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Phones, watches, glasses and earbuds: what’s new and what’s worth it.

Wearables $2,944 Omni One + Quest 3S You can now buy the Omni One VR treadmill bundled with a Quest headset WatchExciting for VR fans, but a large purchase.
WearablesReport

You can now buy the Omni One VR treadmill bundled with a Quest headset

Virtuix is now an official Meta reseller and sells Omni One bundles with Quest 3 or Quest 3S.

Why it matters. One order now gets you both the treadmill and the headset. It is still a premium purchase.

In simple words. A company that makes a walking machine for virtual reality now sells it with a Meta headset in one box. It costs close to three thousand dollars, so it is for big VR fans.

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WearablesReport

Garmin beta 24.12 for Fenix 8 adds faster search and many fixes

Beta Program members can now try software 24.12 on the Fenix 8 family and other high-end Garmin watches.

Why it matters. Many small bugs are fixed, from random reboots to missing notifications.

In simple words. Garmin made a test update for its sports watches. It fixes many small problems. Only people who join the test program should try it.

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Wait: stable versions are safer if you only want a watch that works.

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Phones: top picks right now

Compare →
Best camera phone
Galaxy S26 Ultra$1,399

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy · 6.9in AMOLED, 120Hz, Privacy Display · 7 years of updates

GoodBest Android screen and zoom, plus a built-in privacy mode.

Watch outBattery size is unchanged for years; price now $1,399.

Best battery
Redmi K100 Pro$550

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V Series · 6.59in AMOLED, 185Hz, 4,500 nits peak

GoodFlagship-class chip, 8,580mAh battery and 185Hz screen at a mid-range price.

Watch outLaunched in China; check local versions and prices before buying.

Best under $500
Nothing Phone (4a) Pro$499

Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 · 6.83in AMOLED, 144Hz · 3 years of updates

GoodStylish mid-range phone with a real zoom camera.

Watch outOnly 3 OS updates promised.

Smartwatches: top picks right now

Compare →
Best for health tracking
Apple Watch Series 12$399

iPhone only · 1 day battery · 32.2g

GoodiPhone owners who want one watch for health, fitness and everyday apps.

Watch outIt needs charging about once a day.

Best for sports and GPS
Garmin Forerunner 970$750

iPhone and Android · 15 days battery · 56g

GoodRunners and triathletes who want deep training tools and about two weeks of battery.

Watch outIt costs more than most watches here, and smart features are simpler than on phone-style watches.

Best value
Xiaomi Smart Band 11$45

iPhone and Android · 21 days battery · 15.58g

GoodAnyone who wants a light, low-cost band with about three weeks of battery.

Watch outIt is a simple band, not a full smartwatch, and it is not sold in the US.

Phones🇨🇳 From ChinaReport

148 yuan: Honor Life power banks have a built-in USB-C cable

Honor's two new power banks hold 10,000 or 20,000 mAh and charge at up to 22.5W. They are on sale in China.

Why it matters. A cable that is already attached means one less thing to forget.

In simple words. Honor made small battery packs to charge your phone on the go. They have their own cable built in. For now they are sold in China.

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Phones🇨🇳 From ChinaReport

Xiaomi's new magnetic power bank is 6.75 mm thin and charges faster

The 5,000 mAh bank gives up to 20W wireless to Xiaomi phones and 27W by cable. It costs 299 yuan in China.

Why it matters. A slim pack that sticks to the phone back is easy to carry, and charging is faster than the old model.

In simple words. Xiaomi made a very thin battery pack that sticks to the back of a phone. It charges a bit faster than the last one. It is sold in China first.

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Face-off · Smartwatches

Apple Watch Series 12Apple Watch Series 12$399Google Pixel Watch 5Google Pixel Watch 5$399

Pick the Apple Watch Series 12 for apps and calls.

See who wins →Images: Apple, Google

PhonesReport

$449: Brax opens Wink pre-orders for a phone with a detachable keyboard

The 4-inch Brax Wink has a removable QWERTY keyboard and a de-Googled Android system. The first batch ships in July 2027.

Why it matters. It is a small phone for people who want a physical keyboard and more privacy, but it is far from shipping.

