Releases · Top stories
Google Store Adds "Shop Devices" Tab for Pixel and Samsung Galaxy Products
Google has launched a new "Shop devices" tab within the Play Store, allowing customers to purchase Samsung Galaxy smartphones and other devices directly from the Google Store alongside Pixel products. This change expands the Google Store's offerings beyond its own hardware, providing a unified purchasing experience for select Android devices.
Apple declares 2017 12-inch MacBook, iPad 6, and BeatsX obsolete
Apple has added the 2017 12-inch MacBook, 6th generation iPad, and BeatsX to its list of obsolete products. This designation means Apple will no longer provide repairs or servicing for these devices, impacting owners who rely on official support.
Strafe Launches as Open-Source, E2E Encrypted, Federated Chat Alternative to Discord
Strafe, a new chat application, has launched with end-to-end encryption, federation, and self-hosting capabilities. It aims to provide a privacy-focused communication platform as an alternative to existing services like Discord.
Android Auto 18.0 Beta Rolls Out, Hints at "Cielo" Redesign
Google has begun rolling out Android Auto 18.0 in beta, an update that primarily contains bug fixes but also includes new code references to "cielo_launcher." This suggests continued development of a major redesign, potentially codenamed "Cielo," which is expected to replace the "Coolwalk" interface.
Guitoro Launches as a Browser-Based Virtual Guitar Playable with Keyboard or Touch
Guitoro, a new virtual guitar application, has launched, allowing users to play guitar in a web browser using a computer keyboard or touch interface. It offers realistic instrument sounds and features for learning chords and songs, including visual feedback on strumming and fingering.
Google confirms Android Auto media app updates, including persistent squiggly line design
Google confirmed several Android Auto updates for media applications, including expanded media controls, a redesigned media player, and improved autoplay functionality. The company also stated that the "squiggly line" media player design will remain a permanent feature.
Spotify on iOS 27 allows Siri to play music without specifying 'on Spotify'
Spotify users on iOS 27 can now ask Siri to play music or other content without needing to add "on Spotify" to their commands. This change allows Siri to automatically route audio requests to Spotify if it is the user's preferred music app, simplifying hands-free listening.
.NET and .NET Framework receive October 2026 servicing updates
.NET and .NET Framework received their October 2026 servicing updates, which include security and non-security fixes. These updates address vulnerabilities and provide general improvements for supported versions of both platforms.
SolidCraft: Open-Source Parametric CAD Application in Rust with MCP Support Released
SolidCraft, an open-source parametric 3D CAD application built in Rust, has been released, offering sketching, constraining, and solid modeling with a parametric feature timeline. It supports desktop, browser, and AI agent integration via a built-in MCP server, allowing models to rebuild automatically when dimensions change. The application is in an early but usable state, with 75 out of 76 reference parts matching geometric properties.
Blokkily, an experimental pattern-based DAW, releases with CLAP and VST3 support
Blokkily, a new experimental pattern-based Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), has been released. It allows users to edit patterns across tracker, piano roll, and step grid interfaces, and supports CLAP and VST3 plugins, SoundFont instruments, and built-in samplers.
JP Morgan Raises Apple Price Target to $360 Despite iPhone 18 Pro Production Cut Reports
JP Morgan increased its price target for Apple stock to $360, up from $340, maintaining an Overweight rating. This adjustment occurred despite recent reports of production cuts for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max due to "soft demand."
Brickbrag Launches Multiplayer Browser-Based Brick-Building World
Brickbrag has launched a new multiplayer brick-building world accessible directly in a web browser. This platform allows users to build structures with various bricks, drive vehicles, and interact in a shared online environment.
Apple TV announces "Heart" true-crime podcast about heart transplant recipient and donor
Apple TV announced "Heart," an eight-episode true-crime podcast premiering October 19. The podcast investigates the deaths of two men linked by a heart transplant, both officially ruled suicides, and explores whether the donor's trauma influenced the recipient.
