Pixelbook Return? Android 17 Code Hints at Google Pixel Laptop With “Pixel Glow”
Android 17 Beta 4 code includes references to a “Pixel Glow” lighting system and assets labeled
AI Was Supposed To Kill Apps. Now Apple’s App Store Is Suddenly Surging Again
New app releases on Apple’s App Store and Google Play rose 60% year over year in the first quarter, with iOS releases up 80%, according to Appfigures data cited by TechCrunch. April
Microsoft Defender Zero-Day Attacks Hit Windows as Two Flaws Remain Unpatched
Hackers exploited three Microsoft Defender flaws—BlueHammer, RedSun, and UnDefend—in at least one real-world attack, Huntress reported. Microsoft patched BlueHammer (CVE-2026-33825) this week,
Valve’s Steam Machine Price Problem Just Got Real After a $950 DIY Rival
Valve’s Steam Machine remains without an official price as controller shipments arrive in the U.S. and a $950 custom build draws comparisons.
Google Gemini Mac App Launches As AI Assistants Fight For Your Desktop
Google launched a native Gemini app for Mac, letting users access its AI assistant directly from the desktop and share on-screen content
TCL 2026 TV Lineup Lands With QM8L, QM7L and $8,000 RM9L as Mini LED Fight Heats Up
TCL launched two new SQD-Mini LED TVs in the U.S., the QM8L and QM7L, with prices starting at $1,199.99, and opened pre-orders
IQE share price jumps 20% as takeover-code filings keep investors glued to the tape
IQE shares surged 20% to 19.28 pence in London on Thursday, hitting a year high amid heavy trading and ongoing takeover speculation. The company remains in an offer period under the UK Takeover Code, with new position disclosures from River Global Investors and Deutsche Bank. IQE last reported it was considering non-binding offers for the group and certain assets. About 55 million shares changed hands by 11:39 a.m. GMT.
Apple’s foldable iPhone buzz: “iPhone Flip” talk and 5,500 mAh battery leak collide
Apple is reportedly testing a foldable iPhone with a square, clamshell design and a battery over 5,500 mAh, the largest yet in
13 Worst Smartphones Ever Made — and Why 2026’s Phone Market Can’t Afford Another Big Failure
Apple led global smartphone shipments in 2025 with 20% market share, but analysts warn of a possible 2026 slowdown due to chip
RedMagic 11 Pro: The Gaming Phone That Puts Water in Its Veins (First Liquid-Cooled Smartphone Stuns Tech World)
The RedMagic 11 Pro is the first smartphone with a visible active liquid cooling loop, circulating blue coolant through a transparent rear
Rewinding the Clock: How Yamanaka Factors Are Resetting Aging Cells
In 2022, 124-week-old mice treated with inducible OSK via AAV9 and a 1-day-on/6-days-off cycle lived about twice as long in remaining lifespan,
Amazon’s New Fire TV Stick Warning Is Bad News for Sideloading Fans
Seattle, April 19, 2026, 11:37 PDT Amazon.com Inc.’s new Fire TV Stick HD is giving some buyers a clear warning: users will not be able to install apps from outside Amazon’s store, a change that marks a sharper break from the Android roots that made older Fire TV sticks popular with tinkerers. Sideloading, or manually installing apps from outside an official app store, has long been common on Fire TV devices even though Amazon did not market it as a feature. (Android Authority) The change matters now because the $34.99 device is already up for preorder and is due to
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Sold Out: Why Samsung’s $2,899 Foldable’s Short Life Still Matters
Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold is now listed as “completely sold out” on the company’s U.S. site, ending its limited commercial run. The $2,899 tri-fold phone launched January 30 and saw its final U.S. restock April 10. Samsung has not announced a successor. The device is no longer available through official U.S. channels.
Gemini vs ChatGPT vs Claude: The New Android Test Making AI Users Rethink What’s Worth Paying For
Android Police published a month-long test of Gemini, ChatGPT, and Claude, naming a “clear winner” for daily Android use. OpenAI is expanding ads in free ChatGPT plans, while Google and Anthropic push privacy and integration. Recent reviews show no consensus, with user trust and business models shifting rapidly.
Google Gemini Can Now Use Your Photos — The Privacy Trade-Off Behind Its New AI Images
Google is rolling out a Gemini update allowing its chatbot to generate AI images using a subscriber’s Google Photos library, The Verge reported. The feature, available to eligible U.S. Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra subscribers, links Gemini to Photos labels to identify people and create personalized images. Google says private photos aren’t used to train models, but Photos data may be processed for edits and inferences.
