Category: Uncategorized

US & China Signal Progress Toward TikTok Deal; Details Still Unclear After a call between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, both sides signaled movement toward a TikTok deal — but major details remain fuzzy. Trump posted on Truth Social that the two had "made progress" on "approval of the TikTok Deal" and reportedly told reporters he "approved the TikTok deal." Chinese state media framed the call differently, saying Xi "respects the wishes of the company in question" and supports business negotiations consistent with market rules and Chinese law. "We thank President Xi Jinping and President Donald J. Trump for their efforts to preserve TikTok in the United States. ByteDance will work in accordance with applicable laws to ensure TikTok remains available to American users through TikTok U.S."…

iOS 26: Release, Compatibility & Key Features Apple released iOS 26 on September 15, 2025. The update brings a major visual redesign called "Liquid Glass," new features like Live Translate, polls in Messages, a revamped Phone and Camera app, screenshot search with AI help, and many lock-screen and productivity improvements. Is your iPhone compatible? Short answer: If your iPhone was announced in 2019 or later, it will likely support iOS 26. Important note: three 2018 models are not supported — iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. For the official compatibility list and device-by-device details, see Apple's support page: Apple — iPhone models compatible with iOS 26. Why you might wait (or not) If you want smaller, security-only fixes, Apple also offers iOS 18.7 as a conservative option. Upgrading…

iOS 26 — What’s New and How to Tweak Liquid Glass iOS 26 is officially available (released Sept 15, 2025). The headline change is the new "Liquid Glass" translucent UI that appears across the home/lock screens and in apps. Alongside the design refresh, Apple added numerous feature upgrades across Phone, Messages, Camera, Photos and AirPods. Quick highlights Liquid Glass translucent design (you can reduce transparency via Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Reduce Transparency, or reduce motion to tone down animations) Phone redesign with Hold Assist (notify you when an agent answers so you can leave the call on hold) Live Translation for Phone, FaceTime and Messages (on-device Apple Intelligence) Messages: filtering for unknown senders and polls in group chats Visual Intelligence: search what’s on your screen…

Microsoft raises Xbox prices in the US (effective Oct 3) Engadget reports Microsoft will raise Xbox console prices in the United States starting October 3. The site has reached out to Microsoft for comment. Microsoft has cited "changes in the macroeconomic environment" as the reason. New prices (US) Xbox Series S (512GB): $400 (up $20) Xbox Series S (1TB): $450 (up $20) Xbox Series X Digital: $600 (up $50) Xbox Series X: $650 (up $50) Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition: $800 (up $70) These increases follow a previous price bump earlier this year in May. The higher-end Series X prices now compare unfavorably to Sony's PS5 models in some cases. Why it matters Higher prices may push buyers toward streaming, waiting for sales, or choosing competing consoles. Microsoft…

Neuralink plans October US trial to translate thoughts into text — what to know Neuralink says it will begin a U.S. clinical trial in October to test an implanted brain-computer interface (BCI) that translates thoughts into text. The study is proceeding under an FDA investigational device exemption and aims to help people with severe speech impairments communicate by using signals from the speech cortex. Key details Target: People with paralysis or severe speech impairment. Goal: Translate imagined speech directly from the cortex to text or control virtual keyboards — faster than current approaches that use intermediate input. Regulatory path: FDA investigational device exemption for a clinical study. Quote Neuralink president DJ Seo: “If you're imagining saying something, we would be able to pick that up.” Why it matters Success could…

Microsoft raises Xbox prices in the US — effective Oct 3 Microsoft announced another round of Xbox price increases in the US, taking effect October 3. This follows an earlier price change in May. New retail prices are: Xbox Series S (512GB): $400 (up $20 from $380) Xbox Series S (1TB): $450 (up $20 from $430) Xbox Series X Digital: $600 (up $50 from $550) Xbox Series X (1TB): $650 (up $50 from $600) Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition: $800 (up $70 from $730) Those are notable hikes, especially on higher-end Series X models. By comparison, the Series X Digital now costs about $50 more than the PS5 Digital Edition, and the $800 2TB special edition is pricier than the $750 PS5 Pro while offering less competitive performance…

Microsoft raises Xbox prices in the US starting Oct 3 Microsoft will increase Xbox console prices in the United States starting October 3. The hikes affect multiple models and range from $20 up to $70. This follows an earlier price increase in May. New prices (US) Xbox Series S (512GB): $400 (up $20 from $380) — Find on Amazon Xbox Series S (1TB): $450 (up $20 from $430) — Find on Amazon Xbox Series X Digital: $600 (up $50 from $550) — Find on Amazon Xbox Series X: $650 (up $50 from $600) — Find on Amazon Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Special Edition: $800 (up $70 from $730) — Find on Amazon Source: original reporting by Engadget (no RSS link included). We'll update if Microsoft posts an official announcement.…

Meross MA151H — Matter Smart Smoke Alarm (MA151H) Meross recently launched the MA151H, a Matter‑compatible smart smoke alarm that integrates with major smart home platforms (Apple Home, Amazon Alexa and Google Home) via the Matter protocol — when used with the Meross Matter Hub (MSH450). Key features 3‑in‑1: smoke detection, intrusion detection and tamper alerts. Dual optical sensors and insect‑proof mesh for fast, accurate detection and fewer false alarms. Built‑in 85 dB alarm; when paired with the Meross Matter Hub the hub can sound a louder 110 dB alert and coordinate alarms across devices. Replaceable AA batteries (approx. 3 years). Device lifespan ~10 years. Certified to EN14604 and tested by SGS/DBI. 10 years of event record storage and mute/hush features. Compatibility & requirements The MA151H supports Matter, meaning it can…

Bose SoundLink Home — compact, app‑free Bluetooth speaker now in Germany Bose has launched the SoundLink Home in Germany. Already released in the US last year, this Bluetooth speaker is designed primarily for home use and notably does not require or support a dedicated app — pairing and operation are handled via Bluetooth and the speaker's onboard controls. Key points App‑free operation: no Bose app required or supported. Connectivity: Bluetooth (reported Bluetooth 5.3), USB‑C charging. Battery life: around 9 hours (manufacturer/early reviews). Design: compact, home‑oriented form factor with emphasis on balanced sound. Pros & Cons Pros: Simple setup, no app privacy concerns, solid sound for size. Cons: Lacks app‑based features (EQ, multiroom) some users expect. Is app‑free a welcome simplification or a limitation for power users? Share your thoughts below.…

Apple replaces FineWoven with new “TechWoven” for iPhone cases Apple has reportedly moved away from its FineWoven fabric on official iPhone cases and introduced a new artificial material often described as a “functional” or TechWoven fabric. The change aims to address durability and staining issues users experienced with FineWoven. Key points New material: TechWoven (synthetic/functional fabric) — more durable and stain-resistant compared to FineWoven. Features: metallic buttons with improved feedback, a Camera Control button, MagSafe compatibility and small holes for attaching crossbody straps or accessories. New models: Apple added a lighter “iPhone Air Bumper” series (Light Blue shown at $39 on Apple’s store). Availability: Expected across recent iPhone models. Official Apple accessories page: Apple iPhone Cases & Protection. Affordable alternatives If you want cheaper options or third-party choices, here are…