In simple words. A company called Brax made a small phone with a keyboard you can take off. It focuses on privacy. You can pre-order now, but it arrives next year.

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Worth a look if you miss phones with keyboards.

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Your Honor phone may get MagicOS 11 between now and March

Honor UK posted the list of global devices getting the Android 17 based update. It has not given dates for each phone.

Why it matters. If you own an Honor phone, you can check the list and plan for the update. Exact dates are still to come.

In simple words. Honor is sending a new version of its phone software to many phones. It will arrive at different times from now until March. Check Honor's list to see if your phone is on it.

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Worth a look: check Honor's list for your phone.

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$10 a month: Verizon sets its price for iPhone Handoff on iOS 27

The feature lets one phone number work on two iPhones. T-Mobile charges $5 and Deutsche Telekom €6.95; AT&T has no plans to offer it yet.

Why it matters. The same feature costs different amounts on different carriers. Check the price before you switch it on.

In simple words. Handoff lets one phone number work on two iPhones. Verizon will charge $10 each month for it. Other companies charge less or have not said yet.

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Skip: nothing changes unless you want one number on two iPhones.

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Android earthquake alerts now reach 200+ regions and show where it struck

Google grew Android's earthquake alerts from 98 to more than 200 regions. The stronger-shaking alert now shows the epicenter and magnitude.

Why it matters. More people get a warning on their phone, and the alert tells them more. A free update, with nothing to buy.

In simple words. Android phones warn people when an earthquake is shaking nearby. Google added more than 100 new places. The alert now also tells you where it started and how strong it was.

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Worth a look: it is free and may help keep you safe.

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PhonesConfirmed

Your Xperia 10 VI will not get Android 17, Sony says

Sony tested Android 17 on the phone and chose not to release it. The phone keeps four years of security updates.

Why it matters. Sony had promised three Android upgrades at launch. Owners should know the phone stays on its current Android version.

In simple words. Sony said its Xperia 10 VI phone will not get the next Android version. Sony tried it and decided it would not run well enough. The phone still gets safety updates for four years.

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Skip: your phone keeps working and gets security patches.

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$1,999: iPhone Duo pre-orders open today, with sales from Oct 23

Apple's first folding iPhone can be pre-ordered from 5 a.m. PT on October 16. It starts at $1,999 in the US and goes on sale October 23.

Why it matters. It is Apple's first foldable. Supply is expected to be tight, so early orders matter if you want one at launch.

In simple words. Apple's first phone that folds open like a book can be ordered from today. It costs $1,999 and goes on sale on October 23. It is expensive, so waiting for reviews is fine.

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Worth a look: it is Apple's first folding phone.

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Phones🇨🇳 From ChinaReport

CNY 6,999: RedMagic 12 Pro+ launches in China with a 185Hz screen

The gaming phone has Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, liquid cooling and an 8,400 mAh battery. A global version is due on November 3.

Why it matters. It shows how far gaming phones go on cooling and screen speed. The global version may differ, so check before you buy.

In simple words. RedMagic launched a new phone made for playing games. It has a very smooth screen and a cooling system with a small fan and liquid. It is on sale in China now, and the rest of the world hears more on November 3.

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Redmi confirms the K100 for China this month; pre-orders are open

Redmi shared a teaser and opened reservations. The launch date and final specs are still to come.

Why it matters. The K100 is the next Redmi flagship-class phone. Specs below are tips, not confirmed.

In simple words. Redmi, a phone brand from China, says its next phone, the K100, comes this month. People in China can already reserve one. We do not know the price or full details yet.

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$999: Apple lists iPhone Duo inner screen repair without AppleCare+

Apple published out-of-warranty repair prices for the iPhone Duo. AppleCare+ lowers the inner display fee to $99.

Why it matters. A folding screen costs more to fix. Knowing the prices helps you decide about AppleCare+.

In simple words. Apple shared what it costs to fix the new folding iPhone. Fixing the inside screen costs $999 unless you pay for extra protection. With it, the same fix costs $99.

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Worth a look if you plan to buy a Duo.

