News and Updates from Gadget Hacks

Apple's decision to open up its Battersea Power Station holiday projections to the public marks a fascinating shift in how tech giants approach community engagement. What started as an exclusive showcase for renowned artists has transformed into something much more democratic—and honestly, much more interesting. The winners of Apple's "Your Tree on Battersea" competition are now seeing their iPad-created Christmas trees illuminate one of London's most iconic landmarks, according to MacRumors.

Google just dropped its December 2025 software update for Pixel devices, and this one's genuinely impressive. According to Android Authority, this comprehensive patch addresses dozens of issues that have been frustrating users across the Pixel lineup. We're talking about everything from battery management quirks to interface glitches that made daily phone use more annoying than it should be. What makes this release particularly significant is how it demonstrates Google's evolving approach to...

You know what's fascinating about Apple's current situation? While everyone's talking about the company "losing" top design talent and experiencing some kind of crisis, I'm starting to think this might actually be exactly what Apple needed. Sometimes the best thing that can happen to a creative organization is a good shake-up—and Stephen Lemay's appointment as the new head of UI design could represent Apple's biggest opportunity in years.

After months of speculation and leaked images, Samsung's first tri-folding smartphone has finally been officially unveiled. The Galaxy Z TriFold represents Samsung's most ambitious foldable device to date, according to Samsung's official announcement. This engineering marvel builds on a decade of foldable innovation, attempting to solve the mobile industry's challenge of balancing portability with productivity (Samsung). The device transforms from a standard smartphone into a 10-inch...

Russia's digital landscape has taken another dramatic turn, with authorities now targeting some of the world's most widely used communication platforms. The latest restrictions represent a significant escalation in the country's ongoing campaign to control digital communications, as reported by TechRadar. Russian communications regulator Roskomnadzor has officially added FaceTime and Roblox to its growing list of prohibited services, according to the same report. This development follows a...

Reviewed by: Y. Garcia

When you look at the streaming landscape today, it's hard to ignore what feels like a complete transformation happening right before our eyes. Spotify—the platform we've all grown up associating with music and audio—is making moves that suggest they're not content to stay in their lane anymore. The numbers tell a compelling story: over 390 million users now consuming video podcasts, representing a 54% year-over-year increase. That's not gradual growth—that's the kind of hockey stick trajectory...

Here's what you need to know about Microsoft's latest Xbox mobile update—it's the comprehensive store experience that Xbox users have been requesting for years. The company is now rolling out full storefront functionality and wishlist support directly within the Android app, representing a fundamental shift in how Microsoft approaches mobile gaming commerce rather than just another incremental feature addition.

Samsung's upcoming One UI 8.5 update is generating serious buzz in the tech world, and for good reason. Based on comprehensive leaked information, this isn't just another incremental software refresh—it's shaping up to be a substantial overhaul that could fundamentally change how Galaxy users interact with their devices. A detailed leak has revealed the complete feature list ahead of Samsung's official announcement, giving us our clearest picture yet of what's coming. The timing couldn't be...

Google's smartwatch users have been making their voices heard for years – they want better gesture controls. Finally, it looks like Google is ready to deliver. Recent discoveries in the Pixel Watch app have revealed that Google is actively developing two significant gesture features that could completely transform how we interact with our wearables: comprehensive double-pinch controls and the revival of wrist-turn navigation.

OnePlus has been riding high with the global launch of its latest flagship, but US customers have been left waiting at the digital doorstep. What started as a routine regulatory approval process turned into an unexpected bottleneck—one that had less to do with the device itself, but everything to do with Washington politics. The frustration for consumers is understandable: when delays stem from bureaucratic gridlock rather than product issues, it feels particularly maddening.

Intel might be making a surprising comeback into Apple's chip manufacturing plans, marking a potential shift in the company's silicon strategy. Recent reports from renowned supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that Intel could begin producing Apple's entry-level M-series processors as early as mid-2027, according to MacRumors.

