News and Updates from Gadget Hacks

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.

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...

When HBO Max announced they were adding Mad Men to their streaming library in stunning 4K resolution, fans of the Emmy-winning series were understandably excited. The promise of experiencing Don Draper's world with enhanced visual clarity seemed like the perfect way to revisit one of television's most acclaimed dramas. However, what subscribers got was far from the polished viewing experience they expected.

We've all been there—you're using your Samsung Galaxy phone when suddenly you're bombarded with promotional notifications for apps you barely use. Whether it's a shopping app pinging you with "limited-time deals" every few hours or a game launcher constantly trying to pull you back in, notification spam has become a genuine problem for Android users. Samsung has apparently been listening to these frustrations, and early code discoveries in One UI 8.5 suggest the company is developing a...

Apple's ecosystem has always been about seamless integration, but the upcoming fusion of Apple Health with ChatGPT represents something entirely different—a leap into truly intelligent health companionship. What makes this particularly fascinating is the perfect timing: while Apple develops its comprehensive Health+ platform for 2026, users are already experiencing the power of this combination through current manual processes.

Apple's App Tracking Transparency framework launched in 2021 with the promise of giving users more control over their privacy. But now, German antitrust authorities are asking a much more pointed question: Is this really about protecting users, or is Apple using privacy as a clever cover for crushing competition?

Reviewed by: Y. Garcia

When tech companies start pushing back against government mandates, you know something consequential is brewing. Right now, we're witnessing what could be the most significant regulatory standoff in the smartphone industry since Apple refused to unlock iPhones for the FBI. But this time, the stakes might be even higher—we're talking about permanent government software on every device sold in one of the world's largest smartphone markets.

Poland's competition watchdog, UOKiK, has launched a formal investigation into Apple's App Tracking Transparency feature, adding weight to a growing European regulatory movement questioning whether the tech giant is leveraging privacy protection as a competitive advantage. The investigation reveals a fundamental concern about asymmetry in how privacy rules apply to Apple versus third-party developers in the mobile advertising ecosystem.

Apple is gearing up for what could be its most significant Mac launch in years, and it's not what you'd expect. While we're used to seeing the company push boundaries with premium features and sky-high price tags, 2026 might mark a dramatic shift toward affordability.

Reviewed by: Y. Garcia

Black Friday season has kicked off, and this year's tech deals are hitting record lows across the board. Retailers are offering price guarantees, ensuring their current discounts won't be beaten later in the season, while Google has launched its official 2025 Black Friday sale with unprecedented savings on its entire ecosystem. Among the standout deals, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is seeing its first major discount since launching in August, with all storage configurations getting $300 off...

Black Friday has arrived early for Apple enthusiasts, and this year's deals are genuinely impressive. Current discounts span Apple's entire product lineup, with savings that rival or exceed previous Black Friday events. The iPad Pro is seeing unprecedented $400 discounts, while MacBook Air models are starting as low as $749. What makes this deal season particularly noteworthy is the timing—retailers are offering these substantial savings weeks before traditional Black Friday shopping begins.

Reviewed by: Y. Garcia

Reviewed by: Y. Garcia

Reviewed by: Y. Garcia

Reviewed by: Y. Garcia

Reviewed by: Y. Garcia

Reviewed by: Jame Jimenez

Reviewed by: Jame Jimenez

Reviewed by: Jame Jimenez

When you think about Apple's track record with game-changing technology, there's a pattern: they watch competitors stumble through early iterations, then swoop in with something that just works. Now, with smart glasses poised to become the next battleground in personal computing, Apple is quietly assembling what could be their most ambitious product launch since the iPhone.

You've waited all year for the perfect streaming deal, and today marks your final chance to secure some of the most aggressive discounts we've seen from major platforms. With savings reaching up to 73% on premium services, according to Business Insider, these Cyber Monday promotions represent the sweet spot for cord-cutters looking to maximize their entertainment options without breaking the bank. The timing couldn't be more critical—most major Cyber Monday streaming deals run through December...

Reviewed by: Y. Garcia

Reviewed by: Y. Garcia

Federal lawmakers are intensifying their push for comprehensive age verification requirements that would fundamentally reshape how millions of Americans access mobile apps, despite Apple and other tech giants having already implemented substantial child protection measures. As multiple states have already enacted their own app store accountability laws, this legislative momentum reflects a strategic shift from piecemeal state regulations to unified federal standards. The proposed federal App...

Reviewed by: Y. Garcia

The holiday shopping season is hitting peak intensity, and if you're eyeing Apple gear, you're looking at what might be the best deal window of the entire year. Black Friday has officially arrived, but here's what's particularly exciting this time around: third-party retailers are delivering impressive price cuts that significantly outpace Apple's own conservative discounts.