The Latest from Gadget Hacks: Page 4

Microsoft's October 2025 Windows 11 update managed to break one of the most fundamental aspects of development work: localhost connectivity. The October cumulative update KB5066835 has disrupted local web services across Windows 11 systems, leaving developers unable to access applications running on their own machines. On your own PC. Seriously. This is not a minor inconvenience, it is affecting everything from Visual Studio debugging sessions to enterprise applications that rely on local IIS...

WhatsApp is rolling out one of its biggest anti-spam tests yet, a trial that caps how many messages you can send without getting a reply (Engadget). The company is testing different monthly thresholds to target high-volume senders and spammers while leaving regular users alone (Engadget).

You know that moment when a platform you rely on suddenly changes the rules? That's exactly what's happening with WhatsApp right now. The messaging giant is testing one of its most significant anti-spam initiatives yet, monthly caps on broadcast messages that could fundamentally reshape how we think about mass communication on the platform.

Apple's M4 Pro Mac mini just hit a new pricing milestone, and it's worth a double take. The compact powerhouse that once carried a premium price tag is down to $1,299, according to Mac Prices, a $100 drop from Apple's official price. Not a routine sale, more like a strategic pivot in desktop pricing. Research from multiple retailers shows every Mac mini configuration is discounted, which points to a market-wide adjustment rather than a one-off promo.

Samsung's latest move should not surprise anyone who has watched the ultra-thin smartphone saga unfold. The company has reportedly shelved the Galaxy S26 Edge after seeing the Galaxy S25 Edge struggle to gain traction with consumers. Samsung has decided to abandon its ultra-thin smartphone experiment following disappointing market performance, according to Times of India. The company will return to its traditional three-model strategy for next year's flagship series, the outlet reports. Even...

When Apple introduced the original Vision Pro, the vision was compelling but the execution had some rough edges. Now, with the M5-powered Vision Pro hitting the market at the same $3,499 price point (Tom's Guide), it feels like Apple has finally addressed the most pressing concerns that kept this headset from becoming a serious workspace tool. Worth your attention? If you live inside your Mac, probably.

Reviewed by Meg Flores

When Apple announced its five-year Formula 1 streaming partnership, it was not just another sports deal hitting the headlines. It read like a calculated chess move, a signal that American motorsport viewing is about to change. The tech giant has officially secured exclusive U.S. media rights for F1 races starting in 2026, according to Economic Times, and the financial commitment tells the story of their ambitions.

Apple has been quietly tweaking the iPhone's alarm system, and the latest change in iOS 26.1 beta 2 might just save you from those dreaded oversleeping incidents. You know the scene. You're half-asleep, pawing at the nightstand, and you tap "Stop" instead of "Snooze." Two hours vanish, and you're staring at the ceiling, wondering why the backup never sounded.

Apple's iPhone Air promises something we haven't seen in years: the chance to actually choose what matters most to you in a smartphone. After spending time with Apple's thinnest iPhone ever, measuring just 5.64mm thick, it became obvious that this device is more than just another incremental update.

The tech world is watching as federal courts tackle one of the most significant antitrust cases of the digital era. Google's advertising technology empire, built through years of strategic acquisitions and integration, now faces its biggest legal challenge yet. After being found guilty of maintaining illegal monopolies in its ad tech business, the company heads into remedy hearings that could fundamentally reshape how digital advertising works.

Reviewed by Meg Flores

Looking at Apple's recent AI struggles, it's hard to ignore what feels like a slow-motion corporate crisis unfolding in Cupertino. The departure of Robby Walker, according to 36kr, is not just another executive shuffling but the latest symptom of deeper organizational problems that have been festering since Tim Cook made what seemed like a celebrated hire in 2018. To see why Walker's exit matters, rewind to that pivotal moment when Apple pinned its hopes on John Giannandrea, then learned that...

Reviewed by Meg Flores

While competitors chase flashy AI announcements and cloud-based solutions, Apple continues to dominate the global brand landscape through a fundamentally different approach. The company maintains its position as the world's most valuable brand at $574.5 billion, with some valuations reaching $1.299 trillion according to Kantar's 2025 assessment. That staying power does not come from hopping every trend, it comes from Apple's methodical focus on privacy-first, ecosystem-integrated AI that...

When Apple sets its sights on a major market expansion, tax rules can make or break the plan. Right now, the tech giant is lobbying Indian officials over a 1961 tax law. Obscure on paper, high stakes in practice. Apple is pushing India's government to modify income tax rules so the high-end iPhone manufacturing equipment it provides to contract manufacturers is not taxed, according to recent reports. The company is worried the current framework could trigger billions in additional tax liability...

Microsoft's latest moves signal a massive shift in how we interact with our computers. The company has officially terminated free security updates for Windows 10 this week, according to the Economic Times, while simultaneously rolling out compelling AI-powered features for Windows 11 that could fundamentally change computing. What we are witnessing is not just another update cycle. It is Microsoft’s boldest bet on the future of personal computing, strategically designed to accelerate the...

