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Android Authority's review of the Pixel 11 Pro XL highlights HiLight, a feature that assigns glow colors to specific contacts similar to old notification LEDs. The reviewer found the concept appealing but the execution confusing, requiring navigation between multiple apps and menus just to assign a color to a contact.
Amazon-owned Ring is introducing an encryption system called Throw Away the Key Encryption (TAKE), which uses rotating keys that are deleted within 24 hours while still allowing AI features like smart alerts and video search. The rollout begins in September and will become the default for all Ring users, subscribers or not.
Garmin has launched the Fenix 9, 9 Pro and 9 Pro Solar smartwatches, arriving August 28th starting at $1,299 for the Pro model. The Fenix 9 Pro upgrades to a 1.5-inch AMOLED screen hitting 3,000 nits, roughly double the brightness of the Fenix 8 Pro's 1,500-nit panel, and adds a titanium watch case, 64GB storage and new ComfortFit woven bands.
Google Home users report that automations set to trigger from TV events, like powering on or off, are failing to activate. Reports so far point to TCL televisions, though it's unclear if other TV brands are affected. Google has acknowledged the issue publicly on Reddit but has not yet issued a fix.
Ziff Davis' CNET Group is running a five-site trivia contest asking readers to predict details of Apple's upcoming fall event, including whether Tim Cook and John Ternus will appear together, whether smart glasses will be unveiled, and the price of a rumored foldable iPhone. The third round runs from Aug. 18 to Sept. 1, with entries open on each participating site, though each entrant can win only one Apple Watch in the September drawing.
Garmin has unveiled its Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro smartwatches, featuring refreshed hardware and a new capability called Garmin Epic. This feature links together separate workouts or outdoor activities to give users a combined, more complete view of their overall physical exertion over a day or trip.
Garmin unveiled its fēnix 9 series, including a base model and a Pro variant, each available in three case sizes with new ComfortFit bands. The watches gain a brighter AMOLED display, 50% more RAM, a faster map engine, and features like Perspective view and Garmin Epic for grouping activities. The base fēnix 9 starts at $999.99, while the titanium fēnix 9 Pro, which adds 3,000 nits of brightness and a green light mode, starts at $1,099.99.
Leaked images and reporting from Smartlights.de suggest Philips Hue is developing a wall light adapter that lets users control Nanoleaf's Shapes panels—including Hexagons, Triangles, and Mini Triangles—directly through the Hue app, supporting up to 100 connected panels per adapter. The module is said to launch in early September for around €40, though it remains unclear whether Nanoleaf's signature lighting effects and animations will carry over into the Hue ecosystem.
Costco has launched an early round of Labor Day 2026 promotions covering televisions, smartwatches, Apple devices and other electronics. The deals are being aggregated and vetted by outlets like ZDNET, which test and compare pricing across retailers before recommending items to shoppers.
WhatsApp is strengthening its two-step verification by letting users set a full password—supporting letters, numbers and special characters—instead of the previous six-digit PIN. The company is also improving caller ID on Android, showing more context about unknown callers such as their country and any shared groups. Both features are rolling out gradually, with the password option available on Android and iOS, while enhanced caller ID is Android-only for now.
Amazon is currently selling Arlo's second-generation Video Doorbell 2K for $49.99, down from its $79.99 list price, a 38% cut. The device records in 2K with a 180-degree view, offers wireless or wired installation, and includes motion alerts, two-way audio, night vision and a built-in siren without requiring a separate hub.
Dreame, the Chinese vacuum maker turned aspiring tech conglomerate, has reportedly dissolved its automotive division 'Project Starry Sky,' which once had over 1,000 employees and produced a rocket-engine concept car shown in San Francisco. Only a small legal and HR team remains to wind down the unit, after Chinese regulators tightened scrutiny of the $3.4 trillion private fund industry and singled out Dreame's spending.