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Amazon introduced three new Alexa Tablets this week—8.7-inch, 11-inch, and 12-inch Pro models priced at $229, $329, and $499 respectively. The devices drop Amazon's proprietary Fire OS and custom App Store in favor of a near-stock Android experience with access to the Google Play Store. The 11-inch model includes 8GB of RAM and a 90Hz display at a lower starting price than Apple's budget iPad.
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.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that customers who buy the iPhone Duo at a US Apple Store will see a personalized greeting with their name when they first turn on the device. The feature, exclusive to the iPhone Duo, will support English and Spanish and launch alongside the device on October 23, with pre-orders starting October 16.
A large Wendy's franchisee going through bankruptcy proceedings plans to shutter 10 additional restaurant locations this weekend. Wendy's corporate has objected to the specific stores chosen for closure and attempted to intervene in the legal process, but the closures appear set to proceed regardless.
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.
Apple has named Steve Smith as its new head of mergers and acquisitions, succeeding Adrian Perica, who held the role for more than a decade, according to Bloomberg. Perica is moving into a larger services role reporting directly to Eddy Cue, while Carson Oliver has been promoted to vice president of the App Store, also reporting to Cue.
Amazon's newly announced Alexa Tablet lineup, including a top-tier 12 Pro model, will include the Google Play Store out of the box rather than relying solely on Amazon's Appstore. The 12 Pro also offers an optional Nanomatte display finish designed to cut down on screen glare.
Amazon has introduced a new series of Alexa Tablets replacing its Fire lineup, featuring aluminum bodies and official Android 16 OS with access to Google Play. The lineup includes three models: 12 Pro, 11, and 8, priced from $230 to $500, with kids' editions available for the smaller devices. Shipping begins October 14, and Amazon commits to four years of software updates.
Amazon introduced a new series of Alexa tablets, including the 12 Pro, 11, and 8 models, all running on Android and offering access to the Google Play Store. These devices feature aluminum unibody designs, high-resolution screens, and enhanced performance capabilities, with the 12 Pro model boasting a 12-inch display and advanced hardware. Amazon also announced accessories like a Pro Pen and Pro Keyboard to expand tablet functionality, with prices starting at $499.99.
Amazon has introduced new Kids Tablets that run Android and include access to the Google Play store, alongside features for parental management. The devices come in two sizes, with protective cases and a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids Plus, which offers ad-free content from major brands. A new AI-powered Storybuilder feature is also included to help children create custom stories and comics.
Despite Ace Hardware's overall record-breaking expansion, a number of longstanding locations are set to close permanently in 2026. The closures highlight the uneven landscape faced by independently operated stores within the chain. The updated list of affected stores has been released, marking a significant shift for the company's retail footprint.
Meta has expanded its agentic AI assistant Muse to iPad after weeks as the top free iPhone app in the U.S. App Store. The update also adds new business-tool connectors including Asana, Canva, Dropbox, Figma, QuickBooks, GitHub, Klaviyo, Zoom, Granola and Notion, letting Muse handle tasks like marketing plans, client pitches and product pages with user approval.