Revirtech

What you need to know Google extends free Satellite SOS by one year for Pixel 9 owners, with no additional charge. Satellite SOS launched in 2024 and lets users contact emergency services and share their location without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Regional availability varies, so the feature may not be accessible everywhere. Google is giving Pixel 9 owners another year of free Satellite SOS access, pushing back the question of whether emergency satellite connectivity will eventually become another smartphone subscription. The extension comes just as the original two-year free-access period approaches its end, offering some welcome breathing room without answering the bigger question about long-term costs. Google confirmed the expansion to PCMag when asked about plans for the service. “Confirming that we’ve extended this offering, at no additional cost, for one additional year,” a company spokes...

What you need to know Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 has added a toggle to require PIN/fingerprint authentication before anyone can touch Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Mobile Data on a locked phone. Non-security tiles like Flashlight, Auto-rotate, and Battery Saver stay unlocked and accessible without extra friction. The latest Android 17 beta release also resolves random reboots, system crashes, Bluetooth pairing failures, idle battery drain, and buggy internet tiles. Google is finally giving Pixel owners a way to stop thieves from disabling their phone’s connectivity right from the lock screen. The new security feature is coming in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2, which will let users require authentication before anyone can toggle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data, or airplane mode. It's a small change, but it could make a stolen phone a little less useful to whoever walks away with it. This update, whi...

What you need to know Google Home Speaker users have noticed that the device has consumed an enormous amount of data in the background. The device was reportedly spotted consuming several terabytes of data in a single month without much use. Google is reportedly aware of the problem and has started rolling out a fix. Users on social media are waking up to a startling truth: their Google Home Speaker has been incredibly active in the background. There's no clear reason why, but the amount of data is staggering. Posts on the Google Home subreddit draw attention to an unfathomable amount of data being consumed by the Home Speaker (via 9to5Google ). The user states that they've "got one old Google Mini and three of the new Google speakers." What's more, these devices aren't used for more than 20 minutes a day. This is strange, considering the user reports one of their Googl...

What you need to know Samsung is expanding the stable One UI 9 (Android 17) update to the Galaxy A36 globally, landing in Europe after its initial South Korea launch. The over-the-air update (version A366BXXUCDZIF) weighs in at over 2.3GB and bundles the September 2026 security patch. The Galaxy A36 release is rolling out alongside updates for other A-series models, including the Galaxy A56, A37, and A27. Samsung is rolling out its stable One UI 9 update to the Galaxy A36 in global markets, with Europe among the first regions outside South Korea to get the software. The rollout started on October 19, so owners of midrange phones can now enjoy Android 17 and Samsung’s latest interface improvements without having to buy a newer Galaxy device. The update carries firmware version A366BXXUCDZIF and includes the September 2026 security patch, as spotted by X user @Kailash0729 (via SammyGuru ). The do...

What you need to know The Xiaomi 18 Pro is rumored at €1,449 for 12GB/256GB and €1,649 for 512GB. The 18 Pro Max reportedly lands at €1,849 with 12GB/512GB. Global models may get smaller batteries, with the Pro dropping to 6,000mAh and the Pro Max to 7,050mAh. Battery endurance looks promising on paper, with reported runtimes of up to 66.5 hours for the Pro and 70 hours, 40 minutes for the Pro Max. Xiaomi’s new flagship phones could be headed to global markets with eye-watering price tags and smaller batteries than their Chinese counterparts. The Xiaomi 18 Pro may start at €1,449 for the 12GB RAM/256GB storage variant, with the 512GB model potentially costing €1,649, according to a new report from YTechB . Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max reportedly starts at €1,849, with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Xiaomi hasn’t confirmed those prices, but they do indicate the company is pushing its Pro l...

What you need to know Rumors claim Samsung could launch the Galaxy S27 series earlier in 2027, in January; however, February could be the next best bet. Other rumors suggest Samsung is still struggling with the ongoing memory crisis, and it's "unsure" if it can bring upgrades to the Pro and Ultra. Storage and RAM upgrades were rumored throughout this year, but the tale's been consistent with Samsung's apparent uncertainty behind it. The beginning of the year (Q1, really) is when we expect Samsung's next flagships. Rumors claim the company could start 2027 off with a bang. A report by tipster Lanzuk on Naver (Korean) over the weekend suggests Samsung could debut its phones within the first two months (via Android Authority ). Here's where things get tricky. The tipster suggests Samsung is leaning toward a January launch; however, things could get pushed into "Fe...

