See highlights from The Android Show I/O Edition 2026, including Googlebooks laptops and Gemini AI updates across devices.
The Cyberdeck Trend Dates Back Further Than You Realize
Cyberdecks are everywhere all of a sudden â used for music, for reading, or just for bling. But they go back to the earliest PCs.
Puget Systems at Unreal Fest 2026
Come visit Puget Systems at Unreal Fest in Chicago and find out how our workstations, laptops, and servers can enable your teams and workflows!
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Musk’s xAI is operating nearly 50 unregulated gas turbines at its Mississippi data center
Gas turbines at xAI’s Colossus 2 data center have drawn a lawsuit over the company’s use of “mobile” gas turbines as power plants.
Android Auto’s Newest Update Revamps Dashboard Engagement
Google has revealed that the platform is undergoing a significant update that includes numerous feature modifications and a complete aesthetic revamp. Google Maps is included in this update, featuring more sophisticated and user-friendly enhancements—this is the largest update for Maps in quite some time. This is notable news, as Google Maps ranks among the most crucial Android Auto applications.
The most noticeable change is Google’s Material 3 Expressive design, which represents an improvement over the company’s Material Design 3 or “Material You” design approach. The primary distinction with Google’s new design initiative is the focus on animations, which the company claims enhances “more usable and engaging products with emotion-driven UX (user experience).” For Android Auto, this translates into new, visually appealing typefaces, quicker animations with added flair, and refreshed visual elements such as wallpapers from the Android mobile experience.
Another significant visual update pertains to how the enhanced Android Auto adjusts to the configuration of your vehicle’s display. The platform has long accommodated landscape, portrait, ultrawide, and even circular screen formats, but the user experience hasn’t always been seamless. Now, Android Auto exploits more of the available display space across various screen shapes.
Home screen widgets have also made their debut, functioning similarly to Android widgets, providing critical information at a glance and quick access to your frequently used applications. In Auto, this includes your favorite contacts, garage door controls, traffic and weather updates, among others. This is part of a deliberate attempt to improve Android Auto—several electric vehicle manufacturers received a greatly beneficial Android Auto upgrade prior to this. While the core development of this latest update is closely linked to the visual enhancements and improved user experience, it is not the only significant modification.
What additional features does this Android Auto update introduce?
In addition to the visual transformation, there are multiple other improvements to discover in this update. Google indicates that these new features will be released in stages, with some arriving “soon” and others not being available until “
Strava’s iPhone Application Integrates with Apple AirPods Pro 3 Fitness Functionality
Starting today, Strava users can log their workouts and make use of the newest AirPods Pro 3 workout capability. Strava has revealed that this feature operates as an independent experience with AirPods or in tandem with the Apple Watch.
### Strava for iPhone Now Supports Heart Rate Data from Both AirPods and Apple Watch
The latest iteration of Strava showcases compatibility with AirPods Pro 3 during workouts. Users with these headphones can broadcast their heart rate live to Mobile Record directly from their ears. The AirPods Pro 3 are the first in the AirPods series to provide integrated heart rate monitoring without the necessity for an Apple Watch.
For those who possess an Apple Watch, Strava will determine the optimal heart rate data available, improving the precision of workout tracking. Strava mentions, “Pair them with the Apple Watch and both devices collaborate, automatically selecting the strongest signal so you receive the most precise reading whether you’re running, cycling, or weightlifting. No additional setup, no extra equipment, just hit record.” This feature requires iOS 18 or higher along with AirPods Pro 3.
### You Can Also Monitor Physical Therapy Exercises with Strava
Alongside the new AirPods feature, Strava has rolled out a category for logging physical therapy exercises. This enables users to keep their streak with physical therapy routines, track the frequency of exercises such as calf raises, and monitor the cumulative time spent on physical therapy weekly and monthly.
With the addition of physical therapy exercise tracking and support for AirPods Pro 3, Strava has made noteworthy enhancements. Earlier this year, Strava also introduced offline maps for Apple Watch and included new workout categories.
The Strava iPhone application is available for free on the App Store, and AirPods Pro 3 can be purchased for $229 (previously $249) on Amazon.
Apple TV Faces Another Exit from Its Global Content Team
**Apple TV’s Global Division Experiences Its Second Exit in a Month**
Just a few weeks after Oliver Jones departed Apple TV for Amazon, another leader concentrating on international content is leaving the organization.
A short while ago, *THR* disclosed that Oliver Jones, an Apple TV executive involved in productions such as *Masters of the Air*, *Disclaimer*, and *Monarch: Legacy of Monsters* over the past six years, was moving to Amazon MGM Studios, where he would spearhead U.K. scripted content.
Now, *Deadline* reveals that Morgan Wandell, Apple TV’s Head of International Development, is also exiting. Instead of joining a rival, Wandell is establishing his own production firm, named Kismet.
Located in Los Angeles, Kismet will be focused on creating and producing high-quality scripted series intended for the global market by discovering and cultivating projects and voices that can resonate through premium culturally rooted storytelling.
Interestingly, Wandell became part of Apple in 2017, after driving the development of original content for international viewers at Amazon Studios, and ABC Studios before that.
Since then, he has contributed to various Apple TV series, including *Tehran*, *Acapulco*, *Masters of the Air*, *Disclaimer*, *Monarch: Legacy of Monsters*, and *The New Look*.
*Deadline* reports that following Wandell’s exit, Apple TV’s Head of Programming and Domestic Development, Matt Cherniss, will assume responsibility for the shows previously managed by Wandell. Cherniss already oversees series such as *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, *The Studio*, and *Pluribus*.
Meanwhile, Apple TV’s Creative Director for Europe, Jay Hunt, will broaden her role to manage international and local-language originals. Hunt is currently responsible for shows like *Slow Horses* and *Hijack*.
