Samsung Galaxy XR launches: $1,800 Android XR headset with Gemini AI and day‑one Play Store apps

Samsung Galaxy XR launches: $1,800 Android XR headset with Gemini AI and day‑one Play Store apps Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy XR, the first Android extended reality headset co‑developed with Google. Priced at $1,800 and available to buy now, the device runs on Android XR with Gemini AI built in. It aims to blend augmented, mixed and virtual reality with a familiar Android app ecosystem—including support for “almost all” Google Play apps on day one. Key features at a glance Displays: Dual micro‑OLED panels totaling ~29 million pixels (≈3,552 × 3,840 per eye), covering ~96% DCI‑P3; up to 90Hz refresh rate. Cameras & sensors: 12 cameras (2 passthrough, 6 world‑facing tracking, 4 eye‑tracking) plus depth and flicker sensors; iris recognition for unlocking and app passwords. Gemini AI built in:…
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Apple’s M5 MacBook Pro, iPad Pro and Vision Pro are on sale today

Apple’s M5 MacBook Pro, iPad Pro and Vision Pro are on sale today Apple’s latest hardware lineup—MacBook Pro (M5), iPad Pro (M5) and an updated Vision Pro—is available starting today at Apple and authorized retailers. Notably, it’s a Wednesday retail launch, as Apple continues to experiment beyond its usual Friday on‑sale dates. What’s available MacBook Pro (M5): Next‑gen Apple Silicon aimed at pro apps and graphics‑heavy workflows. iPad Pro (M5): Paired with iPadOS enhancements (new windowing, background tasks) and faster on‑device AI. Vision Pro (M5 refresh): Latest silicon for spatial computing, media and productivity use cases. M5 highlights CPU/GPU gains for improved performance in creative and developer workflows. Enhanced Neural Engine and GPU‑side neural accelerators to speed on‑device AI tasks (image/video processing, segmentation, speech). Efficiency focus: Higher performance at similar…
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Apple’s new M5 devices are on sale today: MacBook Pro, iPad Pro and Vision Pro

Apple’s new M5 devices are on sale today: MacBook Pro, iPad Pro and Vision Pro Apple’s latest hardware announced last week — new MacBook Pro, iPad Pro and an updated Vision Pro — is available starting today from Apple and authorized retailers. Notably, this is a mid‑week (Wednesday) retail launch, as Apple continues experimenting with release timing beyond its traditional Friday on‑sale dates. What’s available today MacBook Pro (M5): Next‑gen Apple Silicon with performance and efficiency gains for pro workflows. iPad Pro (M5): Pairs the new chip with iPadOS enhancements for multitasking and on‑device AI‑assisted tasks. Vision Pro (M5 refresh): Updated model featuring Apple’s latest silicon for spatial computing apps and media. M5 highlights at a glance Faster CPU and GPU cores designed for pro apps and graphics‑heavy work. Enhanced…
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SwitchBot debuts Matter‑over‑Wi‑Fi RGBIC lights and a smart candle warmer

SwitchBot debuts Matter‑over‑Wi‑Fi RGBIC lights and a smart candle warmer SwitchBot has introduced a new line of Matter‑over‑Wi‑Fi connected lights, designed for simple setup and broad compatibility with existing smart‑home systems. The range also includes a smart candle warmer, giving users a flameless, app‑controlled way to set ambience and scent. Key details Matter support: Works with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings through the Matter standard for easier multi‑platform integration. RGBIC lighting: The “IC” stands for Independent Control, enabling segment‑level color and gradient effects across a single strip or lamp for more dynamic scenes. Form factors: Multiple variants aimed at different spaces and use cases (e.g., strips, bulbs or ambient lamps), all tuned for fast pairing over Wi‑Fi. Smart candle warmer: Automates fragrance and ambience without an open…
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2026 Toyota RAV4 goes all‑hybrid with revamped software and 52‑mile PHEV range

2026 Toyota RAV4 goes all‑hybrid with revamped software and 52‑mile PHEV range Toyota’s sixth‑generation RAV4 arrives for 2026 with two big storylines: every trim is now a hybrid, and the company’s redesigned in‑car software finally feels fast, intuitive and pleasant to use. The result is a practical SUV with stronger efficiency and a tech experience that won’t immediately push you to CarPlay or Android Auto. Powertrains and efficiency All trims hybrid: Base hybrid pairs a 2.5L four‑cylinder with electrification for 226 hp, FWD standard. Available AWD: Adds a rear electric motor (+~10 hp) for extra traction in low‑grip situations. Plug‑in hybrid (PHEV): Now up to 324 hp (+22) and up to 48 mpg depending on trim. Electric‑only range: Up to 52 miles from a 22.7 kWh battery (usable range reported…
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Adobe’s Project Indigo camera app: No iPhone 17 support yet

