HBO Max raises prices by $1–$2/month ahead of Germany launch

HBO Max raises prices by $1–$2/month ahead of Germany launch HBO Max is increasing monthly subscription prices across all tiers by $1–$2 as it prepares to launch in Germany in the coming months. The new rates apply immediately for new subscribers, while existing customers will see the change on their next billing cycle. What’s changing Price increase: +$1–$2 per month across tiers (exact amounts vary by plan and region). Timing: New subs pay the updated price now; current subs transition on their next bill. Where it applies: Applies to customers who subscribe directly through HBO/Max or via common app stores. Why it matters Budget impact: Even small changes add up annually, especially for households stacking multiple streaming services. Competitive landscape: Price moves continue industry-wide amid rising content and distribution costs.…
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Apple reportedly delays 18-inch foldable iPad to 2029 amid technical hurdles

Apple reportedly delays 18-inch foldable iPad to 2029 amid technical hurdles Apple has been developing a large 18-inch foldable iPad for several years, but its launch window has reportedly slipped from 2028 to no earlier than 2029 due to engineering challenges. Multiple reports summarizing Bloomberg’s coverage point to issues with weight, display crease minimization, and overall cost as the main blockers. What changed Timeline: Internal targets have moved back roughly a year, from 2028 to 2029. Prototype weight: Reported prototypes are heavy (around laptop-class), driving comfort and usability concerns. Display engineering: Apple is said to be working with display suppliers to reduce the visible crease on a large flexible OLED panel. Price pressure: Estimates suggest a potential retail price in the $3,000–$4,000 range if/when it ships. Key hurdles (reported) Weight…
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Wikipedia ‘human pageviews’ fell ~8% YoY as AI answers shift reading habits

Wikipedia ‘human pageviews’ fell ~8% YoY as AI answers shift reading habits Wikipedia is reporting a drop in direct visits from people. Recent coverage and Wikimedia updates indicate that “human pageviews” are down by roughly 8% year over year, as more users get quick answers from AI-generated search summaries and social platforms without clicking through to the source article. What’s changing Behavior shift: People increasingly rely on AI answers in search and short-form social content, reducing click-throughs to full articles. Measurement clarity: Wikimedia refined bot detection and traffic classification, sharpening the distinction between automated hits and human visits. Knock-on effects: Fewer visits may mean fewer citations discovered by readers, less context, and smaller feedback loops that help editors improve pages. Context and sources The trend has been noted across recent…
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Wikipedia ‘human pageviews’ drop ~8% YoY as AI search answers change behavior

Wikipedia ‘human pageviews’ drop ~8% YoY as AI search answers change behavior Wikipedia is seeing fewer direct visits from people. Recent reporting and Wikimedia updates indicate that “human pageviews” are down by roughly 8% year over year, a change largely attributed to AI-generated answers in search and increased information consumption on social platforms without clicking through to source pages. What changed — and why it matters Behavior shift: Users increasingly get quick answers from AI summaries on search engines or from short-form social posts, reducing the need to open the underlying article. Measurement clarity: Wikimedia refined bot detection and traffic classification, clarifying the distinction between automated views and human visits. Knowledge impact: Fewer clicks can mean fewer citations and less context for readers, and potentially reduced feedback loops that help…
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Samsung Galaxy XR unveiled: Android XR rival to Vision Pro at $1,799

Samsung Galaxy XR unveiled: Android XR rival to Vision Pro at $1,799 Samsung has introduced the Galaxy XR, its first standalone mixed‑reality headset and the debut device for Android XR, Google’s new AR/VR platform. Positioned as a direct competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro, the Galaxy XR starts at $1,799 for a model with 256GB of storage. Why it’s notable Galaxy XR aims to lower the cost of high‑end mixed reality while leaning on the Android ecosystem and Google’s AI. It’s lighter than many premium headsets, supports hand and eye tracking, and promises broad compatibility with Android apps on day one. Key specs and features Platform: Android XR (built with Google), with Gemini voice controls and multi‑window spatial UI Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 Displays: Dual micro‑OLED, ~3,552 × 3,840…
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Samsung is building Android XR smart glasses with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster