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Galaxy S23, Fold5 and Flip5 owners can get One UI 9 now in Korea

Samsung started the stable Android 17 update for the Galaxy S23 series, Z Fold5 and Z Flip5, beginning in South Korea.

Why it matters. Three-year-old Galaxy phones still get the newest Android version. Other regions are expected to follow.

In simple words. Samsung is sending its newest Android software to phones from 2023. It started in South Korea. Other countries should get it soon.

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Wait: your phone will offer the update when it is ready.

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WearablesConfirmed

$74.99: Amazon Bee Frontier AI wearable on sale, Eclipse coming soon

Amazon's Bee has two new devices that record and summarize your conversations. Frontier is available now. The $99.99 Eclipse follows soon.

Why it matters. These devices listen to your talks and turn them into summaries and to-do lists. Cheap hardware makes this idea easy to try.

In simple words. Amazon's Bee is a small gadget that listens to your talks and writes a short summary. The new Frontier costs $74.99. A second one, Eclipse, comes soon. Tell people when you record them.

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Wait: read reviews and the privacy terms before you buy.

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WearablesOfficial

XREAL 1 Pro+ AR glasses go on sale at $599, brighter at 1,200 nits

XREAL refreshed its One Pro glasses with a brighter screen, AI HDR and a new nose pad. They can be bought today on XREAL's store.

Why it matters. It is a modest update to a popular pair of display glasses. The screen is much brighter, so it is easier to use in bright rooms.

In simple words. XREAL made a new pair of glasses that show a big screen in front of your eyes. The picture is brighter now. They cost $599 and you can buy them today.

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Skip: nothing changes for you unless you like trying new gadgets.

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Your Oppo Find X9 can get ColorOS 17 from October 29

Oppo's global ColorOS 17 rollout starts October 29 for Find X9 phones and runs into early 2027. Realme and OnePlus have shared their plans too.

Why it matters. Oppo phone owners now know roughly when the update reaches them.

In simple words. Oppo will start sending its new phone software, ColorOS 17, to many phones from October 29. Newer phones get it first, and older ones follow into next year.

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Worth a look if you have an Oppo phone.

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20%: Counterpoint says Q3 phone shipments fell to a 14-year low

Counterpoint Research says global smartphone shipments dropped 20% in Q3 2026, linked to the memory shortage. Samsung held up best.

Why it matters. Fewer phones are being made, which can keep prices high for buyers.

In simple words. Far fewer phones were sold this summer than a year ago. A shortage of memory chips is a big reason. Phones may stay pricey for a while.

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Wearables🇨🇳 From ChinaReport

Xiaomi Smart Band 11 reaches Korea and Hong Kong, Europe next

The tracker launched in China on September 3 and is now on sale in South Korea and Hong Kong. Xiaomi FAQs point to Europe soon.

Why it matters. A bright screen and long battery in a low-priced band. It costs more than the Band 10.

In simple words. Xiaomi's new fitness band is now sold in more countries. It has a bright screen and a battery that lasts weeks. Europe may get it soon.

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Worth a look: long battery life.

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Google's Fitbit Air now detects 100 workouts and adds a $69.99 metal band

A firmware update raises automatic workout detection from 10 to 100 activities. Pixel Watch and Fitbit Edge get it too.

Why it matters. You log fewer workouts by hand, and the new band gives the screenless Air a dressier look.

In simple words. Google's Fitbit Air band now notices many more kinds of exercise by itself. You no longer need to tell it you started. There is also a new metal strap you can buy.

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Worth a look if you own a Fitbit Air.

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Your Nothing Phone (3) can get Android 17 now

Nothing started the stable Android 17 update, called Nothing OS 5.0, on the Phone (3). Other models follow from November to January.

Why it matters. Phone (3) owners can update today. Owners of other Nothing phones have a date to plan around.

In simple words. Nothing is sending a big software update to its Phone (3) today. It brings the newest Android and a fresh look. Other Nothing phones get it between November and January.

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Try it if you own a Phone (3).

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Phones🇨🇳 From ChinaReport

Oct 21: Honor confirms its Win 2 phone series launch

Honor said on Weibo it will launch the Honor Win 2 series on October 21. Chip and battery details come from unconfirmed leaks.

