From 9to5Google · 40 stories
WhatsApp Introduces @all Mentions, Enhanced Polls, and New Group Creation Features
WhatsApp has rolled out new features for group chats, including an "@all" mention to notify all members, expanded poll options with end times and anonymous voting, and the ability to create new groups from existing ones. These updates provide users with more communication tools and administrative controls within the messaging platform.
Nothing Launches Phone 4A Pro with Aluminium Body and LED Screen Matrix
Nothing has released the Phone 4A Pro, a £499 aluminium-bodied smartphone with a large camera island featuring an LED matrix. The device is distinguished by its notable design among mid-range offerings and is positioned above the regular Phone 4A. Meanwhile, the Phone 4B, a budget model, introduces the 'B-series' as a more affordable option but will not be available in the US.
Nothing Launches Ear 3A Buds with Audio Recording at $99 Price Point
Nothing introduced its new Ear 3A wireless earbuds for $99, featuring an Audio Snapshot feature for recording audio and calls. The earbuds also come with improved ANC and built-in storage. They connect recordings with the Nothing X app for further functionality.
Dell XPS 13 (2026) reviewed: a thinner, lighter laptop with compromises for its $700 price
Dell's new XPS 13 (2026) model is thinner and lighter than previous versions, starting at $700, but features a more basic design, slower Intel Core hardware, and a mechanical trackpad. The review suggests that its 8GB RAM configuration is insufficient for comfortable Windows 11 use, despite its competitive pricing against the MacBook Neo.
Pixel 11a Renders Leak, Showing Minimal Design Changes and Tensor G6 Processor
Renders of Google's upcoming Pixel 11a have leaked, indicating a design largely unchanged from its predecessors, the Pixel 9a and 10a. The device is expected to retain similar dimensions and display bezels, but will reportedly feature an upgraded Tensor G6 processor and be available in black, silver, green, and purple color options. This leak provides an early look at the mid-range device's aesthetics and internal specifications.
Claude Experiences Partial Outage Affecting Sign-ins, New Chats, and Other Services
Anthropic's Claude services experienced a partial outage starting at 14:00 UTC, affecting user sign-ins, new chat initiation, voice conversations, and file uploads. While initial errors were mitigated by 14:36 UTC, a secondary issue continued to prevent many users from accessing core functionalities, including single sign-on and "Sign in with Apple". The outage impacted Claude, Claude Code, Claude Cowork, and the Claude API and Console.
Boox Picco ereader, a playing card-sized device, is now available for preorder
Boox has opened pre-orders for its new Picco ereader, a compact device with a 3.94-inch monochrome ePaper display, weighing 58 grams. This product marks Boox's entry into "Boox Tiles," a line of ePaper devices with unusual form factors.
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 Glasses Feature Longer Battery Life, New Styles, and Price Increase
Meta released its third generation of Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, introducing new Aviator and Zena frame styles, increased battery life up to 9 hours, and an additional microphone for improved audio. The new models start at $449, marking a price increase from previous versions.
September 2026 Pixel Drop adds one-tap contact actions and expanded scam protection
The September 2026 Pixel Drop is rolling out to Pixel 6 and newer devices, introducing one-tap call and message buttons directly on the Pixel VIPs widget. This update also expands scam detection to text messages, providing warnings over the keyboard for suspicious content.
Oppo Find X10 "Pro Max" model rumored to feature three 200MP cameras
A leak suggests the upcoming Oppo Find X10 "Pro Max" smartphone will include three 200MP cameras, a significant increase from previous models. This development indicates Oppo's continued focus on high-megapixel camera systems in its flagship devices.
MediaTek Dimensity CX C10 Max SoC to power new Googlebooks, shares specs with Kompanio Ultra
MediaTek announced its Dimensity CX C10 Max processor will be used in Google's new Googlebook laptops, launching on September 21. The 3nm SoC features an 8-core CPU, 11-core GPU, and NPU 890, but its specifications are largely similar to the existing Kompanio Ultra 910, with the main difference being increased memory speed.
Clicks Communicator smartphone to ship in December with 12GB RAM, free data
Clicks has upgraded the Communicator smartphone's specifications to 12GB RAM and a 4,350mAh battery, launching with Android 17. The company will ship the device in December, offering two months of free data via its new MVNO service, Clicks Mobile.
Instagram Head States Engagement Halves Without Algorithmic Feed
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, stated that user engagement drops by 50% and satisfaction scores decrease when the platform's recommendation algorithm is disabled. This statement was made during an Australian press briefing as Australia considers legislation that would require platforms to prompt users to turn off algorithmic ranking.
