Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro introduces a main camera lens that opens to a wider f/1.48 aperture, compared to the f/1.78 on the iPhone 17 Pro. A controlled test using manual settings captured identical portrait shots at f/1.8 and f/1.48, isolating aperture as the sole variable. Results show a noticeable increase in optical background blur, especially for subjects within 30–70 feet, with subtle differences beyond that range. The improvement is modest but measurable, enhancing shallow‑depth‑of‑field effects in real‑world photography. [...]

Apple announced that developers can now submit iPhone Duo‑optimized apps to the App Store, using Xcode 27.1 which adds Duo support and a Device Hub preview. The deadline for having updated apps available is October 23 2026, the launch day of the folding‑screen iPhone Duo, with pre‑orders beginning October 16 and a “pre‑pre‑order” window starting October 12. Submissions must include new screenshots and preview assets, and starting April 2027 every app or game submitted will be required to provide Duo screenshots. Apple’s statement [...]

Apple has begun accepting iPhone Duo‑optimized apps and games for the App Store, following the release of Xcode 27.1 Release Candidate 1. Developers can now build, test, and submit Duo‑ready titles via App Store Connect, where a badge will indicate optimization. Starting April 2027, all submissions must include Duo screenshots. Apple offers resources, including Device Hub for pose visualization and upcoming in‑person workshops. The iPhone Duo will be available for pre‑order on October 16, with retail deliveries beginning October 23. [...]

Googlebook, a new Android‑based device, launched with a full retail rollout but immediately faced a critical issue: the Slack web app cannot be installed as a progressive web app (PWA). While native Android apps and other PWAs like Photopea and Squoosh work, Slack’s PWA triggers an error stating “this app cannot be installed.” Users can create a Chrome tab shortcut, but it lacks a standalone window. Slack’s absence on day one may disappoint early adopters who rely [...]

Apple is slated to hold a second product launch in the final week of October, following an October 13 event that will unveil a smart‑home hub with a screen, a new HomePod mini, and an updated Apple TV. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirmed the October 13 announcements, while MacRumors reports additional releases will occur later in the month, though the specifics remain undisclosed. The late‑month unveilings would bookend a hectic October that also includes the iPhone Duo launch [...]

Qualcomm and Arm have resumed litigation in Delaware, launching a five‑day jury trial that could reshape smartphone chip licensing. Qualcomm seeks to suspend royalty payments for up to five years, citing Arm’s refusal to provide Nuvia testing tools and a leaked threat to terminate a key license. The dispute centers on Qualcomm’s 2021 Nuvia acquisition and a $170 million reduction in a Meta chip deal. Arm argues the changes stem from Meta’s pivot to AI glasses, not Qualcomm’s [...]

Apple expanded its Messages app with advanced filtering tools in iOS 27, building on features introduced at WWDC 2025 and launched with iOS 26. Users can now screen unknown senders, toggle notifications for time‑sensitive texts, and convert unknown contacts to known with a few taps. The update also supports third‑party filtering extensions for SMS, MMS and RCS, letting carriers tailor spam detection. Messages automatically moves suspected spam to a dedicated folder, while a manual “Report Spam” option [...]

Google’s Pixel 11 series introduced HiLight, a back‑panel array of eight multicolor LEDs that, at launch, could only flash five colors for a limited set of contacts and indicate Gemini voice‑assistant activity. Reviewers note the feature’s utility is hampered by its narrow configurability. An open‑source app called HiLight Studio, now available for open testing on the Play Store, unlocks full control of each LED, allowing solid colors, animated patterns, and quick‑settings toggles. Installation requires privileged access to Android’s lights [...]

Early adopters of Google’s new Googlebook laptops should adjust the trackpad speed immediately, as the devices ship with a haptic touchpad that feels noticeably slower than comparable Windows and macOS machines. 9to5Google reporters testing several models this week confirmed the default “touchpad acceleration” is lagging, making cursor movement feel jarring despite being functional. The slowdown can be resolved through the Settings menu: navigate to Device & Accessories → Touchpad → Cursor speed and increase the value, often to the maximum, after completing the [...]

Google announced that its new Googlebooks laptops will not support all Android apps on models with Intel processors, citing compatibility issues with ARM‑optimized applications. The company warned that Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo devices using Intel Core Ultra 5 chips may experience glitches or limited functionality for certain complex apps, while HP and Dell models powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite will run the full Play Store without problems. Pre‑orders began September 21, with full launch on October 4 (U.S.) [...]

