I World Find

Amazon drops Roborock S8 Max Ultra by $350 in rare deal

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 14:21:06 -0700

Keeping hard floors clean can feel like a full-time job, especially when you’re dealing with dust, pet hair, and the spots around walls that usually get missed. The good news is there’s a deal on the Roborock S8 Max Ultra on Amazon right now, and it’s a strong pick for anyone who wants a robot vacuum and mop that handles more of the work on its own.

See the deal at Amazon

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Samsung’s first clip-on Galaxy Buds launch tomorrow, and there’s good news for global buyers

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:21:25 -0700

TL;DR

Samsung’s first clip-on earbuds, the Galaxy Buds On, go on sale in South Korea on October 27 for around $226.
The earbuds feature an open-ear design, TwinBoost speakers, and Galaxy AI features, including head gestures and voice memos.
European retail listings hint at an upcoming global launch, with prices ranging from $216 to $241 in Switzerland.

Samsung has made wireless earbuds for years, but its latest pair is unlike anything we’ve seen from the company. Earlier this month, Samsung quietly introduced the Galaxy Buds On, its first clip-on earbuds that let you listen to music without blocking your ears. They go on sale tomorrow, October 27, in South Korea. And there’s some good news for those waiting to get their hands on them outside Samsung’s home market.

If you missed our earlier coverage, the Galaxy Buds On feature an open-ear design that lets you enjoy music without losing touch with your surroundings. So, whether you’re listening to your favorite podcast on a morning walk while keeping an ear out for traffic, or enjoying music at work without missing someone calling your name, there’s plenty to appreciate about this approach.

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Long-time Pixel users reveal why they’re still loyal to Google and what keeps them from switching

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 22:21:10 -0700

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

TL;DR

Long-time Pixel users say clean Android, timely updates, and seamless Google services are among the biggest reasons they keep choosing Google’s phones.
Features such as Call Screen, spam filtering, voice typing, and the camera experience make switching to an iPhone or Samsung phone less appealing.
However, complaints about Gemini replacing familiar Assistant features, camera processing, battery life, and hardware value suggest Google’s loyal fan base isn’t entirely happy.

Google’s Pixel phones have plenty of competition in the market, but some users have stuck with the brand for years, spanning multiple generations. This has sparked a discussion on Reddit’s r/GooglePixel community, where long-term Pixel users are now weighing in on why they haven’t switched to another phone brand, and the responses reveal a mix of strengths as well as growing frustrations.

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After day-one screen failures, the iPhone Duo is facing more durability questions

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 19:21:28 -0700

Credit: Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority

TL;DR

JerryRigEverything’s durability test left the iPhone Duo with permanent green lines across its inner display after bending, eventually rendering the screen unresponsive.
iFixit’s teardown suggests the reported screen failures may be linked to stress near the hinge’s central support.
Both tests also highlight the risk posed by dust and debris.
The iPhone Duo is relatively repairable for a foldable, but replacing its inner screen costs around $1,000.

Apple’s first foldable iPhone has barely left the building, but it’s already facing durability questions after reports of early screen failures. Two separate tests from JerryRigEverything and iFixit have highlighted potential weaknesses around the phone’s inner display and hinge, although neither could establish the exact cause of the reported screen failures.

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These 6 Pixel features prove Samsung still has room to improve

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 17:21:03 -0700

Credit: Brady Snyder / Android Authority

Samsung’s One UI is stacked; there’s no denying that. Galaxy phones offer more flexibility and features than most Android phones out there, and it’s a big reason I personally love using them.

But I can’t turn a blind eye to their biggest competitor. I’m talking about Pixels, of course. I may not prefer them as a daily driver, but there are a few Pixel-only features I absolutely love and hope Samsung shamelessly copies right away.

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Google TV Streamer is now two years old: is it still worth getting?

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:21:24 -0700

Credit: Joe Maring / Android Authority

The Google TV Streamer was a big swing when it arrived in 2024, marking the end of the company’s Chromecast legacy. It not only dropped the Chromecast name, but also delivered a much more premium experience.

I’ve personally owned Google’s latest streamer for all but the first six months of the product’s lifecycle, and while it’s not perfect, I’ve mostly enjoyed the experience. Of course, two years is a long time in the tech world. While there are rumors that a new model could eventually surface in the not-too-distant future, the bigger question isn’t just how well the hardware holds up. Is the Google TV Streamer line actually an improvement over the company’s older strategy? Honestly, I’m still not fully certain.

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One UI 9 could have caught up to Google, but Samsung is still missing one thing

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:21:20 -0700

I remember the pain of firing up Samsung’s TouchWiz on my Galaxy phones. The software was laggy, unintuitive, and rarely updated. Quarterly security patches on flagship phones would be unacceptable in 2026, but that was the norm for Samsung devices. That all changed with the introduction of One UI. Samsung flipped the script and became known for reliable software with timely updates.

