The Latest from Gadget Hacks: Page 2

You know that feeling when you realize you've been paying way more for something than you actually need? That's exactly what's happening to millions of Google One subscribers right now. Between deliberately confusing interface designs that hide downgrade options and a growing maze of subscription tiers, Google's cloud storage service now feels less like a straightforward subscription and more like a trap.

Reviewed by Meg Flores

Apple's Vision Pro just took its biggest step into sports entertainment with the debut of "Tour De Force," a MotoGP documentary that drops you right into the heart of championship racing. It is the first third-party sports production using Apple's Immersive Video format, a real tipping point for spatial computing in live sports.

Apple has been keeping us waiting for a foldable iPhone for nearly a decade, and the anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. The tech giant that revolutionized smartphones with the original iPhone is now gearing up to enter the foldable market with what could be its most significant innovation in years. Recent industry reports suggest that 2026 will finally be the year, marking Apple's long-awaited entry into a space that Samsung and others have been exploring since 2019. About time, right? But...

YouTube's content moderation landscape is shifting, fast. The Google-owned platform says it is rolling out an application process for previously banned creators to return, a major departure from its previous lifetime ban policy. This is more than a paperwork tweak; it reflects a broader recalibration of content governance that took shape during the pandemic and the 2020 election period. YouTube acknowledged that many terminated creators deserve another opportunity, a signal that the company is...

Prime Day is wrapping up, but there’s still time to snag one of the year’s most compelling smartphone deals. Amazon’s October Prime Big Deal Days event launched on October 7th, bringing significant discounts to Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S25 lineup (Mashable). Several Samsung Galaxy models even hit their lowest prices of the year during this window (Mashable). Unlocked versions are the sweet spot, full carrier flexibility without plan strings attached (Mashable).

The October security update from Google just hit Pixel devices, and while it's bringing welcome relief to ongoing display headaches, there's a notable absence this time. The Pixel 6 series is sitting this one out, though Google continues to battle screen irregularities across multiple device generations.

If you’ve been using Google Maps recently, you might have noticed something quietly revolutionary happening beneath the surface. The company is currently experimenting with a conversational interface that mirrors the chat-based approach we’ve come to expect from Gemini. Early testers have discovered an "Ask Maps" feature in beta version 25.41.03.815390258, complete with a familiar bottom sheet interface and suggested prompts.

The UK government has just hit Apple with another secret demand for encrypted user data. This time, the target is British citizens only. According to reports that surfaced this week, the Home Office issued a second Technical Capability Notice (TCN) in early September, demanding Apple create backdoor access to encrypted iCloud backups specifically for UK users. That undercuts earlier claims from US officials that Britain had completely backed down from its encryption-busting efforts.

Reviewed by Meg Flores

Ever found yourself needing a clean macOS installation or wanting to upgrade multiple Macs without downloading the OS repeatedly? Creating an external bootable drive for macOS Tahoe is your answer. Apple launched macOS Tahoe on August 15, 2025, with its public Beta becoming available in mid-July, according to EaseUS. This latest iteration brings some impressive new features that make the upgrade effort worthwhile, especially when you are dealing with beta software where having a reliable...

Google's third swing at the foldable market is here, and it is taking a very different tack. While most rivals chase thinner and lighter, Google goes the other way with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and I think they might be onto something.

Apple's FDA clearance for hypertension detection on the Apple Watch represents a genuine breakthrough in wearable health technology. For millions of people who already strap on their Apple Watch every morning, this isn't just another notification to swipe away. It's potentially life-changing health information delivered through hardware they're already wearing.

Google's latest foldable device marks a real pivot for the company, durability and practicality over sleekness. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold tightens up build quality, battery life, and weather resistance, though it trades some design finesse and performance to get there. A redesigned hinge seals things up while keeping the big-screen tricks people buy foldables for. At $1,799, it lands as a cheaper ticket into the premium foldable club, according to Tom's Guide.

WhatsApp's latest update finally brings what many iPhone users wanted, message translation right inside the chat. The Meta-owned platform is rolling out support for 21 languages on iOS (9to5Mac), a concrete step toward tearing down everyday language friction in chats. It ships in app version 25.28.74 (9to5Mac), alongside the official rollout of Live Photos support. I have been tracking on-device AI for a while, and this feels bigger than a mere convenience upgrade. It is a strategic move in the...

You’ve been waiting for this moment, iPad finally gets the windowing system it deserves. iPadOS 26 doesn’t just tweak how multitasking works, it rebuilds the foundation of what your iPad can do. Apple’s official announcement (https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/06/ipados-26-introduces-powerful-new-features-that-push-ipad-even-further/) confirms a fundamental shift toward desktop-class functionality, moving beyond the limitations that have held back iPad productivity for years. The new system...

When I first heard the rumors about Apple's 2026 MacBook Pro, I'll be honest, I was skeptical. After years of relatively incremental updates, could Apple really be planning something revolutionary? Then I lucked into a preview, a Windows laptop with strikingly similar tech. After spending time with those features firsthand, I'm convinced that Apple's 2026 MacBook Pro is shaping up to be the most significant laptop upgrade in years.

When you walk into an Apple Store to check out the shiny new iPhone 17 Pro, the last thing you expect is scratches on the display models. Yet that is exactly what shoppers saw when the phones first hit retail floors, and the internet promptly christened it “Scratchgate.” Apple has stepped in with an explanation and a fix, protective silicone rings on in‑store MagSafe chargers.

When regulatory agencies handle confidential tech schematics, one small mistake can expose months of carefully guarded secrets. That is exactly what happened when the FCC mistakenly leaked confidential iPhone 16e schematics, giving us an unprecedented look at Apple's latest budget powerhouse before its official release. The iPhone 16e debuted in February 2025 as a $599 budget powerhouse, quickly becoming a game-changer in Apple's lineup. Beyond the leaked documents, what makes this story...

Reviewed by Jame Jimenez