The Google Pixel 9a has been making waves in the budget smartphone arena, and for good reason. The timing couldn't be better for a significant discount on what many consider the standout budget device of 2025. Google managed to capture a notable 3% US market share in Q2 2025, shipping 800,000 units with a solid 13% year-over-year increase, according to Accio. This growth trajectory positioned the Pixel brand as the fourth-largest US smartphone brand, outpacing competitors like TCL, which saw a...

Reviewed by Meg Flores

Reviewed by Meg Flores

Ever plugged in your iPhone only to see that dreaded "Slow Charger" notification pop up in your battery settings? You’re not alone. This orange warning has become increasingly common since iOS 18 introduced better charging diagnostics. It looks scary, sure, but it is really Apple nudging you toward a faster setup. iOS 18 and later displays a 'Slow Charger' message when a higher-wattage charger could improve your charging experience. Here's the playbook.

Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge launched with significant fanfare earlier this year, but the ultra-thin flagship hasn't exactly set the world on fire. With sluggish sales of just 650,000 units so far (reported from leaked sales reports) and production cuts already underway, Samsung faces a critical decision for its 2026 lineup. The latest rumors suggest the company might be considering a surprising move, bringing back the Galaxy S26 Plus alongside the Edge variant, potentially reshuffling its entire...

Reviewed by Meg Flores

Reviewed by Meg Flores

When artificial intelligence meets the smartphone market, the battle lines are drawn between two tech giants with very different approaches. Samsung leverages its massive global reach and comprehensive device ecosystem, while Honor focuses on innovative features and accessible pricing. Let’s break down how these brands stack up in the ultimate AI showdown.

Social media is buzzing with footage that is hard to watch: Google’s flagship Pixel 10 Pro XL completely falling apart while trying to run Genshin Impact. Clips showing distorted textures, broken controls, and severe screen tearing are spreading like wildfire across platforms, according to Android Authority. The timing could not be worse for Google, because these viral moments are raising blunt questions about the company’s bold decision to switch GPU architectures in its latest flagship...

Reviewed by Meg Flores

Reviewed by Meg Flores

Reviewed by Meg Flores

Reviewed by Meg Flores

YouTube's transformation is happening right now, and it's bigger than most people realize. The platform has launched multiple interface updates that represent the most significant visual overhaul in more than a decade, according to Tom's Guide. The redesign touches everything, from player controls to how you save and browse, and it landed right after major mobile interface changes that rolled out less than two weeks earlier. The timing isn't a coincidence. YouTube is modernizing its entire...

You're looking at the next big evolution in Android security, and it's happening right now. Curious which apps on your phone actually lean on Google's most powerful protection? You can finally tell. Recent work makes it possible to spot which apps tap Android's strongest security feature, and the ripple effects are bigger than most people expect. Google's Android Protected Confirmation (APC) represents a sophisticated authentication system that operates through the Trusted Execution...

Today marks a pivotal moment in computing history as Microsoft officially pulls the plug on Windows 10. After nearly a decade of faithful service, the operating system reaches its end-of-life phase on October 14, 2025, so no more security patches, bug fixes, or feature updates will flow from Redmond's servers. Here is the twist. Millions of PC users are still running Windows 10, and many have no intention of upgrading anytime soon. Microsoft has been bombarding Windows 10 users with upgrade...

WhatsApp is finally addressing one of its biggest privacy limitations with the upcoming introduction of usernames, allowing users to connect without revealing their personal phone numbers. The messaging platform is reportedly gearing up to launch this long-awaited feature, which has been spotted in recent beta versions and represents a major shift from the app's traditional phone number-based identity system. Even more interesting, WhatsApp's beta builds show a username reservation feature that...

Google's online store has been making some quiet changes lately that might affect your next Pixel purchase. Look closely, and a pattern emerges: lifecycle triage, safety first. The removal of certain refurbished models from the Google Store reflects broader market dynamics where Google secured 3% market share in Q2 2025, all while the company deals with hardware challenges that force tough calls about what to keep selling.

Halloween season is upon us, and if you're like me, you've probably got a yard full of decorations that need to be plugged in every night and unplugged every morning. No more shuffling across a cold driveway at sunset. The folks over at HomeKit Weekly have mapped out exactly how to automate this seasonal chore using Apple's smart home framework, and honestly, it's a game-changer for anyone tired of trudging outside to flip switches.

The smartphone world just got a lot more interesting. Motorola's latest challenger to Samsung's premium Galaxy S25 Edge popped up in a leaked promo, giving us a first real look at a potential flagship contender. The leaks suggest Edge 70 will depart from the design of recent Edge smartphones like the Edge 60 Pro, a sign Motorola is ready to shake things up when design has felt stuck in place.

Reviewed by Meg Flores

Reviewed by Meg Flores

The tech world just witnessed one of those moments that makes you pause and think about how quickly digital freedoms can vanish. Apple has removed ICEBlock and other apps that allow users to anonymously report sightings of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from its App Store. Now you might be wondering why this matters. It is not every day that a simple app removal sends ripples through the tech community and sparks questions about who really controls what we can use.