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26 Oct 2026

OpinionControversialOpinion

Key takeaways

Are We All Maxxed Out? Dictionary.com Names 'Maxxing' Its 2026 Word of the Year
Data center and unc were on the shortlist of words considered for the tribute.
1. 1. Dictionary.com has chosen “maxxing,” which can seemingly be attached as a suffix to any other English word, as its Word of the Year for 2026.
1. 2. Dictionary.com defines maxxing as “the practice of pursuing an activity to the fullest or optimizing a certain aspect of your life.”
1. 3. The popularity of “maxxing” in all its various uses indicates how much we value optimization, as does the rising use of prefixes super- and ultra- in 2025.

CCNET

26 Oct 2026

ScienceExpertOriginal

Key takeaways

This New Simulation of the Early Universe Is Massive, Detailed and Gorgeous
The Lumina Project spans 2 billion years and will allow scientists to test theories and predictions about the origins of the cosmos.
1. 1. The Lumina Project is a simulation of the early universe far larger than any prior one, covering a region equivalent to a cube roughly 1.5 billion light-years on each side.
1. 2. The main function of Lumina is to help scientists test and confirm theories about the early universe and gauge whether their understanding of physics aligns with the simulation’s results.
1. 3. The team has already used the simulation to make some interesting predictions, including that there were ‘fewer massive galaxies’ in the early universe than James Webb Space Telescope observations suggest.

CCNET

26 Oct 2026

TechControversialOpinion

Key takeaways

Watch Us Fold the iPhone Duo Thousands of Times on Our Weeks
We’re using our in-house robot to open and close the iPhone Duo hundreds of thousands of times. Watch along and get your questions answered by CNET editors live.
1. 1. CNET is livestreaming our iPhone Duo long-term folding test on our YouTube channel.
1. 2. Our robust in-house machine will open and close the foldable around 20,000 times per day to simulate years of wear and tear on the hinge.
1. 3. You’ll be able to watch this testing on a livestream from our CNET Labs location in Louisville, Kentucky.

CCNET

26 Oct 2026

TechLifestyleOpinion

Key takeaways

Meta Muse Makes Marketplace Better. How I Set It Up to Help Me Shop Online
It’s no surprise that Muse really shines within Meta apps like Facebook.
1. 1. Meta Muse streamlines online second-hand shopping by actively searching Facebook Marketplace for user-specified items, price ranges, and locations.
1. 2. The AI agent can draft messages to sellers, monitor for replies, and automatically search for alternatives if a product sells or a seller is unresponsive.
1. 3. While Muse is helpful, users should avoid sharing sensitive information and be aware that manual intervention may be needed for immediate responses.

CCNET

26 Oct 2026

TechAI DevelopmentTech Innovation

Key takeaways

Canva Chases AI Domination With a New AI Image Model for Designers
Canva Craft won’t be the company’s last AI tool. Will creators jump on board?
1. 1. Canva has released Canva Craft, its first proprietary AI image model designed specifically for designers.
1. 2. Canva Craft's two-stage architecture and prompt-writing tools enable it to 'reason' before generating designs, mimicking the human design process.
1. 3. Creative AI tools face controversy regarding copyright, the creation of abusive material, and potential replacement of human artists.

CCNET

26 Oct 2026

TechConsumer TechExpert Analysis

Key takeaways

As iPhone Duo Cracked Screen Reports Surface, a New Teardown Shows a Possible Culprit
In spite of some display issues, iFixit declares the iPhone Duo “the most repairable foldable” it’s ever tinkered with.
1. 1. iFixit believes a specific component in the iPhone Duo's hinge may be the cause of reported screen cracks.
1. 2. The iPhone Duo is declared 'the most repairable foldable smartphone we’ve ever taken apart' by iFixit.
1. 3. Early iPhone Duo owners have reported problems with the screen, including display cracks and lines of faulty pixels along the hinge.

CCNET

26 Oct 2026

TechProduct ReviewTech News

Key takeaways

Apple’s New iPad Mini Gets OLED and Water Resistance
On the heels of the Duo, here comes the Mini. It’s arriving Nov. 6.
1. 1. The new iPad Mini, launching November 6th, features a larger OLED screen and water resistance for the first time.
1. 2. The upgrade, which starts at $699, adds a larger OLED screen and water resistance for the first time.
1. 3. It has a number of updates this time around, making it look, on paper, like a killer upgrade for anyone who’s been waiting for one.

CCNET

26 Oct 2026

BusinessConsumer TechPlan Comparison

Key takeaways

Mix Phone Plans Introduce New Choose
The new plans have a broad pool of extras, from streaming services to phone discounts, but there are caveats to how many you can pick.
1. 1. T-Mobile is replacing its Experience plans with T-Mix, a new trio of postpaid phone plans offering a core set of features and customizable 'Picks' for added perks.
1. 2. The T-Mix plans will launch in early November, but the carrier hasn’t shared a specific date.
1. 3. Picks give you the flexibility to only activate perks you’ll actually use, but working out which to opt for is a bit complex.

CCNET

26 Oct 2026

TechControversialOpinion

Key takeaways

Why You Shouldn’t Use AI Chatbots to Decide Who to Vote For
The midterm elections are upon us, but before you use an AI tool to help you decide on your votes, you need to know these things.
1. 1. Generative AI tech has serious risks, such as bias, sycophancy, hallucinations and drawing incorrect conclusions using bad information.
1. 2. AI is making it easier to generate misinformation.
1. 3. Misinformation produced by AI can sway voters’ political views, so the stakes are real.

