Android is a Google-owned mobile OS built on Linux, powering billions of devices.
ZDNet has reported that most people no longer need flagship levels of phone storage or RAM. For storage, 128GB or 256GB will suit most users who stream and use cloud backups; 64GB is now the bare minimum. For RAM, 8GB–12GB will cover most use cases while high-tier RAM is driving device price increases in 2026.
ZDNET tests show ESR Aura MagSafe wallet and stand offers strong value with five card slots, reliable magnetic hold, and a range of colors. The wallet is affordable, but is not ultra-slim and may not suit luxury or high-card-count needs. Other contenders include Journey Ezmo and Satechi.
Global firms are increasingly turning to Chinese technology, AI, and battery suppliers as China deepens its role in global supply chains. Auto makers and tech majors are partnering with CATL, Baidu, Alibaba, and Xpeng, while Hong Kong is rising as a testing ground for AI models and data-center capacity. The shift signals a broader move from China as a manufacturing base to a source of advanced capabilities, even as US constraints persist.
Aptoide has become the first third-party app store available in Google Play in the US after a court order tied to the Epic Games case. Google now certifies third-party stores, granting access to its app catalog while keeping storefronts independent. The move follows Epic’s 2023 victory and later legal developments.
Google announces Gemini has reached 1 billion monthly active users (MAUs) in the Gemini app, with voice input driving most usage. The milestone mirrors OpenAI’s ChatGPT and signals Gemini’s rapid integration across Google products, while OpenAI and others continue to compete in the AI race.
The Google Pixel Watch 5 has been unveiled with blood-pressure trend tracking, insulin-resistance monitoring, a faster processor and new health features. The device, paired with Gemini Intelligence and Google Health Coach, offers minute-by-minute sleep analysis and customizable HIIT workouts. Several Pixel devices also highlight new camera and display improvements across the Pixel 11 line.
Millions of phones warn of very high wildfire risk across England and Wales. The alert urges people to avoid actions that can spark fires, with the government deploying military support and banning disposable barbecues as firefighters battle dozens of blazes.
Axios reports that leaders describe a shift from information velocity to the velocity of capability, with AI enabling rapid production and new horizons for strategic thinking. Executives say six-week horizons now govern planning as post-processable velocity takes hold.
A roundup of Pixel 11 Pro Fold reviews shows a safer, more durable design and stronger hardware, with AI features receiving mixed responses. The outer screen is brighter and the build quality is praised, but some critics note limited gains over prior folds. Battery life stays solid while camera performance remains variable.
Meta has rolled out updates to its AR glasses to deter covert filming, adding a stronger capture LED safeguard and hardware-based privacy measures. The moves come as regulators in the EU probe the glasses and venues consider bans; the company reports a small share of devices have been tampered with and vows ongoing updates.
Google has broadened Discover customization by enabling a “Preferred Sources” button publishers can embed, and by adding a chat-based description tool for real-time feed tailoring. Readers can also customize daily audio briefings in Google News. The rollout is in coming days as part of ongoing personalization upgrades.
Berkshire Hathaway has expanded its Alphabet stake and outlines how it plans to use energy assets to support hyperscale computing, while facing renewed community resistance to data-centre projects. Abel says Berkshire will sell energy to AI customers only if it wouldn’t raise costs for other customers, and Buffett’s Alphabet investment continues to loom large as AI reshapes the portfolio.
The Fairphone 6+ has launched in the US, offering a repairable, modular Android phone with 12GB RAM and a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4. It faces stiff competition from Google and Apple but emphasizes sustainability and repairability. Reviews note strong hand feel, modularity, and long-term software support.
A federal judge has rejected the Justice Departments request to force Google to sell its AdX ad exchange. Judge Leonie Brinkema has ordered behavioural changes instead, sealed her full opinion for 14 days and given the parties 30 days to propose a final judgment. Both sides are preparing next steps.
A federal judge has declined to force Google to sell its AdX ad marketplace, instead ordering ongoing behavioural remedies to restore competition. The decision follows previous rulings finding illegal monopolies in Google’s ad tech stack, while outcomes on other cases remain unresolved. The court will publish specifics after redactions.
Android 17 introduces Encrypted Client Hello (ECH) to hide destination hostnames in TLS handshakes, improving privacy. The rollout includes stricter local-network permissions and default Certificate Transparency. ECH remains imperfect, not a VPN and does not conceal all metadata.
