An update to Starlink’s website shows an increase in pricing, as residential services drop the option to buy hardware outright.
Expand Expanding CloseStarlink drops purchase option in favor of hardware rentals as it raises prices for some plans
Author
Andrew Romero is a North Carolina-based journalist specializing in Android and Google news, reviews, and in-depth analysis. With a keen eye for detail honed from his previous career as a CNC machinist, Andrew possesses a unique appreciation for hardware and the intricate engineering behind the technology we use daily.
He brings this passion to his coverage, offering insightful perspectives on the latest devices, software updates, and the evolving Google ecosystem. When he’s not diving into the world of tech, Andrew can be found tackling the trails on his mountain bike, enjoying the natural beauty of his home state of North Carolina alongside his wife.
Andrew is active on Twitter – @chaosromero – but can also be found on Threads – @organizedchaos50.
Emails are open at andrew@9to5mac.com
Google makes AI Mode Pro visuals free ‘this summer,’ details Gemini tools for 2026 World Cup
A lot has changed since the last World Cup, and Google is showcasing what AI in Search and Gemini can do to be your guide during the world tournament. To celebrate, Google is even making some AI Mode features free for a limited time.
Expand Expanding CloseNomad’s best Qi2 25W wireless charger just got a transparent version, and I can’t stop looking at it
The Stand One charger from Nomad got a massive visual upgrade that leaves the view of the Qi2 wireless charging coil unimpeded, giving off serious clear-tech retro vibes.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung’s Now Bar gets lively goal and red card animations for 2026 FIFA World Cup
A Now Bar update for Samsung devices added support for animated scores during the 2026 World Cup matches.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Home update upgrades Gemini weather forecasts, media on Nest Hub, and voice commands as a whole
Google is rolling out another Gemini for Home update, offering more detailed visuals to smart displays when you ask about the weather or media.
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Google will sell you a soccer ball just in time for the World Cup final
Google’s accessories store page now lists a Google Stadium Soccer Ball, but it won’t ship until the end of June.
Expand Expanding CloseSteam Machine summer launch confirmed in hopeful update, but still no price
The Steam Machine and Steam Frame have been hit by rising component costs even before launch, but Steam still seems committed to bringing the standalone PCs to consumers “this summer.”
Expand Expanding CloseMicrosoft Edge won’t let you access its password manager without Windows Hello
Microsoft Edge is ditching master passwords in favor of a more secure way to access the password manager.
Expand Expanding CloseMeta Ray-Ban glasses may soon identify faces using AI
A new report indicates the Meta Ray-Ban companion app is capable of face recognition and is designed to identify users from images and videos taken on its paired smart glasses.
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit Air owners are placing automatic watches on the same strap as the tracker, and it’s easy
The Fitbit Air doesn’t replace your analog or digital watch, and that’s one of the biggest reasons it works. Naturally, some users are already strapping their automatic watches to Google’s fitness tracker.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Wallet digital ID support keeps growing, faster checkout with Google Pay
Following a big redesign, Google Wallet is expanding Digital ID support to select regions in Europe and updating the online Google Pay checkout experience.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Hisense L9Q short-throw projector perfectly nails the low-profile theater room feel
Coming off using the L9Q from Hisense for a while in my theater space, it’s clear that the theater experience is getting smaller and smaller, with little to no trade-offs.
Expand Expanding Close‘Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra’ confirmed, likely leaving Samsung’s most interesting foldable with a boring name
Samsung is planning two Galaxy Z Fold 8 models for launch this year, and one is confirmed to have “Ultra” in the name.
Expand Expanding CloseUltrahuman says recent security breach didn’t affect passwords or credit cards
Ultrahuman’s user database was recently hacked, and the smart ring company says there was “no evidence of misuse.”
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Pixel 10 is up to $300 off as Amazon confirms next Prime Day’s dates
Amazon Prime Day is already around the corner, once again. Early deals are popping up, and the Google Pixel 10 series is one of the first Android devices getting a tempting Prime Day price cut.
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Pixel Watch 5 spotted in international certifications
It isn’t finding a Pixel Watch 5 in the ocean, but certifications are fun, too!
Expand Expanding CloseAnthropic eyes going public as it files official submission to SEC
Anthropic has announced that the company has submitted official documentation to the SEC to start being publicly traded, beating OpenAI to an IPO.
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Samsung Care+ loosens restrictions on Galaxy phone age to sign up, discounted enrollment
Samsung Care+ Theft and Loss is normally reserved for new devices, but the company announced it’s opening open enrollment for the insurance plan until the end of this month.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung’s One UI 9 update forces Android’s lockdown mode when you open the power menu
Samsung has removed the “lockdown” option from One UI 9’s power menu. The security feature now activates automatically, whether you want it to or not.
Expand Expanding CloseXiaomi is the latest to add AirDrop support with Quick Share to its Android phones
Android’s Quick Share function is rolling out a wave of compatibility updates so users can send and receive files and contacts over AirDrop. Xiaomi joins Google and Samsung with support for Apple’s AirDrop.
Expand Expanding ClosePeak Design’s small Travel Backpack is the exact tech bag I’ve been looking for
Apparently, a 20L no-frills backpack from a brand like Peak Design that knows how to put together a high-end travel or everyday bag is the backpack I’ve been looking for this whole time.
Expand Expanding CloseThinner Oura Ring 5 finally tracks live activity, $50 price increase
Leaks gave a quick preview of the Oura Ring 5, but it wasn’t clear just how much thinner the new model is. The $50 price jump is now confirmed for Oura’s new wearable that senses enhanced blood pressure patterns and live activity, now.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube adds ‘custom feed’ to home page, just in case the search bar is too boring for you
YouTube isn’t exactly replacing the traditional search bar, but it is supplementing it with a way to watch a “custom feed” of videos based on your nuanced prompts.
Expand Expanding CloseAI-generated YouTube content to get ‘more visible’ disclosure label, whether voluntary or not
YouTube has already paved the way for creators to upload AI-generated content, but its recent move will mean those YouTube videos get a more prominent “AI” label to let viewers know how they were created.
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