Apple Vision Pro to release first immersive horror film 'Remnants' this Friday
Apple announced 'Remnants', the first immersive horror film for Vision Pro, will be available this Friday, October 16. The film, directed by Ti West, will be released in the Apple TV app, utilizing the 180-degree Apple Immersive video format.
Fitbit Air gains Metal Mesh band option and enhanced automatic activity tracking
Google introduced a new Metal Mesh band for the Fitbit Air, available in Polished Silver and Champagne Gold, priced at $69.99. Additionally, Google updated automatic activity tracking for Fitbit devices, expanding detected activities from 10 to over 100 and improving detection accuracy.
Bambu Lab Teases S1 3D Scanner for November 2026 Release
Bambu Lab has teased its first 3D scanner, the S1, with a planned release in November 2026. While no official details are available, FCC filings and a potential partnership with SCANOLOGY suggest some capabilities, including a 60W power input. This entry marks Bambu Lab's expansion into the niche 3D scanning market, which serves various industries like game development, archaeology, and reverse engineering.
Citroën unveils electric 2 CV Concept, targets €15,000 production model
Citroën revealed an electric 2 CV Concept at the Paris Motor Show, drawing inspiration from the original 1948 model. The company plans a production version within two years, aiming for a starting price of 15,000 euros.
Cult classic horror game P.T. receives PC port from independent developer
A developer created a PC port for the discontinued horror game P.T., allowing it to run natively on x86 systems. This effort preserves the game beyond its original PlayStation 4 availability and adds new features like upscaling and VR support.
Smart Unveils #2 Ultra-Compact EV at Paris Motor Show
Smart introduced its new #2 ultra-compact electric vehicle at the Paris Motor Show, marking a return to smaller vehicle designs after previous SUV releases. The two-seater EV offers a range of 180 miles and features modern technology, with preorders opening in Spring.
Apple highlights seven indie games for 'Indie Games Week' on the App Store
Apple announced 'Indie Games Week' on the App Store, featuring seven new or upcoming indie game titles. This initiative aims to showcase independent developers and their contributions to mobile gaming.
Nothing rolls out stable Android 17 update (Nothing OS 5.0) to Phone (3)
Nothing has begun rolling out its stable Android 17 update, Nothing OS 5.0, to the Nothing Phone (3) after a beta program. The update includes a redesigned Launcher, Micrographics clock face, refreshed design system, and improved Essential AI tools. Other Nothing devices will receive the update through mid-January 2027.
Doory, an open-source browser-based design editor, launches with free features
Doory, a new open-source browser-based design editor, has launched, offering a free alternative to tools like Canva. It allows users to create various designs from templates or scratch, with export options including PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF, MP4, and GIF, and can be self-hosted.
iPhone Clock App Alarm Scroll Limits at 4:39; Icon Displays Live Time
The iPhone Clock app's alarm setting interface has a scroll limit at 4:39, a detail that went viral in mid-2025. Additionally, the Clock app icon displays the current time with a moving second hand, a feature introduced in iOS 7, and changes to a ticking motion in Low Power Mode on iOS 26.1 and later.
Nanolathe Releases Open-Source Engine for Total Annihilation
Nanolathe has released an open-source, MIT-licensed 2.5D RTS engine that reimplements the classic game Total Annihilation. This allows the game to run on modern systems with updated rendering and provides a platform for community modification and extension.
Google Pixel Software Update Lifespans Detailed
Google provides a breakdown of software update timelines for its Pixel phone lineup. Newer Pixel models, starting with the Pixel 8, receive seven years of updates, while older models like the Pixel 6 and 7 series get five years.
Prime Video releases full trailer for Blade Runner 2099 series, sets November 2026 premiere
Prime Video unveiled the full trailer for its upcoming series "Blade Runner 2099" at New York Comic-Con, with showrunner Silka Luisa detailing the plot. The series, starring Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer, will premiere all eight episodes on November 25, 2026.
Developer Creates Parody "Triple-A Minesweeper" with Modern Gaming Tropes
Mike Lacher developed a parody version of the classic Windows Minesweeper game, incorporating elements common in modern "Triple-A" video games. This creation satirizes features like extensive loading screens, narrative hand-holding, constant voiceovers, and damage indicators.
