Gadgets
TechnologyThe latest on Gadgets from our Technology desk.
Apple Plans Horizontal Reachability for iPhone Duo Later This Year
Apple says Reachability will arrive on iPhone Duo later this year, moving interface elements toward the screen’s left or right edge. The feature is designed to make the wider outer and inner displays easier to use for people who struggle to reach controls one-handed. The device launches this Friday, according to 9to5Mac.
Apple Stores in Bordeaux, Lille Looted During French Protests
Apple retail stores in Bordeaux and Lille were looted during demonstrations against the cost of living in France, according to reporting cited by MacRumors. The stores were among businesses targeted across the country as clashes, fires and looting accompanied nationwide marches. AFP reported that 1,200 people had been arrested and 150 police officers injured by late Saturday. The Bordeaux store had also been looted during unrest in 2018.
Apple Reportedly Set to Unveil OLED iPad Mini Next Week
Apple reportedly plans to unveil an iPad mini with an OLED display next week. The rumored update includes an A20 Pro chip, 12GB of RAM, a landscape front camera and water resistance, though the display’s refresh rate remains unclear. People invited to Apple’s Los Angeles experience on October 28 are expected to get hands-on time with the device.
HomePod 27.2 Adds Sound Glow to More Apple Speakers
Apple’s HomePod Software 27.2 brings Sound Glow to the second-generation HomePod and original HomePod mini, expanding a feature introduced with HomePod mini 2. The update is available to developers and public beta testers as a release candidate and is expected to launch next week. It also adds Mac speaker, Apple TV surround-sound and touch-lock controls.
GM Brings Apple Wallet Car Keys to Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC’s Supported Vehicles
General Motors is adding Apple Wallet car key support to vehicles from Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC. The rollout began in late September, will expand through October and is set to reach more vehicles in December. GM says customers will receive an alert in their vehicle’s app when their model gains the feature.
Constrained iPhone Duo Availability Pushes Orders to January
iPhone Duo delivery estimates began slipping within minutes of pre-orders opening, with some early customers told to expect shipments in January. The delay frustrates buyers, while 9to5Mac argues it may also signal strong interest in Apple’s first foldable iPhone. The report says manufacturing complexity, particularly around the hinge, could also be limiting supply.
Tesla Roadster owners get autonomous stunts, Musk says
Elon Musk says owners of the new Tesla Roadster will be able to ask the car to perform unveiling stunts autonomously. He also promised a looping track at Tesla’s Texas headquarters, but gave no opening date or details about the feature. Tesla says the car is not approved for public roads, and production is planned for 2027 or 2028.
Mercedes-AMG GT SUV Targets 1,153 HP, 710 kW Charging in 2027
Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the all-electric GT SUV, led by a version rated at up to 1,153 hp and DC fast charging of up to 710 kW. The automaker says the first units will reach US dealerships in summer 2027. Charging near the vehicle’s peak rate may be difficult for US buyers, where many fast chargers cited by Electrek are rated at 400 kW.
Galaxy S27+ could lose UWB tracking support
A leak based on China’s MIIT certification listings suggests Samsung’s Galaxy S27+ may lack ultra-wideband connectivity, while the S27 Pro and S27 Ultra are listed with it. That could affect how precisely the phone locates compatible accessories such as Galaxy SmartTag 3. The documents may be preliminary, and support for Bluetooth 6.0 could provide an alternative.
Apple TV 4K Adds A19 Chip and On-Device Siri Microphone at $299
The fourth-generation Apple TV 4K brings the A19 chip, an on-device Siri microphone and a remote-finding feature. But the price rises to $299, aiming the device at users who want gaming and smart-home features rather than just streaming, and it is due out in November with no hands-on testing yet.
You Haven’t Pre-Ordered iPhone Duo? Wait Until January
Apple’s iPhone Duo began pre-orders with sharply limited online availability, and delivery estimates in several markets moved to January 22 within hours. The original shipping plan starts October 23, but some buyers may still find stock at physical Apple stores or third-party retailers. Analyst Jeff Pu has forecast production of 6 million units this year, below the initial target.