Google discontinues Pixel Tablet, removing it from its official store
Google has discontinued the Pixel Tablet, removing its listing from the Google Store and making it unavailable from third-party retailers. This marks the end of Google's only tablet offering, though software updates will continue until 2028.
Honor Robot Phone Integrates Gimbal for Camera Stabilization, Launches in China
Honor has released its experimental Robot Phone in China, featuring a built-in three-axis gimbal for its 200-megapixel primary camera. This device integrates stabilization technology directly into the phone, aiming to reduce the need for external gimbal peripherals for content creators.
Boox Picco e-reader with 3.97-inch touchscreen and Linux OS to launch in November
Boox will release its Picco e-reader in November, featuring a 3.97-inch touchscreen, physical page-turn buttons, and a Linux-based operating system. This device offers an alternative to the Xteink X4 with its own set of features and limitations.
Philips Hue "Sync Box Lite" and "Sync Camera" leak, offering cheaper light synchronization
Details have emerged about two new Philips Hue products, the "Hue Play Sync Box Lite" and a "Sync Camera," which aim to provide more affordable options for syncing smart lights with TV content. The Sync Box Lite features a single HDMI input and a lower price point, while the Sync Camera uses a TV-mounted camera to process lighting effects directly from the screen.
Samsung introduces new $799 Galaxy Book 6 model with Intel Core 3/5 processors
Samsung has released a new, more affordable model in its Galaxy Book 6 laptop lineup, starting at $799. This expansion provides a budget-friendly option compared to previous models, making the series more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
Razer Launches Prio, a Compact Foldable USB-C Mobile Gaming Controller
Razer has released the Prio, a new USB-C mobile gaming controller for Android and iOS devices. The Prio features a foldable design that reduces its size to roughly that of a credit card when not in use, making it more portable than previous models. It includes tactile low-profile thumbsticks with contactless sensors to prevent drift, a D-Pad, ABXY buttons, and dual bumpers and triggers, and is available for $99.99.
Wyze Releases New Indoor Cam Pan with Retracting Lens for Privacy and 2K Resolution
Wyze has launched a new Indoor Cam Pan, an indoor security camera priced at $39.98. This model features a lens that retracts into the camera body for physical privacy, 2K video resolution, and AI-powered motion tracking, offering an updated option for home surveillance.
Spotify's AI-Powered Running Mode Expands to Android in Select Regions
Spotify has released its AI-powered Running Mode feature for Android users in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden. This feature generates playlists matched to a user's run, allowing customization of workout type, duration, BPM, and music genre, and includes optional audio cues. The expansion follows its iOS launch in late July and is part of Spotify's focus on fitness-oriented music.
Trevor Noah to Host Made by Google 2026 Event Featuring Pixel 11 Pro and Watch 5 Teases
Google announced Trevor Noah will host the Made by Google 2026 event on August 12th at 6 p.m. ET in New York City. The event will feature various celebrities and athletes, and Google briefly teased the Pixel 11 Pro with HiLight active and the Pixel Watch 5.
Honor Launches "Robot Phone" with Automated Pop-Up Camera Gimbal in China
Honor has launched its "Robot Phone" for pre-order in China, featuring an automated pop-up camera gimbal made of titanium that can rotate 360 degrees and includes AI subject tracking. The device integrates a 200MP camera with 4DoF stabilization and starts at approximately $1,500, offering new capabilities for smartphone photography and videography.
Nothing Releases Ear 3A Earbuds with Transparent Design and Improved Features for $99
Nothing has launched the Ear 3A earbuds, priced at $99, featuring a transparent design, 12mm dynamic drivers, and improved active noise cancellation (ANC). The new model maintains Nothing's visual identity and offers enhanced sound quality with adjustable EQ, though some users may experience minor issues with adaptive ANC and call quality.
Ring Releases Peephole Cam 2K, Upgrading Resolution and Design for $99
Ring has launched the Peephole Cam 2K, an updated version of its peephole doorbell camera, featuring 2K video recording, a slimmer design, and a starting price of $99.99. This new model replaces the 2019 Door View Cam and is designed for easy installation without drilling, making it suitable for renters.
Google Open-Sources Redesigned 3D Noto Emoji for Cross-Platform Use
Google announced the redesign of its entire emoji collection into a 3D format called 'Noto 3D', which will first be available on Pixel phones. These newly designed emojis, debuting with Android 17 later this year, have been open-sourced, allowing developers to incorporate them into various applications. It marks a shift towards greater cross-platform consistency while retaining some of Google's original design ethos.
