1.Google Rolls Out Surprise Late-October 2025 Update for Pixel Phones
Google just stealthily dropped a Pixel phone update! Seriously, I didn't see it coming. We had the normal monthly updates, then *wham* – this sneaks in at the end of October. It’s a small one too, only about 30MB. Just so you know, this is only for the phones. The Pixel Tablet isn't getting this one.
**What's the Deal, Really?**
I played around with it a bit after installing, and really, nothing seems too different. The software version number went up a tiny bit on my Pixel 8, but what does that *really* mean? Your guess is as good as mine.
I saw something from Verizon that mentioned some performance improvements, but Google isn't saying anything. I wonder if there's something to it, since other carriers also released the same update. Either way, they aren't telling us anything.
Here's what I'm thinking, though: This might be a fast, emergency security patch for something fairly serious. Google doesn't usually do updates this way, so it makes me believe that maybe someone might have found a hole. They're patching it ASAP instead of waiting for the regular November update.
They also worked on the radio firmware on all Pixel phones. Now, the radio firmware is what your phone uses to talk to cell towers. There have been weak points there before. If someone gets access to this, they can get into your phone. Then, these bad people can break into your phone through the modem and just do whatever they want. So Google probably decided it was time to patch it right away.
**Don't Get Too Excited, Though**
Don't expect any fancy graphics changes. This update is all about security.
**Want It Now?**
If you don't feel like waiting for your Pixel to automatically grab the update, you can get it yourself. Google posted the files for manual installs. If you're comfortable using Android Debug Bridge, it works great, but be careful! If you aren't certain what you're doing, don't mess with it. If you mess up your phone, you're on your own.
**What About the November Security Update?**
This surprise update could push back the November security patch a bit. Google usually drops it during the first week of the month, but that may change, since the Android Feature Drop is coming soon.
We *could* see some neat stuff coming. Here's what I'm expecting!
* **Menu Changes:** You *could* probably change how your phone menus look with the press of a button. It would be awesome.
* **GIFs in Pixel Studio:** You *could* probably make GIFs right in the Pixel Studio app without needing something else. About time!
* **Weather Upgrade:** Your weather widget *might* switch over to the Google App. *Maybe* you'll see even more information right on your main phone screen. I'd love it!
So, it sounds like Google is saving the good stuff to fix the problems with it. The regular update will be big, with all sorts of new additions, but since it probably had a problem, they're putting out an emergency patch to keep everyone safe in the meantime. It sounds like they thought it all out! It’s going to be worthwhile.
**What is Android 16 QPR2 in 2025 Like?!**
Sometimes Pixel users get the first try before other users. The next Android version is arriving on Pixel phones before anyone else. Get ready for Android 16 QPR2 sometime around December 2025!
* **Extra Dark Mode:** Phones with OLED screens don't need as much power if the screen shows black!
* **Easy Split Screen:** A new split-screen mode could be coming soon. Instead of closing the app fully, you *could* minimize it, or have a floating window. I'd imagine this will be on larger phones, or tablets.
* **Better TV:** A high-quality picture will allow you to watch good videos.
* **Switch Up Your Icons:** It may be that you can change the icons on your home screen, letting you choose the style you want.
Google has hopes for Android to be centered around you where you get to personalize everything on your phone. Pixel users get it first!
**The Take-Away?**
This Pixel update is small, but the sudden timing and Google's silence makes me think that maybe there were security problems. Hopefully, the November update will bring us some cool stuff, and that *big* update will come in 2025.
If you have a Pixel, go get that update ASAP! Google may be saving you from trouble.
2.Apple Plans to Add More AI Models to Apple Intelligence, Says Tim Cook
The latest scoop is that Apple is going all in on AI!
I'm not talking about minor improvements here, but the word is that Apple is planning on using it in pretty much everything they already have. Think about that CNBC interview with Tim Cook, right? He was pretty clear that Apple is not opposed to pulling in AI tech from all over the place. Word is they've been playing around with ChatGPT and still using their in-house option that is Siri, but he also let drop some hints about working with other companies on it. Picture this: Siri and all of Apple's features powered by AI from any number of places in hopes that one day she can make me a cup of coffee.
**AI and Apple: ChatGPT, Gemini, and Who Else?**
What I've been hearing is that Apple is checking things out to get ChatGPT working with Siri to make her smarter. If she knows what I'm asking, that will be better than how Siri is currently. She is in some dire straits.
Hold up, there's more!
I have heard there might be something being cooked up with Google's Gemini and Siri. Can you imagine what Gemini could do for Siri? I have heard what Sundar Pichai is cooking, since he said he wants to make Gemini go live on iPhones at some point down the road.
And on top of that, there's talk that Apple's been talking about joining Anthropic and Perplexity as well. Anthropic's tech has a reputation for being reliable, and Perplexity actually tells you where they find their info, so if you put those aspects with Siri...
**What's New With Siri?:**
Apple looks like they really want to give Siri a facelift sometime next year, Cook even said they are going for it, and that the new update is going to be all about AI. A lot of folks are thinking they may pull some software from their competitors to go with. The overall goal is to make Siri sound more like a normal person who understands your requests that can hold a normal conversation like a human.