Apple’s iOS 27 Siri Reboot Becomes WWDC’s Big Test as Mac Delays Loom
Apple’s WWDC26 teaser suggests a redesigned Siri interface for iOS 27, with Bloomberg reporting Siri may move to the Dynamic Island area on iPhones. Memory shortages could delay new Mac Studio and touchscreen MacBook Pro launches. Apple previously postponed some AI features for Siri to 2026. WWDC runs June 8-12 at Apple Park, with a keynote on June 8.
Playnix Launches €1,139 Steam Machine Rival With RX 9060 XT — And Stock Is Already Tight
Playnix has released a second batch of its Linux-based Playnix Console for €1,139, listing 59 units as available and warning of possible two-week lead times due to demand. The compact PC features a Ryzen 5 CPU, Radeon RX 9060 XT GPU, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, and ships with PlaynixOS but supports other operating systems. Valve has not announced pricing or a release date for its competing Steam Machine.
PS5 Owners Just Got a Black Flag Date Leak — and Four Settings to Change Now
Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced is reportedly set for release on July 9, 2026, according to Insider Gaming. The remake was shown to media in mid-April but Ubisoft has not officially confirmed the date. PlayStation 5 owners are being advised to adjust settings like VRR and Performance Mode for smoother gameplay. Sony raised PS5 hardware prices earlier this month citing global cost pressures.
iPhone 18 Pro Leak Points to ‘Dark Cherry’ Finish as Apple Moves Past Cosmic Orange
Apple is testing iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models in Dark Cherry, Light Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver, according to supply-chain leaks reported by Macworld and MacRumors. The Dark Cherry color would replace last year’s Cosmic Orange. Apple could still drop one or more colors before launch. The new models are not yet in mass production.
Samsung One UI 8.5 Leak: Galaxy S24 And S25 Could Get Galaxy S26 AI Within Weeks
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 and S25 phones are testing several Galaxy S26 AI features, including call screening and new image-editing tools, in late One UI 8.5 beta builds. Reports suggest a stable update could roll out in South Korea by April 30 and globally by May 4, though Samsung has not confirmed these dates. The beta program has expanded to more models, including the Galaxy S23 and Z Fold5.
Pixelbook Return? Android 17 Code Hints at Google Pixel Laptop With “Pixel Glow”
Android 17 Beta 4 code includes references to a “Pixel Glow” lighting system and assets labeled “ic_laptop_light,” suggesting Google is testing visual feedback features on both phones and a possible Pixel-branded laptop. The code appeared just ahead of Google I/O 2026. Google has not released a laptop since the Pixelbook Go in 2019. All findings are based on decompiled beta software.
AI Was Supposed To Kill Apps. Now Apple’s App Store Is Suddenly Surging Again
New app releases on Apple’s App Store and Google Play rose 60% year over year in the first quarter, with iOS releases up 80%, according to Appfigures data cited by TechCrunch. April releases so far climbed 104% across both stores. Games led new launches, but productivity, utilities, lifestyle, and health apps also saw gains. Apple has blocked or removed some AI-assisted apps, including Anything and Replit, citing concerns.
Leaked Huawei Pura X Max Images Show the Foldable Apple and Samsung Haven’t Shipped
New images of Huawei’s Pura X Max foldable phone appeared ahead of its April 20 China launch, revealing a wide, glossy design and large rear camera module. Huawei opened pre-orders for multiple configurations, but has not confirmed pricing. The company now leads China’s smartphone market with a 20% share, its highest in five years. Stylus support and AI features are confirmed, but full specifications remain undisclosed.
Technology News 19.04.2026
LIVETechnology news rolling coverageStarted: April 19, 2026, 12:00 AM EDTUpdated: April 19, 2026, 3:00 PM EDT The big Wi-Fi mistake: hard-wire these devices to Ethernet April 19, 2026, 3:00 PM EDT. Home networks combine convenience with reliability. The piece argues that **Wi-Fi** protocols impose constant overhead, with data packets acknowledged and often retransmitted, inflating **latency**. If a device stays in place, a wired connection is best. The primary beneficiaries are entertainment devices: **smart TVs**, streaming players, and **gaming consoles**, where a stable **Ethernet** link supports high-resolution viewing and online play. Desktop PCs also gain faster updates and near-zero delay for
Apple’s MacBook Air M5 Is Already $150 Off — Why the New Laptop Deal Matters
Amazon has cut prices on Apple’s new MacBook Air M5 by up to $150 just weeks after launch, with a 15-inch model at $1,149, down from $1,299. The discounts bring the M5 Air close to last year’s M4 clearance pricing, with a 15-inch M4 at $1,099. Some M5 configurations are seeing reductions of up to 12%. MacRumors noted fewer deals on the M5 Air compared to the previous weekend.
