Products, platforms, chips, and the companies behind them. Reporting about technology rather than marketing for it: launches, outages, acquisitions, and regulation, minus the deal roundups and affiliate listicles.
Boston-based Metalenz has acquired Israeli startup PxE Holographic Imaging to introduce a new optical layer called HoloCoder. This technology aims to replace the traditional Bayer filter, a 50-year-old component that currently wastes roughly 60 percent of light by absorbing colors rather than redirecting them.
By using microscopic structures to diffract light waves directly toward pixels, the HoloCoder could allow sensors to collect up to 2.5 times more light. This advancement promises to significantly improve low-light photography and dynamic range in mobile devices. Additionally, the layer can capture 3D depth information and polarization data simultaneously, potentially reducing the need for multiple dedicated sensors or heavy AI processing.
Metalenz CEO Rob Devlin suggests the technology could disrupt the visible sensing market by merging color, depth, and polarization into a single sensor system. While the components may initially serve different markets, the company expects consumer electronics to utilize HoloCoder technology as early as late 2027 or 2028. The company is also collaborating with Qualcomm on a facial biometric system called Polar ID to compete with Apple's Face ID.
The Sony WH‑CH530, released in September 2026, offers on‑ear audio at a $69.99 price point, matching its predecessor. Despite a plastic build, the headphones deliver warm bass, clear mids and articulate treble that make them suitable for dance and electronic tracks. The sound signature leans slightly toward low‑end, but the 30mm dynamic drivers provide a punchy, energetic performance that outpaces many competitors in the same price bracket. Users can tailor the audio with Sony’s Sound Connect app, which offers DSEE upscaling, ten‑band EQ, and multi‑point device switching. The WH‑CH530 also boasts a 55‑hour battery life, comfortable lightweight design, and a 150‑gram weight that keeps fatigue at bay during long listening sessions. However, the pair lack active noise cancellation, wired connectivity, and wear‑detection touch controls, features that some budget on‑ear models now include. Compared with rivals such as the Anker Soundcore Q30 and OneOdio Focus A1 Pro, the WH‑CH530’s audio quality and battery endurance are competitive, though ANC is missing. Overall, the headphones provide strong value for anyone seeking affordable, all‑day comfortable on‑ear audio without premium price tags.
Reddit is introducing Reddit Reviews, a new built-in hub designed to aggregate and analyze consumer product discussions from across its various subreddits. The platform will use artificial intelligence to organize community conversations, pulling together pros, cons, and overall sentiment ratings for specific items. At launch, the service will cover approximately 10,000 products spanning the electronics, fashion, home, and beauty categories.
Users can navigate these pages to find specific details, such as filtering headphone reviews for noise cancellation performance. The company aims to provide a human-centric alternative to traditional review sites by leveraging the lived experiences shared in niche communities. While some product pages will include links to retailers, Reddit stated it will not take a commission on sales and will not allow merchants to pay for inclusion.
This move formalizes a significant trend, as the company previously noted that 40 percent of platform conversations are commercial in nature. The launch also comes as the platform works to combat brand astroturfing and coordinated fake hype. By centralizing these discussions, Reddit is positioning itself as a major player in the digital shopping research landscape.
Garmin has added a new feature that lets cyclists share their location with Waze through its optional LiveTrack service. When a Garmin smartwatch or Edge bike computer user turns on LiveTrack, the device sends the rider’s position to Waze, where it appears as a temporary icon and a notification for drivers. The alert shows the rider’s name, but the company says personal details and the route are not disclosed. The integration is designed to warn motorists of cyclists ahead, especially on long rides away from bike lanes. LiveTrack automatically turns off when the rider ends the activity, and the feature is completely optional. Garmin users already use LiveTrack to keep friends and family updated on their whereabouts. The partnership adds another layer of safety for cyclists, according to Waze.
The King Arthur Baking Company’s Sourdough Sidekick, developed with GE’s FirstBuild lab, automates starter feeding and maintenance. After three weeks of use, the reviewer reports the device has ended a year‑long sourdough slump and keeps the starter active without manual feedings. The appliance, about the size of a Mr. Coffee, holds water, flour, and a glass crock with a stirring paddle, and it can be set to run up to seven days ahead.
Initial setup required a firmware update and careful calibration of water and flour amounts, a process the reviewer found fiddly but necessary for proper hydration. The Sidekick mixes every two hours, producing a loud mechanical whir that can startle users, and it offers Auto, Ratio, and Custom modes, allowing users to adjust feeding ratios or exact quantities. The reviewer noted the device’s lack of temperature control and the loud mixing noise as drawbacks, but praised the power‑loss recovery feature that worked after a breaker tripped.
Despite the quirks, the Sidekick produced a starter that yielded a loaf indistinguishable from one hand‑fed, and the reviewer now has enough starter for multiple boules and sandwich loaves. The product’s price of $180 and optional accessories such as a Crock Grip Band are listed on the manufacturer’s site. The review concludes that the Sidekick’s convenience outweighs its minor inconveniences for home bakers seeking a reliable, hands‑off starter.
Nintendo reported that it shipped 6.49 million Switch 2 units in the July‑September 2026 quarter, a 37.4 % drop from the same period a year earlier. Despite the decline, lifetime Switch 2 sales now total 26.35 million units, surpassing the original Switch’s 19.67 million and PlayStation 5’s 19.3 million at comparable ages. Game sales for the console rose 18.8 % year‑over‑year, with titles such as Rhythm Heaven Groove, Splatoon Raiders and Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave driving the increase. Nintendo’s president Shuntaro Furukawa said the company will lean on the Pokémon franchise to revive hardware demand, citing the 5 million copies sold of Pokémon Pokopia in its first four months. The upcoming Pokémon: Winds / Waves, slated for a 2027 release, is positioned as a key title to boost Switch 2 sales in its third year on the market. The company’s financial results, released on 6 November, confirm the sales figures and outline the strategy to maintain the console’s market lead. Analysts note that the Switch 2’s continued dominance over earlier models reflects strong brand loyalty and a robust game library. Nintendo will monitor the next quarter’s performance to assess the impact of its Pokémon‑centric approach.