Samsung is building Android XR smart glasses with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster Alongside the Galaxy XR headset reveal, Samsung teased AI-powered smart glasses developed with Google and eyewear brands Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. The goal: bring Android’s XR ecosystem to everyday eyewear and challenge Meta’s Ray-Ban lineup. Two product directions Gentle Monster collab: Fashion-forward glasses aimed at the premium segment. Warby Parker collab: Mainstream glasses for wider adoption and (likely) lower price points. What to expect (based on Samsung/Google hints) Android XR integration: Ties into the same ecosystem as Galaxy XR, with seamless app and services support. Gemini-powered assist: Voice-first interactions for quick answers, controls, and organization. Glanceable info: Notifications, media controls, and turn-by-turn directions displayed in your field of view. On-board hardware: Expected camera, speakers, and microphone…
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Watch Samsung’s Galaxy XR Reveal: Replay, Key Specs, and Android XR Highlights

Watch Samsung’s Galaxy XR Reveal: Replay, Key Specs, and Android XR Highlights Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy XR, the first headset built on Google’s new Android XR platform in partnership with Qualcomm. The launch livestream aired on October 21 at 10PM ET and is now available to watch as a replay. If you want a quick catch-up, we’ve summarized the key specs, platform features and where to watch below. Replay and official resources Watch the replay: Samsung’s YouTube channel · Samsung Newsroom Order Galaxy XR: Samsung.com (US and Korea availability at launch) Android XR overview: Google: Android XR Galaxy XR: Key specs and hardware Price: $1,800 headset (optional Galaxy XR Controller $250; Travel Case $250) Displays: Dual micro‑OLED, approx. 3,552 × 3,840 per eye (29M total pixels), up to…
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Galaxy XR will run “almost all” Android apps at launch, says Google

Galaxy XR will run “almost all” Android apps at launch, says Google Google says the first Android XR headset, Samsung’s Galaxy XR, will support almost all existing Android apps out of the box — with no extra development work required. Apps will open as floating spatial panels you can place around your space, and they’ll automatically support XR input methods like eye and hand tracking, as well as controllers, keyboards and mice. How it works Compatibility by default: Most phone/tablet apps become “Android XR compatible mobile apps,” running in moveable, resizable windows — no letterboxing or compatibility mode. Adaptive layouts: Apps designed for large screens or using Android’s adaptive patterns will scale even more smoothly in XR. Input mapping: Core XR inputs (eye/hand tracking) are mapped automatically; traditional inputs (controller,…
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Samsung and Google launch the $1,800 Galaxy XR — first Android XR headset with 4K-per-eye displays

Samsung and Google launch the $1,800 Galaxy XR — first Android XR headset with 4K‑per‑eye displays Samsung’s first extended reality headset, built with Google and Qualcomm, is here. The Galaxy XR is the debut device for Android XR, priced at $1,800 — a little over half the cost of Apple’s Vision Pro. It’s available now in the US and Korea, with a specs sheet that leans on high‑resolution optics, lighter weight and deep Gemini voice integration. Hardware highlights Displays: Dual micro‑OLED panels with 29M total pixels (approx. 3,552 × 3,840 per eye), covering 96% DCI‑P3; up to 90Hz refresh rate. Field of view: ~100° horizontal. Silicon: Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2. Tracking & passthrough: Dual high‑res passthrough cameras, six external environmental cameras, interior eye‑tracking sensors. Biometrics: Iris recognition for unlock and…
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Samsung Galaxy XR preorders are live: $1,800, Android XR, big freebies — and pricey accessories

Samsung Galaxy XR preorders are live: $1,800, Android XR, big freebies — and pricey accessories Samsung’s Galaxy XR mixed reality headset is now available to order for $1,800, arriving as the first device on Google’s new Android XR platform (built with Qualcomm). Priced at just over half of Apple’s Vision Pro, Galaxy XR pairs dual 4K micro‑OLED displays with a lighter chassis and a broad Android app ecosystem. Price and availability Price: $1,800 for the headset Where to buy: Samsung.com and Samsung Experience Stores Optional accessories: Galaxy XR Controller — $250; Galaxy XR Travel Case — $250 Financing: 24‑month plan (~$75.01/mo) online; stores offer 12‑month (~$149/mo) and 24‑month options What you get with early orders Google and Samsung are stacking launch perks for early adopters. If you purchase before the…
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