Intel Just Put Its 18A Bet Into Cheaper Laptops. Here’s Why It Matters
Intel launched its Core Series 3 mobile processors, built on its 18A process in the U.S., for lower-cost laptops and edge devices, with systems available from April 16. The top Core 7 360 chip features six CPU cores, two Xe graphics cores, and a 17 TOPS NPU. Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs require at least 40 TOPS, above the Core Series 3’s maximum. Over 70 device designs are expected this year.
Blackmagic Camera 3.3 Turns Apple Watch Into an iPhone Filming Remote
Blackmagic Design released Blackmagic Camera for iOS 3.3, adding Apple Watch monitoring and camera control for iPhones. The update also brings tighter integration with ATEM Mini switchers and ProDock, plus new camera control features. A separate Android 3.3 update adds live streaming to Facebook, Instagram, Castr, BoxCast, and Bilibili.
Samsung Galaxy S27 Leak: The Big Speed Upgrade You May Not Get
Samsung may equip only the Galaxy S27 Pro and S27 Ultra with new UFS 5.0 storage, leaving cheaper S27 models on older technology, according to SamMobile and Gadgets360. Kioxia began shipping UFS 5.0 samples in February, offering up to 10.8 GB/s speeds. Reports also point to a new Exynos 2700 chip, with Geekbench scores close to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Samsung cited rising costs and production hurdles for the limited rollout.
AirPods Max 2 Just Sparked A $549 Headphone Fight With Sony
Apple’s first-generation AirPods Max dropped to £399.99 at Amazon UK after the AirPods Max 2 launch. The new model lists at $549 in the U.S., while Sony’s WH-1000XM6 is $429.99. Sony and Bose remain key competitors in premium noise-canceling headphones. Reviewers note Apple’s improvements focus on features and integration rather than design changes.
Apple’s iPhone Keyboard Bug: How One Missing Accent Can Lock Users Out
Apple is developing a fix for an iPhone bug that blocks users from entering passcodes containing the Czech háček character after a recent iOS update, The Register reported. The glitch can lock users out of their devices, forcing a reset and data loss. Apple has not confirmed when a fix will be released.
iPhone 18 Pro Release Date Leak Points to Dark Cherry Color, Camera Upgrade and Foldable iPhone Debut
Apple is expected to stagger its next iPhone launch, with iPhone 18 Pro models likely in September and standard models delayed into 2027, according to supply-chain reports. A new “Dark Cherry” Pro finish, minor design tweaks, and a camera upgrade are anticipated. iPhone shipments in China rose 20% last quarter, while the overall market declined. Apple’s first foldable phone is also slated for a September debut.
Microsoft Defender Zero-Day Attacks Hit Windows as Two Flaws Remain Unpatched
Hackers exploited three Microsoft Defender flaws—BlueHammer, RedSun, and UnDefend—in at least one real-world attack, Huntress reported. Microsoft patched BlueHammer (CVE-2026-33825) this week, but RedSun and UnDefend remain unpatched. Attackers staged the exploit tools after breaching a system via a FortiGate VPN. The identities of the attackers and the targeted organization have not been disclosed.
Valve’s Steam Machine Price Problem Just Got Real After a $950 DIY Rival
Valve’s Steam Machine remains without an official price as controller shipments arrive in the U.S. and a $950 custom build draws comparisons. Component shortages have delayed pricing and launch details, though Valve says its Steam Machine, Frame VR headset, and new controller are still planned for 2026. Import records show Valve is stockpiling controllers, but no launch date is confirmed.
Amazon’s New Fire TV Stick HD Signals the End of Android — and Sideloading — on Fire TV Sticks
Amazon will launch its new Fire TV Stick HD on April 29, running Vega OS instead of Android-based Fire OS. The switch blocks sideloading, restricting users to apps from the Amazon Appstore. The device is slimmer, supports Wi-Fi 6, and will ship in over a dozen countries. Amazon has not commented on future plans for the Fire TV lineup.
Google Gemini Mac App Launches As AI Assistants Fight For Your Desktop
Google launched a native Gemini app for Mac, letting users access its AI assistant directly from the desktop and share on-screen content for tailored responses. The app, built in under 100 days using Swift, supports window sharing, Dock access, and image and video creation. OpenAI and Anthropic already offer similar Mac apps with broader features. Gemini requires users to grant system-level permissions for full functionality.
Dyson HushJet Mini Cool vs Shark ChillPill: $100 Fan Sells Out As Portable Cooling Fight Heats Up
Dyson’s $99.99 HushJet Mini Cool portable fan sold out on the company’s U.S. website just over a week after launch, with “Notify me” prompts replacing purchase options. Early reviews compare it to SharkNinja’s $149.99 ChillPill, which adds mist and a cooling plate. Dyson’s fan weighs 212 grams, offers five speeds, and runs up to six hours on low. Noise and battery life remain key concerns in initial tests.