SpaceXAI has broadened the reach of its Grok Bot, adding it to a range of subscription plans that previously did not include the feature. The bot is now available on the SuperGrok, Cursor Pro, Cursor Teams, and X Premium+ tiers, giving users more affordable options for AI‑powered task automation. Grok Bot operates from a persistent cloud compute environment, accessing a browser, file system, and terminal to complete tasks such as research, CRM updates, and report generation before requesting user approval. The service is priced from $20 a month for Cursor Pro up to $200 a month for Ultra, with Grok Bot usage resetting weekly and additional usage billed by agent steps and tokens. A free seven‑day trial is also offered, allowing users to test the bot’s capabilities before committing. SpaceXAI’s partnership with Cursor in April 2026 and its subsequent acquisition of the company in August 2026 paved the way for the bot’s launch that same month. The expanded availability reflects SpaceXAI’s strategy to make its AI teammates more accessible to a broader customer base.
Apple’s iOS 27.3 beta includes a new flag for “Conversational Apps,” indicating the company may soon allow AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Claude to run on its HomeView smart‑home hub. The beta also adds bidirectional audio routing and session‑management features, though the developer notes the implementation is not yet complete. In addition, Apple has introduced anti‑spoofing protection that requires a user to authenticate with an iPhone after three failed attempts, and a lockout system that increases wait times from one hour for the second lockout up to eight hours for the fourth. These changes suggest Apple is tightening security for voice‑controlled devices while expanding functionality. No official statement from Apple confirms the new capabilities, and the company has not announced a release timeline. The information comes from a review of the beta code and a tweet by user pdfu on X. As of now, the HomeView platform remains in a testing phase, and users will need to wait for an official update to see these features in action.
Zoom is evolving its platform beyond video conferencing by introducing a Unified Context Layer designed to embed artificial intelligence directly into existing workflows. During a recent showcase in London, company executives explained that the goal is to make digital work feel more natural by capturing the context of conversations to drive productivity. This strategy focuses on a "conversation to completion" model, ensuring that AI tools assist users without requiring them to change their established behaviors.
To support these AI capabilities, Zoom is prioritizing high-quality data inputs through improved audio and video fidelity. Upcoming features include a "touch up my voice" tool for real-time smoothing and pose correction technology to enhance digital eye contact. The company is also developing a live assist feature that provides proactive suggestions, such as coaching users on their speaking pace during active calls.
Expansion in the EMEA region remains a core priority, supported by the opening of a UK data center in November 2025. This infrastructure allows highly regulated sectors, including financial services and the NHS, to utilize Zoom services while meeting local data residency requirements. By keeping its context layer open by design, Zoom aims to integrate its intelligence into the various interfaces customers already use daily.
High‑end routers such as Netgear’s Nighthawk RS700S cost more than $500 and boast speeds up to 19 Gbps, but most households never use that capacity. A budget model under $100 can handle the vast majority of home networking tasks, because a router cannot exceed the speed of the ISP’s plan. The FCC’s broadband benchmark of 100 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up means a cheap router only needs to carry that bandwidth without bottlenecking. Key features for a budget router include gigabit Ethernet ports, parental‑control apps, Wi‑Fi 6 or better, and adequate whole‑home coverage; a mesh system may be preferable for larger houses. Wi‑Fi 7 offers 320‑MHz channels in the 6 GHz band and can double throughput, yet it only benefits users with compatible devices, and the advertised speeds are theoretical. High‑end routers are justified only for specific use cases such as wireless VR streaming, large file transfers across the home network, low‑latency gaming or live streaming, and dense smart‑home setups. For most users, knowing the plan speed, choosing Wi‑Fi 6, ensuring gigabit ports, and matching coverage to space will suffice, keeping costs well below $100.
Mbodi AI, a Y Combinator‑backed robotics startup in New York City, has opened two positions: a Founding Research Engineer and a Senior Robotics Engineer. The roles target individuals with at least one year of research experience or three years of robotics engineering experience, respectively. Compensation ranges from $150,000 to $250,000, plus 0.5% to 2.0% equity, according to the company’s job postings. Mbodi AI describes itself as an embodied AI platform that lets robots learn through natural language, enabling users to teach new skills by speaking. The company claims its approach combines advanced generative models with real‑world industrial applications, and it already partners with global firms such as ABB. Founded in 2024, the six‑person team is part of Y Combinator’s P25 batch and is actively expanding its engineering talent. Candidates can apply directly through Mbodi AI’s website, where the startup emphasizes rapid skill acquisition and production‑ready robot deployment.
The eight‑part drama The Greatest, starring Jaalen Best as Muhammad Ali, premieres on Amazon Prime Video worldwide on November 4. The series, produced with Ali’s estate, follows the boxer’s rise from Cassius Clay to global icon. New Prime Video subscribers can access the show during a 30‑day free trial, while existing members pay CA$9.99 per month or CA$99 annually. Viewers outside the United States will find the library geo‑blocked, but a virtual private network such as NordVPN can bypass the restriction and give access to the same content. NordVPN offers a 75 % discount and three extra months free for new users, and it unlocks Prime Video for streaming from any location. The show is available in the U.K., Canada, Australia, and other regions on the same release date, with all eight episodes dropping simultaneously. The guide also lists the main cast, including Omari Hardwick, Dana Gourrier, and Michael Ealy. For those who have never subscribed, the free trial allows a full season to be watched without cost.
