Bigme HiBreak Dual revives dual-screen phones with color E-Ink and rear LCD, starting at $359
Bigme has launched the HiBreak Dual, a 5G Android phone with a 6.13-inch color E Ink
HSBC PayMe Stablecoin Rollout Could Bring Hong Kong’s First Licensed Tokens to 3.3 Million Users
HSBC will launch a Hong Kong dollar stablecoin in its PayMe and main banking app in late 2026, reaching over 3.3 million users. Hong Kong regulators granted only two stablecoin licences, including
Amazon’s $35 Fire TV Stick HD Gets Slimmer as Ember Artline TV Preorders Open
Amazon on Wednesday launched a slimmer $34.99 Fire TV Stick HD and opened preorders for its first Ember Artline televisions, starting at
Google Gemma 4 Puts Offline AI on Phones, but New Reviews Say It Won’t Kill ChatGPT Yet
Google’s Gemma 4 model is drawing early attention for enabling offline AI on phones and laptops, with reviewers noting it works without
Sony Bravia TVs to Lose Key Guide and Menu Features in May, Even on Models Still for Sale
Sony will remove TV Guide, channel logos, and preview images from 2023–2025 Bravia TVs in late May, affecting antenna users in the
Fake Windows 11 24H2 Update Warning: Avoid This Lookalike Download as Microsoft Rolls Out April Patch
Malwarebytes warned Windows users about a fake Windows 11 24H2 update distributed through a lookalike Microsoft support page, designed to steal passwords
Microsoft Patches BlueHammer Windows Zero-Day Flaw in Defender After Public Leak
Microsoft patched CVE-2026-33825, a Microsoft Defender privilege-escalation flaw linked to the BlueHammer exploit, in its April Patch Tuesday update. The bug allowed attackers with local access to gain SYSTEM privileges. Proof-of-concept code appeared online April 3 after a disclosure dispute. Microsoft credited Zen Dodd and Yuanpei Xu for discovery and said automatic updates protect most users.
Rolls-Royce Stock Price Today: Shares Slip Despite Moody’s A3 Upgrade and £7bn-£9bn Buyback Plan
Rolls-Royce shares fell 1.83% to 1,260 pence on Friday despite Moody’s upgrading its credit rating to A3. The drop followed record highs
Shell stock in focus: LNG tie-up with METLEN lands as oil stays near seven-month highs
METLEN signed a memorandum with Shell to supply and trade 0.5–1.0 bcm of LNG annually into Greece from 2027 to 2031. Shell
Dow Jones today: DJIA slides as financials wobble and a key inflation report nears
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 236 points to 49,426 by late morning Thursday, led lower by financials and chip stocks after
Plug Power stock edges up premarket: why the share-doubling vote has PLUG traders watching dilution
Plug Power shares rose 0.5% to $1.87 in premarket trading after shareholders approved doubling authorized common stock to 3 billion. The amendment
Walmart Onn 4K Pro Google TV Leak Reveals Gemini, Matter and $59.88 Price
Walmart’s updated Onn 4K Pro Google TV box has appeared in stores and online listings before its official launch, now priced at $59.88 and adding Gemini and Matter-over-Thread support. The new model drops the rear USB-A port to USB 2.0 but keeps 3GB RAM and 32GB storage, while adding Wi-Fi 6, Dolby Vision, and always-listening microphones. A new Onn 4K stick has also surfaced at $19.88.
Amazon Ember Artline TV Price, Release Date: $899 Samsung Frame Rival Opens U.S. Preorders
Amazon began U.S. and Canada preorders for its Ember Artline TV, designed to hang like framed art, with shipments starting April 22 and prices from $899.99. The 55-inch Artline costs more than Samsung’s comparable Frame model. Amazon includes over 2,000 artworks at no extra charge. Early reviews noted screen glare and a 60Hz refresh rate.
Apple AirPods Max 2 Reviews Praise Noise Cancellation, but AirPods Pro 3 Looks Like the Better Buy
Apple’s AirPods Max 2 is drawing praise for improved noise cancellation and sound, but reviews question if it’s worth upgrading from the original at $549. AirPods Pro 3, launched at $249, is now ranked as Apple’s top audio product, with reviewers citing stronger noise reduction and more features. Sony’s rival earbuds cost more, while its over-ear headphones undercut Apple’s price.
Samsung Widens One UI 8.5 Beta to Galaxy A54, A55 and S25 as Quick Share Adds AirDrop-Style Transfers
Samsung expanded One UI 8.5 beta testing to older Galaxy A54 and A55 phones in India and released a ninth beta for Galaxy S25 users in the U.S. The S25 build adds Apple-device transfers; A54 and A55 packages are 2.73GB and 2.19GB. Samsung confirmed Quick Share Apple transfers for select betas, but AirDrop support remains limited to the S26 series. U.S. users must switch to Google Messages before Samsung Messages ends in July 2026.