There's a lot of buzz about Apple executives making moves to purchase smaller companies right now too, just to get quicker at AI. Cook said that he is open to buying new companies as long as it gets them where they want to go faster. The most likely choice would be for Apple to just buy some smaller AI startups or just try and make current partnerships stronger.
**Stacking Cash For Technology:**
When it comes down to money, this is the exact right time for Apple to jump into AI. Their last quarter made them killer numbers and they raked in around $102.5 billion. With those types of profits, they should be able to throw some money into AI and deals with other companies. Everyone should be on the lookout for what is coming in the years following.
The iPhone sales are going crazy and made them $49.03B. With iPhone sales doing so well, they will be set to have a lot of extra cash on hand. That would be great to be able to say personally.
**Services? Macs? iPads?:**
MacBook Pro updates have been helping bring in more money at around $8.72 billion. Then you have the iPad department bringing $6.95 billion just in sales. The newer iPad pros are flying off the shelves.
Then there is their services, they are making tons of money and are bringing them $28.8 billion, Apple TV+ and Apple Music being included. With all of these services, they could be made better by new Siri integration.
The Vision Pro also got an update, which has their VR headed in the right direction. It still isn't for everyone, so Apple is working on getting the kinks out with small features in hopes of mixing AI into other products that are coming soon. With Apple, a lot of people are expecting them to drop a cheaper iPhone as well, so that AI isn't just for the wealthy.
**So What's The Real Story?**
Apple's overall goal is to use modern AI to make good services. They want to make sure their software it top of the line.
With these updates, Apple hopes people will start using her more. Apple is now ready for the future, whether they get there from the building blocks, partnerships, or buying a company.
3.WhatsApp Testing Dedicated Apple Watch App for Messaging on the Wrist
WhatsApp's been busy cooking up some new stuff. You know Meta, always tinkering! Two things just dropped that are actually pretty cool. First, they're finally rolling out a less stressful way to back up your chats on both Android and iPhones using something called passkeys. And guess what? A real, honest-to-goodness WhatsApp app for the Apple Watch could show up!
**🔐 Passkey Backups: Bye-Bye Password Headaches**
So, those long, complicated passwords we all have to remember? Meta's trying to kill those for WhatsApp backups. They are letting us lock our chat backups using passkeys which is your fingerprint, face ID, or whatever screen lock you are setting up anyway for your phone.
Here's the deal straight from WhatsApp:
With passkeys, you can use your fingerprint, face scan, or screen lock to encrypt your chat backups. It removes the need for passwords! This means your backups are locked down hard.
That's smart, right? I mean, who isn't sick of messing with passwords? Passkeys are normally safer than passwords because they are harder to get fooled with scams.
Want to check it out? Here's the path:
Settings > Chats > Chat backup > End-to-end encrypted backup
It will tell you to put in your device's password or whatever as a just to make sure its you thing.
Meta did warn that it's going to drop slowly. They're planning to let the code roll out to regular people's devices over a few weeks to ensure no major crashes start or anything awful like that.
**⌚ WhatsApp on Your Wrist: Hello, Apple Watch App**
Okay, officially they aren't saying much. But the guys at WABetaInfo (who are always looking around in new WhatsApp code) spotted a real app for Apple Watch in the latest beta versions! This is the first time WhatsApp will naturally run on an Apple Watch without having third-party helper apps!
Think what it means: no more just getting notifs. Now you can:
* **Read the Messages:** See your incoming chats.
* **Quick Replies:** Type or use dictation to answer.
* **Emoji Love:** Slap a quick emoji or two.
WABetaInfo reported that:
Connecting WhatsApp on your phone to the Apple Watch is a snap. If your watch is paired, you're golden. It will tell you the status of if it is synced or when it has broken the connection.
The design is intuitive, so it’s usable when you are walking around.
Don't count on leaving your iPhone behind yet. The Apple Watch still requires your iPhone around if you are going to operate.
So, when is it rolling out? Waiting, nothing yet. Soon maybe.
**🤔 Why should you care? Why is this special?**
What's this really a huge deal? It means WhatsApp cares about:
* Your privacy (password-free backups!)
* Keeping things simple (passkeys!)
* Working everywhere (Hello Mr. Apple Watch!)
We get in touch using chat apps, so safety and convenience are good.
The password-free backup removes stress as things get simpler.
The Apple Watch app is WhatsApp responding and trying to be equal with iMessage and Telegram. Both are already on pretty working levels.
These updates will all make for a snappier overall way of doing things.
**🔮 What's coming up next?**
Things might be cookin', but even cooler options might appear as Meta continues its search for improvement. The addition of password-free security and the arrival of an Apple Watch app simply means upcoming communication will probably be better.
Keep your eye out for those important announcements when Meta begins a larger run of products and maybe even a fully stand-alone standalone wristwatch version in the days to come.
For now, you can enjoy safe backups and a new way to keep in contact everywhere!
0 Comments