Apple TV is accessible for $12.99 per month and includes popular TV shows and films like *Severance*, *The Studio*, *The Morning Show*, *Shrinking*, and *Silo*.
Netflix Unveils Plans to Broaden Ad Integration Throughout Its Application
Netflix’s Transition to Advertising: Broadening Ad-Tier and New Income Sources
Netflix, the premier streaming platform worldwide, has experienced a notable shift in its business strategy, especially with the launch of an ad-supported tier. Once opposed to the concept of featuring advertisements, Netflix has now adopted this approach in light of increasing subscription fees and market oversaturation. Consequently, more users are choosing the budget-friendly ad-supported option.
Recent updates reveal that Netflix’s ad tier has achieved impressive growth, with over 250 million global users utilizing this feature each month, a significant rise from 94 million only a year earlier. This increase in ad-tier subscriptions signifies a wider trend as consumers look for economical choices amid ongoing price increases.
In a recent showcase, Netflix outlined its intentions to further enhance its advertising initiatives in the forthcoming year. Two main strategies were underscored:
1. **Advertisements in the Vertical Video Feed**: Netflix will start incorporating advertisements into its newly revamped vertical video feed within the application. This strategy aims to boost user interaction and generate more advertising opportunities.
2. **Podcast Advertising**: The organization intends to add ads to more of its podcast content, leveraging the surging popularity of audio media and diversifying its revenue avenues.
These alterations are part of Netflix’s strategy to increase ad income, particularly as subscriber growth has decelerated due to market saturation. The company still stands as the leading streaming service, but industry dynamics are evolving, making it essential to focus on alternative revenue channels.
While Netflix shifts towards advertising, rivals such as Apple TV have not yet launched an ad-supported tier. Although Apple executives have not dismissed the notion of introducing ads in the future, any modifications seem likely to occur alongside forthcoming subscription price changes.
As Netflix continues to adjust to the changing streaming environment, its emphasis on advertising may transform its connection with consumers and alter the competitive landscape within the industry.
iPhone Ultra Release: Six Fresh Features of Apple’s High-End Model
Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone, speculated to be called the iPhone Ultra, is anticipated to debut this fall. Here are six notable features predicted for this premium gadget.
### Design: Book-style fold with titanium, crease-less display
The iPhone Ultra will showcase a distinctive design, setting it apart from standard foldables by being broader than it is tall when open. It will utilize a book-style fold, featuring an outer display that is shorter and wider than earlier iPhone screens, while the inner display will mirror the dimensions and shape of an iPad mini. A significant leap for foldable technology, the inner display is expected to be free of creases. The design will include a titanium frame, making it ultra-slim when opened and resembling two stacked iPhone Airs when closed. Color choices are rumored to be confined to black and white.
### Displays: Distinct sizes and orientations
The iPhone Ultra will feature two screens: an outer display measuring between 5.3 to 5.5 inches and an inner display ranging from 7.6 to 7.8 inches. The outer screen will present a broader aspect ratio, resembling an iPhone mini, while the inner display will offer a more expansive viewing experience similar to holding an iPad mini.
### Cameras: Two rear lenses, plus two front-facing
Fitted with two rear cameras—48MP Main and 48MP Ultra Wide—the iPhone Ultra will not include a Telephoto lens that is available in the Pro variants. Furthermore, it will have two front-facing cameras, one for each display, likely utilizing the 18MP Center Stage camera introduced with the iPhone 17, designed in a hole-punch configuration.
### Software: iOS 27 multitasking features
The iPhone Ultra will operate on iOS 27, which is expected to bring multitasking functionalities unique to this model. Users can look forward to side-by-side app capabilities and iPad-like app layouts, though it will not support the complete windowing functionalities of iPadOS.
### Apple Silicon: A20 Pro chip, C2 cellular modem
The device will be fueled by the new A20 Pro chip and C2 cellular modem, both also anticipated in the iPhone 18 Pro. The A20 Pro chip will employ a 2-nanometer process for improved efficiency and will include 12GB of RAM with quicker LPDDR5 technology. The C2 modem will substitute Qualcomm’s 5G solutions with an Apple-designed alternative, promising numerous new advantages.
### Touch ID
Notably, the iPhone Ultra will not come with Face ID; instead, it will bring back Touch ID, integrated into the power button. This choice is due to the device’s slim design, which does not accommodate the necessary Face ID components.
### Pricing and Wrap-Up
Speculated pricing for the iPhone Ultra starts at about $1,999 for a 256GB version, potentially making it the priciest iPhone to date. This pricing reflects its dual role as both an iPhone and an iPad, justifying the elevated cost.
The iPhone Ultra is sparking considerable interest, and prospective buyers are left to ponder whether this groundbreaking device aligns with their needs compared to other models.
WhatsApp Unveils Incognito Chats Functionality with Meta AI
WhatsApp and the Meta AI application now enable users to switch on incognito mode for private discussions with Meta AI. This recently introduced feature, unveiled by Mark Zuckerberg, turns conversations into transient exchanges that vanish when the user leaves the session. It’s akin to functionalities provided by other chatbots such as ChatGPT and Claude.
The Incognito Chat functionality aims to bolster privacy, employing Private Processing technology that guarantees Meta cannot access the dialogue’s content. This system handles AI queries within a secure setting, swiftly erasing data post-processing, in contrast to other services that might keep conversation records for lengthy durations.
Alongside safeguarding chat content, Incognito Chat also protects online searches made during the discussion. Meta AI is able to conduct searches based on chat keywords without associating them with the user, further enhancing privacy.
The feature is currently being deployed, and users can obtain more details about it on WhatsApp’s official blog.
