Reports indicate Apple will delay its next major iPhone release until March 2027, when the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18E are expected to arrive together, rather than launching in the usual fall window. That leaves the iPhone 17, which debuted with improved displays, cameras and durability, as Apple's current entry-level flagship for an extended stretch, especially as rivals like Samsung and Google have raised prices on their budget phones due to rising RAM costs.
cnet.com
· 2026-08-29
Google Messages has begun rolling out a long-requested feature that lets users apply custom themes to individual chat conversations. The update, spotted on version 20260824_01_RC00, works on both stable and beta builds but requires RCS chats to be enabled. Users need to update the app via the Play Store and confirm RCS is turned on in settings to access the new option.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-29
A new guide explains how everyday users can download and run large language models like those from Meta and Google directly on their own Windows, macOS, or Linux machines instead of relying on cloud-based apps like ChatGPT. Running LLMs locally offers offline access and greater privacy since no data is sent to outside servers, and it avoids subscription fees, though these free models are generally less powerful and slower than paid cloud versions. The guide notes that macOS is often preferred due to Apple Silicon's unified memory architecture, and that at least 16GB of RAM is recommended for smooth performance.
wired.com
· 2026-08-29
A columnist who uses Google Maps daily outlines four persistent gaps in the app, starting with offline maps that still require manually drawing rectangles instead of downloading whole regions or countries at once. The piece contrasts this with rivals like Maps.me and Organic Maps, which allow single-tap downloads of entire areas.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-29
Google has pushed out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 to Pixel testers, two weeks after Beta 3, as builds CP41.260814.003.A2 or CP41.260814.003.B1 depending on device. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro remain excluded from this release, while the newly launched Pixel 11 is also not yet covered under QPR2 testing.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-28
More than 100 companies, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, have signed a joint call urging coordinated action to guard against the risks of advanced or 'rogue' AI systems acting beyond human control. The appeal asks industry and governments to prioritize safety research and oversight measures as AI capabilities rapidly advance.
tech.slashdot.org
· 2026-08-28
Google is rolling out a new Calendar setting called 'Get an email when guests respond,' letting meeting organizers or their delegates opt out of receiving RSVP confirmations and automatic replies like out-of-office messages. The setting is enabled by default but can be unchecked, and it applies to the whole series for recurring events. The gradual rollout begins today for Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers, and personal Google account users.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-28
A reviewer granted Google's new Personal Intelligence feature access to personal accounts and data to evaluate how it functions as an AI-powered assistant. The tool is designed to make advanced personal AI assistance usable for everyday consumers, not just technically savvy users.
wsj.com
· 2026-08-28
Google has reduced trade-in credits offered toward Pixel 11 series purchases, ending the launch-window bonuses it previously offered. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold saw the steepest cut, dropping from $1,000 to $850, while most other recent Pixel models lost $50 or less in trade value. Google says these new lower rates will remain in effect through September.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-28
Google has resolved a bug that stopped Google Home users from adding items to Google Keep lists using voice commands. The company initially described the problem vaguely as a 'UI issue' before clarifying it involved two separate glitches, one affecting the interface and another preventing users from viewing or using their lists altogether. Google says both issues are now fixed.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-28
OpenAI joined 127 other companies, including Microsoft, Google, Anthropic and Oracle, in signing an open letter urging governments and businesses to rapidly strengthen cyber defenses before AI-powered attacks become widespread. The letter calls for greater investment in security teams, patching long-standing vulnerabilities, and sharing AI security tools across the industry to stay ahead of increasingly capable attack models.
cnet.com
· 2026-08-28
Google has begun automatically expanding AI Overviews at the top of some search results pages, rather than requiring users to click a 'Show more' button. This pushes the usual list of website links, and an 'Ask anything' box, further down the page, forcing more scrolling to reach traditional results. Google says the behavior is inconsistent and applies only to select queries where its systems determine an expanded view is more useful.
theverge.com
· 2026-08-28
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