Adobe’s Project Indigo camera app: No iPhone 17 support yet Project Indigo, Adobe’s experimental iPhone camera app that blends computational photography with manual controls, is still not working on the latest iPhone 17 models. For now, Indigo supports devices from the iPhone 12 through iPhone 16 series, leaving owners of Apple’s newest phones waiting for compatibility. What is Project Indigo? Indigo aims to deliver more natural-looking photos by combining Apple’s advanced image pipeline with manual, pro-style adjustments. The idea is to let users steer exposure and detail while retaining the speed and smarts of computational processing. Current status Supported devices: iPhone 12–16 families (as of today). Not yet supported: iPhone 17 lineup. Positioning: Indigo is an experimental Adobe app, so rapid updates and compatibility changes are likely. Why the delay…
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Luigi’s Mansion (2001) arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 Oct 30 via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

Luigi’s Mansion (2001) arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 Oct 30 via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Nintendo is bringing the original Luigi’s Mansion (2001) to the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 30, just in time for Halloween. The title joins the GameCube classics library within Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which is exclusive to Switch 2 for GameCube content. What’s included and what you need Launch date: October 30. Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 only for GameCube titles within the NSO streaming library. Subscription: Requires Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack (about $50/year). The basic NSO plan ($20/year) does not include GameCube, Nintendo 64, or Game Boy Advance classics. Series completeness: With Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD and Luigi’s Mansion 3 already compatible, the entire series is now playable on…
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Smartphone Photography: 12 Quick Tips to Instantly Improve Your Shots

Smartphone Photography: 12 Quick Tips to Instantly Improve Your Shots Everyone has a capable camera in their pocket, but great photos still benefit from a few fundamentals. Use these practical tips to get sharper shots, stronger compositions and more natural-looking images—no fancy gear required. Use the right lens (skip fuzzy digital zoom) Stick to native steps: 0.5× (ultrawide), 1× (main) and 2×/3×/5× (tele). In‑between values are often digital zoom and reduce quality. Portraits: Use the main or tele lens to flatter faces and reduce distortion. Portrait mode is fine, but watch for haloing around hair/edges. Ultrawide: Best for landscapes/architecture; avoid for close people shots due to edge warping. Long zoom: Telephoto helps for distance, but extreme ranges (e.g., >10× on many phones) can look soft or pixelated. Clean the lens:…
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Smartphone Photography: 12 Quick Tips to Instantly Upgrade Your Shots

Smartphone Photography: 12 Quick Tips to Instantly Upgrade Your Shots Everyone has a capable camera in their pocket, but great photos still benefit from a few fundamentals. Use these practical tips to get sharper shots, stronger compositions and more natural-looking images—no fancy gear required. Use the right lens (skip fuzzy digital zoom) Stick to native steps: 0.5× (ultrawide), 1× (main) and 2×/3×/5× (tele). In‑between values are often digital zoom and reduce quality. Portraits: Use the main or tele lens to flatter faces and reduce distortion. Portrait Mode is fine, but watch for haloing around hair/edges. Ultrawide: Best for landscapes/architecture; avoid for close people shots due to edge warping. Clean the lens: A quick wipe (microfiber or soft cotton) prevents haze and smears that ruin detail. Focus and exposure: your most…
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Smartphone Photography: Quick Tips to Instantly Improve Your Shots

Smartphone Photography: Quick Tips to Instantly Improve Your Shots Great photos don’t require a dedicated camera — just a few fundamentals. Here’s a concise, practical guide to sharper images, stronger compositions and smarter settings on any modern iPhone or Android phone. Use the right lens (and avoid fuzzy digital zoom) Stick to native steps: 0.5× (ultrawide), 1× (main), 2×/3×/5× (tele). In‑between values are often digital zoom and reduce quality. Portraits: Use the main or telephoto lens for flattering perspective and natural background blur. Portrait mode is fine, but watch for haloing around hair/edges. Ultrawide: Best for landscapes and architecture; it can warp faces near the frame edges. Long zoom: Telephoto is great for distant subjects, but extreme ranges (e.g., >10× on many phones) can look soft or pixelated. Clean the…
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