Why it matters. A date is set, but specs are still leaks. One model is tipped to have a 12,000 battery.

In simple words. Honor will show a new phone family on October 21. The big battery and fast chip are only rumors for now. We will update when Honor shares the real details.

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Worth a look: big batteries are a growing trend.

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PhonesReport

Your Galaxy S25 or S24 can get Android 17 and One UI 9 now

Samsung is rolling out Android 17 to 18 Galaxy phones and foldables. Some models have full access, others a limited rollout.

Why it matters. If you own a recent Galaxy, the update may already be waiting for you.

In simple words. Samsung is sending a new Android update to many Galaxy phones. Some phones can get it now, and others will get it soon. You can check in Settings under Software update.

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Try it: check Settings > Software update on your Galaxy.

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WearablesConfirmed

$179: Google launches Fitbit Edge, in stores October 27

The Fitbit Edge has a color screen, GPS and a replaceable battery. Pre-orders are open at $179.99.

Why it matters. It sits between the screenless Fitbit Air and the Pixel Watch 5, for people who want a screen but not a full smartwatch.

In simple words. Google showed its new fitness tracker, the Fitbit Edge. It has a screen and costs $179.99. You can order it now, and it reaches stores on October 27.

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Worth a look if you want a simple fitness tracker.

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Garmin Enduro 4 keeps the $899 price and doubles storage

Garmin's endurance watch gets a faster chip, 50% more RAM and 64GB storage, with the same battery claims as Enduro 3.

Why it matters. If you own an Enduro 3, many new software features are coming to it by update.

In simple words. Garmin made a new sports watch for very long adventures. It has more storage and a faster chip, and it costs the same as the old one. Its battery lasts just as long.

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Worth a look if you love long-distance sports.

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Phones🇨🇳 From ChinaReport

¥399: Xiaomi's UltraThin magnetic power bank doubles to 10,000mAh

Xiaomi's new magnetic power bank holds 10,000mAh, charges at up to 45W by cable and 20W by magnet, and sells in China.

Why it matters. It gives a thin magnetic battery enough power to help a light laptop, with more safety testing from Xiaomi.

In simple words. Xiaomi made a thin battery pack that sticks to the back of a phone and charges it without a cable. This new one holds twice as much power as the last one. It is for sale in China only for now.

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165Hz: OnePlus 16 display specs confirmed ahead of China launch

OnePlus says the OnePlus 16 uses a BOE LTPO OLED panel with up to 165Hz in daily use and 185Hz in supported games.

Why it matters. OnePlus says the high costs about the same power as a 120Hz screen.

In simple words. OnePlus shared details of the screen on its next phone. It can refresh up to 165 times a second, which makes motion look smooth. The phone launches in China first.

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iQOO announces the Pad Pro, an 8.8-inch gaming tablet

iQOO's compact tablet uses a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a Q3 gaming chip. Reservations are open in China.

Why it matters. Small gaming tablets are rare, and this one pairs a top phone chip with a separate gaming chip.

In simple words. iQOO showed a small tablet made for playing games. It has a very fast chip. We do not know the price yet, and it is only open for reservations in China.

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Worth a look if you like small tablets.

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WearablesReport

Pixel Watch 2 and 3 LTE lose the Safety Signal emergency fallback on December 12

Google is ending Safety Signal, a backup that let some LTE Pixel Watches reach emergency features without a phone or a carrier plan.

Why it matters. If you counted on this fallback, your watch's emergency features will need a phone or a mobile plan after that date.

In simple words. Google is turning off a backup safety feature on some Pixel Watches on December 12. After that, the watch's emergency tools need your phone or a mobile plan.

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Watch: check your own watch settings if you own a Pixel Watch 2 or 3 LTE.

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Phones🇨🇳 From ChinaReport

Oppo Pad Mini is listed for a global release on October 22

Oppo's Malaysia site lists the 8.8-inch tablet for October 22. Oppo India and Singapore have teased it. Global price and specs are not confirmed.

Why it matters. A small, high-end tablet is rare. Buyers outside China may soon be able to get one.

In simple words. Oppo has a small, fast tablet in China. A shop page in Malaysia says it will go on sale there on October 22. We do not know the price outside China yet.