Vivo X300 Ultra Global Launch Starts in Europe at €1,999 With 400mm Lens and Pro Video Tools
Vivo opened European pre-orders for its X300 Ultra camera phone at €1,999, listing Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Switzerland, with sales starting April 24. The device features Zeiss optics, a 200-megapixel main camera, and pro video tools, including 4K/120fps recording. Launch offers include a free Pro Video Rig Kit. Omdia reports rising smartphone prices in China amid higher component costs.
Microsoft hikes Surface PC prices as RAM crunch wipes out sub-$1,000 models
Microsoft raised prices on all current-generation Surface PCs in its U.S. online store, with no models now under $1,000. The 12-inch Surface Pro starts at $1,049.99 and the 15-inch Surface Laptop at $1,599.99. Microsoft cited higher memory and component costs. Analysts expect memory shortages to drive up PC prices and eliminate sub-$500 laptops by 2028.
DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Vlogging Camera Launches With 4K/240fps, 107GB Storage and No U.S. Release Yet
DJI unveiled the Osmo Pocket 4, featuring 4K/240fps video, a 1-inch sensor, and 107GB built-in storage, but said U.S. sales are delayed pending authorization. Pre-orders opened in Europe and the UK, with shipping set for April 22 and prices from £429 to £549.
Microsoft Targets Apple’s MacBook Neo With Free Xbox Controller, 365 Offer for Students
Microsoft launched a U.S. college deal offering a year of Microsoft 365 Premium, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and a custom Xbox controller with select Windows 11 PCs, aiming to counter Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo push. The promotion runs April 15–June 30 for verified college students. Apple’s MacBook Neo shipments rose 12.7% in Q1, driven by education buyers. Rising component costs may soon push entry-level PC prices higher.
YouTube finally lets users turn off Shorts with a zero-minute feed limit
YouTube has launched a setting allowing users to set a daily Shorts feed limit of zero minutes, effectively hiding the feature in its app. The option, previously unavailable, is now live for all parents and rolling out to adult accounts, according to a company spokesperson. For children and teens managed through Family Center, hitting the limit blocks further viewing until the next day. Adults can dismiss reminders and continue watching.
Technology News 16.04.2026
LIVETechnology news rolling coverageStarted: April 16, 2026, 12:00 AM EDTUpdated: April 16, 2026, 2:33 PM EDT PlayStation Plus adds April lineup to Extra and Premium, plus Wild Arms 4; some games depart April 16, 2026, 2:30 PM EDT. Sony has announced April additions to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium, available from **April 21** at no extra cost for subscribers. Highlights include **The Crew Motorfest**, an open-world driving game set in Hawaii, and **Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered** with the **Complete Edition** and **The Frozen Wilds** expansion. **Football Manager 26 Console** lands for PS5, while **Warriors: Abyss** blends action with roguelite elements.
Bigme HiBreak Dual revives dual-screen phones with color E-Ink and rear LCD, starting at $359
Bigme has launched the HiBreak Dual, a 5G Android phone with a 6.13-inch color E Ink display and a small circular LCD on the back, starting at $359 for early preorders. The phone runs Android 14, uses a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chip, and supports a stylus. Bigme claims the E Ink screen can reach 53 fps. IDC reports global smartphone shipments fell 4.1% last quarter amid rising costs.
Nothing Phone 4a Pro Reviews Are Strong, but Durability Test Finds Two Hidden Flaws
A durability test found Nothing’s new $499 Phone 4a Pro camera cover scratches easily and its microphone port can be punctured by a SIM-eject pin, risking water resistance. The phone launched in March with a metal unibody, 50MP periscope zoom, and three years of OS updates. Most reviews are positive, but rivals like Google’s Pixel 10a match price and offer longer support. Nothing’s shipments rose 25% in Q1 despite a 6% global market drop.
HSBC PayMe Stablecoin Rollout Could Bring Hong Kong’s First Licensed Tokens to 3.3 Million Users
HSBC will launch a Hong Kong dollar stablecoin in its PayMe and main banking app in late 2026, reaching over 3.3 million users. Hong Kong regulators granted only two stablecoin licences, including one to Anchorpoint Financial, from 36 applicants. Both issuers must complete technology and compliance checks before rollout. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority signaled it will keep future approvals limited.
Huawei Pura X Max Moves First, Raising Pressure on Apple’s Foldable iPhone
Huawei began taking 1,000 yuan deposits for its Pura X Max foldable phone ahead of the April 20 launch in China, with over 210,000 registrations on its vmall store. IDC said Huawei’s Pura X foldable shipped more than 1.5 million units, as China’s smartphone market shrank 3.3% in the first quarter. TrendForce expects Apple to enter the foldable segment in the second half of 2026.
