Abxylute, known for its S8 mobile controller, has opened a Kickstarter campaign for two new gamepads, the M5 and M6. The M6 attaches magnetically to the back of a smartphone, slides open Xperia Play-style to reveal a full control layout, and adds Bluetooth 5.3, capacitive thumbsticks, Hall Effect linear triggers, a six-axis gyro and a customizable macro-capable Z button, plus an optional grip attachment. The M5 is pitched as a slimmer alternative offering similar console-level controls.
Google has confirmed that the 'Better Together' integration features on its new Googlebook laptops, which allow app streaming, file access, and notification mirroring with Android phones, currently only function properly with Pixel devices. Samsung phones running Android 17, including the Z Fold 8, can detect the laptops but fail to maintain a stable connection, despite Google's marketing claiming the laptops work with Android phones 'right out of the box'. Google says a software update enabling Samsung compatibility will arrive in the coming weeks.
A how-to guide explains that Android phones stop receiving security patches silently, with no on-device warning when support ends. It notes that the phone's settings only show the date of the last update received, not whether future patches are scheduled, requiring users to check manufacturer support pages or update policies separately.
Amazon cut the price of the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G to $189.98 during its Prime Day sale, down from a $284.98 list price, marking its lowest price this year. The phone includes 8GB RAM, 256GB storage expandable via microSD, a 6.8-inch 120Hz FHD+ NXTPAPER display, a 5,010mAh battery, stereo speakers, a headphone jack, and a 50MP main camera. The discount requires an active Amazon Prime membership, which new users can access via a 30-day free trial.
A comparison outlines key differences between Apple's upcoming iPhone Duo foldable, shipping October 23, and Motorola's Razr Ultra, already on the market. The Duo opens into a passport-style 7.6-inch iPad-like display and uses Apple's A20 Pro chip, while the Razr Ultra opens into a standard 7-inch candybar layout and runs on a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with 16GB of RAM. Both devices use dual rear cameras, with Apple rated at 48 megapixels and Motorola at 50, while Motorola's front camera outpaces the Duo's at 50 megapixels versus 12.
Amazon is offering the CMF Buds 2 at a discounted price of $29, down from the original $49. These earbuds include active noise cancellation, spatial audio, IP55 dust and water resistance, and a total of up to 55 hours of playback with the charging case. They also support low-latency gaming and quick charging for on-the-go use.
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 with 256GB storage has dropped to $1,549.99 at Amazon, down from $1,899.99, with Best Buy pricing it $100 higher. The Z Fold 8 Ultra now starts at $1,699.99, down from $2,099.99, marking $150 off its previous lowest price.
During Prime Day, Amazon reduced the SanDisk Ultra 1.5TB microSDXC card's price from $359.99 to $299.99, marking a 17% discount and the year's lowest price. The card offers fast read speeds up to 195 MB/s and includes an SD adapter, making it suitable for expanding storage in various devices like phones and tablets.
Google began selling its first Googlebook laptops on October 4th, and The Verge received review units of all five models about a day later. The devices resemble Chromebooks but add new ways to link an Android phone to the laptop, including casting apps, moving tasks between devices, and accessing phone files and notifications directly from the laptop.
Thanh Nguyen transformed two outdated Android phones and an IR blaster into a budget-friendly smart home system. The setup uses Tuya’s app for device control and automation routines, with a focus on simplicity and user control. The project successfully creates a customizable, low-cost smart home environment tailored to individual needs.
Meta's latest software updates for Ray-Ban Meta glasses introduce new functionalities, including walking navigation via AI voice commands in v128 and expanded audio controls in v129. The navigation feature allows users to receive directions without needing to check their phones, while the v129 update adds Mono Audio and Audio Balance options for improved accessibility. These updates are gradually rolling out to users worldwide.
During Amazon’s October sale, the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL received discounts exceeding $250. The 256GB Pixel 11 Pro is now priced at $849, down from $1,099, while the Pixel 11 Pro XL with the same storage drops to $999. The standard Pixel 11 with 256GB is also on sale for $749, making the Pro models more attractive due to their advanced camera features and slight price premium.