Super Mario 64 ported to Microsoft Zune HD media player
A developer has successfully ported Super Mario 64 to the Microsoft Zune HD, allowing the game to run natively on the device's hardware. This project utilizes the unofficial OpenZDK kit and a fork of the Super Mario 64 PC port, demonstrating continued homebrew development for older hardware.
Indie Game Developer Details Low Personal Earnings from $560K Gross Sales on Steam
An indie game co-creator reported earning $15,000 annually from two Steam games that generated $560,000 in gross revenue over five years. High refund rates, Steam's 30% cut, US withholding taxes, and a publisher's share significantly reduced the developer's net income. This illustrates the financial challenges faced by many independent game developers despite substantial gross sales.
Apple releases video detailing new and existing child safety features for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27
Apple released an animated video showcasing new and existing child safety features available across its devices with the release of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. The video highlights parental controls for app access, website approval, contact approval, and screen time management, which matters for parents using Apple's ecosystem to manage their children's device usage.
Indie Game Showcases Reveal New Titles and Updates, Including Among Us Spinoff
Multiple indie game showcases, including Triple-i Initiative, Out of Bounds, and Convergence Games, revealed new titles and updates. Among Us Story: On Guard, a detective spinoff, is set to release on February 17, and other games like Gods With Badges and Lazare's Sacrifice were announced.
macOS Removed from Official UNIX Certified Products Registry
The Open Group has removed macOS from its official UNIX Certified Products registry. This change means macOS no longer officially meets the Single UNIX Specification, which could affect its standing as a vendor-neutral open operating system.
3D-Printed Kingchaser Jet Aircraft Completes Maiden Flight, Aims for Mach 0.8 Record
The Kingchaser, a 3D-printed remote-controlled aircraft, completed its maiden flight and aims to break the world record for the fastest model aircraft by reaching Mach 0.8. Developed by University of Bath graduates, the aircraft uses PETG, PPS-CF, carbon-fiber rods, and aluminum in its construction. This development demonstrates advancements in using 3D printing for high-performance aerospace applications.
Debian 14 "Forky" Opens Call for Community Artwork Submissions
The Debian Project is accepting community artwork submissions for the upcoming Debian 14 release, codenamed "Forky." The selected artwork will be used for boot screens, login prompts, and desktop wallpapers, with a submission deadline of November 26.
Onvis releases Matter over Thread outdoor smart plug with energy monitoring
Onvis launched a new outdoor smart plug featuring Matter over Thread connectivity and real-time energy monitoring. This device offers IP65 weather resistance and works with multiple smart home platforms, addressing a product gap for outdoor smart home integration.
Apple TV+ announces new romantic comedy series "Prodigies" starring Will Sharpe and Ayo Edebiri
Apple TV+ will debut "Prodigies," a new romantic comedy series created by Will Sharpe, on February 10, 2027. The show stars Sharpe and Ayo Edebiri as former child prodigies navigating a long-term relationship, aiming to offer an unconventional take on the genre.
Quake Game Engine Ported to Safe Rust, Playable in Browser
The classic game Quake has been ported to safe Rust and is now playable directly in a web browser. This port allows users to experience the original game with modern web accessibility, offering various control schemes and configuration options.
TextExpander Introduces Free Plan for Snippet Management Across Multiple Platforms
TextExpander, a keyboard shortcut utility, has launched a free plan that allows users to access its core Snippets feature on Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows, and Chrome. This new offering provides 5 active snippets, unlimited library storage, and cross-device synchronization, making the tool accessible to a broader user base.
Paramount Pictures to Adapt CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 into Live-Action Film
Paramount Pictures is developing a live-action film adaptation of CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 video game franchise. This marks an expansion of the Cyberpunk franchise into new media, following its success in gaming and anime.
Forza Horizon 6 to Release on PlayStation 5 on January 26
Forza Horizon 6 will launch on PlayStation 5 on January 26, alongside its first expansion. This release expands the game's availability beyond Xbox and PC, where it debuted in May.