iOS 26.2 beta lets Japanese iPhone users install alternative App Stores Apple appears to be opening the door to alternative app stores in Japan. Reports from users testing the first iOS 26.2 beta indicate the update adds an option to install third‑party app stores on iPhones in Japan — a notable change from Apple’s long‑standing App Store exclusivity. The feature is visible in the initial developer/beta preview, so it’s not yet part of a public release for all users. That said, it signals a regional shift that could affect how apps are distributed, how payments are handled, and how developers reach customers in Japan. What this could mean More competition: Alternative stores can offer different fee structures and discovery systems, which may benefit some developers and lower prices for users.…

YouTube TV blackout: Disney channels (ABC & ESPN) pulled — how to watch tonight’s games As of midnight on Oct. 30, Disney has pulled its channels — including ABC and ESPN — from YouTube TV after the two companies failed to agree on new carriage terms. The blackout is ongoing and is already affecting major live programming: college football and several NBA games are unavailable to YouTube TV subscribers. YouTube TV has declined Disney’s request for a temporary 24‑hour restoration, and its customer credit offer has varied (some users report a $20/month credit while others saw $10). If you don’t want to miss tonight’s games, here are alternative ways to watch. Games impacted this week (examples) NBA (Nov. 5): Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New York Knicks (ESPN); San Antonio Spurs vs.…

Pixel 10 Pro Fold drops $300 in early Black Friday deals Google's newest foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold (released in August), has its first major discount: $300 off, bringing the 256GB model to $1,499 from $1,799. The deal is showing up at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy and also applies as $300 off on higher capacities (512GB and 1TB). Other Pixel models are seeing record lows too — the Pixel 10 Pro is down to about $749, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL with 1TB of storage is marked at $1,249. These reductions make flagship Pixel hardware more accessible ahead of the holiday shopping season. Why this matters First big markdown: The Pixel 10 Pro Fold hasn’t seen many discounts since launch, so this $300 cut is…

Google adds AI Mode shortcut to Chrome on mobile — AI becomes front-and-center Google has started rolling out an update to Chrome on Android and iOS that places an AI Mode shortcut directly on the browser’s new‑tab page, prominently positioned below the search bar. The change makes the feature more visible and accessible to users in the US, and Google says it will expand the shortcut to 160 additional countries and more languages soon. AI Mode first surfaced in March via Google Labs and has been steadily rolled out since. At I/O 2025, Google confirmed broader availability in May; this new shortcut is the latest step to make conversational AI a core part of everyday browsing. What to expect Placement: The AI Mode shortcut appears on Chrome’s new‑tab page below…

Apple Watch Ultra 3 discounted to $700 ahead of Black Friday The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is on sale for $700 (down from $800), making it one of the standout wearable deals this holiday season. This model ships with 64GB storage, a 49mm titanium case, GPS + cellular support and the new satellite communication features that let you call or share your location in emergencies. Released in early September, the Ultra 3 also brings a larger display thanks to thinner bezels and an improved battery that can last up to about 42 hours in typical use. The sale is limited to certain color and band options: a Black titanium case with Black Ocean band and a Natural titanium case with Anchor Blue Ocean band. Quick specs & highlights 49mm titanium…

PlayStation Portal now streams PS5 games you own — untethered, conversational handheld play Sony has expanded the PlayStation Portal’s capabilities: starting today PS Plus Premium members can stream select digital PS5 games they own directly from the cloud on the Portal — no paired PS5 required. This update brings the device closer to a true PlayStation handheld for those with reliable internet. The rollout also brings several quality‑of‑life improvements: a redesigned home screen with a search tab to find streamable titles, 3D audio support (with wired headphones or PlayStation Link headsets), a passcode lock, and a network status screen in the Quick menu. What’s new, quickly Cloud streaming of owned PS5 games: Play select digital PS5 titles from Sony’s cloud library without needing your PS5 powered on nearby (PS Plus…

Nintendo Store app arrives on iOS & Android Nintendo has launched its Nintendo Store app on both iOS and Android. The app is a reimagining of the My Nintendo app that first appeared in Japan, and it lets users browse consoles, physical and digital games, accessories and official merchandise from their phones or tablets. Purchases are completed through an in-app browser that takes you to the product page. The app also aims to keep players informed with news, event updates and wishlist notifications when items go on sale. Key features Browse & shop: View consoles, games, accessories and merch directly in the app (checkout uses an in-app browser). Wishlist alerts: Get notifications when items on your wishlist drop in price. Store & event check-ins: Check in at physical Nintendo stores…

SanDisk 256GB microSD Express for Switch 2 drops to $60 — early Black Friday deal SanDisk’s 256GB microSD Express card for the Nintendo Switch 2 is on sale for a record low of $60 in an early Black Friday deal. It’s the first time we’ve seen this model discounted; SanDisk also offers 128GB and 512GB variants but only the 256GB is on sale right now. We included this card in our list of the best microSD cards for the Switch 2 thanks to its top transfer and load speeds. In benchmark tests (CrystalDiskMark and real‑world transfers), it was consistently among the fastest cards, which helps reduce load times and speed up game installs and updates. Why this matters for Switch 2 owners Compatibility: Switch 2 requires microSD Express/SD Express cards;…

Google Maps adds Gemini for conversational, hands‑free navigation Google is replacing Assistant with Gemini across its apps, and Maps is the latest to get the upgrade. Gemini lets you interact naturally with Maps while driving — asking follow‑ups, requesting local recommendations along your route and starting navigation by voice without leaving the app. The integration aims to make hands‑free navigation more conversational and useful. You can ask questions like “Is there a budget Japanese restaurant within two miles on my route?”, follow up with “Does it have parking?”, then say “Okay, let’s go there” to start turn‑by‑turn directions. Core features Natural conversation: Keep asking follow‑ups without repeating context — Gemini understands multi‑step queries while you navigate. Start navigation by voice: Confirm a place and tell Gemini to begin directions hands‑free.…

Netflix goes all‑in on video podcasts for early 2026 Netflix is preparing a major push into video podcasts in early 2026. The streamer has reportedly reached out to talent agencies and is licensing shows from established podcast producers — including Spotify Studios, The Ringer and iHeartMedia — as it builds a library of video podcast content. According to reports, Netflix has sent dozens of requests to agents at WME, UTA and CAA to line up hosts and existing series with audiences. The company wants a Q1 launch with a slate of shows that already have followings, and it may pursue exclusivity deals that would limit distribution on other platforms. What we know so far Netflix plans a video‑podcast push in early 2026, targeting shows with built‑in audiences. Deals under discussion…