Nest’s Halloween doorbell chimes are live now through November 1

9to5google.com Oct 16, 2026

Nest’s Halloween doorbell chimes are live now through November 1

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 16, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Google has begun rolling out its annual Halloween‑themed doorbell chimes to Nest users, with nine spooky tones available through November 1. The update, discovered by 9to5Google’s Ben Schoon, arrives via a recent Home app refresh that lets owners preview each sound without triggering the actual doorbell. Users can switch tones at any time from the “Seasonal themes” section, and a prompt appears on the app’s main page for quick access. The feature is designed for households preparing for trick‑or‑treaters, but can be disabled in settings for those not celebrating. The limited‑time rollout ends the day after Halloween, aligning with the traditional end of the holiday season. Homeowners report the eerie melodies add a ambience, enhancing neighborhood spirit during the festive night.

💡 Why It Matters

· By turning a security device into a seasonal cue, Google taps homeowner engagement and showcases the Home app’s customizable ecosystem.

Read full article on 9to5google.com

Hands-on: UGREEN’s new 25W MagSafe battery for iPhone features liquid cooling

UGREEN launched a 25‑watt Qi2.2 MagSafe power bank for iPhone that incorporates liquid‑cooling technology. The 10,000 mAh pack features a transparent window that reveals circulating coolant, which UGREEN claims reduces surface temperature by about 18 °C compared with conventional MagSafe chargers. A built‑in USB‑C cable on the rear allows wired charging of devices that cannot use wireless power, while a side‑mounted display shows battery level and charging speed. The unit is relatively thick, lacks a kickstand, and protrudes from the bottom of the iPhone 15 Pro models, a common issue with MagSafe accessories. Priced at $149, it is on sale for $95 on Amazon, positioning it as a premium but cooler alternative to existing MagSafe banks. Its liquid‑cooling claim is first in this segment.

💡 By tackling heat buildup, the MagFlow could set a new comfort benchmark for wireless chargers, nudging competitors toward thermal management solutions.

9to5mac.com · Oct 17

Indie App Spotlight: ‘Hoardware’ makes it easy to track your Apple device…

Indie App Spotlight features Hoardware, a free iOS 17‑plus app that lets users catalog every Apple device they own. The tool records model numbers, serial numbers, iOS versions and custom notes, and presents a coverage tab showing how many devices run each OS release. Users can add new hardware from a searchable list, with details and images auto‑filled, mark favorites, and receive push alerts when software updates become available. Hoardware syncs libraries via iCloud, ensuring the collection is accessible across multiple iPhones or iPads. The app contains no ads, in‑app purchases or subscriptions, positioning it as a niche utility for collectors of vintage iPhones as well as anyone who wants timely update reminders. It also supports CSV export for backups.

💡 By giving collectors a centralized, ad‑free ledger, Hoardware turns fragmented device inventories into searchable data, making preservation of Apple’s hardware history more systematic.

9to5mac.com · Oct 17

iPhone Duo walk-in purchases might be challenging at launch, per report

Apple Store staff have been instructed to tell customers that the iPhone Duo will likely be unavailable for walk‑in purchase on its October 24 launch day unless a pre‑order has already been placed. Employees report that the company’s internal guidance warns shoppers to avoid the store expecting to buy the device, as many locations may have no additional inventory beyond pre‑ordered units. Apple’s website merely invites users to “check back” for availability, offering no guarantee of stock. The warning follows Apple’s statement that demand for the iPhone Duo is “extraordinary” and acknowledges known production constraints that limit supply. As of now, the model is sold out through January, and scalpers are already posting steep mark‑ups, prompting some buyers to turn to carriers or Best Buy for a chance at a unit.

💡 The lack of walk‑in stock forces consumers to secure pre‑orders or seek secondary channels, intensifying resale pressure and reshaping the launch‑day buying experience.

9to5mac.com · Oct 17

Apple @ Work: How I’m preparing my fleet for Rosetta’s removal in…

Mosyle’s Apple Unified Platform enables IT teams to prepare for macOS 27’s removal of Rosetta, which will affect legacy Intel‑only software. Bradley Chambers, an experienced Apple IT admin, outlines a short‑term fix: a Mosyle script that reinstalls Rosetta on devices joining a macOS 27 Dynamic Device Group. He stresses the urgency of auditing fleets, as vendors still lacking Apple Silicon‑native builds risk silent failures. Mosyle’s solution is positioned as a quick, automated workaround while awaiting native releases.

💡 The shift forces enterprises to confront long‑standing vendor delays, revealing gaps in support for critical legacy applications. Prompt action can prevent costly downtime and force vendors to prioritize macOS compatibility.

9to5mac.com · Oct 17

PSA: Apple’s official silicone iPhone Duo case will require adhesive to stick

Apple’s upcoming iPhone Duo will launch next week, and preorders for its official accessories have begun. The $79 silicone case requires users to apply adhesive to secure it to the foldable phone, a departure from the magnetic attachment used on other models. Apple also offers a $129 folio case with a kickstand. The adhesive requirement may limit case swapping and affect long‑term adhesion. Third‑party options like Spigen and ESR are available for those who prefer alternatives.

💡 The adhesive design signals a shift in Apple’s approach to foldable protection, potentially influencing user experience and aftermarket accessory development.

space.com · Oct 17

6 scientifically accurate star projectors to turn any room into a home…

A review highlights six star projectors that deliver scientifically accurate celestial images, ranging from northern hemisphere skies to Hubble Space Telescope views. The devices, including models from Sega Toys Homestar Classic, Bresser Junior Astroplanetarium Deluxe, and Thames & Kosmos, feature swappable slides and optional discs for expanded content. Designed to transform any room into a private planetarium, they aim to spark children's interest in space and STEM. The article lists each projector’s key features and purchase options for families and educators seeking immersive astronomy experiences.

💡 By offering precise, educational projections, these devices bridge the gap between classroom learning and real‑world observation, making complex astronomical concepts accessible to young audiences.