When an iPhone rings, the interface changes depending on whether the device is locked or unlocked. A locked screen displays only a slide‑to‑answer control, while an unlocked screen offers both answer and decline buttons. The decline option appears in a compact banner or across the full screen, but it is always present when the phone is unlocked. If a user wants to reject a call without using the on‑screen button, they can double‑tap the side button to send the caller straight to voicemail. Alternatively, pressing either volume button silences the ring without declining the call, regardless of the screen’s lock state. iPhone also provides a Message option that lets callers receive a text instead of a voicemail, with several pre‑set replies or a custom message. These replies can be edited in Settings > Phone > Respond with Text, allowing users to quickly explain why they cannot answer. For persistent spam or unknown callers, the Screen Unknown Callers setting offers options to silence, ask for a reason, or block the number entirely.
Garmin has unveiled the engineering behind the titanium cases used on its high‑end Fenix 9 Pro and Marq Generation 3 smartwatches. While titanium is lighter and stronger than aluminium and stainless steel, the material blocks radio signals, making a fully metal case impractical for a connected watch. To overcome this, Garmin uses a “nano‑molding” (NMT) process that etches the titanium surface at the nanoscale so polymer can bond directly to the metal without bulky gaskets. The result is a thin, rigid joint that lets Bluetooth, LTE, satellite, ANT+, NFC and Wi‑Fi antennas fit inside the case while keeping the watch’s weight and girth low. Brad Trenkle, Garmin’s COO, explained that the polymer‑titanium bond eliminates the need for large rubber gaskets that would otherwise add bulk. Todd Register, Garmin’s creative lead, described the NMT process as “fine‑grained texturing” that creates interlocking at the nano level. The technique was first tested in 2011 on HTC phones and is now applied to the Marq Generation 3, the first Garmin watch to feature a full metal jacket. Garmin says the new construction will help future models, such as a potential all‑titanium Venu 5, remain lightweight while maintaining water‑resistance and connectivity.
Artificial intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini are increasingly used to search the web by combining traditional browsing with generative synthesis. While these tools excel at handling complex, multi-layered queries, they present unique risks compared to standard search engines. AI is highly effective for simple trivia or when a user needs to collate information from multiple sources into a single, polished answer.
However, the technology can struggle with obscure topics or highly specific requests where web references are scarce. Research from Stanford and UC San Diego suggests that AI may prioritize query relevance over source authority, potentially favoring personal blogs over professional, authoritative websites. This makes AI less reliable for high-stakes searches involving legal, financial, or medical information where precision is mandatory.
Users seeking exact specifications, celebrity quotes, or breaking news may find traditional search engines more effective for maintaining control over sources. For those utilizing AI, it is essential to verify the provided links and cross-reference facts to ensure the chatbot has not misinterpreted data or hallucinated an answer. Ultimately, while AI offers significant convenience, traditional searching remains superior for accuracy and source transparency.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill that legalizes plug‑in balcony solar panels for renters in California, allowing units that do not require a roof, contractor, or large upfront cost. The law permits panels up to 1,200 watts, requiring third‑party safety certification and back‑feed protection, and eliminates the $800 interconnection paperwork that previously applied to rooftop systems. Existing plug‑in models cost between $300 and $2,200 and can be mounted on balcony railings, windows, or backyards, with the first compliant products expected on shelves by mid‑2027. The legislation aims to include renters, low‑income households, and multifamily residents who have been excluded from rooftop solar due to ownership or financing barriers. The bill passed with bipartisan support, and state Senator Scott Wiener, who authored the measure, said the panels would give renters relief from rising energy bills. Manufacturers must develop California‑certified systems, with non‑compliant sales becoming illegal in 2030, while the law will remain in force until January 1, 2030. California is the tenth state to pass such a law, following Utah, Colorado, Virginia, and Maine, and its large electricity market is expected to drive broader adoption.
A sunrise alarm clock simulates the gradual brightening of dawn to cue the body’s circadian rhythm, offering a gentler wake‑up than traditional beeping alarms. The Wired guide explains how the light ramps over 10 minutes to an hour, with optional sound effects that can be set to play as the light rises. It also highlights a sunset mode that slowly dims the lamp, helping users wind down and prepare for sleep, a feature found in models like Hatch and Lumie. Key features to consider include the brightness of the lamp, the variety of sound options, app connectivity, and whether the device doubles as a bedside lamp. The review recommends Lumie’s Bodyclock Luxe 700FM as the top choice for its powerful illumination, radio connectivity, and dual sunrise/sunset settings, though it lacks Wi‑Fi. Hatch’s Restore 3, praised for its app‑driven customization and extensive sound library, is noted as the most popular model, though its lamp is dimmer than desired and requires a subscription for full content. WiiM’s Wake‑Up Light offers a budget alternative with a compact design, bright colors, and a decent selection of tones, making it suitable for users who want basic functionality. Overall, the guide encourages readers to match their budget and feature preferences to the right sunrise alarm, noting that these devices can improve sleep quality and reduce reliance on snooze buttons.
Binance announced on Friday it is actively pursuing the recovery of more than $6 billion that was siphoned from its hot wallets in a cyber‑attack attributed to a North Korean hacking unit known as TraderTraitor. The exchange said it is coordinating with law‑enforcement agencies, stable‑coin issuers such as Circle and Tether, and blockchain‑intelligence firms like TRM Labs to trace, freeze and, where possible, seize the stolen assets. Within an hour of the breach, TRM Labs reported that $2.4 billion of the stolen funds had already been frozen by issuers, bringing the total frozen amount to roughly $3 billion. However, the bulk of the loss - about $2.4 billion in Bitcoin and Ether - remains on public blockchains and cannot be halted by issuers. Binance’s plan is to move any recoverable assets into wallets that the hackers cannot access, obtain a U.S. seizure warrant, and then pursue civil forfeiture proceedings to transfer the funds to victims or the government. The company also pledged to cover the full losses from its own reserves. Experts note that the recovery timeline is highly uncertain; a Swiss firm recovered $10.5 million in 14 months, while the Bybit hack in 2025 cost $1.5 billion. The incident underscores how cryptocurrency exchanges can be targeted by state‑backed actors to bypass sanctions and finance illicit activity.
