Google has unveiled the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, its latest foldable smartphone, priced at $1,899. The device comes with a stronger build quality compared to its predecessor. It also features brighter screens as a key hardware improvement. The premium price point positions it firmly in the high-end foldable market segment.
Google has formally announced its Pixel 11 series, comprising the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The new lineup represents an incremental hardware refresh, retaining Google's signature camera bar design alongside colorful backing glass. Notable physical additions include a unified glass panel over the camera bar and a new HiLight ambient LED feature on the Pro models. The primary emphasis this generation is on quality-of-life improvements and software enhancements rather than major hardware overhauls. The devices are set to begin shipping in the coming week.
Google is rethinking its Pixel camera philosophy in response to a growing divide in what smartphone users want from their photos. While modern smartphone cameras have largely solved technical challenges like low-light noise and exposure, many users are now drawn to images that feel less perfect and more authentic. Isaac Reynolds, who leads the Pixel camera team, notes that the gap between individual user preferences is widening significantly. To address this, Google is introducing features that give users more control over the look and feel of their shots, even if that means dialing back some of the automatic enhancements the cameras are known for.
Google has launched the Pixel Watch 5 at $399, a $50 increase over its predecessor. The watch features modest hardware changes, including a slightly faster Qualcomm processor, a small battery improvement, and a new satin pyrite case finish. A Steph Curry Special Edition and additional strap colors are also part of the lineup. The most significant updates this year are software-driven, focused on AI and health features. The launch follows Google's Fitbit Air debut in May, signaling a broader push toward AI-powered wellness tools.
Google has updated its Quick Share feature on Android to allow file and contact transfers by simply tapping two devices together. The update uses NFC and proximity detection to enable wireless sharing of photos, videos, and contact details. Starting today, the feature is available on Pixel 6 series and newer phones, with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Fold 8, and Flip 8 set to receive it soon. Google also confirmed that the tap-to-share functionality will expand to more Android devices before the end of the year.
Google has announced the Pixel Tag, its first Bluetooth tracker, arriving more than two years after the company launched its device-tracking network. The slim, oblong tracker combines ultra-wideband (UWB) technology with Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding to offer two distinct modes of precision location tracking. The Pixel Tag is priced at $29 for a single unit or $99 for a four-pack, matching Apple's AirTag 2 pricing exactly. It is set to go on sale on November 11th, later than the Pixel 11 and Pixel Watch 5, which are already available for preorder.
Jaguar has released new photos offering the first look inside its upcoming all-electric Type 01 vehicle. The cabin features a beige interior divided by a central 'spine' running the full length of the car, separating all four seats. A slim dashboard houses a smartphone-style central display, while a traditional rear-view mirror is replaced by a 'ClearSight Rear View Display' positioned low on the windshield at door-mirror height. Jaguar also mentions concealed storage compartments and hidden technologies integrated into the interior design.
Security researchers have uncovered a dangerous flaw in Zoom's screen-sharing feature that could allow attackers to hijack devices. The vulnerability was identified with the help of a publicly available AI tool, which found the flaw in fewer than 20 prompts. The discovery highlights the growing role of AI in both offensive and defensive cybersecurity research. Zoom users who rely on screen sharing may be at risk until a patch is issued. The findings raise fresh concerns about how quickly AI can be leveraged to expose critical software weaknesses.
Formula E has announced a new broadcasting partnership with Disney+ and ESPN+. The deal will begin with the upcoming 2026/2027 season, which kicks off in December. The new season also coincides with the introduction of the next-generation GEN4 race car. The agreement marks a significant shift in where fans can watch the all-electric motorsport series.
The FCC currently operates with a three-member quorum comprising two Republicans and one Democrat, allowing it to vote on major regulatory actions. President Trump already holds a Republican majority at the agency, which oversees U.S. communications systems. A new nomination or the removal of Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez could give Republican Chair Brendan Carr an unchecked majority. However, such a move would carry legal risks, as the FCC is designed to have up to five members with no more than three from one party. The situation has raised concerns about the potential sidelining of opposing voices at a key federal regulatory body.
