Gadgets 16 January 2026 - 29 January 2026

Snapdragon X2 Elite vs Apple M5: Early Windows laptop benchmarks show surprise wins — and some red flags
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Snapdragon X2 Elite vs Apple M5: Early Windows laptop benchmarks show surprise wins — and some red flags

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite outperformed Apple’s M5 in early multi-core and real-world benchmarks, including Cinebench and Blender, according to tests on pre-production Asus laptops. Apple’s M5 kept a single-core lead and outpaced the X2 Elite in gaming stability, while battery life remains untested. Reviewers used early firmware and drivers, with first X2 Elite laptops expected in February and March.
February 10, 2026
Nothing Phone 4a spotted in UAE TDRA certification — here’s what it could mean for launch plans
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Nothing Phone 4a spotted in UAE TDRA certification — here’s what it could mean for launch plans

A device labeled as model A069, linked by tech outlets to the upcoming Nothing Phone 4a, has received regulatory approval from the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority. The filing, dated Jan. 22, lists no features or commercial name. Nothing has not officially announced the phone. The same model number has appeared in India’s regulatory database, and leaks suggest a price under $600.
January 27, 2026
Apple’s new AirTag goes louder and longer-range — and the price stays $29
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Apple’s new AirTag goes louder and longer-range — and the price stays $29

Apple unveiled a new AirTag with a 50% louder speaker and extended Bluetooth and Precision Finding range, priced at $29. Precision Finding now works on newer Apple Watch models. The tracker supports temporary location sharing with airlines and remains compatible with existing accessories. Online orders opened Monday; retail availability starts later this week.
January 26, 2026
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
Technology News 26.01.2026
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Technology News 26.01.2026

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Sunday morning triggered loud sonic booms across California’s Central Coast as it carried 25 Starlink satellites. BraX Technologies announced the open_slate, a privacy-focused 12-inch tablet running de-Googled Android and Ubuntu, with crowdfunding set for February and shipping in August. Owlchemy Labs’ Job Simulator surpassed 6 million installs, boosted by bundles and VR platform expansions.
January 26, 2026
Technology News 24.01.2026
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Technology News 24.01.2026

SpaceX plans to launch 25 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Sunday, with liftoff scheduled between 7:17 and 11:17 a.m. Google is rolling out a fix for the Phone app’s unwanted rotation, adding a default portrait mode. Ubisoft will reportedly end the Watch Dogs franchise amid restructuring and new investment from Tencent. AdGuard’s lifetime family ad blocker is on sale for $39.99.
January 24, 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
Technology News 20.01.2026
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Technology News 20.01.2026

Apple leakers disputed reports that the iPhone 18 Pro’s Dynamic Island would disappear and the front camera move to the left edge. Jon Prosser shared renders showing a left-edge punch hole, while Instant Digital and ShrimpApplePro said only an under-display infrared sensor would be on the left, with Face ID components on the right. Ross Young said he had previously hinted at a similar design.
January 20, 2026
You’re Underusing Your Phone’s USB‑C Port — The Plug‑In Gadget Trend and South Korea Market Outlook
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You’re Underusing Your Phone’s USB‑C Port — The Plug‑In Gadget Trend and South Korea Market Outlook

New consumer guides highlight USB‑C accessories that let phones power devices like card readers, microphones, and fans. EU rules will require USB‑C charging for laptops by April 2026. A market report projects South Korea’s USB Type‑C sector will hit $0.9 billion in 2026 and $3.7 billion by 2036. USB Power Delivery updates now allow larger devices to run from a single USB‑C cable.
January 19, 2026
Edge AI is Here: The New On-Device AI Gadgets That Could Make Your Smartphone Feel Old
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Edge AI is Here: The New On-Device AI Gadgets That Could Make Your Smartphone Feel Old

AI inference is moving from cloud servers to local devices for speed, privacy, and cost, according to new industry reports. Consumer hardware launches now emphasize wearables and “screenless” products over phones. Chipmakers say demand is rising but cite limits in power, memory, and standards. Analysts project the global edge AI market could reach $143 billion by 2034.
January 19, 2026
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra just got cheaper on Amazon — deals push prices near $1,020
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra just got cheaper on Amazon — deals push prices near $1,020

Amazon is cutting prices on Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, with the 256GB Titanium Silver Blue model now $1,023.45, down from $1,299.99. Discounts of 20% or more appear on some colors and configurations, including the 512GB version at $1,079.99. Analysts warn chip shortages could make such deals scarce later in 2026. All discounts apply to unlocked models, with prices varying by storage and color.
January 17, 2026
New iPhone Fold leak points to Touch ID comeback and 2nm A20 Pro chip
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New iPhone Fold leak points to Touch ID comeback and 2nm A20 Pro chip

Analyst Jeff Pu predicts Apple will launch a foldable iPhone in September 2026 with a 7.8-inch internal display, 5.3-inch cover screen, and Touch ID. Pu expects global smartphone shipments to fall 4% in 2026 but forecasts iPhone shipments will rise 2% to 250 million units. Supply chain sources mention a liquid-metal hinge and more titanium in the chassis. Apple has not confirmed the device.
January 16, 2026
Pixel Watch leak hints at “Notify when left behind” alerts — and an auto-lock for your phone
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Pixel Watch leak hints at “Notify when left behind” alerts — and an auto-lock for your phone

Google is developing a Pixel Watch feature that notifies users if they leave their paired phone behind, code discovered by Android Authority shows. The update may also lock the phone when the connection drops. There is no confirmed release date, and device compatibility remains unclear. The feature would mirror separation alerts already offered by Apple and Samsung.
January 16, 2026
Update your Bluetooth headphones now: Google Fast Pair “WhisperPair” bug risks eavesdropping and tracking
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Update your Bluetooth headphones now: Google Fast Pair “WhisperPair” bug risks eavesdropping and tracking

Researchers at KU Leuven disclosed “WhisperPair” attacks allowing nearby hackers to hijack Fast Pair Bluetooth audio devices from brands including Sony, Google, and JBL. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2025-36911, lets attackers connect without user consent and intercept audio or track location. Fixes require firmware updates, but most users have not installed them. Google said it has seen no real-world exploitation so far.
January 16, 2026
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