Google has released Android 17 QPR2 Beta 7 for a wide range of Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6a, 7 series, 8 series, 9 series, 10 series, and 11 series, as well as the Pixel Tablet, Fold, and Pro Fold variants. The update is available for sideloading on devices currently running Beta 6.1, while testing for QPR3 Beta 1 continues. Users can report bugs through the Android Beta Feedback app or via the Android Beta community on [...]

Telesin released the Master Grip Kit for iPhone, a case with a 3.5‑x telephoto lens that claims to reach an equivalent 400 mm focal length. The kit includes a removable plate, a 3,200 mAh battery, and a ReefColor app that processes images. Reviewers report that the lenses deliver better optical zoom than software zoom, but the setup is cumbersome, the app is required, and the controls add little value. The product is priced higher than comparable lens kits from [...]

Samsung has begun distributing its October 2026 security patch to Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra users in the U.S. and Canada. The ~530 MB update contains 62 fixes, including 13 from Samsung and 49 from Google, targeting vulnerabilities that could allow arbitrary code execution or unauthorized privilege escalation. The patch follows the One UI 9 (Android 17) rollout and is available globally, with the Galaxy S25 series expected to receive a similar update shortly.

Apple is rumored to release an iPhone Air 2 that would be thinner than the current 5.6 mm model, potentially matching the 5.2 mm thickness of the upcoming iPhone Duo when unfolded. The new device is said to feature higher‑density battery technology, promising longer life in a slimmer form. Critics argue that further reducing thickness may compromise battery capacity and overall usability, potentially deterring buyers who previously cited battery and camera limitations. The move reflects Apple’s focus on design over [...]

Apple will let customers who buy the new iPhone Duo in its U.S. retail stores personalize the device’s first‑boot screen with a spoken greeting that includes their name. The feature, reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, will be available when the phone is activated for the first time after purchase, displaying “Hello, [Name]” in English or Spanish. Apple’s in‑store system, likely using the Presto software‑update platform, will modify the boot process of unopened inventory before hand‑off. The iPhone Duo [...]

Apple’s iPhone Duo omits the Action Button, prompting users to create a virtual replacement. By editing the lock‑screen layout, users can replace the camera icon with a control or Shortcut that triggers actions such as Focus modes, the torch, or app launches. The process involves entering lock‑screen edit mode, removing the camera icon, adding a new control, and selecting a Shortcut for multi‑functionality. While the on‑screen button lacks tactile feedback, it offers comparable functionality for Duo users. [...]

Apple announced that iPhone Duo buyers who purchase the device at a U.S. Apple Store will receive a personalized boot greeting. When the phone is first turned on, the initial setup screen will display the buyer’s name in English or Spanish, a feature exclusive to the Duo. The customization will be enabled through a system in retail stores, possibly leveraging Apple’s Presto update technology. The iPhone Duo launches on October 23, with pre‑orders starting October 16 and [...]

Motorola confirmed that its flagship Signature 27 will debut in India alongside a global launch, announced by Marketing Head Shivam Ranjan at the India Mobile Congress 2026. The device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 built on a 2 nm process, promising up to 5 GHz clock speeds for high‑end gaming, AI and camera workloads. It incorporates a new ArcticMesh cooling system that combines diamond‑infused gel, liquid metal, copper mesh and a 40 % larger vapor chamber. Photography hardware includes a 50 MP [...]

Googlebook’s launch has exposed significant app compatibility issues, particularly with desktop‑class software. The Android‑based platform lacks key productivity suites like Adobe and offers limited alternatives, forcing users to rely on the Google Play Store’s fragmented quality labeling system. Popular apps such as Telegram, Slack, and Spotify perform poorly, with broken interfaces and inconsistent functionality. Critics argue that Google’s early release, priced competitively, fails to meet expectations for a full‑featured laptop, prompting many to consider established Windows or [...]

Microsoft has launched a limited‑time incentive program targeting current MacBook users, offering up to $1,000 in credit toward the purchase of a Surface Laptop Ultra. The promotion, announced in early October, is available to customers who trade in eligible MacBook models through Microsoft’s online portal or participating retail partners. The credit amount varies based on the MacBook’s age and configuration, with newer, higher‑spec devices qualifying for the maximum rebate. The Surface Laptop Ultra, featuring a 13.5‑inch PixelSense Flow display, [...]

TrendForce forecasts a low‑ to high‑single‑digit decline in global notebook shipments in 2027, contingent on how manufacturers handle rising component costs. The report notes that current supply constraints are shifting to cost‑driven demand pressures, with DRAM and CPU prices likely to stay elevated. Higher retail prices could extend replacement cycles, pushing the decline into the high‑single‑digit range. Manufacturers may either raise prices, absorb costs, or cut specifications, while China’s share of production could rise to over 80%. [...]

