Here's what's making news today in tech — picked from the 10 sources I trust, translated for normal humans.
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iOS 27 finally gives you total control over your iPhone lock screen — here's what to change first
Apple is updating the iPhone lock screen in iOS 27, giving you more control over what shows up and how it looks. The changes let you customize clocks, widgets, and notifications without digging through settings menus. For Portage County: If you have an iPhone, look for the iOS 27 update this fall, then press and hold your lock screen to start personalizing it.
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Google Pixel 11 Pro vs Google Pixel 10 Pro: Biggest upgrades to expect
Google is expected to release the Pixel 11 Pro with a faster processor, improved camera, and longer battery life compared to the Pixel 10 Pro. The article outlines what buyers can expect if they are deciding whether to upgrade. For Portage County: If your Android phone is more than three years old and slowing down, the Pixel 11 Pro may be worth a look when it arrives.
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TP-Link Roam 7 review: I tested this travel router at my local café, and it turned public Wi-Fi into a secure private network
A travel router called the TP-Link Roam 7 lets you plug into public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or hotel and create your own private, password-protected network. The reviewer tested it at a café and found it worked well for keeping personal data safer on shared connections. For Portage County: If you use Wi-Fi at Panera, the library, or a hotel, a travel router like this is a simple way to protect your banking and email from strangers on the same network.
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New leak may reveal the iPhone Ultra’s two launch colors
A leak suggests Apple's upcoming iPhone Ultra will come in silver and dark blue when it launches. This would be the first foldable iPhone Apple has ever released. For Portage County: No action needed yet, but if you are curious about a folding iPhone, keep an eye out for Apple's announcement next month.
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Software Giant SAP Stops Most Travel and Hiring Because of AI's Soaring Cost
Software company SAP is cutting back on employee travel and new hiring because the cost of running AI tools has climbed sharply. The company says AI expenses are eating into budgets that used to pay for people and trips. For Portage County: This is a reminder that AI tools are not free, and big companies are feeling the cost, so be cautious about free AI services that may change their terms or start charging.
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Microsoft's Coreutils finally gave Windows the eight commands I was using Linux for
Microsoft added eight command-line tools to Windows that used to require a separate Linux setup. For everyday users this mostly happens in the background, but it means Windows is becoming more capable without extra software. For Portage County: You do not need to do anything, but if Bill ever runs a quick fix on your PC using a black command window, this update is part of why it works faster now.
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How to tell whether your Android messages are actually using RCS — and what to do when they're not
Android phones can send messages using a newer system called RCS, which works more like iMessage with read receipts and better photo quality, but many people do not know if theirs is turned on. You can check in your messaging app settings under Chat Features or RCS. For Portage County: If your texts to family look blurry or show no read receipts, open your Messages app, tap the three dots, go to Settings, and look for Chat Features to turn on RCS.
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Why you should buy iPhone 17 Pro now instead of waiting
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro is available now and has already dropped in price at some retailers, while the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to be announced next month. The article argues that for many buyers, the 17 Pro is a strong value rather than waiting. For Portage County: If your iPhone is cracked or running slowly, now is a reasonable time to buy the 17 Pro at a discount rather than paying full price for the 18 Pro.
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X replaces its revenue-sharing program with ‘Original Content Rewards’
X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, is ending its current program that paid creators based on ad revenue and replacing it with a new program called Original Content Rewards starting September 8th. To qualify, creators need at least 500 verified followers and 500,000 impressions from verified accounts. For Portage County: If anyone in your family posts videos or content on X hoping to earn money, they should check the new rules at x.com before September 8th.
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iOS 27: The easiest beta to forget about
iOS 27 has been available as a test version for about two months and is expected to reach regular iPhones in four to six weeks. Reviewers say it runs smoothly and does not feel disruptive compared to past updates. For Portage County: No action needed now, but when your iPhone offers an iOS 27 update this fall, it should be a safe one to accept.
This digest is auto-generated daily at 6 AM ET from leading tech news sources.
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— Bill's Home Tech, Atwater, OH