One UI 9 running Android 17 is undoubtedly another solid software update. It’s been a smooth experience so far on my Galaxy S26 Plus, and Samsung’s been spot-on with patches. But while the company has made great strides in software, its pitch for Galaxy AI still leaves me unconvinced. Features like Now Brief and Now Nudge haven’t lived up to their potential, and Google’s Pixel software does a better job of making AI feel like a natural part of the experience.

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YouTube streams may look better and buffer less as soon as early 2027

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:21:29 -0700

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

TL;DR

YouTube has announced that it plans to roll out AV2 to the platform in early 2027.
The AV2 codec will initially launch for the web version of YouTube.
The company also hints at benefits for multi-view experiences.

Earlier this year, the Alliance for Open Media released the definitive specs for the AV2 codec, which is expected to be about 25% to 32% more efficient than AV1. That means you get higher-quality streaming for the same bitrate or comparable quality at a lower bitrate. The benefit is that the codec can reduce the amount of bandwidth you’re consuming. YouTube is expected to adopt AV2, and it could arrive sooner than you would expect.

While partners like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple have been quiet on rollout plans, it appears that YouTube isn’t quite as shy. According to FlatpanelsHD, YouTube has revealed that it is looking to roll out the codec in early 2027. The plan is to initially launch AV2 for the web version of the platform.

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Fitbit Versa 4 bundle hits its lowest price since February

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 13:21:40 -0700

The Fitbit Versa 4 is built for people who care more about fitness and daily health tracking than loading up a watch with tons of apps, and there’s a nice deal on Amazon right now. This bundle gives you the Fitbit watch itself plus a few useful extras, so it’s a good way to get started with less extra shopping.

See the deal at Amazon

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iPhone Duo isn’t even out yet and it already has better foldable apps than your Android

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 13:21:03 -0700

TL;DR

Apple just revealed launch-day support for a few dozen apps, though some names are missing.
Top entertainment and productivity apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Microsoft Word, Outlook, and others are included
The number of apps supported on day 1 contrasts with the state of Android apps on foldables, which still suffer from optimization issues despite being around for years.

Pre-orders for the Apple iPhone Duo opened last week, with general sales starting tomorrow. Since this is the company’s first foray into the foldable segment, app support was among the key topics of discussion in the days after its announcement. Apple now has some news on this front, revealing a long list of major apps from around the world that will support the iPhone Duo.

In a blog post detailing apps tailored for the iPhone Duo, Apple revealed launch-day support for both major and lesser-known iPhone apps. The list includes popular video streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Paramount Plus, along with MLB and the PGA Tour.

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Did your phone just get a Google Play system update from the future? You’re not alone

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:21:22 -0700

TL;DR

Some Galaxy smartphone owners are seeing an unusual January 1, 2027 date in the Play system update field.
Users of multiple Galaxy devices report a similar glitch, while we haven’t seen reports of this bug from Pixel owners yet.
One user claims their Motorola and OnePlus phones are also showing the same future-dated Play system update.

Google Play system updates roll out periodically to fix bugs and update other Android components without requiring a full software update. It’s not uncommon for updates to be sometimes outdated. However, some smartphone owners are seeing a rare glitch where their Play system update shows a date far in the future.

On one of our own Galaxy Z Fold 8 handsets, we find an unusual 1 January 2027 date in the Google Play system update field. We’re not the only ones, and popular leaker theonecid shares another One UI 9 screenshot from X user MEMETCAN88. A quick read of the comments on the X post reveals a Galaxy S26 Ultra user seeing the January 1, 2027 date, while a Galaxy S23 Ultra owner appears to be in the same boat.

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New Baseus Spacemate RD1 Plus 14-in-1 dock gets its first price drop, saving you $90

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 13:21:16 -0700

The Baseus Spacemate RD1 Plus Docking Station just got its first price drop, and it’s a big one. You can grab it on Amazon for $169.99, down from its $259.99 recommended retail price, which is a 35% discount and a $90 saving.

See the deal at Amazon

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Garmin Venu 3S drops back to its lowest price we’ve seen

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:21:08 -0700

The Garmin Venu 3S has dropped to $319.99 on Amazon, down from its $459.99 RRP. That’s a $140 saving and a 30% discount relative to the recommended retail price, which is a strong cut on a premium Garmin smartwatch.

