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Will AI Kill the Smartphone? OpenAI, Meta and Amazon Fuel a New Gadget Threat
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Will AI Kill the Smartphone? OpenAI, Meta and Amazon Fuel a New Gadget Threat

Global smartphone shipments are projected to fall about 6% this year, with no rebound expected in 2027, according to Counterpoint’s Yang Wang. The Economist reports Apple and Android face new competition from AI-first devices backed by OpenAI, Meta, and Amazon. Rising chip prices and manufacturing bottlenecks are squeezing phone makers. OpenAI plans to launch a device in the second half of 2026.
January 26, 2026
Fritz-Kola Says “No Price Hike” as Regenerative Sugar Beet Pilot Cuts CO2 — FritzBox Maker Faces Fibre Shift
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Fritz-Kola Says “No Price Hike” as Regenerative Sugar Beet Pilot Cuts CO2 — FritzBox Maker Faces Fibre Shift

fritz-kola said it will not raise prices as it shifts some sugar sourcing to regenerative farming, after a pilot project cut emissions by 1,534 tonnes of CO2 and yielded 1,449 tonnes of sugar. CEO Mirco Wolf Wiegert said climate measures are already included in pricing, despite higher costs for growers. The company partnered with start-up Klim and six German farms for the project.
January 26, 2026
DPD driver removed after doorbell video shows ‘fake’ iPhone delivery in Rochdale

DPD driver removed after doorbell video shows ‘fake’ iPhone delivery in Rochdale

DPD suspended a delivery driver after home security footage showed him leaving with a £1,264 iPhone instead of delivering it, despite logging a delivery photo. The customer, Samuel Taylor, reported the incident to Greater Manchester Police. Giffgaff called the delivery proof invalid and refunded Taylor’s deposit. DPD has not said if the phone was recovered.
January 26, 2026
TikTok U.S. deal sealed with Oracle-led venture — here’s what changes for users
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TikTok U.S. deal sealed with Oracle-led venture — here’s what changes for users

ByteDance has won U.S. and Chinese approval to transfer TikTok’s U.S. business to a new majority-American venture backed by Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX, Sky News reported. TikTok pushed updated terms to U.S. users allowing GPS-level tracking and expanded data collection, Wired reported. ByteDance will retain 19.9% ownership, with each partner holding 15%, according to Data Center Dynamics. Adam Presser will lead the new entity as CEO, The Verge said.
January 24, 2026
Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold hits U.S. stores for demos — but you still can’t buy it yet
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Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold hits U.S. stores for demos — but you still can’t buy it yet

Samsung is offering in-store demos of its Galaxy Z TriFold smartphone at select locations in California, New York, Texas, and Minnesota ahead of its U.S. launch. The company has not announced a U.S. release date or price, only stating an “early 2026” window. Demo units highlight the phone’s tri-fold design and Galaxy AI features. The device is already available in South Korea and parts of the Middle East.
January 24, 2026
iOS 26.3 Release Date Watch: Apple Readies RCS Texting, Android Transfer and Security Fixes
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iOS 26.3 Release Date Watch: Apple Readies RCS Texting, Android Transfer and Security Fixes

Apple is expected to release iOS 26.3 before January ends, preparing encrypted RCS messaging with Android and adding an iPhone-to-Android transfer tool, according to media reports. The update will also expand weather wallpaper options and include additional security fixes. Encrypted RCS will not be fully enabled at launch. Attention is turning to iOS 26.4, expected later in the spring.
January 24, 2026
149 Million Passwords Exposed Online: Gmail, Yahoo and Outlook Logins Found in Unsecured Infostealer Database
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149 Million Passwords Exposed Online: Gmail, Yahoo and Outlook Logins Found in Unsecured Infostealer Database

A researcher found an open database with 149 million stolen logins, including 48 million Gmail credentials and some tied to government domains. The 96GB trove, lacking any protection, was taken offline after nearly a month. Analysts say such caches enable automated account takeovers using infostealer malware. The exposed data included direct login links, making attacks easier.
January 24, 2026
Google Pixel “Take a Message” bug may leak your background audio — Google investigates
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Google Pixel “Take a Message” bug may leak your background audio — Google investigates