Akai has teased a new MPC Sample Key on Instagram, announcing that the device will ship with open‑source firmware so makers can modify it. Exclusive images from The Verge show the Sample Key shares the MPC Sample’s layout but omits the “chop” button, indicating a shift from drum‑break slicing to pitched sample playback. The front panel features dedicated pitch and mod wheels, octave‑range buttons, and new “chord” and “arp” controls that likely enable chord‑playback mode and an arpeggiator. A separate looper button and a mysterious “Swarm” effect slot suggest the device is geared toward live performance and layering, while the original Flex Beat effects are replaced. The unit also comes with a built‑in microphone and speaker for all‑in‑one production, and front‑panel clues hint at CV outputs for modular synth integration. Akai has not yet provided a launch date or price, leaving the community to speculate on when the open‑source hardware will hit stores. The Verge’s images confirm that the Sample Key will be a 37‑key controller, similar to its predecessor, but with a focus on melodic rather than rhythmic use. With the open‑source promise, users can expect a vibrant modding scene, potentially extending the device’s capabilities beyond its factory‑installed features.
Fairphone unveiled its second generation earbuds, the Fairbuds 2, on 14 October 2026. The wireless pair launched in Europe immediately and reached the United States on 2 November. Priced at $119 in the U.S. and £99 in the U.K., the buds are cheaper than Apple’s AirPods 5 while offering a full‑size ear‑tip and a lightweight 5.8‑gram design. They feature 11‑mm drivers, Bluetooth 6.0, and active noise cancellation that delivers six hours of playback with ANC on and eight hours without. The charging case holds up to 40 hours of battery life and includes a three‑LED status indicator. Fairphone emphasizes sustainability: the earbuds contain no PFAS “forever chemicals,” are built from recycled materials, and are repairable. An optional companion app provides EQ presets, ANC mode switching, and a Find‑My‑Earbuds tool. While the sound quality is described as “fine” and not top‑tier, the ANC performance is surprisingly solid for the price point. Overall, the Fairbuds 2 offer a budget‑friendly, eco‑conscious alternative to mainstream competitors. Consumers appreciate the brand’s commitment to circular design, and the earbuds’ lightweight construction makes them comfortable for all-day wear.
Texas voters are rallying against the rapid growth of data centers, a key issue in the state's upcoming midterm elections. A coalition called We the People Texas, led by NAACP president Gary Bledsoe, claims to represent up to 1 million voters and has joined groups across the political spectrum to halt or slow new data‑center projects. An August poll found 57 % of Texans oppose construction, with 43 % of Republicans, 75 % of Democrats and 54 % of independents saying no. Local battles include plans in Taylor to build a center on a former park, resistance in Temple that has sparked recall attempts, and San Marcos becoming the first Texas city to ban data centers outright. The controversy has forced candidates in the governor’s race - Republican Greg Abbott versus Democrat Gina Hinojosa - and the Senate contest between Ken Paxton and James Talarico to distance themselves from the industry. Grassroots groups such as Save Rural Texas, co‑founded by Jet Parker, have trained communities to block projects and warned that continued support for data centers could cost Republicans the state. The debate underscores the broader concerns over water use, tax subsidies and new power plants needed to feed the expanding tech infrastructure.
The De'Longhi Magnifica Start is an affordable bean‑to‑cup machine that comes in several variants across the UK, Australia and the US. The review unit, model ECAM220.61.W, is sold in Australia for AU$799 and in the UK for £399.99, while a US version adds a cappuccino preset and retails for $749.95. The machine offers four one‑touch functions - espresso, coffee, latte macchiato and hot water - making it a simple option for small households. Espresso shots are extracted quickly, in about 30 seconds, with a creamy crema, and a slightly coarser grind improves taste. The automatic LatteCrema system delivers a generous, oat‑milk foam that rivals a manual wand, and the clearly marked milk carafe simplifies use. Cleaning is aided by dishwasher‑safe parts and a compact footprint that fits narrow counters. The control panel is minimalist but less intuitive than the KitchenAid KF2, which has clearly labelled buttons, so users may need a brief learning period. Overall, the Magnifica Start offers a good price‑to‑performance ratio for one‑ or two‑person kitchens, though those seeking more drink options might look to the higher‑end Magnifica Evo Next or the Ninja Luxe Café.
In a 2023 TEDx talk, Dino Ambrosi warned that 18‑year‑olds in the U.S. have only 334 months of adult life, and 93% of their free time will be spent on screens. He calculated that this leaves just 22 months for teens to pursue other interests, and he argues that framing time as a valuable resource can prompt a shift in behavior. Ambrosi’s Project Reboot uses school assemblies, parent workshops, and on‑campus initiatives to teach teens that time is being “stolen” by tech companies. He cites a Common Sense Media study showing teens average 8 hours 39 minutes of entertainment screen time daily, and stresses that parents should adopt a non‑judgmental tone. Practical tools he recommends include the ClearSpace app, which imposes breathing breaks and limits visits, and habits like sleeping with the phone far from the bedside. He also advises keeping social apps on a single device to preserve the computer as a work tool. Ambrosi reports growing student engagement, with clubs creating phone‑free spaces and schools adopting bell‑to‑bell bans in some states. The movement has gained traction nationwide, and Ambrosi remains optimistic that teens will continue to lead the conversation.