Apple is poised for a busy October, with an unannounced product reveal slated for October 13 and rumors of a second launch by month‑end. Sources say the later event could introduce new Macs featuring the M6 processor and OLED MacBook Pros with touchscreens. The October 13 show is expected to focus on Apple TV, HomePod mini, and Home Hub, likely via a press release and video rather than a live event. No official confirmation has yet been

Apple is set to unveil a refreshed MacBook Pro line in late October‑November 2026, featuring the company’s first touchscreen laptops equipped with Samsung‑supplied OLED panels. The 14‑inch and 16‑inch models will retain the March‑2026 M5 Pro and M5 Max silicon, offering up to 18 CPU cores, 40 GPU cores and up to 128 GB of unified memory, while shedding weight and thickness through a slimmer chassis. A pill‑shaped Dynamic Island replaces the traditional notch, and macOS 27.2 adds [...]

Microsoft’s October 7 Surface event will showcase the company’s latest hardware, including the Surface Laptop Ultra and potential reveals of the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, amid a backdrop of recent Snapdragon‑powered releases. The event follows the announcement of the Surface Pro 12‑inch (Gen 2) and Surface Laptop 13‑inch (Gen 2) at Qualcomm’s summit, raising questions about the timing and focus of the presentation. Panos Panay’s departure in 2023 has sparked debate over whether Surface can still embody the [...]

Apple’s upcoming high‑end MacBook Pro is slated to be noticeably lighter than current models, with engineers miniaturizing internal components and rearranging circuitry to reduce weight. The redesigned 14‑ and 16‑inch notebooks will feature an OLED display, touch input, and a Dynamic Island, while retaining the existing keyboard and trackpad. macOS 27.2 is already testing the new hardware, and the devices are expected to ship in November 2026, marking a second major update for Apple’s premium laptops that [...]

Asahi Linux developer Sven Peter has submitted pull requests adding preliminary support for the M4 "device tree" and the MacBook Neo. The changes enable the kernel to be installed on these devices, but the OS remains largely unusable without further work, especially GPU drivers. The update marks the first step toward making Linux functional on Apple’s M4 hardware, though significant development is still required for full usability.

Apple is set to launch a redesigned MacBook Pro featuring a touchscreen, Tandem OLED display, and Dynamic Island support. The new models, expected by the end of November, will run on M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, skipping the M6 line to accelerate the upcoming M7. A key highlight is a significant weight reduction achieved through interior reengineering, aiming to make the 16‑inch Pro lighter than its current 4.8‑pound counterpart. macOS Golden Gate will introduce touch and [...]

Google’s acquisition of Fitbit in 2019 has finally yielded a clear strategic direction. After years of limited integration, Fitbit’s software now powers the Pixel Watch’s health features, and the company is re‑emerging as a standalone hardware brand. The recent Fitbit Air success at $100 sparked a shift toward screenless trackers, and Google plans to launch the Charge‑derived Edge, adding notifications, maps, music controls, and AI‑powered coaching via Google Health Premium. This pivot signals Google’s commitment to integrating [...]

At Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit 2026, a journalist spent 25 minutes testing Snap’s new Spectacles, a standalone AR smart‑glasses model priced at US$2,195 (C$3,107). The device is noticeably larger than previous models, featuring full‑colour displays, gesture‑based controls and no tethered charging puck. During the demo the reviewer experienced an AR overlay that could be navigated by pinching in mid‑air, selecting options projected onto the user’s palm, and receiving visual cues when looking away. Core apps included a map [...]

Apple’s Series 12 and Ultra 4 introduce new health complications—live heart rate, step count, and readiness score—displayable on watch faces. Users can enable music detection via Smart Stack, allowing automatic song recognition without Siri. The Siri Modular face offers customizable layouts and colors. To activate readiness, users must complete Health Details, set up Activity, overnight vitals, and sleep tracking for at least seven nights. The Vitals app now shows daytime metrics, enhancing health insights. Upcoming features include Siri Recap [...]

Meta released its third‑generation Nova smart glasses for $299, offering a lighter frame, nine‑hour battery life, and a six‑mic array that effectively filters background noise during calls. The design retains the 12‑MP cameras and 3K video capability of Gen 2, but the camera housing is smaller and less conspicuous. A dedicated AI button and a new Conversation Focus mode aid accessibility, while color options expand the lineup. Despite incremental improvements, the glasses lack groundbreaking features, and Meta’s AI [...]