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Watch: small tablets are coming back.

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Your Pixel Watch 4 can now make a watch face from a text prompt

A Pixel Watch 4 update is rolling out with a Google AI watch face generator, plus new stock faces.

Why it matters. You can describe the face you want instead of picking from a gallery. It is a small, fun upgrade.

In simple words. Pixel Watch 4 owners can now type what kind of watch face they want, and the watch makes one. The update is arriving slowly, so you may not see it yet.

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Try it: a fun way to see what AI image tools can do.

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$229.99: Amazon's new Alexa Tablets replace Fire tablets, with Google Play

Three aluminum tablets with Alexa+ built in can be bought now and ship October 14 in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Why it matters. Amazon's tablets now run the full Google Play Store, so the usual apps work. That was the big gap in older Fire tablets.

In simple words. Amazon has new tablets called Alexa Tablets. They replace the Fire tablets and can use the Google Play app store. Prices start at $229.99, and they ship on October 14.

For most peopleMake it about you →

Wait: read reviews before ordering; shipping starts October 14.

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Phones🇨🇳 From ChinaConfirmed

CNY 6,499: Honor Magic9 Pro Max launches with an 8,800mAh battery

Honor's new flagship has two 200MP cameras and ARRI video tools. It costs CNY 6,499 in China (about $970), and Honor says the UK and France get it in January.

Why it matters. Honor plans to sell the Magic9 series in the UK and France, so this phone may reach many more readers soon.

In simple words. Honor made a new top phone with a very big battery and two very sharp cameras. You can buy it in China now. Honor says people in the UK and France can buy it in January.

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Watch: an 8,800mAh battery shows how big phone batteries are getting.

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Huawei launches the Mate 90 series in China, starting at CNY 5,999

Five Mate 90 models run HarmonyOS 7 on new Kirin chips. The base phone costs CNY 5,999 (about $895) and the Pro Max starts at CNY 9,499.

Why it matters. It shows what Huawei's own chips and software can do in a flagship. For now, only buyers in China can get it.

In simple words. Huawei made a new family of top phones called Mate 90. They use Huawei's own chips and its own phone software. You can buy them in China now, but Huawei has not said they are coming to other countries.

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Watch: it shows how far Huawei's own chips and software have come.

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WearablesReport

Norway proposes a temporary ban on smart glasses in selected public places

The government wants AI glasses banned for now in places like schools, parks, beaches and malls. Parliament still has to approve it.

Why it matters. It is a rare government move against camera glasses. It could set a pattern for other countries as Meta and Google push new models.

In simple words. Norway wants to ban smart glasses with cameras for a while in places like schools, parks, beaches and malls. Parliament still has to say yes. The idea is to give time to study the issue and talk about it.

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Watch: privacy fears around camera glasses are now reaching law.

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WearablesConfirmed

Xreal opens Aura preorders at $1,279, undercutting Meta's VR Glasses by $20

Xreal's Android XR glasses with see-through lenses cost $1,279 for 12GB/256GB. A 16GB/512GB model is $1,499, but only the first 2,000 units ship this year.

Why it matters. It is the first Android XR glasses with a clear lens and a price. It competes head-on with Meta's VR Glasses, but supply looks small at first.

In simple words. Xreal opened preorders for Aura, smart glasses with clear lenses, from $1,279. They are meant to compete with Meta's new glasses. Only 2,000 pairs will be ready this year, so wait for reviews and for orders to open to everyone.

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Watch: it shows where see-through glasses are heading.

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PhonesReport

Some iPhone 18 Pro Burgundy phones are reported to fade in color

Early buyers posted photos on Reddit of Burgundy units turning pale, GSMArena reports. Apple has not commented.

Why it matters. If you are choosing a finish, the reports are worth knowing. They are early and not confirmed by Apple.

In simple words. Some people say their Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro is fading and turning pale. These are early reports, and Apple has not answered yet. If you are choosing a color, you may want to pick another one for now.

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Watch: if you are ordering, consider another color.

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One UI 9 (Android 17) now rolling out to US Galaxy S25 and Z Fold7/Flip7

Samsung's Android 17 update has started in the US for the Galaxy S25 family, Z Fold7 and Z Flip7.