XGIMI Launches Elfin Flip 4K Projector with Portable Features, Lacks Battery Power
XGIMI introduced the Elfin Flip 4K, a 4K laser projector equipped with Google TV, priced at $999. While marketed as portable with features like automatic keystone correction and a 3.4-pound design, it lacks an internal battery, limiting outdoor use. This projector includes a built-in Harman-Kardon speaker and a tiltable design, making it suitable for various indoor placements.
Nintendo to Shut Down Mobile Game Mario Kart Tour by September 2026
Nintendo will terminate Mario Kart Tour, its mobile racing game, on September 30, 2026, without offering an offline version. This decision marks a shift in Nintendo's mobile gaming strategy. The game, launched in 2019, stopped updates in 2023 and will completely cease operation.
Google Pixel 2 XL's Display Issues Foreshadowed Future Pixel Challenges
The Google Pixel 2 XL, released a year after the original Pixel, featured significant display inconsistencies, including poor viewing angles, off colors, and burn-in. These hardware flaws, despite software tweaks and warranty extensions, marked a pattern of Google attempting new features that sometimes resulted in problems requiring subsequent corrections in later Pixel models.
Google Home app adds ringtone preview for Nest Doorbells
The Google Home app now allows users to preview Nest Doorbell ringtones directly within the app. This update simplifies selecting standard and seasonal chimes without needing to activate the doorbell physically.
Google Home app updates improve widget efficiency, device tile display, and setup reliability
Google has updated its Home app with optimizations for the homescreen widget to save battery by pausing background updates when the phone screen is off. The update also resolves an issue causing device tiles to appear grayed out and includes various quality improvements for multi-account switching, device setup, and camera live streams.
Facer updates Wear OS app with redesigned interface, new categories, and Timex watch faces
Facer has updated its Wear OS application, introducing a redesigned interface with new watch face categories and adding licensed watch faces from brands like Timex. This update aims to improve watch face discovery and expand the available selection for Wear OS users.
Android Auto Bug Blocks Outgoing Calls on Closed Foldable Phones
A bug in Android Auto prevents outgoing calls from closed foldable phones, specifically affecting Motorola Razr models. Both Google and Motorola are aware of the issue, which currently requires users to open their phones to make calls.
Samsung reportedly cancels variable-aperture camera for Galaxy S27 due to cost and size
Samsung has reportedly decided against reintroducing variable-aperture cameras in its upcoming Galaxy S27 series, despite earlier rumors. The decision was influenced by higher manufacturing costs and the increased thickness required for the camera module.
The Pixel 3a is Google's most important smartphone due to its market success
The Pixel 3a, launched in 2019, is identified as Google's most important smartphone because it achieved significant market success and boosted US smartphone sales for the company. This success ensured the continuation of Google's Pixel project and led to subsequent successful A-series devices.
Google Releases Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6 Fixing Multiple Bugs for Pixel Devices
Google has released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6 for Pixel smartphones, addressing several bugs and achieving Platform Stability with finalized APIs. The update includes fixes for spell checker language selection, Quick Settings media carousel, and Wi-Fi SSID display issues. It is available for a wide range of Pixels, excluding the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, which will end with QPR1 updates.
Pixel Recorder update adds direct file access for audio recordings
Pixel Recorder version 4.2.20260823.x introduces a new setting that allows users to access audio files directly from other applications, such as the Files app. This update simplifies the process of managing and sharing recordings by creating a dedicated "Recordings" folder on the device.
Samsung SmartThings Tracker Service Discontinued for Galaxy SmartTags in October 2026
Samsung will discontinue its SmartThings Tracker service for Galaxy SmartTags and other compatible devices on October 31, 2026. Users will still be able to locate their SmartTags using the dedicated Samsung Find app on Galaxy devices.
Spotify Experiences Partial Outage Affecting Search and Other Functions
Spotify users reported a partial outage this morning, with core functions like search and Spotify Connect becoming inaccessible. Spotify has confirmed awareness of the issue and is investigating, while music playback appears less affected for some users.
Android September 2026 Google System Updates Introduce Motion Assist and Play Store Changes
Google released its September 2026 system updates for Android, bringing improvements to Play services and Play Store across various devices. Key updates include a new motion assist feature for phones, enhanced real-time metric data for Wear OS, and local currency purchasing options in the Play Store for several new regions.