HEVCut, an indie iOS app, offers a privacy‑preserving solution for iPhone storage constraints by compressing photos and videos on device, reducing file sizes by 50‑80% without significant quality loss. The free version provides basic cleanup tools, while the Pro tier unlocks higher‑resolution compression and advanced video trimming for $24.99 annually or $39.99 lifetime. A $0.49 one‑week trial allows users to test the full feature set before committing. The app addresses the steep jump between Apple’s iCloud storage [...]

Google’s first foldable, the Pixel Fold, launched in 2023 with sturdy hardware, respectable cameras, and a wide form factor that anticipated later market trends. Despite its heavy build, large crease, and Tensor G2 heat issues, it offered a tablet‑like experience ahead of its time. The device’s shortcomings—fingerprint‑prone finish, lack of app support, and limited multitasking—were offset by its pioneering design, which foreshadowed the success of later wide foldables such as the Galaxy Z Fold 8. [...]

Apple’s iOS 14 update removed the ability to send photos as separate attachments in the native Mail app, converting any email with added formatting into HTML and embedding images directly. The change forces users to find workarounds to keep photos as attachments. Common solutions include using third‑party email clients like Microsoft Outlook, which can be set as the default in iOS 18, or employing shortcuts to zip photos before emailing. Users can also convert images to PDF via [...]

Qualcomm released four variants of its Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 family in 2026, each powering a different flagship phone. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the POCO F9 Ultra offers an octa‑core 4.6 GHz CPU and a three‑slice Adreno GPU. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra uses an overclocked Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, peaking at 4.74 GHz, but is limited to Samsung. The POCO F9 Pro runs the 8 Elite Gen 5V, a slightly downgraded version with a two‑slice GPU. The OnePlus 15R houses the base Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, a 3.8 GHz CPU and two‑slice GPU, lacking the [...]

Samsung has begun mass production of its Exynos 2700 chipset, boosting supply ahead of the Galaxy S27 launch. Production targets exceed the Exynos 2600 by over 10%, driven by the anticipated addition of the S27 Pro. The new processor will power the S27, S27+, and S27 Pro in South Korea and Europe, while U.S. and Chinese models will use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. Samsung’s System LSI aims to place the Exynos 2700 in the flagship S27 Ultra, potentially strengthening its semiconductor business. Early tests suggest [...]

Apple’s iCloud+ costs $9.99 per month for 2 TB, with no yearly or one‑time option, totaling roughly $600 over five years. pCloud offers a 2 TB plan for a single payment under $500 and supports Android, Windows, and iPhone, making it the top alternative for overall functionality. Internxt provides privacy‑focused storage with encryption before upload, while NordLocker excels at sending code‑protected links from an iPhone. Sync.com offers up to a year of file history, and MEGA supplies 20 GB of [...]

Samsung introduced the Galaxy A08 in Singapore, positioning it as a budget-friendly device with a 6.7‑inch HD+ LCD display that refreshes at 90 Hz. The phone runs on a MediaTek Helio G99+ processor, paired with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage, and is powered by a 6,000 mAh battery supporting 25 W fast charging. Camera hardware includes a 50 MP primary sensor, a 2 MP depth lens, and an 8 MP front shooter. The handset offers IP64 dust and splash resistance [...]

In 2020, Google released the Pixel 5 amid a pandemic‑driven supply crunch that crippled its flagship line. The device abandoned the Pixel 4’s high‑end glass and metal chassis for a lighter “bio‑resin” body and a less powerful chipset, while re‑introducing a fingerprint sensor and a larger battery. Reviewers described it as an “exercise in compromise,” yet the phone addressed many of the Pixel 4’s shortcomings and delivered a surprisingly durable, well‑balanced experience that has aged better than many contemporaries. Although [...]