See the deal at Amazon

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iPhone Duo battery specs revealed: Good news for Galaxy Z Fold 8 and other Android rivals

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 02:21:25 -0700

TL;DR

The iPhone Duo has a 4,883mAh battery according to EU regulatory labels.
It’s also rated for 1,000 charging cycles before dropping to 80% capacity.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8’s 4,660mAh battery, on the other hand, is rated for 1,200 charging cycles.

Apple recently opened preorders for the iPhone Duo. While everyone is talking about the folding-and-unfolding animation or the clever hinge-based cooling design, the EU released some information about the iPhone Duo’s battery worth noting.

The European Union’s energy label database finally has information about the iPhone Duo’s battery (via MacRumors). According to the EU’s regulatory database, the iPhone Duo packs a 4,883mAh battery.

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I’ve been a smart home user for 10 years, and the Apple HomeView looks like a game-changer

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 05:21:36 -0700

Smart displays are a category that, to me, have always felt like they’re on the cusp of being the next big thing for the smart home. I was excited when I first got my Nest Hub. The idea that I could control connected devices with a tap, without having to shout commands at a speaker or pull out my phone, was incredibly appealing. Want to turn off the lights? Just tap a button. Simple, practical.

Fast forward to today, and it’s hard not to feel like the category has gone nowhere. Google’s Nest Hub displays are getting long in the tooth, while Amazon’s Echo Show lineup has become increasingly difficult to recommend when so much of the screen real estate is effectively used as a digital billboard. For something that’s supposed to make your home more convenient, that’s a pretty disappointing state of affairs.

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5 Android phones you should buy instead of the Samsung Galaxy A16

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 04:21:17 -0700

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

While many of our regular readers might have a deeper understanding of the mobile world, many Android users are simply looking for a device that’s as cheap as possible without being a total burden to use.

Recently, we dove into Amazon’s best-seller list, and it turns out that the Samsung Galaxy A16 is the sixth best-selling phone. At under $200, I get the appeal, as it’s a cheap phone with decent software support. For some users, it could be worth buying the older budget phone, but here are five other devices you might also want to take a closer look at instead.

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Pixel 11 Pro XL vs. Galaxy S27 Ultra: Why you shouldn’t buy Google’s flagship right now

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 02:21:31 -0700

I got my hands on the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL when it launched globally in August, and I’ve spent quite a bit of time with it since. It’s not my daily driver, but I’ve used it enough to know what I love about it and, more importantly, where I wish Google had done things differently. If there’s one thing I’ve come to appreciate about Pixel phones over the years, it’s how Google gets so many of the little things right. From the design and software to how everything feels in everyday use, using a Pixel has a certain charm that’s hard to ignore.

Of course, that doesn’t mean everything is perfect. Performance is still one area where I’d love to see Google step things up, especially when you look at what the competition has to offer. And with Samsung’s Galaxy S27 Ultra expected to arrive early next year, that gap could become even more noticeable.

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This watchmaker has reportedly exited the smartwatch market

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:21:22 -0700

TL;DR

TAG Heuer reportedly ended production of its Connected smartwatches over the summer.
There is no word on how long its smartwatches will get software updates or service.
The move comes as screenless fitness trackers become more popular.

Smartwatches deliver a constant stream of information to our wrists, but one thing they’re not always clued in about is their own demise. Screenless fitness trackers, smart rings, and even smart glasses are taking over facets of their job. News that TAG Heuer has quietly exited the smartwatch game is the latest sign that traditional smartwatches are becoming more scarce.

French publication La Lettre reports that TAG Heuer ceased production of its Connected smartwatches over the summer (via Notebookcheck). It said that remaining stock will be sold off through 2027, and that there is no word on how long existing smartwatches will receive software updates or service.

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Hate the idea of paying for YouTube Premium? Imagine paying $240 a year for regular YouTube

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 12:21:39 -0700

TL;DR

The UK government is considering expanding its annual £180 (~$240) TV license fee to cover on-demand streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, and Disney Plus.
If implemented, the change could require households to pay a license fee even to watch regular YouTube videos, without getting any Premium benefits.
The proposal aims to address declining BBC funding but hasn’t been finalized.

Does nothing sound worse than the idea of paying for YouTube Premium? Well, imagine having to pay the government just for getting access to regular YouTube with none of the Premium perks attached. Sounds ridiculous, right? Unfortunately, that’s a possibility under consideration in the UK.

To truly understand the development, you first need to understand the concept of a TV license fee in the UK. By law, you must have a TV license (£180 per year/~$240) if you plan on watching or recording programs as they’re being shown on live TV. You also need a license if you plan on watching or streaming programs live on online TV services, including the likes of YouTube, Netflix, and even Amazon Prime Video. You do not need a license if you’re only watching on-demand content on these platforms, like our latest upload.

