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Romain Vimont has released scrcpy 5.0, an open-source tool for mirroring Android screens to PCs, featuring hardware-accelerated video decoding and native Windows on ARM64 binaries. The update reduces CPU load and power use by shifting decoding tasks to the GPU, while also adding improved audio capture and bug fixes.
Thanh Nguyen transformed two outdated Android phones and an IR blaster into a budget-friendly smart home system.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.
Google has phased out its Gems feature, which provided standalone AI helpers, and replaced it with a new system called Skills. Unlike Gems, Skills can be accessed across different chats and can be combined to automate complex tasks. This change aims to improve user experience by enabling more flexible and persistent AI interactions.
The CUKTECH 25 Power Bank SE features a large 25,000mAh capacity at a budget-friendly $69.99, maintaining high build quality and performance standards. Its design emphasizes portability and durability, with a solid plastic casing and balanced weight. While multi-device charging is slower than expected, single-device charging remains efficient for most users.
A survey of nearly 1,500 Android users reveals that over a third leave Bluetooth codec settings at default, while only about a third actively customize them. Nearly 31% are unaware that such options exist, highlighting limited user engagement with advanced audio configurations. The default settings are managed automatically, often without user input.
A new Android app called DroidDeck enables users to run Steam and Steam games with an interface resembling SteamOS. It supports features like Linux apps, Decky plugins, and Steam client in Big Picture mode, aiming to provide a PC gaming experience on Android devices. The setup process involves signing into Steam and installing necessary runtimes, though it requires enabling developer options, which can be complex on newer Android versions.
Amazon has reduced the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL to $999, marking a $300 discount from its original $1,299 price. The device features a 6.8-inch display, a triple camera setup with 50MP, 48MP, and 48MP sensors, and runs on the Tensor G6 chip with Android 17. The deal requires an Amazon Prime membership to access the discount.
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.
Several Amazon Echo Alexa Plus speakers have been observed emitting continuous 'lalala' sounds for minutes, often during user conversations. The issue has been widely reported on Reddit, with videos showing the strange behavior, and Amazon confirmed it is caused by a bug affecting a small subset of devices, with a fix underway.
Samsung has rolled out a new version of its SmartThings app, introducing a redesigned interface featuring personalized summaries called SmartThings Now. The update enhances user experience with a streamlined layout, a floating control bar, and dynamic wallpapers, while also enabling device management over Wi-Fi without internet access. Support for the latest Matter 1.6 standard is included in the update.
Google’s October System Services update introduces NFC functionality for Find Hub-compatible trackers, allowing users to tap a tag to access details or identify lost items. The update also simplifies setup by enabling naming, categorizing, and configuring features like Left-Behind Reminders during registration. Additional enhancements include displaying card artwork and payment logos in notifications and minor attribution changes for Google Maps integrations.
Google announced on launch day that some Android apps may not run optimally on its three new Intel-powered Googlebooks, due to compatibility challenges. The affected models, made by Lenovo, Acer, and Asus, use Intel’s Panther Lake architecture, while the Qualcomm-based models by Dell and HP are expected to perform normally. These issues stem from Android apps originally designed for Arm chips, which may require developer adjustments for better performance on Intel hardware.