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Tech News
YouTube has rolled out a new feature letting mobile users build their own video feeds by typing in any topic or mood, rather than relying solely on the recommendation algorithm. The feature appears as a plus sign on a new horizontal menu at the top of the app's home screen, alongside tabs for subscriptions, music, live streams, and Music & TV. Users can edit, rename, or delete these custom feeds at any time.
Google revised its privacy policy on October 16, softening language that previously guaranteed Gmail, Drive, and Photos content would never personalize ads. The new wording leaves room for that data to influence ads once it's shared with other Google services through the opt-in Personal Intelligence feature, which feeds personal data into Gemini, AI Overviews, and AI Mode search.
Android Authority found code in a recent Phone by Google beta (version 244.0.1001930441-publicbeta-pixel2026) enabling an early, non-functional Compact photo menu for Calling Cards. The feature would sit alongside the existing full-screen photo option and shows four colored tile presets but no way yet to add images from Gallery, Google Photos, or Camera.
CNET's Kerry Wan tested early apps built for Apple's new foldable iPhone Duo, highlighting Netflix and NYT Cooking as among the most polished so far. Apps optimized for the device's flexible screen will carry a 'Made for iPhone Duo' badge on the App Store, while a separate web tracker monitors which popular apps still lack support.
Android Authority identified an in-development update to Google Messages, found in version messages.android_20261020_00_RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamic, that reorganizes the app's single long settings list into separate categorized sections. Individual settings pages, such as those for RCS chats and SIM/country selection, are also being redesigned with new graphics and subdivided menus.
Strava rolled out three route-related updates: natural-language search for routes and points of interest, an expanded and more curated route database, and route cards that display real user photos and activity data. The app also now lets users continue following saved routes offline, with workout data syncing once a connection returns. Strava said additional features, including community-sourced route details, web-based Maps, and subscriber-only turn-by-turn audio navigation, are coming soon without a specified release date.
Amazon has extended its handwritten annotation feature, first introduced on its new Alexa Tablets, to the Kindle app for Android phones and tablets. The feature lets readers write directly on ebook pages using adjustable pen styles, sizes, and colors, with surrounding text reflowing around the handwritten notes. Users have reported seeing the option on devices including the Galaxy Tab S10 FE, Galaxy S24, Galaxy S23, XP-Pen Magic Note Pad, and BOOX Go 7.
Google's Android 17 update introduces the ability to 'bubble' any app, not just messaging apps, keeping its icon floating on top of the screen for quick access. Users can place up to five bubbled apps along the left or right edge of the home screen by long-pressing an app and selecting the Bubble option. The feature currently works only on Pixel devices, though Google says it will expand to other manufacturers.
Apple's upcoming iOS 27.2 update, expected next week, extends Dual Capture to Group FaceTime calls after launching as a one-on-one feature in iOS 27. It also splits Apple Podcasts' Up Next queue into separate New Episodes and Continue Playing sections, and brings tvOS-style user profiles to the iPhone's Apple TV app.
Match Group has repositioned its dating app Upward, moving away from its original Christian-dating identity to appeal more broadly to Gen Z singles interested in marriage. The relaunch cites Match's 2026 Singles in America survey findings that 72 percent of Gen Z want to get married and a quarter of 18-34 year-old singles identify with traditional values around family, faith and community. Brand marketing director Lauren DeFord said the change opens the app to people who share marriage-focused goals but don't necessarily lead with faith.
Swarm, the check-in app spun off from Foursquare, continues to operate despite a dramatic decline in activity and public attention. The app was recently acquired, according to a Fast Company columnist, though the buyer and terms were not detailed. A small base of users still logs locations and competes for mayorships years after the service's peak popularity.
Brick has released the Brick Night, a $129 device that automatically blocks selected phone apps using Bluetooth when a user enters a designated room, such as a bedroom. Unlike the original $59 Brick, which requires tapping the phone against the device via NFC, the Night version works passively within a configurable zone up to 25 feet by 25 feet and supports multiple users with individual settings.