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Sony’s 2026 LinkBuds Clip earbuds return to their Prime Day price

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:21:18 -0700

The Sony LinkBuds Clip is back down to $158 at Amazon, which cuts $72 off the $229.99 recommended retail price. That is a 31% discount off the RRP, bringing these earbuds back to their Prime Day price. It is also the best deal we have seen this year, so this is a strong time to grab them if this style has been on your list.

See the deal at Amazon

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Survey reveals Kindle readers aren’t buying Amazon’s pricey page-turning solution

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:21:17 -0700

Credit: Amazon

Physical page-turn buttons might seem like a pretty basic feature for an e-reader, but Amazon has spent years leaving them off its Kindle lineup. The company has given bookworms a way to bring them back with its latest devices, although it’s charging a hefty premium for the privilege. We recently asked readers whether they’d be willing to pay $80 for this convenience, and the results suggest Amazon might have misread the room.

As my colleague Dhruv Bhutani explained in his recent look at the 2026 Kindle refresh, Amazon’s new Page-Turn Cover adds physical buttons to the e-reader through a magnetic connection. The catch is that it costs $80 and it only works with the Signature Editions of the Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft, which already cost $250 and $320, respectively. That makes $330 the minimum entry price if you want physical buttons on a new Kindle. We wanted to know whether you thought this was fair enough, or if perhaps Amazon should have just included this functionality as part of the deal.

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Google’s next big Play Store makeover is coming to your car

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:21:11 -0700

TL;DR

Google is redesigning the Play Store for cars with Google built-in, making it easier to discover and download apps with a single tap.
New apps, including STARZ, Firefox, Ludo King, and JioHotstar, are coming alongside a YouTube feature that automatically switches videos to audio-only playback when you start driving.
The redesigned Play Store will adapt to different infotainment screen sizes and begin rolling out automatically over the coming weeks.

Google today gives you two ways to improve your in-car infotainment experience. The Android Auto route requires you to connect your Android phone to your car’s infotainment system, either physically or wirelessly, to mirror apps, while cars with Android Automotive OS have Google’s operating system built directly into the vehicle. Some take Automotive’s convenience a step further by using Google Automotive Services (GAS) on top of Android Automotive. Those drivers can soon expect a major upgrade to their in-car app and app discovery experiences.

The tech giant announced today that a new app experience is coming to cars with Google built-in, and it should deliver new in-car media features, new apps, and a redesigned Google Play experience.

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Does YouTube look weird on your Galaxy Z Fold 8? You’re not alone

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:21:10 -0700

TL;DR

Some Galaxy Z Fold 8 owners are facing an irritating issue with the YouTube app wherein video thumbnails appear misaligned.
A handful of users have complained about this issue, though it doesn’t seem to affect every Z Fold 8 user right now.
It’s unclear whether the bug is related to the YouTube app or Samsung’s latest foldable.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 has been on the market for several weeks now. While we’ve seen some issues pop up, they haven’t affected the company much, with demand supposedly spiking in recent weeks. However, recent user reports suggest that the company’s latest foldable may not be playing nice with a popular video streaming app.

In a complaint posted to Samsung’s community forum on Sunday, a Galaxy Z Fold 8 user describes a bug in the YouTube app where video thumbnails appear misaligned. The issue seems to persist on the Z Fold 8’s cover screen and inner display.

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A new Google TV Streamer is reportedly coming, and it could be worth the wait

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 01:21:24 -0700

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

TL;DR

Google is reportedly developing a new Google TV Streamer with built-in microphones, Presence Sensing, a faster processor, and more storage.
The updated device could feature a slightly narrower design and a refreshed remote with two additional shortcut buttons.
The report comes after Google raised the current Streamer’s US price by 50% to $149.99, while Apple is also reportedly developing a new Apple TV with built-in microphones and a remote with speakers.

Google is reportedly developing a new Google TV Streamer with several hardware upgrades, including built-in microphones, “Presence Sensing,” a faster processor, and more storage. The device would succeed the current Google TV Streamer, which launched in August 2024 as a replacement for the Chromecast with Google TV 4K.

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LineageOS is getting an early Android 17 upgrade, and there’s plenty more to like

noreply@blogger.com (Technically Information) — Sun, 11 Oct 2026 22:21:31 -0700

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

TL;DR

LineageOS has announced its Android 17-based release earlier than expected, with LineageOS 24.0 ready for its initial rollout.
The update refreshes several built-in apps, improves security patch support, and introduces browser-based tools to simplify the installation of the custom ROM.
LineageOS is also improving accessibility and documentation ahead of its 10th anniversary on December 24, 2026.

LineageOS is getting ready to bring Android 17 to more devices with its latest update. The new software also introduces redesigned apps, additional security patches, and new tools designed to make installing the custom ROM easier.

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