Apple confirmed a second launch event for October 27, separate from its October 13 smart‑home showcase. The upcoming presentation is expected to unveil the long‑rumored touchscreen MacBook Ultra, an iPad mini 8, and refreshed 14‑inch MacBook Pro and iMac models powered by M6 chips. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the MacBook Ultra (codenamed K114/K116) will feature a lighter chassis, OLED screen and a Dynamic Island punch‑hole, while the iPad mini 8 is slated to receive an OLED display, landscape‑oriented FaceTime camera and [...]

Apple is set to unveil its first touch‑screen MacBook on October 27, according to Bloomberg. The event will also introduce 14‑inch MacBook Pro and iMac models powered by the new M6 chip, and a refreshed iPad mini, targeting creative professionals in video, photo, and music production. The launch follows an earlier smart‑home event on October 13, where Apple revealed a new smart‑home hub with a display, HomePod mini, and updated Apple TV. The announcements are part of CEO John [...]

IDC and Omdia reported a 20‑21% year‑over‑year decline in global PC shipments for Q3 2026, with desktop units falling 23.5% and laptops 20.6%. The drop follows a strong first‑half pull‑forward that temporarily boosted sales, but inventory buildup and high RAM and storage costs have suppressed demand. HP and Lenovo experienced the steepest declines at roughly 31% and 23%, respectively, while Apple’s MacBook Neo launch only yielded an 11% fall. The trend signals a shift in PC market seasonality [...]

Googlebook’s hidden “Glowbar Disco” app, a relic from the Chromebook Pixel, lets users activate the laptop’s LED bar with constant colors, preset animations, gradients, or music sync. The feature is buried in Settings > Apps, requiring users to enable system apps and search for “Glowbar Disco” each time. When launched, the glowbar remains active until the app is closed, at which point the effects cease. Google acknowledges the Easter‑egg’s obscurity and suggests future integration into standard settings. [...]

Apple announced a “Welcome Home” event slated for October 27, during which it will unveil its first touchscreen MacBook Pro models, a new iPad mini, and additional products aimed at creative professionals. The launch will feature an online video presentation and an in‑person press component, echoing the format used for its October 2024 Mac releases. Bloomberg reports that the event will include hands‑on opportunities for selected journalists in Los Angeles, underscoring Apple’s focus on high‑end creative workflows. [...]

Google has rolled out an AI-powered watch face generator to Pixel Watch 4 models through update version 4.2.12.989940186. The feature, first introduced on Pixel Watch 5, lets users describe desired designs and have Gemini Intelligence generate custom faces, including stock options like Weave, Modular, Reveal, Chronograph, and the Steph Curry dial. The update enhances the watch’s AI capabilities, offering a streamlined way to create daily‑changing faces. Users report the feature is accessible via the Pixel Watch app’s [...]

Google released an official teaser for the Fitbit Edge tracker, confirming its launch on October 12. The teaser, posted on Twitter/X and Instagram, highlights the new “Edge” branding and a metal chassis, continuing the “Canyon” color scheme from the Pixel Watch 5. Leaks suggest a 7‑day battery, Gemini integration, and iPhone support. The device is expected to retail around $180, positioned between the screen‑less Fitbit Air and the $400 Pixel Watch 5.

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have created a wristwatch‑type wearable that continuously measures sodium and potassium in sweat. The device integrates a screen‑printed liquid‑junction reference electrode with ion‑selective sensors, a fabric‑based sample‑transport layer, and custom digital electronics that process, wirelessly transmit, and locally store data on a micro‑SD card. The liquid‑junction, containing silica gel, stabilizes the reference potential instantly, eliminating the long pre‑adjustment required by conventional printed electrodes. Field testing on a construction worker yielded uninterrupted [...]

Ray-Ban’s Meta Gen 3 smart glasses integrate AI-driven tools with a classic eyewear silhouette, targeting everyday consumers rather than niche tech enthusiasts. The device houses a 12‑megapixel ultra‑wide 4K camera capable of 3K video at 30 fps, plus slow‑motion and hyperlapse modes, and stores up to 1,000 high‑resolution photos on 32 GB of internal memory. Audio is delivered through open‑air speakers with six microphones and noise‑reduction algorithms, while a nine‑hour battery is extended by an additional 50 hours in the charging case. [...]

The VITURE Beast and RayNeo GT Max represent two divergent approaches in the fast‑growing smart‑glasses market. The Beast delivers 1200‑pixel‑per‑eye resolution, a balanced frame and features such as electromagnetic dimming, positioning it as a media‑ and gaming‑focused device that remains affordable and functional outdoors. In contrast, the GT Max emphasizes augmented‑reality performance with screen‑pinning technology that maintains spatial stability during head movement, a wider 59‑degree field of view and a futuristic, glossy design that is prone to fingerprints. Comfort [...]

