The Latest from Gadget Hacks

When two tech titans collide in the flagship smartphone arena, sparks fly. Two titans. One showdown. Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra, expected to launch in January 2026, represents the cutting edge of what's possible in premium Android technology. Meanwhile, Google's Pixel 10 Pro XL has already made its mark as one of the hottest new Android phones right now, launching in August 2025 with a mix of computational photography prowess and AI-driven features.

Apple's latest iOS 26.1 update is shaping up to be one of the most significant iPhone customization releases in recent memory. While iOS 26 brought the revolutionary Liquid Glass design that transformed the entire visual experience, the upcoming 26.1 release focuses on giving users unprecedented control over their device's appearance and functionality. Currently in beta testing, this update addresses user feedback while introducing four major new customization options that could change how we...

Apple's announcement about bringing US passport support to the iPhone Wallet app marks a pivotal shift in how we think about digital identity. After years of watching driver's license support crawl along state by state, Apple is now preparing to expand beyond state boundaries with federal passport credentials. A federal passport path avoids the need for 50 state-by-state issuer agreements (though implementation still requires agency/airport integration and approvals). Jennifer Bailey, VP of...

When two industry giants feel the squeeze from their biggest customer, sometimes the best defense is a strong offense. That is exactly what is playing out in the semiconductor world, where two major Apple suppliers are reportedly exploring a blockbuster merger that could reshape the iPhone supply chain.

Apple's 2025 iPad Pro arrives with the M5 chip, and it is the most powerful tablet Apple has built. I lived with it for several weeks, pushing it through work and play. It delivers on the promise, full stop. It feels like a step forward in tablet computing, the kind that finally gives the hardware the performance headroom it deserves.

The story unfolding around Apple's M5 chip launch says a lot about how the company handles invention. Not quite what you expect. The M5 iPad Pro continues to showcase cutting-edge innovations that its MacBook Pro counterpart does not have yet, creating a dynamic where iPad Pro plays the role of proving ground and MacBook Pro stays the refined, mature platform.

Apple's latest spatial computing headset is more than a routine processor upgrade, it is a showcase of how small, steady steps can reshape the feel of a device. After extensive hands-on testing with the M5 Vision Pro, the under the hood refinements are obvious in daily use, especially when paired with Apple's biggest comfort upgrade yet. You feel it within minutes.

Apple's fiscal fourth-quarter numbers tell a sharper story than a simple beat. Record Q4 revenue of $102.5 billion, according to Sherwood News, up 8% year over year and above estimates. Yet iPhone revenue missed by a hair, as Seeking Alpha notes, a reminder that China remains tricky and that diversification is earning its keep.

Apple's gearing up for what looks like another busy November, and the timing makes perfect sense. We are in that sweet spot between the September iPhone releases and the holiday shopping rush, prime time for software updates and hardware refinements. The company is set to launch iOS 26.1 across all compatible devices, (according to MacHash), the first major update to the redesigned operating system that debuted in September.

The smartwatch landscape has evolved rapidly over the past few years, but few releases have felt as transformative as what Google just delivered. After years of patient iteration and refinement, Google has finally created what many Android users have been waiting for, a smartwatch that doesn't just compete but excels. The latest wearable from Mountain View represents more than just another annual upgrade; it is a comprehensive reimagining that addresses longstanding concerns while introducing...

After years of Google's smartwatch efforts falling just short of greatness, the Pixel Watch 4 finally delivers the complete package that Android users have been waiting for. It arrives with meaningful hardware upgrades, sharper AI integration, and design fixes to long-standing complaints. Reviews indicate this is Google's most polished smartwatch yet, pairing real battery endurance with a striking new display and artificial intelligence features that pull their weight.

Google is quietly working on something that could fundamentally change how we interact with our phones when they are "sleeping." Most of us know the basic always-on display that shows a clock and a few notifications. Android 17 appears ready to turn that into something far more powerful. The upcoming version will introduce a feature called "Min Mode" that allows applications to display their own simplified interfaces on your phone's always-on display, according to Android Authority. This is not...

The design software world just got a major shakeup. Affinity has completely reimagined its approach to professional design tools, consolidating three separate applications into one unified platform that is now entirely free. This is not just another software update, it is a fundamental shift in how creative professionals might approach their workflow, especially within the Apple ecosystem where design tools have always held special significance. The company has merged the capabilities of...