What you need to know Google is automatically linking your phone number to every signed-in account on Android, including secondary work and alternate profiles. Surprise verification emails are raising privacy concerns. Users say they received notifications without explicitly opting in. You can disable automatic verification under Settings > Google > All services > Phone number verification, though some users report the setting switches itself back on. Google is automatically linking phone numbers on Android to every Google account signed in on that same device, even if they are secondary work accounts or alternate profiles. The feature is meant to keep Google services running smoothly, but its default-on nature is raising questions about how much control users actually have over their personal information. Some users took to Reddit to report that they're getting surprise emails from...

What you need to know YouTube is reportedly planning to launch audiobooks for its Premium subscribers. Audiobooks could arrive for the platform's ad-free $16 subscription plan in 2027 if this goes without a hitch for Google/YouTube. YouTube would run into competition with the likes of Spotify (audiobooks arrived in 2023) and Audible. Audiobook-enjoyers might have something to celebrate on YouTube. There are rumors that the platform is looking to enter a new market for its Premium subscribers. A post by the Wall Street Journal (paywalled) highlighted rumors that YouTube Premium could soon offer audiobooks in one of its subscription plans (via GSMArena ). Supposedly, Google has been "talking with publishers" about bringing audiobooks onto the platform in 2027. Early reports allege YouTube Premium would offer audiobooks in its ad-free plan, which currently runs consumers $16 a month. ...

I fondly remember owning my first BlackBerry, and then my second ... and third. The smartphone was a sign of prestige, a device you could fit in your pocket with both a screen (later also a touchscreen in some models) and a miniature QWERTY keyboard. It was genius. That is, until elongated, touchscreen-only phones started coming to market, namely the first iPhone. Suddenly, BlackBerrys weren't so trendy anymore. What's old becomes new again, however — a statement that fits almost every industry, from fashion to music and even tech. Clicks Technology, a U.K.-based hardware company with team members who previously worked for BlackBerry and within the BlackBerry space, is leaning into this trend. Growing from its first keyboard case, there are two devices coming this year: the Clicks Power Keyboard, which is now shipping, and the hotly anticipated Clicks Communicator , which should launch i...

What you need to know A Delaware jury sided with Qualcomm this week, finding Arm guilty of breaching a licensing agreement and "interfering" with business relations. Qualcomm was awarded $1 in damages for each offense, but the shouting will continue: the companies will likely find themselves in court over royalty payments. This started over Qualcomm's allegations that Arm "violated its contract" after its 2021 acquisition of Nuvia. Qualcomm's court case with Arm was settled this week, and the former came out the victor ... in a way. Reuters reported this week that a recent court case between Qualcomm and Arm over an alleged licensing breach has been settled. A Delaware jury found Arm guilty of the breach and of "interfering" with Qualcomm's business relationships, and as a result, Qualcomm was awarded $2 in damages — $1 for each offense. While the jury o...

What you need to know YouTube Music is labeling AI-generated songs to help listeners identify AI involvement. YouTube combines partner disclosures with AI detection tools to identify tracks, even when creators leave disclosure fields blank. YouTube plans to bring AI labels to its main video platform, extending transparency beyond music streaming. YouTube Music is rolling out new labels that tell listeners when generative AI played a big part in making a song. The labels will appear directly on the music player, providing users a more transparent idea of what they are listening to without having to sift through descriptions or wonder if a track was created by a human artist or an AI model. The feature covers music created largely with AI, including songs where generative models contribute both the composition and vocals. Tap a label, and a menu appears with more information about the song’s AI par...

What you need to know Google is updating older Nest speakers, with firmware version 3.79.550760 being tested through the Home Preview Program. The original Google Home, Home Mini, Nest Mini, and Nest Audio are eligible for the update. Google expects to release the update more broadly over the next few weeks, but hasn’t announced an exact date. Some love is coming to a few of Google's older Nest speakers in the form of updates designed to make them more useful around the house, but don't expect a dramatic transformation from hardware that has been around for years. The update, version 3.79.550760, is now in testing through Google's Home Preview Program . This includes the original Google Home from 2016, Home Mini, Nest Mini and Nest Audio. The Google Home Max isn’t included in this testing round. The release comes as Google continues to refine its smart home experience, where voice com...

What you need to know Rumors on social media claim Nothing is working on two smart glasses variations: one with a camera and one without. The "audio-equipped" version will reportedly let users place/receive calls and feature transition lenses. The camera version would offer similar capabilities to the audio-only one; however, it may feature translation capabilities, ChatGPT, and more. Earlier rumors this year suggested Nothing's CEO Carl Pei moved the company down this route with a potential release in 2027. Nothing has made Android phones, headphones, and earbuds. However, recent rumors claim the company wants to branch out into smart glasses. Rumors got underway on Bluesky by tipster Roland Quandt, who claims Nothing is working on a pair of smart glasses (via GSMArena ). The tipster suggests the brand could launch two variations of its smart glasses: one with a camera and one wit...