Dubai-based Xpanceo has developed AI‑powered smart contact lenses that integrate a microdisplay, biosensors, and a microbattery, paired with a head‑mounted companion device for power, computing, and wireless connectivity. The lenses can display information, verify identity, provide augmented reality overlays, and monitor health biomarkers such as glucose, proteins, electrolytes, stress hormones, and intraocular pressure via tear fluid analysis. With 28 prototypes and 50 patents, Xpanceo plans to unveil the system at Mobile World Congress 2027, targeting a 2030 [...]

Google announced that it will discontinue the Pixel Watch’s emergency LTE “Safety Signal” feature on December 12, 2024. The feature previously allowed Pixel Watch 2 and 3 LTE models to connect to cellular networks for Emergency SOS and Safety Check when no phone or internet was available. Without Safety Signal, users must rely on a paired phone or an active cellular plan to access these life‑saving functions. Google will notify Google Health Premium subscribers 30 days before the shutdown.

Google announced it will discontinue Safety Signal support for the LTE versions of the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 on December 12. Safety Signal, which bundled Emergency SOS, Fall Detection and other emergency functions without requiring a carrier plan, will be phased out after a 30‑day notice sent by email and push notification. The company says the change reflects “evolving our connectivity and safety capabilities.” Affected users must rely on a mobile plan or eSIM to use those [...]

Grade 11 student Sherecia Jackson showcased virtual‑reality (VR) lessons at Seaforth High School in St Thomas, where the technology has been integrated into ICT and business‑management classes. Teacher Terrin Strachan, who introduced the program two years ago, describes VR as an immersive “new way of learning” that lets pupils manipulate virtual components such as processors or graphics cards, bridging abstract theory and real‑world application. He cites research indicating reduced distraction and higher focus in the virtual environment, and notes that [...]

The VITURE Beast and RayNeo GT Max represent two divergent approaches in the fast‑growing smart‑glasses market. The Beast delivers 1200‑pixel‑per‑eye resolution, a balanced frame and features such as electromagnetic dimming, positioning it as a media‑ and gaming‑focused device that remains affordable and functional outdoors. In contrast, the GT Max emphasizes augmented‑reality performance with screen‑pinning technology that maintains spatial stability during head movement, a wider 59‑degree field of view and a futuristic, glossy design that is prone to fingerprints. Comfort [...]

The article examines the emerging “lab casino” model, where operators fuse advanced technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence with traditional gambling to create immersive, data‑driven experiences. It outlines how a robust digital infrastructure now underpins casino operations, enabling real‑time player tracking, personalized game difficulty adjustments and targeted promotions through sophisticated algorithms. AI also powers surveillance, fraud detection and interactive chat assistants, while cybersecurity measures protect financial data. The piece highlights the blurring of [...]

Xreal announced official pricing for its Aura smart glasses, with a 12/256 GB model starting at $1,279 and a 16/512 GB variant at $1,499. Founder Priority Pass holders can secure a numbered Founder's Edition if they complete purchase before October 17. The company maintains an active $199 Priority Deposit program and plans to ship the device before the holiday season. Aura features Android XR, Snapdragon Reality Elite, a 70‑degree field of view, and supports gaming and entertainment apps.

XREAL announced that its first Android XR glasses, the XREAL Aura, will retail for $1,279, under the company’s “under $1,500” target. The Aura combines a see‑through lens with a top‑mounted display, allowing users to view content from a USB‑C source without cameras. The base model features 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, with larger sizes available at no extra cost. Pre‑orders require a $199 priority deposit, and initial shipments are slated for before the holidays, with [...]

Xreal announced its Aura mixed‑reality glasses at a price of $1,279, $20 less than Meta’s newly unveiled VR glasses revealed at Meta Connect. The Aura ships this year for reservation holders, with broader preorder opening in the coming weeks and initial shipments to the United States, Canada, Japan and South Korea, expanding to additional markets in 2027. The device features a 12 GB RAM, 256 GB storage configuration, a 5K micro‑OLED display, and real‑world passthrough lenses, allowing users to [...]

Vivo unveiled its Vision Discovery Edition mixed‑reality headset at the Vivo NEXT 2026 event in India, branding it a spatial‑computing device. The headset combines virtual and augmented reality through dual 8K Micro‑OLED displays, each delivering 3,840 × 3,552 pixels, 94 % DCI‑P3 colour coverage and a Delta E under 2 for accurate colour reproduction. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset, it promises up to 2.5 × the graphics performance and eight‑fold AI capability versus its predecessor, while supporting low‑latency passthrough for seamless [...]