While standard indoor Ethernet cables can be run outdoors, the flexible PVC jacket is vulnerable to UV light and weather, causing cracks and signal loss over time. Outdoor exposure also subjects the copper conductors to moisture and potential lightning strikes, further degrading performance and posing safety risks. To protect the connection, use cables specifically rated for outdoor use, such as direct‑burial or outdoor‑rated Cat6, which feature weather‑resistant polyethylene jackets and, in many cases, water‑blocking tape or gel. Look for markings like CMX, OSP, UV‑resistant, or “outdoor” on the jacket, and confirm the cable’s rating in the accompanying documentation or by checking the National Electrical Code and UL guidance. Install surge protection at both ends of the run to guard against lightning and voltage spikes, especially if the cable will be exposed to the elements. When running the cable underground, choose a direct‑burial type that can withstand soil pressure and moisture, and verify local ordinances on conduit depth and cable type. For short exterior runs to an access point, a Cat6 outdoor‑rated cable is sufficient, but always secure the cable with clips and avoid sharp bends to prevent abrasion. Using outdoor‑rated fiber optic cables is another option, though any equipment exposed to weather remains vulnerable.
Elon Musk announced that SpaceX had temporarily restricted Ukraine’s Starlink internet service after the Ukrainian government claimed the connectivity problems had been resolved. Musk said the restriction was due to Ukraine’s alleged use of the civilian Starlink network for offensive drone strikes, which he said violated the company’s terms of service. He also clarified that the military‑grade Starshield system, controlled by the U.S. government, was separate and not subject to the same limits. Ukrainian officials, including presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov, called Musk’s claim “very strange,” and Kyiv has not issued an official statement. The restriction reportedly limited Starlink speeds to 70‑90 km/h and disabled service over Russian territory, which some officials said made it impossible to use the network for deep‑strike missions. Ukraine’s Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara later reported a “stable connection” with drones reaching speeds above 400 km/h, suggesting the service had been restored. Musk denied that he had deliberately throttled the connection and noted that he had been told by President Trump to “put it back,” a claim Trump denied. The incident coincided with a diplomatic row over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, which had heightened tensions between Washington and Kyiv.
The CRKD Nitro Deck 2 turns a Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 into a handheld gamepad with a secure clamp that holds the console in place. Its design prioritises ergonomics, featuring soft edges, a kickstand, and a retro‑styled Pal Grey finish, but the inward‑angled pads and 12.8 oz weight can feel awkward when held upright. The controller offers wired and Bluetooth connectivity, and a U‑shaped USB‑C adapter lets users connect to the console or PC while still using the deck. A companion mobile app allows users to remap buttons, enable a “No Deadzone” mode, and adjust joystick tension via dials, though the app must be re‑opened with a button combo each time. In play tests the joysticks are precise and responsive, and the 15‑20‑hour battery life matches CRKD’s claim, but the deck must be charged separately from the console. The Nitro Deck 2 also doubles as a standalone controller for iOS, Android, and PC, and its included legacy adapter keeps Switch 1 compatibility. Priced at $89.99 (≈£89.99), the deck offers a full‑featured handheld solution that few other third‑party accessories can match. While the weight and ergonomics may deter some users, the deck’s versatility and solid build make it a compelling choice for Switch 2 owners who want a portable, all‑in‑one controller.
Google Search Central has issued new guidance for site owners dealing with PHP patch downtime, recommending the use of a 503 status code instead of generic 404 or 200 responses. The 503 should only be served for one to two days, as prolonged errors may cause URLs to drop from the index. In a separate post, Google clarified that standard robots.txt directives control crawling but do not dictate how content is later used, especially for AI training. The company highlighted the Google-Extended user‑agent token, which can signal whether crawled content may be used for Gemini model training. A Cloudflare‑OpenAI pilot identified hundreds of millions of new pages for ChatGPT, though it does not guarantee those pages will be cited. Google also addressed bracket URLs, noting that percent‑encoded brackets create distinct URLs and should be used consistently across links, sitemaps, and structured data. Finally, Google announced support for JPEG XL images in Google Images and Discover, expanding image format options for webmasters.
The ASUS ProArt P16 is ASUS’s first laptop to use NVIDIA’s RTX Spark system‑on‑chip, a platform aimed at AI‑heavy creators. It features a 16‑inch OLED display, a lightweight aluminum chassis that weighs 3.9 lb, and a spacious keyboard and touchpad. The RTX Spark chip bundles a 20‑core Arm CPU, a Blackwell GPU, and up to 128 GB of unified memory, allowing the machine to run large models such as Qwen 3.8 27B while still handling other tasks. Benchmarks show the GPU outperforms Apple’s M5 Max in GPU and AI tests, but the CPU lags behind Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips in single‑thread performance. The laptop can play demanding games like Control Resonant and Cyberpunk 2077 at high settings without stalling, though fans are loud. Pricing starts at $2,800 and climbs to $7,000 for the 128 GB configuration, making it a premium, expensive option. The device offers a full complement of ports, including three USB‑C, USB‑A, HDMI, headphone jack, and SD‑card reader, but lacks Ethernet. Overall, the ProArt P16 delivers strong AI and graphics performance in a slim, professional package, but its high cost limits its appeal to niche creators.
President Donald Trump called Elon Musk to ask him to lift the restrictions on the military‑grade Starlink system used by Ukraine. The request came after Musk had imposed a speed cap on the Starshield network, which Ukraine relies on for communications and logistics during its war with Russia. According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump spoke to Musk by phone and urged him to restore normal service. Musk had previously announced the slowdown following concerns about the system’s use by Ukrainian forces. Trump denied knowing who had ordered the throttling and said he was not involved in the decision. U.S. and Ukrainian officials reported that Starlink was working more normally shortly after the call. The move has drawn criticism from lawmakers who question the U.S. government’s control over critical technology. Sen. Richard Blumenthal has opened an inquiry into the decision, while Sen. John Cornyn suggested Musk would not throttle Starlink without White House approval. Trump said he would not comment on whether he made the call, stating “whether I called or not makes no difference.”
PHP developers have issued emergency security patches to resolve two critical remote code execution flaws that attackers are actively exploiting. The vulnerabilities, tracked as CVE-2026-109618 and CVE-2026-109619, stem from memory handling errors and carry critical severity scores of 9.2 out of 10. Official updates were released across supported branches covering PHP 8.2 through 8.5.