A social‑media rumor claims Samsung is developing a Googlebook laptop, with specifications posted on Geekbench. The device reportedly uses a Snapdragon X Elite SoC, 16 GB of RAM, and Android 17, mirroring the first wave of Googlebooks launched by ASUS, Dell, HP, and others in September. The rumored model would feature a 12‑core processor, Adreno X1‑85 GPU, and could run Samsung’s One UI skin atop Android. No official confirmation has been released, and details remain sparse.

Daniel Rubino, Editor‑in‑Chief of Windows Central, has led the site since 2007, transitioning from editor‑in‑Chief in 2010 to executive editor in 2020 and back to his current role in 2022. He oversees staff, directs content, and hosts a YouTube channel, podcast, and reviews. Rubino’s interests span Windows, laptops, next‑gen computing, 2‑in‑1 convertibles, ARM processors, and thin‑light PCs. Prior to tech journalism, he worked as a polysomnographer, movie theater projectionist, EMT, and pursued a Ph.D. in linguistics. [...]

Google has launched a marketing campaign for its upcoming Googlebooks laptop, partnering with actor and tech enthusiast Henry Cavill. The company highlighted the device’s integrated software, including Continue on Phone, Rambler speech‑to‑text, and Antigravity, positioning the laptop as a tool for creative projects such as game development. Cavill, a PC gamer who recently used a Galaxy S25 Ultra, will showcase the Googlebooks in a series of Instagram updates starting in November, with a dedicated campaign page at googlebook.google/henry‑cavill. [...]

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.

Samsung announced its Galaxy Glasses will launch in November, partnering with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker for multiple designs. The glasses will integrate with Galaxy phones, featuring built‑in cameras, speakers, microphones, and Gemini AI access. They are positioned as an extension of the phone rather than a standalone device, offering watch‑gesture controls and instant syncing. Pricing remains unconfirmed but is expected to be a premium tier, potentially exceeding Meta’s $300 Ray‑Bans. The launch marks Samsung’s entry into [...]

Fitbit has officially launched its Air smartwatch in the Indian market, marking the brand’s first entry of this model in the country. The device, which combines fitness tracking with a sleek, lightweight design, is being sold through both online retailers and select brick‑and‑mortar stores. However, the launch price starts at ₹13,999 for the base variant and ₹15,999 for the LTE‑enabled version, positioning it well above many local competitors. The pricing strategy reflects import duties, GST, and Fitbit’s [...]

Solos has released a $79 Privacy Kit for its AirGo V2 smart glasses, featuring a transparent ClearView Temple and a clip‑on Privacy Shield that physically blocks the cameras. The kit also includes a polarized sun lens for UV protection. The company, spun out of Kopin and founded by MIT‑trained engineers, markets the kit as “privacy by design,” offering a tangible alternative to software toggles and LED indicators. The kit is available online and ships with the AirGo [...]

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 the Vision Pro, a mixed‑reality headset priced at $3,499, featuring dual micro‑displays that exceed 4K TV resolution and high‑fidelity passthrough video that lets users see the real world while wearing the device. Gesture control is handled by an array of infrared cameras, allowing subtle hand movements for navigation without external controllers. Reviewers praised the hardware’s visual quality and intuitive interface, noting it surpasses current high‑end competitors such as Valve’s $999 Vive. Apple frames the product [...]

MarketBeat’s stock screener highlighted four publicly traded companies—Meta Platforms, Brightline Interactive, zSpace Technologies and DIH Holding US—as the most actively traded virtual‑reality stocks on October 1. Meta’s Reality Labs division develops headsets and software, while its Family of Apps segment continues to generate the bulk of revenue. Brightline Interactive, part of The Glimpse Group, offers enterprise‑focused VR/AR platforms such as QReal, Immersive Health Group and Foretell Reality for health and training applications. zSpace supplies AR/VR hardware and curriculum‑aligned [...]