Google is preparing to launch a smart Fitbit‑branded wearable dubbed the Fitbit Edge, after a slip in August and an FCC filing this month revealed its existence. Retail assets show a display that extends closer to the device’s edges than Fitbit models, resembling a Pixel Watch face with complications for heart‑rate, step count and workout start. The strap uses a release mechanism and houses a sensor stack similar to the Fitbit Air, including metal strips for ECG [...]

In 2026, two screenless trackers hit the market: the $99 Fitbit Air and the $399 Oura Ring 5. Both devices monitor heart rate, sleep, and calories, but differ in form factor and price. The Fitbit Air offers a lightweight band with a broad feature set at an affordable price, while the Oura Ring 5 claims to be the smallest, lightest smart ring, targeting users who prefer a discreet, ring‑style device. The author has worn both for five months, comparing [...]

Amazon has revived its $199 Apple Watch SE 3 promotion as part of the October Prime Big Deal Days sale. The discount applies to the 40 mm GPS model, reduced from $249 to $199, and the 44 mm version is $229. Additional cuts include $10 off the newly released Apple Watch Series 12 (42 mm and 46 mm configurations) and $20 off the Apple Watch Ultra 4 in two colorways. A deeper blowout offers the Apple Watch Ultra 3 with a black titanium case and [...]

A 9to5Mac reporter upgraded from his Apple Watch Series 10, bought in January 2024, to the newly released Series 12 despite the two models sharing a similar design and the Series 12’s slightly thicker bezels. He cites a dramatically improved heart‑rate sensor, a new “Readiness” app, and faster overall performance—including a more responsive Siri—as primary reasons. The updated Health app now consolidates data into a single, actionable view, replacing the fragmented activity rings and scattered metrics of earlier watches. While [...]

TRU Simulation + Training Inc., a Textron Inc. affiliate of Textron Aviation, announced that its Cessna Skyhawk Veris virtual‑reality flight‑training device will debut at the NBAA‑BACE show in Las Vegas. The dual‑seat system pairs an instructor and a student in a shared immersive cockpit that replicates the Cessna Skyhawk’s controls, avionics and flight dynamics. Attendees at the trade show will be able to experience realistic take‑offs, landings and emergency procedures without leaving the ground. The Veris platform [...]

At Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit 2026, a journalist spent 25 minutes testing Snap’s new Spectacles, a standalone AR smart‑glasses model priced at US$2,195 (C$3,107). The device is noticeably larger than previous models, featuring full‑colour displays, gesture‑based controls and no tethered charging puck. During the demo the reviewer experienced an AR overlay that could be navigated by pinching in mid‑air, selecting options projected onto the user’s palm, and receiving visual cues when looking away. Core apps included a map [...]

Meta released version 129 for its Ray‑Ban Meta smart glasses, adding audio‑balance and mono‑playback options. The update also includes Spatial Audio support, anti‑tampering camera safeguards, and new location features. Version 128, now broadly available, introduced turn‑by‑turn walking navigation that pulls data from the paired phone and can share routes from mapping apps to Meta AI. These enhancements aim to improve user experience and privacy on the glasses.

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 [...]

TechRadar’s review of the Earfun Wave Pro X highlights a budget‑friendly over‑ear headphone that blends comfort, extensive app‑based customization and long battery life. The headphones feature a plush design, 90‑hour playback without active noise cancellation (ANC), and an equalizer described as the most detailed the reviewer has encountered. While the sound quality is deemed “muddy” with subdued treble and a limited soundstage, the build quality rivals higher‑priced models such as Bose’s QuietComfort line. Earfun spent over 30 months developing [...]

Amazon has begun its fall Prime Day promotions early, offering Apple’s third‑generation AirPods Pro for $179 shipped, a $70 discount from the $249 list price. The price drop follows a summer dip to $199 and arrives just weeks after Apple added several software upgrades via iOS 27, including Custom EQ, enhanced Adaptive Audio controls, and improved Find My integration. The AirPods Pro 3 feature three‑times better active noise cancellation, longer battery life, on‑device heart‑rate sensing, and hearing‑aid support, positioning [...]

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. [...]

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 [...]