 2027. Googlebook pre‑orders are open, with shipments beginning in early October.

Microsoft clarified why current Surface PCs exclude AMD processors. The company cited a limited product portfolio and the need to prioritize other partners, despite having offered AMD‑powered models in the past, such as the Surface Laptop 3 and 4. Surface CVP Brett Ostrum emphasized that Microsoft “loves working with AMD” but must make strategic choices. The decision follows rumors of an upcoming AMD‑based Surface using the Sound Wave APU, which has yet to materialize.

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 [...]

After ten days of using the Apple Watch Series 12, a Future reviewer notes that the device’s expanded Vitals suite now aggregates heart rate, temperature, blood‑oxygen, respiratory rate and sleep data to generate a “Readiness” score from 1 to 10, displayed in the Fitness app. The author, who averages about 4.75 hours of sleep nightly, reports a personal score of 7 and praises the watch’s ability to flag serious health events, citing past instances of fall detection and cardiac [...]

Apple is reportedly set to launch a line of smart glasses before releasing a next‑generation Vision Pro headset. Bloomberg reports the glasses could hit stores in late 2027, while a redesigned Vision Pro may not appear until 2028 or later. The new glasses are expected to prioritize AI‑driven, hands‑free interaction over full immersive AR/VR, potentially operating initially without built‑in displays. Apple aims to broaden its wearable ecosystem beyond the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, while addressing privacy concerns as a [...]

Researchers from KAIST, UNIST and POSTECH have created a vertically stacked semiconductor system that integrates carbon‑nanotube transistors with a solid‑state ionogel to provide on‑chip temporal memory. When voltage is applied, mobile ions in the ionogel shift and remain displaced after the voltage is removed, creating a short‑term electrical “memory.” By varying ion concentration and ionogel thickness, the team produced fast‑responding and slow‑responding layers, then stacked them so the upper layer captures recent signals while the lower layer [...]

Google’s September 2026 Pixel Watch update brings the company’s new 3D emoji catalog to all current Pixel Watch models, including the Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4, which had previously only supported 2D icons. The update also includes the August 2026 security patch and enhanced gesture controls. The 3D emoji, first introduced on Pixel 11 phones, adds depth and personality to each character and will soon expand to devices from Nothing, Lenovo, Xiaomi, Oppo/OnePlus, Honor, Motorola, and [...]

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, [...]

Oklahoma City firefighters are field‑testing the C‑Thru helmet, an AI‑driven augmented‑reality system created by Qwake Technologies. The device overlays thermal and visual data onto the wearer’s visor, allowing firefighters to see through dense smoke, pinpoint victims, and stream live video to incident commanders. Designed to operate in zero‑visibility, high‑heat environments, the helmet aims to cut search times and reduce exposure to hazardous conditions. The program is part of a Homeland Security field assessment that selected 30 departments [...]

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 [...]

Fairphone will launch its second-generation wireless earbuds, the Fairbuds 2, on October 14. The new model will cost €119 in Europe and $119 in the U.S., $30 less than the original. It retains the seven modular, replaceable parts that allow users to swap batteries, earbuds, or the charging case. The earbuds now support Sony’s LDAC codec, improving audio quality over the first generation’s SBC and AAC. Leaked images suggest a stem design, though control functionality remains unconfirmed.

Supergiant Games has released the full “Ballads of the Underworld” concert, a live orchestral performance of music from Hades 1 and Hades 2, on YouTube for free. The London Mozart Players performed the score under the baton of co‑composer Austin Wintory, while vocalists Judy Alice Lee (Melinoë), Erin Yvette (Scylla), Colin Ryan (Apollo), Darren Korb and Ashley Barrett delivered live renditions of key tracks. The video is divided into a setlist that mirrors the original show, highlighting pieces such as “Moonlight Guide Us,” “I Am Gonna Claw,” [...]

Bose introduced a new pair of wired earbuds featuring active noise cancellation (ANC) priced at $99. The earbuds connect via USB‑C, using a proprietary DSP to deliver a consistent 24‑bit signal to any USB‑C device. Each earbud houses two microphones for ANC, offering Quiet and Aware modes, with the option to disable noise cancellation. The product is available for pre‑order today, with shipping slated for October 15 through Bose’s website and Best Buy.

The Asia‑Pacific digital‑audio market is shifting from a focus on sheer listener numbers to extracting higher value per session through personalization, localized content, creator ecosystems and advanced advertising intelligence. Fragmentation across languages, cultural tastes, mobile‑first usage and diverse payment systems creates both challenges and opportunities for platforms that can serve regional language communities at scale. Growth is driven not only by smartphone penetration but also by screen‑fatigue, prompting users to consume audio while commuting, working or exercising. [...]

Nothing unveiled the Headphone (1) Pro, a $399 over‑ear model that refines the original Headphone (1) with lighter construction, softer ear cups, a wider headband and glass‑filled accents. The unit weighs 327 g and adds a triple‑driver array, enabling independent EQ control of each driver via an upgraded Nothing X app and a physical “Flat” switch for neutral sound. ANC performance rises to 46 dB thanks to a ten‑mic system and improved seal, while spatial‑audio presets simulate venues such [...]

CD Projekt Red unveiled its third Witcher 3 expansion, Songs of the Past, at Gamescom’s Opening Night Live. To preview the content, Milan Records released a five‑track EP featuring composers Magda Urbańska, Marcin Przybyłowicz, and Daniel Elms. The tracks—“Return to the Path,” “Awoken,” “Into Darkness,” “What’s Done,” and “Belleteyn Night”—blend orchestral writing with folk influences, reflecting the expansion’s new setting, Letten, and its themes of pastoral charm and hidden menace. The EP is now available worldwide. [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]