The Oakland Museum of California unveiled an augmented‑reality exhibit titled BeHere / 1942, allowing visitors to step into Dorothea Lange’s 1942 photographs of Japanese American families awaiting forced removal from the East Bay. Tokyo‑based artist Masaki Fujihata recreated the streets where residents gathered with belongings before boarding trains to Tanforan and other camps. The display features Lange’s images, Russell Lee’s work, and a replica Graflex camera for interactive viewing. The exhibit highlights the 1,790 Japanese Americans in [...]

Valve’s Steam Frame, the company’s first VR headset, was put to the test by a GamesRadar+ writer who used it to play the multiplayer title Big Walk while staying at his mother’s house in Edinburgh. Lacking a gaming PC, he relied on the Frame’s built‑in hardware, Wi‑Fi connectivity and a Bluetooth controller to join his friends online. The headset ran the game smoothly on low settings, matching the performance of a Steam Deck in a “cinematic mode” that [...]

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering (VVCE) in Mysuru inaugurated a Centre of Excellence for Immersive Technologies on Thursday, partnering with BodyClone Technologies Pvt. Ltd. The ceremony was led by Lt. Col. Ajit Kumar (Retd.), senior practice lead at Infosys BPM, who emphasized augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) as tools for realistic military training, citing benefits such as enhanced situational awareness, equipment familiarisation, and reduced risk and cost. Attendees [...]

Meta unveiled its $1,299 Meta VR Glasses at Connect 2026, positioning them as a hybrid between traditional opaque VR headsets and transparent AR glasses. Weighing roughly 100 grams—about one‑fifth the mass of conventional headsets—the devices aim to deliver a more comfortable, everyday‑wearable experience. Reviewers, including The Verge’s Sean Hollister, compared them side‑by‑side with Valve’s Steam Frame, Apple’s Vision Pro, and Xreal’s Aura, noting that the Meta glasses combine lightweight form factor with a “best‑of‑both‑worlds” visual pipeline that blurs the line [...]

Pixelity unveiled Evangelion: Cross Reflections, an extended‑reality (XR) game that immerses players in the world of the 1990s anime Neon Genesis Evangelion. The title, demonstrated at a hands‑on preview in San Francisco, places users in first‑person scenarios across iconic locations such as Tokyo‑3 and NERV’s command hub, allowing combat against Angels and Evangelions. Set between episodes 1 and 11 of the original series, the narrative introduces new characters while interacting with Shinji, Rei, Asuka and others, aiming to be accessible to newcomers yet [...]

Meta’s new VR glasses and the URXR One represent divergent design philosophies in the fast‑moving spatial‑computing market. Meta’s headset is a standalone system that pairs the lenses with a dedicated compute puck housing processor, battery and storage, delivering a 120 Hz micro‑OLED display, built‑in speakers and access to the mature Quest ecosystem for immersive gaming. Weighing about 100 g plus a 300‑g puck, it costs $1,299.99. The URXR One, priced at $899, is a lightweight 93‑g modular display that [...]

Samsung announced its first open‑ear Galaxy Buds, the Galaxy Buds On, slated for a late‑October launch. The clip‑style earbuds sit on the ear’s side, allowing ambient sound while delivering in‑ear audio. Features include touch controls, automatic volume adjustment, noise‑leakage reduction, upgraded call quality, Snapdragon processing, 9.5‑hour battery life, Gemini Live, and head‑gesture commands. The charging case mirrors that of the Galaxy Buds 4. In Korea, the buds retail at 299,000 won (~$200) with a global release following October 27. [...]

Sean Endicott writes for Windows Central, focusing on Windows 11, Surface devices, Microsoft 365, AI, and apps. Since 2017, he has produced over a thousand articles covering breaking news, analysis, features, and opinion across Microsoft’s software and hardware ecosystem, including updates, launches, and the company’s expanding AI services. He also authors the weekly “Windows Wrap” column, curating the most significant stories of the week and contextualizing them within the broader PC landscape. Prior to his role, Endicott earned a [...]

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. [...]

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 [...]