Technology News News 26 August 2025 - 7 February 2026

Google Pixel owners complain of loud speaker “pops” — and the fix is still unclear
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Google Pixel owners complain of loud speaker “pops” — and the fix is still unclear

Google Pixel users from models 7 to 10 report loud “popping” noises from speakers when opening or switching apps, even with the phone muted. The issue appears across multiple generations and persists after hardware replacements, suggesting a software cause. Google has not commented or provided a fix. Tech sites and users continue to document the problem.
February 7, 2026
iOS 26’s ‘Ask Reason for Calling’ Screens Spam Calls on iPhone — Here’s What It Changes
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iOS 26’s ‘Ask Reason for Calling’ Screens Spam Calls on iPhone — Here’s What It Changes

Apple’s iOS 26 adds an “Ask Reason for Calling” feature that prompts unknown callers to state their purpose before the phone rings, 9to5Mac reported Friday. Messages now filters unknown senders and suspected spam into separate folders, with options to report junk. New guides detail how to silence or block calls labeled “No Caller ID.”
February 7, 2026
Google data show 40% of Android phones may be exposed — check your security update now
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Google data show 40% of Android phones may be exposed — check your security update now

Over 40% of Android devices still run version 12 or earlier, which no longer receive security patches, according to Google's latest report. Android 15 leads with 19.3% adoption, while Android 16 is on just 7.5%. Security experts warn of rising fake app and NFC payment scams targeting unpatched phones. Google ended official support for Android 12 in March 2025.
February 7, 2026
Disney+ viewers in Europe lose Dolby Vision as patent dispute talk spreads
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Disney+ viewers in Europe lose Dolby Vision as patent dispute talk spreads

Disney+ has disabled Dolby Vision streaming in several European countries, citing “technical challenges.” Subscribers report streams defaulting to HDR10, with 3D Apple Vision Pro titles also affected. Tech outlets link the disruption to a German patent dispute involving InterDigital, which won a court injunction in November. Disney says 4K UHD and HDR remain available on supported devices.
February 7, 2026
Amazon AWS data center expansion in Europe hits seven-year power grid queues
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Amazon AWS data center expansion in Europe hits seven-year power grid queues

Amazon Web Services says delays of up to seven years in connecting to Europe’s power grid are stalling new data center projects. The company told Reuters these waits now rival real estate and construction as the main obstacle to expansion. The EU is considering proposals to speed up grid permits and modernize infrastructure. Italy and Spain face particular backlogs due to speculative project filings.
February 3, 2026
Bumble and Match Cyberattacks Spread to Panera, Crunchbase as ShinyHunters Claims Data Hauls
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Bumble and Match Cyberattacks Spread to Panera, Crunchbase as ShinyHunters Claims Data Hauls

Bumble, Match Group, Panera Bread, and Crunchbase were hit by cyberattacks this week, with ShinyHunters leaking files and claiming wider breaches. Bumble and Match said no passwords or messages were exposed; Panera confirmed only contact details were stolen. Security experts warn of a growing voice-phishing campaign targeting corporate single sign-on credentials. Match and Bumble reported brief unauthorized access tied to phishing of contractor accounts.
January 30, 2026
Chrome and Safari users warned: ‘rn’ lookalike links fuel a fresh phishing wave
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Chrome and Safari users warned: ‘rn’ lookalike links fuel a fresh phishing wave

Phishing campaigns are using “rn” to mimic the letter “m” in web addresses, targeting users of Chrome and Safari on mobile devices. Netcraft and other security firms have identified fake domains like rnicrosoft.com and rnarriottinternational.com in recent attacks. Experts urge users not to log in via emailed links and to use official apps or manually entered URLs. Attackers exploit small screens and quick decisions to steal credentials.
January 26, 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
India’s Smartphone Security Overhaul Sparks Source‑Code Clash With Apple and Samsung as Government Denies “Forced” Disclosure
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India’s Smartphone Security Overhaul Sparks Source‑Code Clash With Apple and Samsung as Government Denies “Forced” Disclosure

India is considering draft smartphone security rules that could require handset makers to submit operating-system source code for government review, according to Reuters. Apple, Samsung, and others are pushing back, citing trade secret and security concerns. The government denies any forced source-code handover, calling reports “fake” and saying talks are ongoing. Digital rights groups are demanding more transparency.
January 13, 2026
Samsung One UI 8.5 Update Roundup (Jan. 11, 2026): Galaxy S25 Beta 3, Lock Screen Weather Effects, and More Devices Spotted in Testing
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Samsung One UI 8.5 Update Roundup (Jan. 11, 2026): Galaxy S25 Beta 3, Lock Screen Weather Effects, and More Devices Spotted in Testing

Samsung released One UI 8.5 Beta 3 for the Galaxy S25 series on January 5, 2026, with major bug fixes and the January security patch. The update adds animated weather effects to the lock screen. Internal testing has expanded to more Galaxy phones and tablets. The security update addresses 55 vulnerabilities across Samsung devices.
January 11, 2026
India’s Sanchar Saathi U‑Turn: Why the Modi Government Dropped Its Mandatory Cybersecurity App Order
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India’s Sanchar Saathi U‑Turn: Why the Modi Government Dropped Its Mandatory Cybersecurity App Order

