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Tech News
Aurora Store, the popular open-source client used to download apps without a Google account, has started failing for many users with a 'Server busy, please try again later' error when installing apps anonymously. The problem persists across troubleshooting steps like clearing cache, using a VPN, or restarting devices, suggesting Google may be blocking access at the server level rather than a local bug.
Sonos has released the Ace Ultra, a successor to its original Ace headphones, adding the ability to pull audio from any Sonos speaker or soundbar rather than just a limited set of compatible soundbars. The feature, powered by a new Headphone Engine 2 platform with redesigned Wi-Fi hardware, lets users move sound from TVs, turntables or streaming apps to the headphones with a single button press, though it remains an opt-in Early Access feature.
Sonos has introduced the Beam Ultra, a new soundbar slotted between the Beam and the flagship Arc Ultra. Unlike the Beam Gen 2's software-based surround effect, the Beam Ultra uses physical upfiring drivers to deliver real 7.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos sound, along with a redesigned center channel, AI speech enhancement, and Trueplay room tuning. It's available for preorder now and ships September 29, 2026.
Sonos unveiled its next-generation app, dubbed Sonos 27, alongside a second-generation over-ear headphone (Ace Ultra) and a new soundbar (Beam Ultra). The update includes generative AI voice tools, improved navigation, room sorting, volume controls, and upcoming system health diagnostics, following the disastrous 2024 app relaunch that stripped away accessibility and volume features and led to a leadership shakeup.
A Reddit user shared screenshots showing Google's new advanced sideloading flow now live on their Android device, requiring a restart and a mandatory 24-hour wait before installing apps outside the Play Store. The interface warns users about scammers who pressure victims into enabling sideloading, and once the waiting period ends, users can permit sideloading for either seven days or indefinitely.
JBL introduced three new Cove wireless speakers—the M1 ($229), P1 ($399), and X1 ($449)—that support both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with the P1 being the only portable, battery-powered option. The speakers are controlled through the JBL One app, support multi-room grouping, Alexa voice control, and can be paired as stereo or surround channels with JBL's Bar Series soundbars. Preorders are open now, with shipping set for September 13.
Sonos hosted an Open House event on September, unveiling its next wave of hardware after CEO Thomas Conrad hinted in July that the company had spent two decades building what he called an operating environment for AI in the home. The event, not livestreamed, was covered by Engadget staff on-site through a live text blog, with speculation swirling around potential new speakers, headphones, or app fixes.
A teardown of Google app version 17.54.10 reveals two new buttons being developed for the Gemini home screen: "Chat," for standard conversations with Gemini, and "Assign," which routes messages directly to Gemini Spark. This follows an earlier discovery of a similar "Assign Task" feature that has yet to launch for users.
The piece is a fictional 'day one' briefing addressed to Apple's John Ternus, satirizing the company's ongoing struggles across hardware, services and AI. It jokes about delayed Siri upgrades, price hikes on new iPhones, rebranding an AirPods camera as a 'sensor,' low morale on the Vision Pro team, and new EU App Store commission rules taking effect in a month.
Tim Cook has ended his 15-year tenure as Apple's chief executive, handing the role to hardware chief John Ternus. Cook took over from Steve Jobs in 2011 and oversaw major shifts including the expansion of Apple's services division and the move from Intel processors to Apple's own custom silicon in Macs.
Google confirmed that Device Help, a Gemini feature that lets users describe what they want their phone to do and have Gemini adjust settings automatically, isn't limited to the Pixel 11 series. A Google employee showed the feature working on other Pixel devices running Android 17, and said support will expand to additional devices over time.
Phil Schiller, who has led Apple's App Store since 2015 and joined the company in 1987, has stepped down from that role, according to Bloomberg. He'll remain at Apple as a Fellow working on unspecified projects, a title insiders view as a precursor to full retirement. Carson Oliver, a 14-year App Store veteran, will take over daily operations, and the App Store is shifting from marketing to Eddy Cue's services division.