Apple iPhone Duo Preorders Sell Out in Minutes, Delays Reach January
Apple’s first foldable iPhone sold out within minutes of preorders opening Friday, pushing estimated deliveries from Oct. 23 to late January. The $1,999 iPhone Duo has a foldable inner display and features designed for multitasking, but its early demand arrives as foldable phones remain a small part of the wider smartphone market.
Tesla Hits Parked CHP Vehicle, Seriously Injuring Two Officers on I-80
A Tesla struck a parked California Highway Patrol vehicle on I-80, seriously injuring two officers responding to an earlier crash. CHP video shows the car passing flares, cones and emergency lights before impact. The driver said he was asleep and using driver-assistance mode, prompting the agency to stress that Full Self-Driving does not make a vehicle autonomous or remove a driver’s responsibility.
CNET Lists Burga iPhone Duo Cases Priced From $60 to $90
CNET’s roundup of iPhone 18 cases includes options for the iPhone Duo, from MagSafe designs to cases with added shock absorption. Burga lists three styles, with prices starting at $60 and reaching $90. Other brands promote discounts, eco-conscious materials and screen-protection bundles, though availability and offers vary by seller.
Google Is Sending Pixel 11 Discount Codes — But the Inbox News Is About Play Store Credit
Google is sending eligible customers a one-time credit for the Play Store, not a Pixel 11 discount code. The payment is part of a $5
Apple TV 4K adds Siri AI and hands-free voice control
Apple unveiled a new Apple TV 4K with Siri AI, far-field microphones and faster performance. The device is available to pre-order in the United States and 29 other countries and regions, with store availability beginning November 13. Apple says the box costs $299 in the U.S.; Siri AI launches in English in eight markets, with beta access on some earlier models.
Amazon’s Alexa Tablet 12 Pro Gets the Screen Right, but Not Everything Else
Amazon’s Alexa Tablet 12 Pro makes its display its clearest selling point: a 12-inch, high-resolution screen with a matte finish designed to cut glare and
Apple Prices Siri-Powered HomeView Smart Display at $299
Apple has introduced HomeView, a 7-inch display that combines smart-home controls, FaceTime and personalized access to household apps. Pre-orders are open in several countries, with sales starting November 13. The device costs $299 in the U.S.; availability varies by market, and Apple says it is not offering HomeView in the European Union while Siri AI remains unavailable there.
Pestapora 2026 Photos Put Galaxy S26 Ultra AI in Focus
A report linked photos described as “leaked” at Pestapora 2026 with AI on Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra. But the available information does not explain what went wrong with the images, which feature was used or whether it improved them.
Galaxy S26 FE Brings Exynos 2500 and 47 Galaxy AI Features
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 FE pairs an Exynos 2500 processor with a 50-megapixel main camera, a 120Hz AMOLED display and 47 Galaxy AI features. The company also promises up to seven generations of operating system updates. Prices cited in reports vary by market and promotion, and Samsung has not provided an official price for Indonesia, leaving local buyers without a confirmed cost.
Apple’s Foldable iPhone Uses Its Hinge to Help Manage Heat
Apple has turned a design challenge in its foldable iPhone into part of its cooling strategy: the iPhone Duo’s hinge contains a flexible graphite pipe
Google Fitbit Edge adds a screen and seven-day battery
Google has opened preorders for the Fitbit Edge, a screen-equipped fitness tracker priced at $179.99 in the US and set to reach stores October 27. The device pairs built-in GPS, health sensors and workout tracking with a slim design and up to seven days of battery life. It sits between the screenless Fitbit Air and Google’s Pixel Watch, while leaving out contactless payments.
iPhone 18 Pro Preorders Open at iBox Ahead of Oct. 16 Launch
iBox opened preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max on Oct. 7, with first sales scheduled for Oct. 16. Both models feature Apple’s A20 Pro chip built on a 2-nanometer process, three 48-megapixel rear cameras and updated vapor-chamber cooling. Buyers can order online or at an iBox store, though the available information does not specify prices, storage options or pickup terms.
Google Raises Pixel 10a Prices by $100, Pushing Base Model to $599
Google has raised the Pixel 10a’s price by $100, turning a $499 budget-friendly option into a $599 purchase for the 128GB model. The change appeared