India’s government on Wednesday revoked an order requiring all new smartphones to come with the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app pre-installed and undeletable. The move follows backlash from privacy groups, opposition parties, and tech companies. Officials now say the app will remain voluntary and removable. Apple and Samsung had raised concerns about compliance.
December 4, 2025
POCO F8 Pro leak points to ‘Sound by Bose’ audio and no in‑box charger; NBTC & IMDA listings hint at imminent global launch (Nov 8, 2025)
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POCO F8 Pro leak points to ‘Sound by Bose’ audio and no in‑box charger; NBTC & IMDA listings hint at imminent global launch (Nov 8, 2025)

What’s new today A fresh wave of reports has reinforced two big talking points about POCO’s next performance phone: Bose‑tuned audio and the likelihood that no charger will be included in the retail package. A leaked image of the POCO F8 Pro box—shared by tipster Abhishek Yadav—clearly shows the “Sound by Bose” badge, while multiple outlets now echo the claim that buyers may have to use an existing power brick or buy one separately. Gadgets 360 Certifications suggest launch is close The paper trail is getting longer. The F8 Pro has been spotted on NBTC with model number 2510DPC44G, and
November 8, 2025
Google and Epic Games Settlement Caps Play Store Fees, Opens Android to Competition
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Google and Epic Games Settlement Caps Play Store Fees, Opens Android to Competition

In a major development on Nov. 4, 2025, Google and Epic Games (maker of Fortnite) jointly proposed a “comprehensive” settlement to end Epic’s five-year antitrust lawsuit against Google’s Play Store. The court filing outlines a deal that would slash Google’s in-app fees and open Android to approved third-party app stores and payment methods. Google says these reforms will maintain security while giving developers and users more choice, but they still require approval by U.S. District Judge James Donato. The agreement has already drawn praise for its potential to reshape the Android ecosystem. Android users could soon see greater flexibility on
November 6, 2025
Mobile Networks Mayhem: Afghanistan Blackout, India’s DIY 4G Stack, UK’s £11bn 5G Blitz & Satellite Boom
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Mobile Networks Mayhem: Afghanistan Blackout, India’s DIY 4G Stack, UK’s £11bn 5G Blitz & Satellite Boom

Disruptions and Policy Shifts The period saw dramatic disruptions alongside progressive policies. In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s shock shutdown of 3G/4G on Sept 30 left most citizens offline and disrupted banking, flights, and even earthquake relief Reuters. In contrast, some governments are opening up. Ghana’s new communications minister highlighted infrastructure wins (submarine cables, IXP) but warned that high costs and rural exclusion persist bez-kabli.pl. In Liberia, regulators held meetings with U.S. diplomats to streamline telecom laws – they granted Starlink a provisional license and are inviting new entrants (Amazon, OneWeb) to diversify service bez-kabli.pl. In Asia, Pakistan’s government finally approved a
October 2, 2025
Mobile Mayhem: Foldable iPhone Rumors, Pixel AI Phones & More – All the Big Smartphone News (Aug 25–26, 2025)
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Mobile Mayhem: Foldable iPhone Rumors, Pixel AI Phones & More – All the Big Smartphone News (Aug 25–26, 2025)

Major Product Launches & Announcements (No major smartphone flagships were officially launched on Aug 25–26, but Google’s and Xiaomi’s recent releases were making waves in the news on those dates.) Leaks & Rumors: Next-Gen Phones in the Pipeline Software Updates & OS Developments Business & Industry News Market Trends & Sales Updates Expert Takeaways On Google’s strategy: “There has been a lot of hype about AI in phones – and frankly a lot of broken promises too – but [Google’s new AI model] Gemini is the real deal,” Google’s Rick Osterloh claimed on stage, asserting that the Pixel 10’s AI
August 26, 2025

Technology News

  • Intel to build GPUs in-house, recruit top engineers to challenge Nvidia
    February 7, 2026, 11:52 AM EST. Intel is accelerating its return to GPUs, aiming to build graphics chips in-house for tighter manufacturing control and to compete with Nvidia. CEO Lip-Bu Tan said the company will develop GPUs in-house and that its manufacturing arm will enable scaled production. Intel recently hired Eric Demers from Qualcomm as chief GPU architect, while Kevork Kechichian oversees the effort after a corporate restructuring. Analysts say the move signals a serious, long-term push beyond CPUs. The plan could reshape pricing and ecosystems in AI and gaming GPUs as Intel leverages its CPU ecosystem for integrated platforms, though execution and performance remain uncertain.

Latest Articles

Anthropic’s $20B-plus funding round could close next week at $350B valuation, report says

Anthropic’s $20B-plus funding round could close next week at $350B valuation, report says

February 7, 2026
Anthropic is nearing a funding round that could raise over $20 billion, valuing the AI firm at about $350 billion, Bloomberg reported Friday. Amazon disclosed a $14.8 billion stake in Anthropic and valued its convertible notes at $45.8 billion in its latest SEC filing. Anthropic and OpenAI have not yet turned a profit. Reuters has not confirmed the Bloomberg report, and Anthropic declined to comment.
Intel and Vista jump into $350M+ SambaNova raise as AI chip fight widens

Intel and Vista jump into $350M+ SambaNova raise as AI chip fight widens

February 7, 2026
Vista Equity Partners is leading a Series E funding round of over $350 million for AI chip startup SambaNova, with Intel set to invest about $100 million, sources said. The round is oversubscribed and may reach $150 million from Intel. SambaNova sells inference chips for AI workloads. Final terms are still being negotiated.