Google's latest Pixel 10 devices just received a significant upgrade that could change how we think about navigation and battery life. The company has begun a comprehensive rollout of a new Power Saving Mode feature for Google Maps, introduced as part of the November Pixel Drop.

Reviewed by: Y. Garcia

When Dell COO Jeffrey Clarke told investors that approximately 500 million computers are avoiding the Windows 11 transition, he wasn't just sharing quarterly numbers—he was documenting what might be the most significant operating system adoption crisis Microsoft has faced in decades. With Windows 10 support ending in less than a year and roughly half the PC market still resistant to change, we're witnessing a fundamental shift in how enterprises and users respond to forced technology...

Reviewed by: Y. Garcia

Reviewed by: Y. Garcia

The tablet wars have reached a new peak in 2025, with two premium powerhouses going head-to-head in what might be the most compelling flagship face-off we've seen in years. Samsung launched their massive Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra in September (Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra was released on September 4, 2025), featuring a jaw-dropping 14.6-inch display that's bigger than many laptops. Apple quickly responded in October with their iPad Pro M5 (Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5, 2025) was released on October...

When you look at Apple's design legacy, it's hard to imagine a world where the company struggles to keep its creative visionaries. Yet here we are, watching another key UI design executive make the jump to Meta—and this latest move reveals something deeper about the fundamental shifts happening within one of the world's most design-focused companies.

The wireless industry's battle for customers just got a lot more interesting. T-Mobile recently launched its "15 Minutes to Better" campaign, promising to revolutionize how customers switch carriers through its AI-powered Easy Switch tool in the T-Life app. This digital pathway allows potential switchers to complete the entire process in just 15 minutes, according to Verdict. The tool scans account details from current AT&T or Verizon services and suggests tailored T-Mobile plans, addressing a...

Sony's legendary baseball franchise is taking its biggest swing yet at mobile gaming, and it's happening right on your iPhone. After years of dominating consoles, MLB The Show is officially making its smartphone debut with a dedicated mobile version that's currently testing in the Philippines. This isn't just another companion app or watered-down port – Sony San Diego Studio has built this experience from the ground up specifically for mobile devices. The move represents a fundamental shift for...

Samsung has been quietly perfecting the foldable formula for years, and you shouldn't wait for flashy new experiments when the company's masterpiece is sitting right in front of you. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents years of foldable refinement that shouldn't be overlooked while waiting for the flashy new Galaxy Z TriFold. Samsung has systematically improved its foldable technology across seven generations, addressing previous shortcomings with each iteration. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 delivers mature...

Picture this: you're on a call with someone claiming to be from your bank, they've convinced you to share your screen to "help" with a security issue, and just as you're about to open your banking app, your Android phone throws up a warning. What seemed like legitimate customer service is actually a sophisticated scam, and your device just became your digital bodyguard.

The streaming wars have reached a fascinating inflection point. While most of us have been juggling multiple subscriptions and watching our monthly entertainment bills creep upward, a surprising development is reshaping the landscape: bundling is making a comeback. The major streaming platforms have increased their prices by an average of 12% this year alone, according to the Los Angeles Times, with Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, and others all implementing significant rate hikes. These...

It's that time of year again—when music fans everywhere eagerly await their personalized listening reports. Spotify has officially dropped its 2025 Wrapped feature, and this year's edition comes with some major upgrades designed to address last year's lukewarm reception. The streaming giant is pulling out all the stops with interactive party features, AI-powered insights, and expanded social sharing options. Meanwhile, the competition has intensified significantly, with Apple Music Replay...

Reviewed by: Y. Garcia

The year-end music streaming battle just got a whole lot more competitive. Spotify just dropped its 2025 Wrapped, and this year's biggest surprise isn't your questionable music taste—it's the new competitive twist that's turning your listening habits into a full-blown social showdown. The streaming giant has completely redesigned its annual tradition with fresh features focused on community engagement, according to Find Articles. What started as a personal reflection on your year in music has...

