GoKawiil
Tech News
Apple's iOS includes a Low Data Mode, found under Settings > Cellular > Data Mode, that reduces streaming quality, pauses automatic updates and backups, and limits background refresh to conserve mobile data. Users can also disable Background App Refresh selectively through Settings > General, or block individual apps from using cellular data entirely via the Cellular settings menu.
Unlike iPhones, which let users lock individual apps behind Face ID with a simple long-press, Samsung's Galaxy phones have no built-in one-tap app-lock feature. Instead, Samsung splits the function across two separate tools: Secure Folder, which hides and protects a set of apps behind authentication, and app pinning, which restricts the phone to a single app until unlocked.
Milepost is an indie iOS, Mac and CarPlay app that automatically logs drives—route, distance, speed, time and weather—and lets users add notes, photos and Apple Music history to build shareable 'roadbooks.' It includes a social network for sharing trips and cars, Siri/Shortcuts/CarPlay support, and an MCP server for trip planning with AI agents.
Google Maps allows users to set or edit a 'home' shortcut via the web or mobile app for faster navigation to their most frequent destination. The feature can be adjusted whenever someone moves or hasn't yet configured a home address.
Apple's support materials outline steps users should take before changing the country or region tied to their Apple Account, including re-downloading purchased apps, music, books and videos beforehand since content availability varies by region. Users are also advised to have a valid local payment method ready, as Apple requires one to confirm the change, and may need to wait until physically relocating if no compatible payment option is available.
Ring has announced its first smart lock, which can be unlocked via fingerprint scanning, a PIN pad, the Ring app, or Alexa voice commands. If the battery dies, users can manually turn an external dial to generate enough electricity to power the pad and unlock the door, rather than relying on a physical key. The lock uses a removable Quick Release Ultra battery pack that can be recharged indoors.
The October 9, 2026 episode of 9to5Mac Daily summarized the day's Apple news, including the announcement of an Apple event titled 'Welcome home.' The podcast episode also included sponsor segments from Stuff and Roborock, and directed listeners to subscription and feedback options.
Orkut Büyükkökten, who created Orkut in 2004 and saw Google shut it down in 2014, has posted on X and on Orkut.com asking former users to sign up and invite others to support reviving the platform. In an accompanying letter he criticized how algorithms and AI-generated content have degraded modern social media, arguing for a return to networks built on authentic human connection.
Apple confirmed a 'Welcome home' product event for October 13 but has not listed it on its Apple Events page or scheduled a livestream on YouTube or the Apple TV app. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple will instead release an online video presentation alongside an in-person press gathering in New York, a format he says will repeat for a separate October 27 launch.
A developer has released Breadstick Linux as an app on the Google Play Store, aimed at users frustrated with limited Linux app support on Chromebooks and Android devices. The app is positioned as an alternative to the standard Linux terminal environment built into ChromeOS.
9to5Mac's daily podcast episode for October 8, 2026 rounds up top Apple news, including rumors about a new iPad mini and updates to iCloud+. The episode is sponsored by Stuff, a task-management app, and Roborock, which is running Fall Prime Day discounts on its robot vacuum lineup.
Google released AI Edge Foresight, a note-taking app currently available only on MacOS that transcribes meetings from Google Meet, Zoom or in-person conversations entirely on-device. It organizes notes, works with files like PDFs and Google Docs, and offers a Live Assistance feature to answer questions based on meeting transcripts, all without sending data to the cloud.