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Android NAT-T keepalive API lets apps bypass VPN lockdown mode

Security researchers found that Android's public NAT-T socket-keepalive API allows ordinary apps to send UDP packets directly to a router, bypassing Always-on VPN and 'Block connections without VPN' protections. Tests on a Pixel 8 Pro, Samsung SM-F966B, and Nothing A059, all running Android 16, confirmed that keepalive packets reached the physical gateway outside the VPN tunnel, with one device sustaining a leak for over 24 hours. The root cause traces to changes in Android's startNattKeepaliveWithFd function, where validation checks tying the socket to the caller's VPN policy were added and later removed.

Apple and Google diverge on camera philosophy in iPhone 18 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro both pack triple rear-camera systems with roughly 48-50MP sensors and telephoto lenses reaching high zoom levels, but their approaches differ sharply. Google leans on AI to automate exposure, night shots, and zoom via features like Instant Night Sight and Pro Zoom, while Apple adds a variable-aperture lens and manual controls for shutter speed and white balance alongside a new anti-fakery Reference Image tool.

Apple releases nine-page study backing Watch Series 12 heart rate accuracy claims

Apple published a detailed study comparing the heart rate sensing of its new Health Sensing System in Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 against rivals like Garmin, Google Pixel Watch, Huawei, Samsung, WHOOP, and Oura Ring. The test involved over 1,400 participants across five sites in the US and Malaysia, using a Polar H10 chest strap as the accuracy benchmark during activities like running, cycling, HIIT, and daily tasks.

Apple's iPhone Duo and Google's Pixel 11 Pro Fold both add IP68 water resistance

Apple and Google have each released premium foldable phones—the iPhone Duo and Pixel 11 Pro Fold—that carry IP68 durability ratings, a first for foldables in terms of dust and water protection. The Duo starts at $1,999 with preorders opening Oct. 16 ahead of an Oct. 23 launch, while the $1,899 Pixel 11 Pro Fold is already on sale. The two differ mainly in form factor: the Pixel uses a book-style fold with a standard-size cover screen, while the Duo has a shorter, wider passport-style design.

Apple brings Shazam-based ambient song detection to Apple Watch

Apple is adding always-listening music recognition to the Apple Watch, using Shazam to identify songs playing nearby directly from the wrist. The feature mirrors Pixel's ambient music detection, which has surfaced song titles automatically on Android phones for years, but Apple is bringing it to its wearable rather than the iPhone.

CSS Offers Native Support for Foldable and Dual-Screen Layouts

The piece revisits CSS tools built for foldable devices, prompted by Google's Pixel Fold launch. It details media queries like horizontal-viewport-segments and vertical-viewport-segments, plus environment variables that report each screen segment's width, height and position so layouts can adapt automatically to different hinge geometries.

Google pulls Pixel Tablet from its store, exiting tablets once more

Google has removed its entire Tablets section from the Google Store, taking the Pixel Tablet with it after the device was recently listed as out of stock. The move effectively confirms the discontinuation of the $899, Tensor G2-powered tablet launched in 2023, though a few accessories like a speaker stand remain purchasable.

iPhone Duo enters foldable market at $1,999, above Pixel and Galaxy Fold rivals

Apple's first folding phone, the iPhone Duo, launches October 23rd priced above Google's Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8. It uses a passport-style design with matching inner and outer screen ratios, partial-fold app usability, and hardware aimed at minimizing the interior crease.

Google pulls Pixel Tablet listing from its online store

Google has removed the Pixel Tablet from its online store and dropped the 'Tablet' category from its site navigation, following earlier reports that the device was marked out of stock. Most Pixel Tablet accessories, including the case and charging speaker dock, are also unavailable, with only a third-party speaker stand still purchasable. The tablet has similarly vanished from Amazon, and Best Buy lists it as no longer available in new condition.

Apple Raises iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Prices by $100

Apple announced at its Wednesday event that the iPhone 18 Pro will start at $1,199 and the iPhone 18 Pro Max at $1,299, both with 256GB storage, marking a $100 increase over last year's models. Preorders begin Saturday, Sept. 12, with the phones launching Sept. 18. The higher-priced models come with upgraded cameras, a new A20 Bionic chip, and new color options including a burgundy shade.

Apple, Google, Samsung and others hike smartphone prices by $100 across the board

Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro models launch $100 more expensive than last year, mirroring similar $100 increases from Google's Pixel 11, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Motorola's Razr lineup, and Sony's Xperia 10 VIII. Apple also raised prices on its older iPhone models still for sale, closing off any workaround for budget-conscious buyers.

Early Pixel 11 owners report boot loops and camera glitches

Users of Google's newly launched Pixel 11 lineup have flagged a handful of software problems, including devices getting stuck in boot loops and camera app malfunctions. It remains unclear how many units are affected or whether the issues stem from software or hardware causes.