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NATO ran a Digital Backbone Experimentation exercise called DiBaX 2026 in Latvia from October 19-30, testing whether existing 5G towers could passively detect and track drones using AI-designed systems. Separately in the U.S., AT&T and Ericsson demonstrated drone detection via advanced network sensing over a 5G network near a large sporting venue.
T-Mobile has introduced three new T-Mix plans—Standard, More, and Loaded—priced starting at $55, $75, and $95 respectively. The plans let subscribers select specific perks and subscriptions to include, with costs scaling as more lines are added, such as $115 per month for four lines on Standard or $240 for four lines on Loaded.
Independent testing finds Starlink's Residential Max plan averaging 145-170 Mbps in recent rural Idaho trials, with 2025 results ranging as widely as 20-250 Mbps. Meanwhile, Opensignal and Ookla measurements put T-Mobile 5G Home Internet between roughly 249 and 314 Mbps, with AT&T and Verizon slightly behind, and Starlink reports median peak-hour latency around 25.7ms.
Apple is preparing to unveil redesigned MacBook Pros at an Oct. 28 'Pro and tell' event in LA, featuring OLED displays, touch support, a lighter build, and M5 Pro/M5 Max chips. Reports have circulated about possible cellular connectivity using Apple's in-house modems, though it remains unconfirmed whether this generation will include it.
Amazon is offering the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G at a 30% discount off its retail price, bringing the paper-like-display Android phone to under $200. The deal represents an $85 price cut from the phone's normal cost.
Routers increasingly include 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, but using them at full speed requires a matching 2.5 Gbps port on the connected device and a Cat5e or newer cable. Internet-bound speeds are still capped by your ISP plan, though local network tasks like NAS backups can reach full 2.5 Gbps speed regardless of internet plan.
Verizon has introduced a new Simplicity phone plan priced at $45 a month per line with autopay, or $30 for new customers who switch their number and bring an unlocked phone. The plan includes unlimited data, 5G Ultra Wideband access, 10GB of mobile hotspot, Canada/Mexico roaming and satellite texting, with optional add-on bundles for streaming and other perks sold separately.
A technology guide examines the practical considerations for US consumers who import foreign smartphones rather than buying domestic models. It highlights compatibility concerns with carrier bands, certified features like VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling, software update schedules, and warranty support as key factors buyers should evaluate before purchasing.
Samsung has pushed the stable, Android 17-based One UI 9 update to the Galaxy Quantum 7 in South Korea, the local variant of the Galaxy A57 5G, making it the first A-series phone to receive the finished build. The firmware carries the September 2026 security patch and arrives alongside One UI 9's rollout to the Galaxy S24 lineup and 2024 foldables. The US version of the Galaxy A57 5G has not yet received the update.
Amazon is selling the unlocked Samsung Galaxy A57 5G for $399.99, a $200 cut from its $599.99 list price, marking its lowest price to date and beating the previous year-to-date low of $424.99. The deal requires an Amazon Prime membership, which shoppers can access via a free 30-day trial. The phone features a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, a 50MP main camera, and Samsung's pledge of six years of OS upgrades and security updates.
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.
Realme has released a Harry Potter-themed version of its 16 Pro 5G phone, made in collaboration with Warner Bros. The special edition keeps the standard model's core hardware but adds Hogwarts-inspired exterior styling, a trunk-shaped box, a themed phone case, SIM-ejector tool, postcards, a Hogwarts acceptance letter, bookmarks and other collectible extras.