Top 10 Tech News Highlights

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

See today's digest →

Here's what's making news today in tech — picked from the 10 sources I trust, translated for normal humans.

  1. iPhone 17 Pro Cases Fit iPhone 18 Pro - Or At Least Otterbox Thinks So

    From MacRumors · Read the full story →

    Apple's next high-end phone, the iPhone 18 Pro, appears to be the same size as the current iPhone 17 Pro, based on case packaging already showing up at Best Buy. Case maker Otterbox is selling iPhone 18 Pro cases that it says will also fit the iPhone 17 Pro. For Portage County: No need to buy a new case if you upgrade this fall, which could save you a few dollars.

  2. Microsoft Links 30+ Rotating Domains to MacSync Stealer Infrastructure

    From The Hacker News · Read the full story →

    Microsoft has identified more than 30 websites being used to spread MacSync Stealer, a program that quietly steals passwords and personal data from Apple Mac computers. The malware collects your information and sends it to criminals without you noticing anything wrong. For Portage County: If you use a Mac, make sure Microsoft Defender or another security program is running and up to date, and avoid clicking links in unexpected emails or texts.

  3. Flock Has a Powerful New AI Tool for Police. We Got Its Code

    From Wired · Read the full story →

    Flock Safety, a company that sells surveillance cameras to police departments, has built an AI tool that goes well beyond reading license plates. Wired obtained the system's code and confirmed it can track people and vehicles in much more detail than the company has publicly described. For Portage County: Worth knowing that cameras in your area may collect more information than you expect, though there is nothing specific you need to do right now.

  4. Tesla is finally launching the Cybercab — let’s hope it’s ready

    From The Verge · Read the full story →

    Tesla is preparing to launch the Cybercab, a two-seat self-driving car with no steering wheel or pedals, though serious questions remain about whether it is safe enough for public roads. The launch timeline is being pushed forward even as doubts about the vehicle's readiness persist. For Portage County: This is still an experimental product and not something available to buy, so there is nothing to act on yet.

  5. 'Glad I switched to Kobo': Amazon angers Kindle owners by rolling out tougher DRM and reportedly closing a popular Libby loans loophole

    From TechRadar · Read the full story →

    Amazon has made it harder for Kindle owners to borrow library books through the Libby app, a popular free service that many readers rely on. The change has frustrated longtime Kindle users, with some saying they are switching to Kobo e-readers, which still support Libby borrowing. For Portage County: If you borrow library books on a Kindle and notice problems, call your local library, as staff can walk you through your options.

  6. Pixel Watch 1 not losing Google Health sleep, workout support

    From 9to5Google · Read the full story →

    Some Pixel Watch 1 owners saw an error message this week suggesting their watch was no longer supported by Google Health. Google confirmed it was a bug and that the original Pixel Watch still receives sleep and workout tracking support. For Portage County: If you have a Pixel Watch 1 and saw that message, you can ignore it, your watch is fine.

  7. Apple's iPhone 18 Release Schedule: What's Coming and When

    From MacRumors · Read the full story →

    Apple is changing its usual fall release schedule this year. The pricier iPhone 18 Pro models will still arrive in September 2026, but the standard, less expensive iPhone 18 will not be available until spring 2027. For Portage County: If you are waiting for a more affordable new iPhone, you will need to wait until next spring, so there is no rush to decide anything right now.

  8. Gemini in Chrome Is Now Available for Android Users

    From CNET · Read the full story →

    Google has added its Gemini AI assistant directly into the Chrome browser on Android phones, making it easier to ask questions while you browse. The full set of features, including automatic browsing help, is only available to paid subscribers. For Portage County: If you use Chrome on an Android phone, you may start seeing a Gemini button appear, you can try it for free but the advanced tools cost extra.

  9. Apple's Home Hub Will Have a Widget Gallery With iPhone Widget Support

    From MacRumors · Read the full story →

    Apple is developing a home hub device, similar to a smart display, that will run Siri and show widgets including ones from your iPhone. Code found in a recent software update suggests the hub will let you customize its screen much like an iPhone lock screen. For Portage County: Nothing to buy yet, but if you have been curious about a smart home display from Apple, one appears to be coming later this year.

This digest is auto-generated daily at 6 AM ET from leading tech news sources. Notice something off? Reply or text Bill at (330) 200-8042.
— Bill's Home Tech, Atwater, OH

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