The 2025 streaming recap season has landed with a twist. Spotify Wrapped 2025 has just launched, bringing its signature blend of personalized music insights and social media-ready graphics. But this year's arrival tells a bigger story about how the streaming landscape has fundamentally shifted.

If you had told me just a year ago that Apple would become the sole driving force behind smartphone growth during China's biggest shopping event, I probably would have raised an eyebrow. But that's exactly what happened during this year's Singles' Day festival, and the numbers tell a remarkable turnaround story.

Google is pushing the boundaries of visual search once again, but this time they're doing it behind closed doors. While millions of Android users rely on Circle to Search daily, Google is secretly testing a feature that could fundamentally change how we interact with visual content on our devices. The tech giant is integrating follow-up capabilities into their popular visual search tool, creating a more conversational and intelligent search experience that goes far beyond simple identification.

You know that feeling when you unlock your phone and suddenly Apple Podcasts is open, showing you some random spirituality podcast from 2018 that you definitely didn't tap on? Well, turns out that's not just a quirky glitch—it's actually someone trying to hack you.

Reviewed by: Y. Garcia

Apple's laptop lineup has always commanded premium prices, but that might be changing in a big way. If the rumors are accurate, we could be looking at the most significant shift in Apple's Mac strategy in years. Multiple industry reports suggest that Apple is developing an entirely new MacBook that will sit below the MacBook Air, reports/rumors suggest a possible starting price around $599 (unconfirmed). That's not a typo – we're talking about a Mac laptop that could cost less than an iPad Pro...

Google just pulled off something remarkable—and risky. Their newest Android devices can now seamlessly share files with iPhones through a direct connection to Apple's AirDrop protocol, according to tech-ish. This isn't a partnership or official collaboration; it's Google essentially reverse-engineering one of Apple's most beloved ecosystem features. The implementation uses Rust programming language for enhanced security and currently works exclusively on Pixel 10 devices, as reported by PC Mag....

Apple's supply chain dynamics for the iPhone 17 have taken a dramatic turn, with China's BOE Technology Group facing significant challenges that are reshaping the display manufacturing landscape. The Chinese panel maker, which once seemed poised to expand its role in Apple's ecosystem, now finds itself marginalized in what represents one of the most significant supply chain shifts in recent iPhone history. This development highlights the complex interplay of quality control, legal challenges,...

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 Plus promises to shake things up in the flagship arena, but the question remains: is it worth holding out for when the Galaxy S24 Plus is already delivering solid performance? Let's break down what we know about these two flagship contenders.

When Apple unveiled the M1 chip five years ago, it felt like witnessing a tectonic shift in the computing world. What started as a bold move to ditch Intel processors has transformed into something much bigger, a complete reimagining of what's possible in personal computing. Looking back now, it's clear that the M1 was just the opening act in what would become one of the most significant technological disruptions of the decade.

When Apple's CEO reached retirement age on 2025-11-01 (Saturday), the tech world collectively held its breath. Tim Cook celebrated his 65th birthday on November 1st, according to CNET, a milestone that reignited talk about Apple's future leadership. He has not announced plans to step down. Still, CNET reports that Apple is already weighing who might take the reins, and the company is building out succession plans to keep any handoff smooth, according to the same report.

Apple faces another significant legal challenge in Europe as Dutch authorities move forward with their antitrust case—but this isn't just another regulatory slap on the wrist. What we're witnessing is a coordinated European effort targeting what many see as anticompetitive behavior in digital marketplaces, with implications that extend far beyond Apple's operations in the Netherlands.

Apple's App Tracking Transparency feature has been causing waves across the tech industry since its introduction in 2021, but now it's facing some serious regulatory scrutiny in Germany. After three years of extensive investigation, the Bundeskartellamt—Germany's competition authority—has finally made its move.