Details regarding the flaws leaked online two days before the scheduled disclosure, prompting several European public sector websites to shut down preemptively. Millions of public servers remain exposed, with cybersecurity specialists warning that deployments using older, unsupported software face heightened threats. Cloudflare confirmed that malicious actors had already initiated exploitation attempts prior to the patch release.
Maintainers strongly urged administrators to update their installations immediately to prevent unauthenticated server takeovers. While minimal backports were provided for legacy branches, engineers recommended tightening request limits and container isolation for systems unable to upgrade right away.
Tesla announced it plans to begin selling its Cybercab robotaxi units to customers before the end of 2026. The company’s VP of engineering, Lars Moravy, said the vehicles are already being produced at the Texas Gigafactory for Tesla’s internal fleet. If sales to the public succeed, Tesla will start with a limited rollout, learning how to manage autonomous vehicles in customer hands. Musk noted that most Cybercabs would remain under Tesla’s ride‑service operations, with the company owning the majority of the fleet. The Cybercab lacks steering wheels and brake pedals, relying exclusively on Tesla’s Full Self‑Driving software, which is currently only available in a supervised mode. Tesla plans to enable the unsupervised version of its Full Self‑Driving suite on some customer units by the second quarter of 2027, according to AI director Ashok Elluswamy. Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a probe into the Cybercab’s self‑certification process to verify compliance with federal safety standards.
9 Mothers, a U.S. AI mission systems company, has announced it is expanding its Austin, Texas office with seven new positions across perception, hardware, and software engineering. The company develops counter‑drone systems that integrate autonomous perception, kinetic engagement, and a rapid kill chain, aiming to reduce deployment timelines from years to months. Emphasizing short iteration loops, the team collects real‑world telemetry to refine hardware and software in real time, keeping operators involved from day one. Open roles include Perception Engineer, Manufacturing Engineering Lead, UAS Pilot, Radar Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, and Chief of Staff, with additional positions in audio ML, DSP, and systems. Candidates are urged to apply even if a specific title is not listed, and recruiters are requested not to contact the company directly. 9 Mothers highlights that the work is the perk, offering ownership of complete systems rather than isolated tickets. The company’s mission is to produce affordable, manufacturable weapons for the U.S. and its allies, with a focus on cost‑per‑shot and serviceability and maintain operational readiness.
YouTube is reportedly testing a change that would move the dislike button from its current position next to the like button into the three‑dots submenu. The shift was first noticed by users on X and Reddit who shared screenshots showing the button either hidden or relocated. If the redesign is rolled out widely, it would make the dislike feature less visible and potentially reduce how often it is used. Google has not yet commented on the test, and it is unclear how many accounts or regions are affected. The move follows earlier changes, such as the 2021 decision to hide public dislike counts to protect creators and the removal of the button from Shorts. Creators can still see dislike counts on their own videos, but the public‑facing button would be harder to access. The company’s next steps remain uncertain, but the change could signal a broader effort to curb harassment and improve user experience. The test reflects YouTube’s ongoing experimentation with interface tweaks aimed at balancing community feedback and platform moderation.
Hazel, a YC‑backed startup, is recruiting a full‑stack engineer to deploy its AI‑driven procurement platform for U.S. government agencies. The role requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance with polygraph, and it will be based in Washington, D.C., with remote options for New York and U.S. locations. Hazel’s mission is to cut the $2.7 trillion annual procurement spend by accelerating vendor evaluation and award processes through AI, serving federal, state, local, and education agencies. Candidates must have at least three years of full‑stack experience, be proficient in Python, TypeScript, React, PostgreSQL, Docker, and AWS, and have a track record of building complex, workflow‑heavy applications. The position involves architecting new features, customizing the platform for a large federal contract, and ensuring compliance with security accreditation standards such as IL‑6 and ICD‑503. Hazel offers a salary of $150,000 to $200,000, 0.25% to 0.5% equity, generous benefits, relocation assistance, unlimited PTO, and sponsorship for a Top Secret clearance. Applicants will spend up to 25% of their time onsite with customers, with all travel covered, and will work in classified environments that require air‑gapped deployment. The startup emphasizes learning, cross‑functional collaboration, and mission‑driven impact, positioning itself as one of the first companies to secure work with a major U.S. government agency.
Dutch startup Respyre has created a bioreceptive concrete coating named Mosscrete that enables moss to thrive directly on vertical walls. Originating from research conducted at Delft University of Technology, the material draws moisture entirely from rainfall and ambient air. Because moss anchors through tiny rhizoids rather than damaging root networks, the coating protects the underlying structure without requiring supplemental soil or dedicated irrigation pipelines.
The company has already deployed the technology across eight testing sites in the Netherlands and Belgium. In Kortrijk, Belgium, contractors applied the material over 450 square meters of a new warehouse facade linked to rainwater catchment. In Hoofddorp, the coating covers a 300-square-meter highway noise barrier to examine passive moisture absorption alongside acoustic damping. Another deployment on social housing in Purmerend offered a low-maintenance alternative to cost-prohibitive vertical gardens.
Additional trials explore practical city benefits beyond visual greening. In Amsterdam, municipal bridge piers coated in the material discourage graffiti while researchers measure natural growth under variable humidity. Testing in Haarlem showed that while damp moss aids surface cooling through evaporation, dry moss requires careful placement away from relentless sunlight.