The military has disabled advertising tracking on government devices, including iPhones, Androids, and Windows PCs, to curb location data used by adversaries. The moves come amid wider debate on data privacy and security in conflict zones.
The New York Times Cooking section has curated a list of 100 dinners that take under an hour to prepare. The guide emphasizes efficient recipes ideal for busy families and includes options suitable for kids and various diets.
The government has announced plans to introduce a new law to require major tech platforms to build in device-level protections for children, with a focus on blocking nude images on under-18 devices. Talks with Apple and Google continue as ministers warn decisive legislation will be needed if progress remains insufficient.
Google’s Pixel 11 Pro Fold preserves the design language of prior Pixel folds, offering an improved internal 8-inch display, a bright outer screen, and a Tensor G6 chip. It features six-month Google AI Pro access, Gemini tools, and a higher price, while battery life remains competitive among rivals.
Apple has unveiled its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, with a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer screen. It launches at $1,999, positioning Apple against Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and signaling a potential shift in premium smartphones. The device offers a book-style design, a matte inner display, and an under-display selfie camera, while rivals emphasize their crease-free engineering.
Android now supports on-device migration of passwords and passkeys between password managers using the Credential Transfer API. The process works with Google Password Manager and partners like 1Password, Bitwarden, and Dashlane, and requires no OS updates. Users initiate the transfer in the target app, verify identity, and complete the move on-device.
The iPhone Duo and other iPhone models have seen price increases as AI-driven demand for memory chips tightens supply, raising costs across consumer electronics. Analysts note this follows broader price rises in the iPhone lineup and shrinking smartphone volumes globally.
Apple has unveiled the iPhone Duo, a foldable handset with a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner display, the largest ever on an iPhone. The device features a titanium chassis and a 100+ part hinge, running a modified iOS 27. Pre-orders start October 16 in the UK, with prices ranging from £1,999 for 256GB to £3,199 for 2TB.
Firefox has rolled out Nova, a redesigned UI featuring rounded elements, floating toolbars, and a softer color palette aimed at creating a more personable feel. The update, tested in Nightly, is now available in stable builds, offering vertical tabs, adjustable window density, and a Smart Window feature. Nova emphasizes a modern look while preserving Firefox’s identity.
A roundup of gadget deals shows portable power stations, smart plugs and screen protectors are being discounted ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. New and discounted models from Jackery, EcoFlow and Amazon are highlighted, with guidance on choosing the right option for home backup, travel and everyday use.
Ireland’s Data Protection Commission has ruled that Google has infringed GDPR in the processing of location data for Web & App Activity, Location History and Location Accuracy, issuing a €403 million fine and ordering compliance within six months. Google says policies have evolved since 2019. BEUC warns late enforcement harms consumer rights.
The upcoming US-China talks are focusing on artificial intelligence safety and governance as leaders consider dialogue mechanisms and potential safety standards, with a chorus of tech executives weighing in on how to pace AI development.
Meta is pushing its Muse personal AI agent across devices, including Muse Charm and AR glasses, as part of a consumer-focused strategy. Investors are bidding up Meta’s stock ahead of OpenAI and Anthropic moves, while questions linger about user trust and data handling. The company is integrating Muse deeper into its hardware ecosystem, signaling a shift from enterprise-facing tools to everyday AI use.
Instinct has expanded its AI assistant with features like Trusted Person, enabling agents to coordinate plans with others. While adoption has grown, users raise privacy concerns and some observers say the policy updates may not fully resolve issues. Competition from Meta’s Muse is intensifying as it dominates app stores.
Amazon has dropped the Fire branding and introduced three Alexa Tablets running Android with Google Play, priced from $230 to $550. The lineup includes the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, 11, and 8, with features like a 12-inch 120Hz display, Dolby Atmos, and On-Screen Intelligence. Preorders begin today, with shipping slated for October 14 in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Anthropic has warned that small AI models could autonomously self-replicate on IoT devices, forming a self-spreading “AI worm.” Experiments show replication is still slow and imperfect, but the risk grows as models improve. The research highlights how these worms could operate without a centralized shutdown point, potentially spreading across smart TVs, ovens, and other connected devices.