Google's announcement about blocking over 10 billion malicious communications monthly through artificial intelligence marks a real milestone in the fight against mobile fraud. Instead of simply filtering obvious threats, Google built a defense ecosystem where multiple AI systems work together, each studying a different communication layer and attack vector. According to Google's security blog, this integrated approach delivers something rare, a proactive system that can identify and neutralize...

If you're keeping an eye on the smartphone landscape, there's a deal brewing that deserves your attention. Boost Mobile is positioning itself to offer the upcoming Galaxy S26 for free, and yes, you read that right. Here's the kicker: Samsung hasn't even officially announced the Galaxy S26 yet. That uncertainty is exactly why this window is interesting for people who like to move early.

The television industry was ripe for disruption ten years ago. Consumers were fed up with pricey cable bundles and clunky boxes, streaming was catching fire, and Apple was hunting for its next big category. Apple has spent over three decades flirting with the television business, and 2015 felt like the moment to finally crack it. The company had already reinvented phones and tablets, surely the living room was next, right?

Samsung's mobile browser is jumping to bigger screens, and it is bringing some compelling features along for the ride. The company is rolling out a comprehensive desktop version that blends cross-device functionality with artificial intelligence capabilities (The Verge). It is a big swing for a browser that has served mobile users for over a decade (Windows Forum). The desktop release also adds cross-platform synchronization so you can move between phone and computer without losing your place...

Google's been quietly working on something that could change how we think about spreadsheets. The latest Gemini update for Sheets is not just another AI feature, but a fundamental shift toward natural language data manipulation that could make complex spreadsheet tasks accessible to anyone. The rollout began around mid-October 2025, introducing capabilities that let users handle complex multi-step operations through simple conversational prompts. Google's enhanced AI can now execute multiple...

Apple's iOS 26 is a real turning point for CarPlay users, delivering the biggest in-car update in years. Widgets arrive on standard CarPlay for the first time, according to 9to5Mac, a shift from what was once slated as a CarPlay Ultra exclusive. Familiar iPhone habits now live on your dashboard. Tap, glance, move on.

There's something delightfully nostalgic about seeing a modern Mac mini dressed up like its 1984 ancestor, and the Wokyis M5 dock delivers exactly that experience. This isn't just another boring hub, it's a conversation starter that transforms your sleek Mac mini into something that looks like it stepped right out of Apple's early computing era. According to 9to5Mac, this innovative accessory combines retro aesthetics with cutting-edge functionality in ways that actually make sense.

When you look at Google's Q3 2025 earnings results, one thing becomes crystal clear. We're witnessing a company that has successfully transformed from an advertising-dependent search giant into a diversified AI powerhouse. Alphabet's record-breaking Q3 revenue of $102.4 billion didn't just beat expectations, it shattered the psychological $100 billion quarterly barrier that no tech company had crossed before.

Apple's latest beta release adds a feature many iPhone users have been quietly hoping for. The fourth beta of iOS 26.1 was released today, according to 9to5Mac, and it includes a new toggle that prevents accidental Camera app launches from the Lock Screen. It targets a long-standing frustration where an unintended swipe could pop the camera open. MacRumors reports that previously, there was no way to disable Lock Screen camera activation without completely disabling the camera app itself.

Apple's strategic chess game just got a lot more interesting. The company's massive $700 million Formula 1 deal represents far more than just another streaming acquisition, it's a carefully orchestrated ecosystem play that could fundamentally reshape how we consume sports content. In parallel, the newly announced M5 MacBook Pro signals Apple's relentless push into professional computing, a one-two punch that shows the company's ambition to dominate both content delivery and the premium devices...

Samsung's Galaxy S26 lineup is shaping up to be the company's most dramatic flagship overhaul in years. What started as whispers about a potential "Pro" model has ballooned into a full rethink of how Samsung positions its premium phones. The most surprising twist? The rumored Galaxy S26 Pro may replace the standard Galaxy S26, according to current leaks.

Most leaks fawn over true flagships, the chips inside $1,000-plus phones with every bell and whistle. This one is different. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 leak reads like a curveball.

Magic Leap and Google are making waves again with their latest collaboration, bringing serious hardware innovation to the forefront of AR technology. The two tech giants recently showcased a prototype that merges Magic Leap's renowned optical expertise with Google's cutting-edge display technology, according to Android Central. Their partnership, which first began in 2024, has now been extended through a three-year agreement focused on developing next-generation AR smart glasses that could...