Why it matters. A major software update is reaching phones bought last year, so you do not need a new phone to get it.

In simple words. Samsung started sending a big free software update to phones people bought last year, like the Galaxy S25 and some foldables. You do not need a new phone to get it. When your phone offers it, update while on Wi-Fi.

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Free upgrade: install it when your phone offers it.

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Samsung raises US prices of Galaxy A17, A27, A37 and A57

GSMArena reports Samsung's four main A-series phones now cost $30 to $70 more in the US.

Why it matters. Budget phones are getting dearer too, which pushes more buyers toward older models and deals.

In simple words. Samsung raised the US prices of four of its cheaper Galaxy A phones. They now cost between $30 and $70 more. Before you pay the new price, look for store deals.

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Wait: sales on last year's A-series may be better value.

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WearablesConfirmed

DC Rainmaker: Apple Watch Series 12 is worth it for Series 9 or older

The in-depth review praises the new heart sensor and Readiness score. It also finds gaps in workout heart-rate data and single-band GPS.

Why it matters. This is the first big sensor change in years, but reviewers say upgrade value depends on which Watch you own.

In simple words. A detailed review says the new Apple Watch Series 12 is a good upgrade if you have a Series 9 or older. It has a better heart sensor and a new readiness score. If your Watch is newer, you can wait a year.

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Worth a look if your Watch is Series 9 or older.

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PhonesConfirmed

Google raises Pixel 10a price by $100 to $599

The Pixel 10a now starts at $599 in the US Google Store. It launched at $499 in March.

Why it matters. The cheap Pixel is no longer cheap. It now costs about the same as older, faster flagships on sale.

In simple words. Google raised the price of its Pixel 10a phone by $100, to $599. It was meant to be the cheap Pixel. The cause is believed to be rising memory prices, so look for deals before paying full price.

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Wait: it is a fine phone, but not a bargain at $599.

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PhonesConfirmed

Samsung raises Galaxy S26 prices by $100 in the US

Seven months after launch, the Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra each cost $100 more at Samsung.com.

Why it matters. Phones usually get cheaper after launch. These got dearer, and Apple and Google also raised prices this year.

In simple words. Samsung raised the US prices of its Galaxy S26 phones by $100 each, seven months after they came out. Phones usually get cheaper with time, not dearer. Check other stores first, because some still showed the old price.

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Wait: shop around, other stores may keep old prices for now.

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PhonesConfirmed

iPhone 18 Pro costs $100 more; reviewers see small upgrades

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, up $100. GSMArena rates it 4.4 out of 5 but calls the update modest.

Why it matters. Apple raised prices while the phone changes little. Owners of the 17 Pro have little reason to switch.

In simple words. Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro costs $100 more than last year's and starts at $1,199. Reviewers say it is a good phone but only a small step up. If you already have last year's model, you can skip it.

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Skip: keep your phone unless the battery is worn.

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WearablesOfficial

Meta Ray-Ban Display expands to UK, Canada, Germany, France and Italy

The $799 display glasses go on sale in the UK and Canada now, with Germany, France and Italy on Oct 13. Meta also adds navigation and hologram calls.

Why it matters. Display glasses leave the US for the first time, after supply delays pushed the expansion back from early 2026.

In simple words. Meta's smart glasses with a small screen inside are now sold outside the US for the first time. The UK and Canada can buy them now, and Germany, France and Italy get them on October 13. In the US they cost $799.

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Watch: the glasses are the closest thing to a heads-up phone.

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WearablesOfficial

Meta unveils 100g VR Glasses at $1,299.99, shipping spring 2027

Meta's new tethered VR Glasses use 5K micro-OLED panels and a pocket puck that holds the chip and battery.

Why it matters. It is a lighter, cheaper rival to Apple Vision Pro. But it is six months away and needs a puck.

In simple words. Meta showed light VR glasses that cost $1,299.99. They connect by wire to a small box you keep in your pocket. They go on sale in spring 2027, so there is plenty of time to wait for reviews.

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Watch: it shows VR shrinking toward glasses size.

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