Google is investigating reports that its Pixel “Take a Message” feature may transmit users’ background audio to callers after missed calls. Some Reddit users say they heard room noise instead of a voicemail greeting on certain Pixel models. Google confirmed the feature is available on Pixel 4 and newer in the US, UK, Ireland, and Australia. The company says it is actively investigating the issue.
January 23, 2026
Apple shifts iPhone screen orders to Samsung as BOE production trouble drags on

Apple shifts iPhone screen orders to Samsung as BOE production trouble drags on

Apple shifted millions of iPhone OLED panel orders from BOE to Samsung Display after BOE faced production issues, South Korea’s The Elec reported Friday. BOE halted OLED panel production for select iPhone models in late 2025 due to defects, prompting Samsung to take over the volume. Apple is also reportedly raising display standards for the iPhone 18, which could further limit BOE’s role.
January 23, 2026
Apple’s AI pin: Report says AirTag-sized wearable could arrive in 2027 as Siri turns into a chatbot
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Apple’s AI pin: Report says AirTag-sized wearable could arrive in 2027 as Siri turns into a chatbot

Apple is developing an AI-powered wearable pin, similar in size to an AirTag, with a possible launch in 2027, The Information reported. The project remains in early stages and could be canceled. The report comes as Apple works on a major Siri upgrade using Google’s Gemini AI models. Apple has not commented on the device or the Siri update.
January 23, 2026
Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold hits U.S. Samsung stores for demos — but you still can’t buy it yet
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Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold hits U.S. Samsung stores for demos — but you still can’t buy it yet

Samsung began showcasing its Galaxy Z TriFold phone at seven U.S. stores on Jan. 23, ahead of a wider release set for Q1 2026. The tri-folding device opens to a 10-inch display and will launch in Korea at 3.59 million won ($2,440) on Dec. 12, 2025. U.S. pricing and sale date remain unannounced. The in-store demo is hands-on only, with no sales yet.
January 23, 2026
Google AI Mode in Search taps Gmail and Photos for answers — what users are opting into
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Google AI Mode in Search taps Gmail and Photos for answers — what users are opting into

Google has launched a “Personal Intelligence” feature in Search, letting AI Mode access Gmail and Google Photos for personalized results. The rollout is limited to U.S. Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers using Search Labs in English. Google says full inboxes and photo libraries aren’t used for AI training but warns of possible errors and higher data use. Workspace and education accounts are excluded.
January 23, 2026
MakeUseOf Shows How to Turn Your Phone Into a Universal TV Remote With Zero Extra Hardware
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MakeUseOf Shows How to Turn Your Phone Into a Universal TV Remote With Zero Extra Hardware

A MakeUseOf guide released Thursday details how smartphones can control TVs using Wi‑Fi or built-in infrared, without extra hardware. Apple, Roku, and Amazon offer official phone remote apps, but users report ongoing compatibility issues and frequent ads in third-party options. Universal TV Remote App‑IR requires an IR blaster for some functions. Verizon notes both devices must share a network for Wi‑Fi control.
January 23, 2026
Samsung’s One UI 8.5 plans leak out: custom Quick Settings images and bigger icons are on the way
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Samsung’s One UI 8.5 plans leak out: custom Quick Settings images and bigger icons are on the way

Samsung detailed new Good Lock features for One UI 8.5, including custom images for Quick Settings tiles and expanded home screen controls, according to a company forum post. The One UI 8.5 beta remains limited to the Galaxy S25 series, with broader rollout expected later, SamMobile reported. Early testers noted larger icon sizing, editable labels, and new lock screen animation tools. Most users will get the update with the next Galaxy S launch.
January 23, 2026
iQOO 15 Ultra teased with built-in cooling fan as AnTuTu score tops 4.51 million
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iQOO 15 Ultra teased with built-in cooling fan as AnTuTu score tops 4.51 million

The iQOO 15 Ultra scored over 4.51 million on AnTuTu in internal testing, according to the company’s product director. Leaked schematics show a built-in 17x17x4mm cooling fan with air intake below the camera and side exhaust. iQOO will launch the gaming-focused phone in China in February, offering two versions labeled “2077” and “2049.” Final battery and charging specs remain unconfirmed.
January 22, 2026
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