The orange dot that appears on the left side of a Samsung Galaxy Watch’s face is a notification indicator that stays visible until all unread alerts are cleared. When the dot turns red, it signals an urgent message that should be checked immediately. The feature is present on every recent Galaxy Watch model, including the Watch 8, Watch 9, and Ultra 2, and is part of Samsung’s minimalist design approach to conserve screen real estate. Users can turn the indicator off by navigating to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings on the watch, or through the Wearable app on a paired phone under Watch Settings > Notifications > Advanced notification settings. Other small icons on the watch provide quick status cues: a phone icon with a slash indicates a Bluetooth disconnection, a cloud rectangle shows mobile data or Wi‑Fi use, a padlock means the watch is locked, a blue music note reflects audio playback, and a green phone icon appears during calls. These symbols help users manage their device without needing to open the watch or phone. The orange dot’s simple design keeps users informed while keeping the watch face uncluttered.
Appliance maker Dreame has introduced a compact portable coffee machine designed to brew espresso outdoors without requiring an external kettle. Primarily known for robot vacuums and styling tools, the company engineered the Ecceluxe Go to overcome constraints found in rival travel brewers that rely on preheated water. The device integrates a lithium-ion battery and miniature heating elements capable of warming liquid for an individual serving.
Roughly the size of a small thermos, the unit includes interchangeable adapters compatible with ground coffee, Nespresso Classic, Dolce Gusto, and Easy Serve Espresso pods. Users twist an adapter onto the base, fill the upper water reservoir, and rest the assembly above the included transparent cup using folding support legs. Operation relies on a single touch-sensitive screen offering two settings, which accommodate either cold water or preheated liquids.
A built-in digital display tracks water temperature during the heating process before forcing hot liquid through the coffee grounds. Early hands-on testing suggests the machine yields a mild but balanced single shot of espresso. Dreame plans to release the device in the United States, Spain, and Portugal by the end of the year, while British availability remains unannounced.
The new Slate EV truck, priced at $24,950, offers a 5‑foot bed with 35.1 cubic feet of cargo space and a 7‑cubic‑foot frunk. Compared to the 2026 Ford F‑150 and Maverick, the Slate’s payload is 1,550 pounds and towing 2,000 pounds, lower than gas trucks but competitive among compact pickups. Range drops sharply when towing; at 2,000 pounds the Slate’s 205‑mile range falls to about 100 miles, similar to other EV trucks. The base model is barebones, with many features like speakers and suspension upgrades sold as add‑ons, pushing the price above the entry level. For everyday users needing occasional heavy loads - bikes, furniture, camping gear - the Slate offers a cheaper alternative to SUVs and a more convenient bed. Post‑launch testing will confirm hauling performance, but early data suggests the Slate can match other compact pickups if price and range are acceptable. The vehicle’s launch could broaden EV adoption among pickup buyers who value affordability and cargo capacity.
Apple revealed its HomeView smart display in a three‑minute ad that shows a busy family kitchen, positioning the device as a hands‑free cooking assistant that pulls up recipes instantly. HomeView strips a recipe to ingredient lists, step‑by‑step instructions and timers, all navigable by voice and Siri, removing the need to scroll through long web pages. Recipe writers say the feature removes the ads and affiliate links that many free recipes rely on for revenue. Eater’s Bettina Makalintal argues that stripping content breaks the “unspoken social contract” between writers and readers. Apple insists every recipe loaded on HomeView must first be opened on an iPhone or Safari, guaranteeing at least one ad impression per visit. Critics warn readers lose helpful background details, such as troubleshooting tips or ingredient substitutions, that are often buried in the original page’s narrative. HomeView follows Amazon’s Echo Show and 2021 startup Recipeasly, but Apple’s Siri integration and focus on a seamless kitchen experience differentiate it. As smart‑display adoption rises, the debate over monetization and content ownership is expected to grow.
LG Display has introduced FLiPP, a new OLED manufacturing process that eliminates fine metal masks and uses photolithography to refine the organic emissive layers. The company said the technique raises production efficiency from 75% to over 93% and improves material utilization from 40% to 74%. In addition, FLiPP boosts pixel aperture to 65% and can increase luminance by 1.6 times, extend lifespan by 2.4 times, or cut power consumption by 13%. The technology is still in early development, with LG Display planning to start mass production around late 2027, targeting 23.5‑inch panels for monitors and laptops. The first commercial units are expected to appear at CES 2028. LG Display is evaluating whether existing LCD and WOLED lines can be adapted for FLiPP or if new facilities are needed, but prefers to reuse current plants. The company’s CTO, Choi Young‑seok, highlighted that the improved efficiency could lower costs and enable brighter, longer‑lasting OLED displays without higher prices.
Apple has opened preorders for its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, at a starting price of $1,999 for the 256‑GB model. The device, unveiled at Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event, features a 5.4‑inch outer display that expands to a 7.6‑inch Super Retina XDR panel. It runs on the A20 Pro chip, shares the 48‑megapixel fusion camera with the iPhone 18 Pro, and is built with an IP68 rating and Ceramic Shield 2 on the back. Touch ID is the only biometric option, as the phone lacks Face ID, and Apple Pencil support is slated for a later update. Preorders are available through Apple and Best Buy, with the device scheduled to ship on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Carrier offers include up to $1,200 off with AT&T trade‑ins, $1,000 off from T‑Mobile, and a $40 activation‑fee waiver from Verizon. AT&T also provides up to $800 in reward‑card credit for new line activations, while Verizon’s Simplicity Pro plan bundles the phone with extra perks for a monthly fee. The Duo will be available in Star White and Night Sky, with Apple Pencil support expected later in the year.
ASML, Europe's largest firm, is struggling to meet the surging demand for its specialized semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The company produces massive machines costing approximately $200 million each, which are essential for creating nanometer-scale circuitry in advanced computer chips. As the artificial intelligence sector expands, chipmakers are rushing to increase capacity, leading to order backlogs of up to four years.
This intense demand is driven by both traditional semiconductor manufacturers and new industry entrants, including Elon Musk's proposed Texas-based project, Terrafab. During recent earnings reports, ASML indicated it likely cannot keep pace with market requirements for at least the next two years.
