Google TV Streamer’s sequel showcases a struggling smart home

9to5google.com Oct 11, 2026

Google TV Streamer’s sequel showcases a struggling smart home

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 11, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Google is set to launch a next‑generation Google TV Streamer that adds far‑field microphones, presence sensing and a redesigned remote, but the announcement arrives amid a fragmented smart‑home hardware strategy. Since a 2021 refresh of its Nest cameras, Google’s first‑party devices have seen sporadic updates, leaving flagship products such as the Nest Hub Max overdue for upgrades. While the company has cultivated a robust third‑party ecosystem, integration with its own devices remains weak, prompting criticism that resources are misallocated. Competitors are moving forward: Apple is unveiling a “HomePad” display and partnering with LG for tightly integrated hardware, and Amazon’s new Alexa tablets now run Google Play. The contrast highlights Google’s lag in cohesive smart‑home offerings despite the new streamer’s feature set.

💡 Why It Matters

· Google’s inability to synchronize its own hardware with a thriving third‑party ecosystem risks ceding leadership in the increasingly integrated smart‑home market.

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Our top picks for laptops under BDT 100k

The Daily Star’s latest guide lists laptops priced under BDT 100,000 for Bangladeshi consumers amid rising global memory costs. It highlights the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15IRH, featuring an 8‑core Intel Core i5‑13420H, 16 GB DDR5 RAM, 512 GB PCIe 4.0 SSD, and a 15.3‑inch WUXGA IPS display. The Asus Vivobook 15 OLED offers a 15.6‑inch full‑HD OLED panel with 100 % DCI‑P3 coverage, an Intel Core i7, up to 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB SSD. Both models emphasize durability, connectivity, and eye‑comfort features, catering to work, study, and light gaming needs. Prices vary by retailer, and buyers should verify local configurations.

💡 The guide equips budget‑conscious shoppers with realistic options before RAM inflation drives prices higher, ensuring they can still access modern performance without overspending.

appleinsider.com · Oct 11

Updated entry-level iPad won’t arrive until early 2027

Apple will postpone the next entry‑level iPad to early 2027, following an October launch of the OLED iPad mini. The company plans two events in October: a smart‑home‑centric show on the 13th and a Mac/iPad event on the 27th, which will likely focus on Macs and the mini, leaving other iPad models for 2027. Leaks suggest the new base iPad will feature an A19 chip, 8 GB RAM, a C1X modem, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, priced at $449.

💡 The delay reshapes the iPad lineup, pushing key refreshes like the Air and Pro into 2027 and altering consumer upgrade cycles. It also signals Apple’s strategic prioritization of higher‑margin devices over the entry‑level segment.

tomsguide.com · Oct 11

I tested the Lenovo Googlebook 15 — here’s why it’s my favorite

Tom’s Guide reviewer tested the Lenovo Googlebook 15, the flagship model of Google’s new laptop platform that runs Googlebook OS, essentially Android optimized for keyboard and mouse. The 15.3‑inch device features a sleek Cloud Grey chassis and a vivid OLED display, delivering strong everyday performance and tight “Better Together” integration with Android phones, mirroring the cross‑device experience long offered by Apple. Practical AI tools such as Magic Pointer and Rambler enhance productivity without feeling gimmicky. The review notes two drawbacks: the power‑hungry OLED panel limits battery life, and early software bugs in Googlebook OS cause occasional compatibility issues. Priced at $1,150 (or $1,099 at Best Buy), the laptop targets Android‑centric users seeking a premium alternative to Windows or macOS laptops.

💡 It proves Google can deliver a high‑end Android‑based laptop that rivals traditional PCs in design and AI functionality, reshaping the premium laptop market for ecosystem‑locked consumers.

tomsguide.com · Oct 11

I tested the Lenovo Googlebook 15 — here’s why it’s my favorite

Tom’s Guide reviewed the Lenovo Googlebook 15, a 15.3‑inch OLED laptop that runs Googlebook OS, essentially Android with added UI layers and AI tools. The reviewer praised its Cloud Grey chassis, vivid display, and performance sufficient for everyday productivity and Android apps. Integrated “Better Together” features enable seamless interaction with Android phones, mirroring the cross‑device experience familiar to Apple users. Built‑in AI utilities such as Magic Pointer and Rambler assist with routine tasks without feeling gimmicky. Drawbacks include a battery life that falls short of expectations, the need for an Android 17 device to unlock the full feature set, and early‑stage bugs in the operating system. Priced at $1,150 (or $1,099 at Best Buy), the Googlebook 15 serves as a flagship showcase for Google’s new laptop platform.

💡 It proves Google can deliver a premium, Android‑centric laptop that rivals established ecosystems, forcing competitors to rethink cross‑device integration.

9to5mac.com · Oct 11

Kuxiu’s D5 charger now comes in Burgundy to perfectly match your iPhone…

Kuxiu has released a Burgundy‑finished version of its D5 5‑in‑1 charging station to complement the iPhone 18 Pro’s new hero color. The charger, which already supports three devices, adds a built‑in cooling fan and a diagnostics display, and folds its Qi 2.2 pad into a compact cube for travel. Its aluminum housing and accent pieces match the iPhone’s Burgundy shade, aiming to look like a first‑party accessory. Reviewers note the fan keeps the phone cool during intensive iOS beta testing, preserving 25 W charging efficiency, while the silent fan can be disabled with a tap. The package includes a 45 W power brick and braided USB‑C cable, and is priced at $59.99 on Kuxiu’s website.

💡 By marrying exact color matching with active thermal management, Kuxiu turns a functional charger into a premium, brand‑aligned accessory that solves a real overheating issue for power users.

appleinsider.com · Oct 11

Sunday Reboot: Touch MacBook Pro’s nice, but I want macOS on iPad

Apple is slated to host two October events, the second of which will unveil an OLED MacBook Pro with a touchscreen, alongside an OLED iPad mini. The company’s accelerated schedule follows an unexpected August refresh of the Mac mini and Mac Studio, catching analysts off guard. Rumors suggest the new MacBook Pro will integrate touch input, a feature long anticipated by users who have been pairing iPad Pros with Magic Keyboards to emulate a laptop experience. Apple’s software chief Craig Federighi previously emphasized distinct roles for macOS and iPadOS, but the convergence of hardware capabilities hints at a shift toward a unified user interface. The announcement could redefine how professionals choose between a traditional laptop and a tablet‑laptop hybrid.

💡 A touch‑enabled MacBook Pro would blur the line between laptop and tablet, forcing users to reconsider whether a separate iPad is still necessary for touch‑first workflows.