Vivo unveiled its Vision Discovery Edition mixed‑reality headset at the Vivo NEXT 2026 event in India, offering a spatial‑computing platform that blends virtual and augmented reality. The device, previously launched in China, features dual Micro‑OLED panels with 8K resolution (3,840 × 3,552 pixels per eye), a 94 % DCI‑P3 colour gamut and Delta E 

Samsung is reportedly developing its first Galaxy‑branded over‑ear headphones, tentatively named Galaxy Studio, according to leaker evowizz. The rumor follows the recent reveal of the Galaxy Buds On and suggests a possible launch at Samsung’s upcoming November Galaxy Glasses event. If released, the device would join Apple’s AirPods Max, Sony’s WH‑1000XM series and Bose’s premium models in a market long dominated by those brands. Details on design, specifications or pricing remain undisclosed, and Samsung has not confirmed [...]

Rockstar Games announced that Grand Terror Auto VI will feature six new in‑game radio stations and the first‑ever podcasts. The stations—Cocoteo FM, Back Country Radio, AfroBank FM, The Chamber 106.6, Flash FM, and Dirty South Classics—offer genres from bachata to metal, each hosted by distinct personalities. Players can listen via vehicles, on foot, or through headphones connected to their characters’ smartphones. Podcasts will be available to Jason and Lucia, expanding the game’s audio landscape. GTA VI launches November 19, 2026. [...]

Rockstar Games announced that Grand Theft Auto 6 will allow players to stream radio stations and on‑demand podcasts via headphones connected to smartphones, both in vehicles and on foot. The game will feature six in‑game radio stations hosted by high‑profile artists such as Bad Bunny, Lana Del Rey, Burna Boy, Kerry King, Robyn and Trina. These additions come as the title edges closer to a November 19 release, amid a recent gameplay leak and ongoing legal disputes for the developer. [...]

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days has slashed the price of Beats Solo 4 headphones by 33%, reducing the retail cost from $150 to $100. The discount is available across several color options, offering consumers a budget-friendly entry into Beats’ acclaimed audio lineup. The Solo 4 features a custom acoustic design that delivers high‑fidelity sound, spatial audio support, and an impressive 50‑hour battery life, with an additional five hours gained after a ten‑minute charge. The headphones are lightweight, comfortable for [...]

British hi‑fi specialist Magico has launched the A3 2027, a fully reengineered version of its 2017 flagship. Priced at $25,000 per pair (£28,998, about AU$60,000), the speaker targets ultra‑wealthy audiophiles. The new model replaces the original drivers with a 28 mm tweeter, a 5‑inch midrange and dual 7‑inch woofers built around aluminum‑honeycomb cores, and incorporates motorised suspension to curb distortion. Magico also overhauled the cabinet, employing constrained‑layer damping, strategic bracing and bolt placement to minimise resonance and achieve a [...]

Samsung is reportedly preparing a new pair of over‑ear headphones that may be marketed under the name “Galaxy Studio,” according to a leak posted by Android developer @evowizz on X. The rumor follows an earlier tip that Samsung was developing over‑ear audio hardware to sit alongside its existing Galaxy Buds portfolio. While the leak confirms the tentative product name, it provides no specifics on design, technical specifications, pricing, or launch timing. Samsung has not commented on the [...]

Sean Endicott, a seasoned journalist at Windows Central, reports on Windows 11, Surface hardware, Microsoft 365, AI, and broader Windows ecosystem developments. With over a thousand articles since 2017, he covers breaking news, feature stories, and opinion pieces, emphasizing Microsoft’s software, hardware, and AI initiatives. He also writes the weekly “Windows Wrap” column, curating key stories and contextualizing them within the PC landscape. Prior to Windows Central, Endicott earned a First Class degree in Broadcast Journalism and [...]

Google has begun rolling out a firmware update that adds Gemini voice control, Dynamic Active Noise Cancellation, tap‑to‑mute gestures, sleep‑pause functionality, and Enhanced Live Translate to its Pixel Buds lineup. The update is available for Pixel Buds, Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Pixel Buds 2a. Simultaneously, Amazon is offering a $60 discount on the Pixel Buds Pro 2, reducing the price from $230 to $170. The combined software and price cuts make the earbuds more competitive in [...]

Reebok unveiled a four‑piece sneaker line inspired by the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, featuring reimagined Instapump Fury, Club C 85, Classic Nylon, and Engine A 26 models. Each colorway reflects a character or elemental theme—Appa, Four Nations, Aang, and Avatar State—using subdued palettes and subtle design cues like the airbending arrow. The collection, priced between $110 and $220, will ship online on October 7 and debuted at NYCC, where the next Avatar series also premiered.

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 [...]