Oppo Find N6 launches in Japan at ¥318,000, taking on Apple before any foldable iPhone
Oppo launched its first foldable phone, the Find N6, in Japan on Wednesday, priced at 318,000 yen for the 16GB/512GB model. The release comes as Apple holds over 60% of Japan’s mobile market and has yet to launch a foldable iPhone. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7 is listed at a lower price, and reviews highlight Oppo’s improved hinge design. Foldables remain a niche, with IDC projecting under 3% market share by 2029.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide Leak Gains Momentum as Tri-Fold Patent Surfaces Before July Unpacked
Samsung is expected to unveil a wider Galaxy Z Fold model, possibly called the Z Fold 8 Wide, at its Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22, according to Korean media and recent leaks. Patent filings also show Samsung exploring a tri-fold device with a squarer display. The new model may feature a 4:3 aspect ratio and renewed S Pen support. Rival Huawei launches its Pura X Max wide foldable in China on April 20.
Google Pixel battery drain bug hits Pixel 10, Pixel 9 and older phones as April patch misses fix
Google Pixel users report severe battery drain after the March software update, with April’s patch failing to resolve the issue. Complaints center on Pixel 9 and 10 models but affect Pixel 7 and 8 as well. Users say phones lose charge quickly even when idle. Google’s April changelog does not mention battery fixes.
Samsung Quietly Hikes U.S. Galaxy Prices as Memory Crunch Hits Foldables and Tablets
Samsung has raised U.S. list prices on several Galaxy phones and tablets, with the 512GB Galaxy Z Flip7 now at $1,299.99 and the 1TB Galaxy Z Fold7 at $2,499.99, according to its U.S. store. The increases follow a global shortage of DRAM and NAND flash memory, which has driven up component costs. Some entry-level models remain at launch prices, while higher-capacity versions saw the biggest hikes. Samsung continues to offer discounts on some devices.
Best Buy Ultimate Upgrade Sale 2026 Brings Big Apple, TV and Laptop Discounts Through April 19
Best Buy’s “Ultimate Upgrade Sale” runs through April 19, offering discounts like iPads from $299, AirPods Pro 3 at $199.99, and up to $600 off select Windows laptops. Amazon and Walmart are matching many prices. Executives warn of rising memory chip costs and uneven demand. Goldman Sachs downgraded Best Buy to sell, citing concerns over higher component prices and weaker sales outlook.
Galaxy S26 Ultra Wins Early Reviews, but Samsung Still Faces an iPhone Problem
Samsung reported U.S. pre-orders for its Galaxy S26 series rose nearly 25% over last year’s model, with global pre-orders up more than 10%. Counterpoint estimated Apple led first-quarter smartphone shipments with 21% market share to Samsung’s 20%. Reviews highlighted the S26 Ultra’s battery life and camera but noted Apple’s ecosystem still draws users. Samsung promises seven years of software support for the S26 lineup.
Canon Unveils $79,999 40-1200mm Cine-Servo Lens and Cinema EOS Firmware Ahead of NAB 2026
Canon on Wednesday announced the CINE-SERVO 40-1200mm T5.0-10.8 lens, billed as the world’s longest servo zoom for large-format sensors, priced at $79,999 and shipping in September. Firmware updates for EOS C400, C80, C70, C50 and R5 C will roll out this summer, with both products debuting at NAB Show in Las Vegas April 19–22.
Motorola Razr 70, Razr 70 Ultra leaks reveal new colors, bigger battery as foldable race tightens
Leaked images and certification filings show Motorola’s Razr 70 and Razr 70 Ultra flip phones, with the standard model appearing in four finishes and the Ultra tipped to feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, 16GB RAM, and a 5,000mAh battery. Motorola now holds about half the U.S. foldable phone market, ahead of Samsung and Google, according to IDC and Counterpoint. Pre-orders for the Razr Fold have begun in the UK.
Garmin smartwatch problems deepen as Forerunner 27.09 bugs and iPhone sync failures stir fresh backlash
Garmin smartwatch owners reported ongoing software issues this week, including faulty heart-rate, altitude, and sleep tracking, plus persistent iPhone syncing failures. Forum posts say some bugs remain after software updates, with users of Forerunner and Fenix models citing inaccurate data and broken features. Garmin has released several fixes since January, but complaints continue.
Amazon’s $35 Fire TV Stick HD Gets Slimmer as Ember Artline TV Preorders Open
Amazon on Wednesday launched a slimmer $34.99 Fire TV Stick HD and opened preorders for its first Ember Artline televisions, starting at $899.99. The new stick, about 30% slimmer and faster than before, ships later this month with Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, Alexa+, and Adaptive Display. Ember Artline TVs, featuring matte 4K QLED screens and over 2,000 artworks, ship April 22 in the U.S. and Canada.
Sony Xperia 1 VIII FCC Certification Hints at Earlier Launch, Headphone Jack and New Design
Sony’s next flagship phone, likely the Xperia 1 VIII, appeared in the U.S. FCC database under ID PY7-30515Z, with filings confirming 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and wireless charging. Reports say Sony will keep the 3.5 mm headphone jack. The FCC filing surfaced earlier than last year’s Xperia 1 VII, fueling speculation about an accelerated launch. Sony has not confirmed the model or release date.