To address these shortages, the company is working to increase supplier capacity and accelerate machine assembly processes. ASML has also broken ground on a new facility in the Netherlands to provide a long-term solution, though this site is not expected to be operational until 2029.
Nvidia announced its first credible ARM‑based gaming chip for Windows, the RTX Spark, during a six‑hour deep‑dive at Computex. The chip can be equipped with up to 20 CPU cores and 128 GB of LPDDR5X memory, enabling large AI models and generative workloads to run locally on a thin laptop chassis. Nvidia claims the chip delivers performance comparable to an RTX 570 Mobile and can run demanding titles at 100+ FPS in 1440p with DLSS 5 and FrameGen enhancements. Local AI capabilities allow developers to avoid cloud tokens, while creators can perform real‑time photo editing and Blender rendering. The company also announced that anti‑cheat compatibility has been resolved for hundreds of games, and that the chip supports Windows on ARM. Nvidia’s partners, including Microsoft, are working on agent management and routing AI requests between local and cloud models, aiming to make AI more accessible for everyday users. The announcement positions RTX Spark as a powerful, energy‑efficient solution for gaming, content creation, and AI development on ARM‑based Windows devices.
Adobe has rearchitected several of its flagship creative applications to integrate with NVIDIA's new RTX Spark system-on-chip platform. According to Adobe VP Deepa Subramaniam, the updates specifically target Photoshop, Premiere, and Substance 3D to enhance performance for creative professionals.
The RTX Spark hardware is designed to allow Windows laptops and small desktops to process AI tasks locally on the device. This differs from the enterprise-focused DGX Spark, as it aims to provide accessible AI capabilities for designers, filmmakers, and novice developers.
Subramaniam stated that these optimized applications can perform AI tasks and editing workflows up to twice as fast. Photoshop users will experience improved responsiveness and real-time rendering, while Premiere users should see speed gains in color grading and AI-powered editing. Substance 3D Painter will also benefit from faster texturing and project management capabilities.
Ledger announced the Atom, a new crypto‑centric device that looks like an Android phone but is designed to work alongside a smartphone. The Atom is a data‑only Android phone with an eSIM that can only transmit data, no calls or texts. It runs both Android OS and Ledger OS on a secure element chip, allowing users to perform crypto transactions in a protected environment and to send encrypted messages that are decrypted only on the recipient’s device. Ledger has built the Atom with AI agents in mind, partnering with OpenClaw so that agents can manage financial tasks while requiring physical approval for each transaction. The device features a 6.77‑inch OLED display limited to 60 Hz, a Qualcomm Dragonwing chip, a single rear camera, and a 4,000‑mAh battery, and it will receive five years of Android updates and seven years of spare‑part support. Ledger has also added physical anti‑tampering measures, including a protective enclosure, cover‑detection, and tamper‑evident packaging, in response to a recent supply‑chain theft that cost users more than $86 million in stolen crypto. Reservations for the Founder’s Edition start at $849 with a refundable $100 deposit, and the device is slated to launch in summer 2027.
SanDisk’s 8‑terabyte Desk Drive now sells for $899.99, equating to $112.50 per terabyte. The price drop makes it cheaper per unit than internal SSDs and other external drives, including the Samsung 870 QVO, which retails at $1,480 ($185/TB). In lab tests, the Desk Drive delivered read speeds of 1,032 MB/s and write speeds of 1,010 MB/s, and it completed a 1‑TB copy of 1,200 RAW and JPEG images in just under two minutes. Video editing in Final Cut Pro with 4K footage ran smoothly with no dropped frames. The drive’s compact form factor and plug‑in power make it suitable for creators, small offices and studios, though its bulkier design may be less convenient for laptop use. While the current price is a solid deal, the drive’s performance is slightly behind newer SanDisk Extreme models, and buyers with less than 8 TB of storage might find smaller drives cheaper. Overall, the Desk Drive offers a high‑capacity, fast, and affordable solution for users who need large, portable storage.
Samsung has committed to seven years of software updates for its 2024 and select 2023 models running the Tizen OS, ensuring firmware and app support until at least 2031. LG launched the webOS Re:New program in early 2024, guaranteeing four years of updates for 2022‑2024 TVs, though the latest webOS releases arrive a year later on newer models. Sony does not set a fixed support window; its 2025 Bravia K‑65XR80M2 OLED is slated for end‑of‑life in April 2029, while the Bravia 2 II K‑65S25VM2 receives security updates through June 2030. TCL’s policy is vague, offering “typically” at least two years of security updates after a model’s first shipment, with most units running Google TV or Roku TV. In Europe, Hisense’s VIDAA OS promises up to eight years of support for models shipped since 2025, whereas U.S. Hisense TVs often run Android or Roku platforms with less clear longevity. Insignia’s Fire OS provides at least four years of updates, matching Amazon’s commitment, while Vizio’s Vizio OS offers regular firmware updates but no fixed end‑of‑life date. For users whose TVs fall outside these guarantees, adding a streaming box can extend app access and security updates.
In 2026, camera makers Sony and Canon pushed the envelope with new flagship models, while Nikon and Fujifilm stayed quiet. Sony unveiled the A7 V, A7R VI and RX10 V; Canon released the EOS R6 Mark III and the EOS R8 Mark II. Nikon, however, only added a view‑finder‑less 'C' version of the Z5 II, and Fujifilm has yet to launch any new body. The author argues that a lack of yearly releases is not a problem because existing models, like Nikon’s Z5 II and Fujifilm’s X‑T5, still set industry standards. The X‑T5, released in 2022, remains the benchmark for APS‑C mirrorless cameras, and Nikon’s Z5 II already established the entry‑level full‑frame benchmark in 2025. Even with no new Fujifilm X‑T6 on the horizon, the company’s current lineup continues to offer class‑leading performance. The piece concludes that a quiet year for major brands is a normal cycle, and consumers need not be alarmed by the lack of fresh releases.