Insta360 has launched the X6, its latest 360-degree action camera, available now in black and white. The device is more compact than its predecessors, the X5 and X4 Air, while housing a larger pair of custom 1/1.1-inch square Sony sensors. The X6 supports 8K video recording at up to 50fps, an improvement over the 30fps cap on last year's models. It also retains the replaceable lens system from the X5, with the new lenses being five times more scratch-resistant and 60 percent more affordable, according to Insta360.
In a recent study, evolution gets even messier than usual.
Honor has launched its Robot Phone in China, an Android smartphone featuring a main camera mounted on a compact motorized gimbal arm that unfolds from the device's rear. The design essentially integrates technology similar to a DJI Osmo Pocket into a standard smartphone form factor. Honor claims the gimbal is the smallest of its kind in the world, though it does add noticeable bulk to the handset. Early hands-on testing by The Verge suggests the unusual hybrid approach may actually deliver on its promise, despite initial skepticism about combining the two devices.
Thrive Holdings, an artificial intelligence-focused acquisition firm, has raised $2 billion in fresh capital. The company's strategy centers on purchasing existing service businesses and integrating AI technology into their operations. The fundraise attracted backing from prominent investors including SoftBank. Thrive Holdings represents a growing trend of firms seeking to modernize traditional service industries through AI adoption.
Paul Conyngham, the Australian tech entrepreneur who gained attention for using AI tools like ChatGPT and Grok to create a personalized cancer vaccine for his dog, has now founded a startup called Gamgee. The company aims to develop personalized mRNA cancer vaccines for dogs, inspired by Conyngham's own pet, a Staffordshire bull terrier-Shar Pei mix named Rosie. Gamgee's ambitions extend well beyond canine treatments, with the company planning to leverage AI and genetics to create personalized therapies across multiple species, including humans. The startup's launch follows widespread media coverage of Conyngham's earlier DIY AI-assisted approach to treating his dog's cancer.
Elon Musk's AI company xAI has unveiled Grok Bot, an always-on AI agent service that operates as an independent digital teammate for users. The bots run in a shared cloud-based environment and can log into apps, websites, and tools on a user's behalf to complete multi-step tasks autonomously. They return control to the user only when a task is finished or requires human approval. The launch positions Grok Bot as xAI's answer to similar workplace AI services from rivals such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Microsoft. The move signals xAI's push to compete more aggressively in the growing enterprise AI productivity market.
Blacksmith, an AI-powered code-testing startup, has seen its valuation jump nearly tenfold in less than a year. The company also reported that its revenue has grown more than ten times over the same period. The rapid growth highlights strong investor and market confidence in AI-driven software development tools. Blacksmith's rise reflects a broader surge in demand for AI solutions within the software engineering space.
Startup Reservoir has secured $8 million in funding to develop its next-generation smart water heater technology. The device is designed to predict household hot water demand and store energy efficiently. It also features the ability to detect plumbing leaks throughout a home. Beyond individual utility, the heater is built to support grid-level energy management. The raise signals growing investor interest in smart home energy solutions.
Indian electric micro-mobility startup Yulu has raised $93 million in fresh funding to scale its operations. The company plans to grow its fleet to 200,000 electric bikes over the next two years. Yulu is also developing faster electric two-wheelers to target new logistics use cases. The fundraise comes as India's booming quick-commerce sector drives rising demand for last-mile electric delivery vehicles.
Game developer Saber Interactive has denied replacing human writers with AI on its upcoming title Rideshare Stimulator, developed in partnership with Unigine. CEO Matthew Karch stated that neither Saber nor Unigine substituted any writers with artificial intelligence. However, former lead writer Stella Sacco contradicted this, claiming on Bluesky that she was replaced by ChatGPT midway through development. Sacco also alleged that all passenger voices in the game were AI-generated, raising questions about transparency in the game's credits. The dispute has drawn attention to broader concerns about AI disclosure practices in the gaming industry.