Samsung's financial powerhouse moment has arrived, and it's being driven by an unexpected duo reshaping the foldable landscape. When a tech giant posts numbers that make analysts do double-takes, there is usually a sharp strategic shift behind the scenes, and Samsung's third-quarter results fit that bill.

Something's brewing in the Android ecosystem that still feels under the radar, and it is worth a closer look. Google's Play Store has quietly started revealing what is coming for Android XR, and the timing is no accident. Just days before Samsung's official Galaxy XR headset debut, application listings are appearing with specialized XR tags, according to TechRadar. That early peek suggests Google and Samsung have been coordinating to launch with real content, not a barren storefront, a clear...

When Apple quietly dropped the "+" from Apple TV+, it wasn't just a branding tweak. It was a window into how the company actually makes decisions. Instead of stubbornly sticking to their original naming convention, they listened to how people were actually talking about their service in the real world. You know what's refreshing about that? Most companies would force you to use their preferred terminology forever, but Apple essentially said "fine, you win" and made it official. dropped the "+"...

Twitch is making some bold moves that could fundamentally change how we experience live streaming. The platform recently launched three major innovations that signal a significant shift in its strategy: dual-format streaming capabilities, AI-powered clip generation, and enhanced sponsorship tools for creators. The company started testing dual-format streaming back in August, showing they've been quietly working on this technology for months.

Chinese consumers and developers are back in court, and Apple is in the crosshairs. This is the company’s second major antitrust challenge in China, arriving as Beijing and Washington trade barbs over tariffs and tech. The backdrop matters, and everyone knows it.

When you look at the gaming industry today, Xbox is staring down a fundamental crisis that is reshaping how we think about console gaming’s future. The latest quarterly earnings paint a stark picture: Xbox console sales dropped dramatically by 29% year-over-year, marking the fourth consecutive year of declining hardware revenue. This is not a temporary setback. It is a pattern that signals deeper structural problems.

When Google first introduced ultra-wideband technology to its Pixel lineup back in 2021, it felt like the company was laying the groundwork for something big. The promise was clear: enhanced spatial awareness, precise tracking capabilities, and a new level of interaction between your phone and the world around it. Then reality hit: many Pixel owners cannot actually use UWB for what should be its most practical application.

When Microsoft and OpenAI announced their restructured partnership last week, it set off the kind of ripple through Wall Street that makes seasoned analysts reach for their calculators. The deal transforms OpenAI into a public benefit corporation while Microsoft secures a 27% ownership stake worth approximately $135 billion, according to Reuters (and company statements). This is not just another corporate handshake. It is a reset that clears years of uncertainty and cements one of tech’s most...

Picture this: you are trying to perfect a vacation photo, and you bounce between Samsung's Object Eraser to remove that random photobomber, then Generative Edit to clean up the background. Sound familiar? Samsung has been listening to those collective sighs of frustration, and they are finally doing something about it.

Apple's rumored iPad mini 8 might ditch speaker holes entirely. Recent reports point to vibration-based speakers, according to Bloomberg, which would make it unique among Apple products if adopted. The idea turns the display or chassis into the sound source, promising better water resistance while keeping audio quality intact. It is a sharp turn from diaphragm-based speakers, using exciters that vibrate surfaces to make sound.

You know how smartphones keep getting thinner while somehow packing in more features? Apple might be lining up the next push with the iPad Mini 8. There is growing chatter in the tech world about vibration-based speakers, a technology that could change how we think about audio in mobile devices.

The mobile gaming landscape has transformed in recent years, with smartphone gamers looking for ways to move beyond pure touchscreen play. You know how it is. You're trying to nail that perfect combo in a fighting game or line up a clutch shot in a first-person shooter, and your thumbs just can't deliver the precision you need on glass. That pain point has pushed a wave of dedicated accessories into everyday carry.

Three forces collide this week, the Federal Reserve's interest rate call, Microsoft's quarterly earnings, and a high-stakes meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. For tech watchers and investors, it is a live demo of how monetary policy, corporate scorecards, and geopolitics crash into each other in one trading week.

OnePlus has just dropped some exciting news that's shaking up the typical smartphone launch calendar. The brand is accelerating its timeline in a major way, bringing its latest flagship to global markets much sooner than anyone expected. That is a clear shift from the delayed international rollouts that have frustrated fans for years. The OnePlus 15 will launch globally on November 13, a break from past patterns that typically saw months-long gaps between regional releases.