Here's what's making news today in tech — picked from the 10 sources I trust, translated for normal humans.
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Forgot to Pre-Order iPhone 18 Pro? Apple Store Pickup Available Today at Most Locations
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are now available, but online orders face a 2 to 3 week wait for the Pro and 3 to 4 weeks for the Pro Max. Same-day pickup at some Apple Store locations is still possible if you check Apple's website early. For Portage County: If you want one soon, go to apple.com, choose your model, and look for the in-store pickup option before stock runs out.
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RatHat Android Malware Abuses ADB to Retain Shell Access After Uninstall
A new Android virus called RatHat is spreading through fake text messages and phony download links, and it can stay on your phone even after you think you've deleted it. It uses AI to control your device without your knowledge. For Portage County: Never tap links in unexpected texts, and only download apps from the Google Play Store, not from websites that pop up in ads or messages.
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Waymo says Singapore will be its next international robotaxi city
Waymo, the self-driving car company owned by Google's parent Alphabet, announced it will launch a robotaxi service in Singapore by 2028. The company plans to start mapping the city with safety drivers in 2027. For Portage County: This doesn't affect local travel yet, but it shows self-driving cars are becoming more real worldwide, something worth knowing as the technology slowly moves toward smaller cities.
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Claimed Bug Bounty Hunter Likely Used LLM to Build PhantomRaven npm Stealer
Researchers discovered a password-stealing program called PhantomRaven hidden inside software tools that developers download, and they believe it was built using an AI chatbot. It targets people who work with code, not typical home users, but it shows criminals are using AI to write malware faster than ever. For Portage County: Stick to well-known apps from trusted sources, and be cautious if anyone asks you to install an unfamiliar program.
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Waymo is expanding to Singapore
Waymo, the self-driving car company owned by Google's parent Alphabet, announced Singapore as its next international city for robotaxi service. No timeline details beyond the announcement were included in this summary. For Portage County: Self-driving taxis are still years away from Portage County, but the technology is expanding steadily and worth following.
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iPhone 18 Pro vs. Pixel 11 Pro: The New Apple and Google Pro Phones Are Quite Different
Apple raised the iPhone 18 Pro starting price by $100, and Google did the same with its new Pixel 11 Pro. Both are top-tier phones with strong cameras, but they work differently and suit different people. For Portage County: If you're due for a new phone, ask Bill which fits your habits better before spending $1,000 or more on either one.
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Amazon's October Prime Big Deal Days just made Kindle Unlimited free for three months
Amazon is offering three free months of Kindle Unlimited as part of its October Prime Big Deal Days sale. Kindle Unlimited lets you borrow and read as many ebooks as you like for a monthly fee, normally around $12 a month. For Portage County: If you or someone you know enjoys reading on a Kindle tablet, this is a good time to try the service for free through Amazon's website.
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This little-known Android setting makes public Wi-Fi less risky
Android phones have a setting that makes public Wi-Fi safer to use, such as at a library, doctor's office, or coffee shop, though most people don't know it exists. The article doesn't name the exact setting, so check with someone you trust before digging through menus on your own. For Portage County: If you use your Android phone on public Wi-Fi regularly, ask Bill to show you this setting at your next visit.
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