iPhone 17 “Scratchgate”: real issue or overblown? Since launch day, reports have circulated of iPhone 17 and iPhone Air units showing visible scratches and scuffs — often within hours — particularly on darker color variants. Demo units displayed in stores in multiple countries have been photographed with noticeable wear, sparking online debate about whether the new models are significantly more scratch-prone than their predecessors. What’s happening Multiple outlets (MacRumors, AppleInsider, 9to5Mac, Tom’s Guide) and social posts document scratches appearing on demo units of iPhone 17/17 Pro and iPhone Air shortly after being handled in stores. The darker finishes (e.g., Deep Blue, black) seem to show marks more visibly. Why it might be happening Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro returned to an aluminum unibody for some models, replacing the harder titanium frame…

How to Choose the Best Instant Camera (2025 guide) Instant cameras are popular for one simple reason: they’re fun. You can bring one to a party or event and capture a spontaneous moment, then after a couple of minutes everyone gets a physical photo with a nostalgic look. What to consider before buying Film size: Main choice — Mini (small), Square (Polaroid-like), Wide (large). Running cost: Film runs roughly $0.60–$1.20/shot for Instax Mini/Square and about $2/shot for Polaroid i-Type. Specialty borders cost more. Image quality: Instant photos are inherently softer than digital — pick models like Fujifilm or Polaroid for slightly better results. Features & price: Larger-film models and hybrid features (USB, smartphone sharing, printing) increase cost. Expect basic cameras under $100 and feature-rich ones over $200. Film sizes (typical…

Streaming deals roundup — verified offers & notes Streaming prices keep climbing, but promotions still pop up. Below is a concise summary of the deals referenced, plus verification status and official links where available. I removed the original Engadget RSS link and linked only to official provider pages or reliable sources. Verified / Official links Spotify — 1 month free (new users) Status: Confirmed current offer on Spotify's site. New users can get 1 month free on Premium. https://www.spotify.com/premium/ DoorDash DashPass (annual) — bundle notes Status: DashPass annual is available from DoorDash; bundled promos with other services change frequently. Check DoorDash for current offers: https://www.doordash.com/dashpass/ YouTube TV — offer terms Status: YouTube TV runs periodic promotions; exact offers (like 3 months for $150) vary and may not be currently active.…

Vodafone brings back GigaZuhause CableMax 1000 at €49.99/month Vodafone Germany has relaunched its GigaZuhause CableMax 1000 tariff at a permanent price of €49.99 per month. The plan offers up to 1 Gbit/s download (and typical cable upload speeds), includes options such as a telephone flat rate and optional TV add-ons, and comes with a router. After the recent price increases, the restored lower price is a notable rollback and may be attractive for users who want gigabit cable internet without the earlier higher fee. Key details Tariff: GigaZuhause CableMax 1000 Price: €49.99/month (permanent relaunch) Speed: up to 1 Gbit/s download Extras: phone flat rate options, optional cable TV, router included Please note: this summary is based on Vodafone's announcement and coverage by trusted tech outlets. The original report was published…

Braun ThermoScan 7+ Connect — App-connected ear thermometer on saleThe Braun ThermoScan 7+ Connect ear thermometer is currently listed at €54.85 (regular price around €79.99). This model highlights Bluetooth connectivity to a smartphone app so you can log temperatures, get age-adjusted fever guidance and track readings over time.Key featuresBluetooth connection and companion app for loggingAge-adjusted fever guidanceFast ear measurements and memory recallIs it a good deal?At €54.85 vs ~€79.99, this looks like a reasonable discount if you value app integration and tracking. If you just need a basic thermometer, cheaper options exist; but for parents or anyone tracking trends, the Connect model adds convenience.Buy on Amazon (affiliate)Would you use an app-connected thermometer? Leave a comment below.

Montblanc Digital Paper: a luxury E‑Ink notebook Montblanc has launched Digital Paper, a high-end E‑Ink writing tablet aimed at professionals and creatives. The device combines an E‑Ink display with a stylus inspired by Montblanc’s Meisterstück pens, premium materials and cloud sync for notes and document annotation. Key specs 64 GB storage Wireless pen charging with magnetic attachment Interchangeable pen tips and high pressure sensitivity Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, USB‑C Battery around 3740 mAh Price & availability The device is listed at roughly $905 on Montblanc’s online store and is available at Montblanc boutiques and their official website. How it compares to Kindle Scribe While Kindle Scribe focuses on reading and affordable note-taking, Montblanc Digital Paper emphasizes luxury craftsmanship, a refined stylus experience and premium materials — reflected in a considerably higher…

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 — Specs, features and partner phones Qualcomm has announced the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which the company calls the "world's fastest mobile system-on-a-chip." Built for flagship Android phones, the platform emphasizes CPU and power efficiency gains, upgraded on‑device AI, and new professional video features. Key highlights 3rd‑gen Oryon CPU: Qualcomm claims ~20% higher performance and ~35% better CPU power efficiency vs prior generation. Lower power draw: Overall platform is said to use ~16% less power for improved sustained performance. Upgraded NPU: Hexagon NPU is about 37% faster enabling stronger on‑device AI and personalized AI agents. Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec: First mobile platform to enable APV recording for creator and pro‑level workflows. Faster graphics & gaming: Upgrades to the GPU and gaming features…

CarPlay problems with iOS 26: connection drops and audio issues After updating to iOS 26, many iPhone users report persistent Apple CarPlay problems: frequent connection drops, audio interruptions, blank screens, apps not loading or crashing. You’re not alone — the issue appears more common than after typical iOS releases. Common symptoms CarPlay fails to connect or disconnects randomly Audio cuts out or is inconsistent CarPlay interface shows a black screen or apps don’t load Siri not reading messages correctly Quick troubleshooting steps Restart your iPhone and your car’s infotainment system. Check Settings > General > CarPlay to confirm your car is enabled; forget and re-add the car if needed. Update to the latest iOS 26 build and check for infotainment firmware updates from your car maker. Reset Network Settings on…

Apple sharply criticizes the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) Apple has published a detailed critique of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), arguing the law degrades user experience, introduces security risks, and forces the company to comply with regulatory decisions before court rulings — steps Apple calls harmful and potentially irreversible for users. Translated excerpt (from German source) “While Apple avoids criticizing government decisions in the USA and sometimes adapts its actions in anticipatory obedience, the company does not hold back with accusations against lawmakers in Europe. With a detailed statement, Apple again attempts to portray the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) as …” Key points from Apple’s statement Apple says the DMA can degrade how Apple devices and services work together for EU users. It warns…

Chronoscript: The Endless End — Inky World Preview One of the surprise reveals at PlayStation’s State of Play was Chronoscript: The Endless End, an action-adventure for PlayStation 5 with a striking hand-drawn aesthetic. The game blends 2D illustrated manuscript pages with 3D exploration inside a mysterious manor. Key details Title: Chronoscript: The Endless End Platform: PlayStation 5 Publisher: Shueisha Developer: DeskWorks Art style: Hand-drawn 2D sequences mixed with 3D environments Release window: 2026 The trailer focuses heavily on the game's 2D sections, showcasing platforming and combat inside beautifully illustrated pages — the visuals are the standout. The narrative premise involves writers and editors trapped in an inky manuscript, tying the game’s mechanics to a literary theme. For official footage and more details, see PlayStation’s State of Play page: https://www.playstation.com/en-us/state-of-play/ Thoughts…