Tech News

Google has announced a new wave of Android security improvements aimed at making smartphones far more difficult targets for thieves. These updates expand on the anti-theft protections first introduced in late 2024 and focus on protecting users before theft happens, during an attack, and after a device is lost. According to the Android Security Team, phone theft is not just about losing hardware. It often leads to financial fraud, identity theft, and long-term exposure of personal data. The latest changes reflect Google’s effort to close those gaps more effectively. Smarter Lockouts with Improved Failed Authentication Controls One of the key updates involves Failed Authentication Lock, a feature that automatically locks a device after multiple incorrect unlock attempts. Google has now added a dedicated settings toggle, allowing users to enable or disable this protection with more control. To reduce accidental lockouts, such as those caused by children tapping the screen, Android now ign...

Google has quietly delivered welcome news for Pixel Tablet owners. According to a recently updated support page, the Pixel Tablet will now receive longer software support than originally promised, giving users more confidence in their device’s long-term value. This update arrives at a time when Google’s update policies for some older Pixel phones have raised questions, making the Pixel Tablet announcement particularly reassuring. What Has Changed in Google’s Update Commitment The updated support documentation reveals that the Pixel Tablet is now eligible for five years of operating system and security updates. Previously, Google planned to stop OS updates in 2026 while continuing security patches until 2028. Under the new commitment, both OS updates and security updates are aligned under the same extended timeline. This means Pixel Tablet users will enjoy a longer lifespan of feature upgrades, system improvements, and critical security protections. Pixel Drops Add Even More Value Over ...

New reports suggest Samsung is preparing a pricing shake-up for the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. While earlier rumors hinted at price increases across the lineup, fresh dealer data now paints a more nuanced picture. Some models are becoming more expensive, while Samsung’s most premium phone may actually cost less than its predecessor. This unexpected strategy could significantly influence how buyers choose their next flagship smartphone. Why Samsung Is Raising Prices on Select Galaxy S26 Models The reported price increase appears to be driven by rising component costs, particularly memory. Demand for high-bandwidth RAM optimized for artificial intelligence workloads has surged, largely due to the expansion of AI data centers worldwide. As resources shift toward AI infrastructure, DRAM has become scarcer and more expensive. According to retail data from Sweden, Samsung plans to raise the price of the Galaxy S26 base model by approximately €100. However, this increase applies to the 256GB...

Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 Ultra next month, with February 25 rumored as the official launch date. While flagship phones usually focus on cameras and performance, Samsung’s upcoming premium device may stand out for a different reason altogether. According to recent leaks, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could debut a built-in privacy screen designed to keep personal information safe from prying eyes. This feature addresses a growing concern for smartphone users who frequently use their devices in public spaces. Shoulder Surfing Is a Real and Growing Security Risk Using your phone on buses, trains, elevators, or in crowded waiting areas has become part of daily life. Unfortunately, these environments are ideal for so-called shoulder surfers. These individuals quietly watch your screen in hopes of capturing sensitive details. Their targets often include passcodes, banking app credentials, and one-time verification codes. Even two-factor authentication is not foolproof if someone c...

Smartphone photography is evolving rapidly, and long-range zoom has become one of the most exciting battlegrounds. Android brands like vivo and OPPO have already taken bold steps by introducing next-generation telephoto extender lenses. Now, fresh leaks suggest Apple could be preparing to explore the same territory with the iPhone 18 Pro series. If true, this move could signal a major shift in how iPhone users capture distant details. How Android Flagships Pioneered Telephoto Extender Lenses The vivo X200 Ultra made headlines as the first Android phone to support advanced telephoto extender lenses. These external accessories attach directly to the phone’s telephoto camera, dramatically increasing optical reach without sacrificing clarity. Soon after, OPPO followed suit, bringing similar support to its flagship devices. These add-on lenses allow smartphone cameras to punch far beyond their native zoom limits, making wildlife, sports, and architectural photography far more practical on a...

Apple has surprised many users by extending support to some of its oldest devices with the release of iOS 12.5.8 and iPadOS 12.5.8. Alongside iOS 26.2.1 and iPadOS 26.2.1 for newer models, this unexpected update targets devices that are more than a decade old, including the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6. At a time when most manufacturers abandon aging hardware, Apple’s decision reinforces its long-standing commitment to device longevity. Which Devices Are Receiving the Update? The iOS 12.5.8 and iPadOS 12.5.8 updates are available for a select group of legacy Apple devices, including: iPhone 5s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus iPad Air (1st generation) iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 iPod touch (6th generation) Users with these devices are strongly encouraged to install the update to ensure continued access to essential Apple services. What iOS 12.5.8 Actually Does This update does not introduce new features or visual changes. Instead, it focuses on extending critical system certifications required for...

Apple’s iOS 26.3 update is approaching, and while it introduces a handful of practical improvements for iPhone users, its biggest impact is tied to regulatory changes rather than flashy new features. Designed largely to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), iOS 26.3 unlocks new capabilities for third-party devices and apps, especially for users in Europe. Although Apple traditionally releases x.3 updates in late January or early February, iOS 26.3 appears to be running slightly behind schedule. With no Release Candidate yet and iOS 26.2.1 only recently launched, the final rollout may stretch closer to February or early March. Third-Party Smartwatches Finally Get Better iPhone Support One of the most meaningful changes in iOS 26.3 is expanded notification support for third-party smartwatches. Until now, iPhone users without an Apple Watch had a limited experience. Notifications could be viewed, but replies were not possible. With iOS 26.3, users in the EU will be a...