What you need to know Google is rolling out a new Shop Devices section in the Play Store for browsing Pixel and Samsung Galaxy hardware. The new option appears in the Play Store's profile menu and redirects users to Google's existing hardware storefront. The portal lists devices like the Pixel 11, Pixel Watch 4, Galaxy S26 Ultra, Google TV Streamer, and more. Google is rolling out a new Shop devices option in the Play Store, allowing users to buy not just apps and games, but also smartphones and other hardware directly through the app. For years, the Google Play Store has been the go-to storefront for downloading apps, games, books, and more. But now, Google wants to expand that experience to hardware as well. As spotted by 9to5Google , the company has added a new "Shop devices" section within the Play Store that lets users shop for not only Google Pixel phones and Pixel Watches...

What you need to know Google is developing new Pixel diagnostic tools to help troubleshoot problems with calls, Wi-Fi, and mobile data. The new tools appear under Device Health & Support, alongside existing battery, Bluetooth, and touchscreen diagnostics. Pixel phones could soon identify connectivity problems and either attempt a fix or guide users through troubleshooting.. One of the issues we regularly run into on Android phones, unfortunately, is related to mobile data, Wi-Fi, and overall connectivity. But it looks like Android 17 could soon be able to diagnose and fix some of these problems for you. Google has been building out its Pixel troubleshooting and diagnostics tool for a while now. Pixel phones can already check for issues related to battery health, connectivity, Bluetooth, and even touchscreen problems. But now, it looks like Google is expanding these tools to help users fix ca...

What you need to know Vehicles with Google built-in are getting a redesigned Play Store, new apps, and improved YouTube playback over the next few weeks. The updated Play Store will make its catalog of apps easier to browse, with featured picks, new releases, and curated collections. YouTube will automatically switch to audio-only playback when drivers shift into drive, letting videos continue without distracting visuals. Google is rolling out a more useful entertainment experience for cars with Google built-in , including a redesigned Play Store, new apps, and a YouTube upgrade that lets you keep listening after shifting into drive. Drivers will not have to do anything themselves to install it, as the changes will come automatically over the next few weeks. The Play Store refresh is meant to make the app-finding process less painful. Google notes that there are already more than 700 available a...

What you need to know Nothing's General Release for its Android 17 update (OS 5.0) is rolling out now for the Phone 3. Nothing OS 5.0 brings major updates to the Phone 3, such as deeper phone customization, improved Essential AI tools, a Glyph Interface app, and a brand-new typeface, Geist. An updated roadmap reiterates the Open Beta for several more phones (Phone 4a and 3a series), ahead of an eventual General Release. It's been two months of testing for Nothing's Android 17 software, and the update is finally rolling out. Nothing announced in a community post that its OS 5.0 upgrade (Android 17) is rolling out for Phone 3 users. This "General Release" brings the "full experience" to all users—those who participated in the beta and those who didn't. Nothing states users should expect a "staggered release" for Nothing OS 5. While some users have rec...

What you need to know Samsung’s Galaxy Glasses could weigh just 41 grams with standard lenses, making them lighter than earlier leaks suggested. Battery life could reach nine hours, with the charging case extending total runtime to 72 hours. Gentle Monster reportedly offers six frame designs across 16 variants, while Warby Parker plans three styles with multiple color and lens options. A November launch is reportedly planned, with Gentle Monster models targeting South Korea and the US, and Warby Parker versions initially limited to the US. Samsung’s first AI-enabled smart glasses might be lighter than previous leaks have suggested, and they look to be available in a wider range of designs than we’ve seen so far. New information obtained by SammyGuru reveals that the upcoming Galaxy Glasses weigh around 41 grams with standard lenses, alongside a detailed look at frame options from Gentle Monster...

What you need to know CMF launched its first speakers: the CMF Speaker S and Speaker M in various colors in a classic milk carton design. The Speaker S is designed for portability, while CMF empowered the Speaker M with more in-depth audio and clarity for rooms. Users can take off the Speaker S and Speaker M's volume knobs and panels and 3D print their own designs. The Speaker S is available for $59, while the Speaker M begins at $109. CMF recently became its own company in India, divesting from Nothing . The company is now moving quickly with a new product launch that looks like a fresh carton of milk. This morning (Oct. 12), CMF announced its first wave of speakers: the Speaker S and Speaker M. These speakers take inspiration from classic cartons of milk, but they're packed full of sound for any occasion. CMF says it went with a design that was "something unique" and fit its ...