CCNET

25 Oct 2026

LifestyleLifestyleProduct Review

Key takeaways

Is the Ninja MultiPot the Kitchen Appliance You Need, or Just the One You Want?
Ninja releases kitchen appliances so often that it’s hard to keep up. Here’s whether or not the new MultiPot XL is a true kitchen essential.
1. 1. The Ninja MultiPot XL excels at searing and hot pot functions, preheating quickly and developing a crust on meats.
1. 2. The slow cooker function on the MultiPot XL did not produce fall-off-the-bone results for beef short ribs, suggesting it's not a direct replacement for dedicated slow cookers.
1. 3. Priced at $250, the MultiPot XL is a premium appliance, potentially a good fit for those who cook large meals for groups or have limited counter space, but a cheaper Ninja PossibleCooker is also available.

CCNET

25 Oct 2026

LifestyleLifestyleOpinion

Key takeaways

I Caved to the TikTok Trend of Cooking Bacon in Water. Here’s How It Went
Water and greasy bacon sound like a recipe for hot splatter. Here’s how the viral hack actually works.
1. 1. The water-cooked bacon method allegedly renders the bacon’s fat slowly and consistently, resulting in uniform cooking, fewer splatters and even reduced sodium.
1. 2. The bacon strips were chewy yet crispy, with no bitter char, and cleanup took mere seconds with a quick wipe with a sponge and towel.
1. 3. In an industry full of gimmicks and unverifiable shortcuts, it’s nice to sift through the culinary fluff and find something that actually works, especially with an ingredient as universally beloved as bacon.

CCNET

25 Oct 2026

TechControversialOpinion

Key takeaways

iPhone Duo Owners: Your Apps Will Look Better Soon
Apple’s first foldable has new screen dimensions, leaving apps with a lot of unused space or awkward cropping. It’ll get better over time.
1. 1. New iPhone Duo owners may encounter apps with awkwardly unused space or poor display due to the device's novel screen ratios.
1. 2. Precedent suggests that app updates will adjust to the iPhone Duo's screen ratios, improving app appearance over time.
1. 3. The iPhone Duo's design, with its outer and inner displays sharing the same aspect ratio, might accelerate app optimization for developers.

CCNET

24 Oct 2026

TechControversialSensational

Key takeaways

Man Destroys $2,000 iPhone Duo With Dirt, Fire, Knives and Medieval Chainmail
YouTuber JerryRigEverything tests the iPhone Duo’s durability for scratch and dust resistance. And it is wild to watch.
1. 1. YouTuber Zach Nelson tested the durability of Apple's new $2,000 iPhone Duo, subjecting it to scratch, dirt, and bend tests.
1. 2. The cover screen's Ceramic Shield 2 glass resisted scratches, but the inner screen scratched as easily as a Galaxy Z Fold 8's display.
1. 3. The phone's frame flexed and cracked the main screen when bent backward, indicating a vulnerability to sitting on it when open.

CCNET

24 Oct 2026

BusinessConsumer TechMarket Dynamics

Key takeaways

America, You Can't Get This Powerhouse Phone. It's a Shame
Oppo’s ambitious plans for the Find X10 Pro and its future high-end phones are America’s loss but Europe’s gain.
1. 1. Chinese phone-makers are not only matching but in some aspects surpassing Apple and Samsung in areas like batteries, fast charging, and cameras.
1. 2. Oppo was the fourth-largest phone-maker globally by shipments in the first half of this year, showing significant growth across the globe, especially in Europe.
1. 3. The US market's geopolitical roadblocks and the difficulty in establishing carrier relationships make it too tricky and precarious for Chinese tech companies to invest and scale.

CCNET

23 Oct 2026

TechUser-focused updateContent control

Key takeaways

YouTube Is Letting Us Vibe Our Video Feeds, and I’m Liking It
The mobile app is giving users more control of the videos they get.
1. 1. YouTube added a feature to the mobile app home page that enables you to create your own video feeds for whatever topics you want.
1. 2. The custom feed option appears as a plus sign on the horizontal menu at the top of the app’s home screen.
1. 3. For non-Premium users, you get three feeds. You get up to eight if you subscribe to YouTube Premium ($9 per month).

CCNET

23 Oct 2026

TechSecurityAI Risk

Key takeaways

Please Don't Let an AI Bot Log Into Your Bank Account
Banks are warning against giving too much access to AI agents.
1. 1. Whatever you do with AI, don’t give AI bots your banking information.
1. 2. When agents use your login info, “a bank cannot tell an authorized agent from an attacker using the exact same login,” said Ted Miracco, CEO of the mobile security firm Approov.
1. 3. Banks are aware of the risks and are already cracking down on unauthorized use of agentic agents.

CCNET

23 Oct 2026

EntertainmentControversialPromotional

Key takeaways

A 'Fallout' Competition Series Is Coming to Prime Video
Get your Pip-Boy ready, Vault Dweller! Fallout Shelter: The Experiment is coming soon.
1. 1. Prime Video announced today that a new reality competition series, inspired by Fallout, Bethesda Game Studios’ hit video game franchise and Amazon’s sci-fi drama, will launch on its platform early in the new year.
1. 2. Fallout Shelter: The Experiment is the official title, and its 10-episode season will drop the first four episodes on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2027, with three new episodes dropping weekly through Wednesday, Jan. 27.
1. 3. The series will pit the competitors against each other in “a series of high-octane drills, psychological dilemmas and morally challenging behavior trials” until there’s one person remaining to receive the grand prize of one million dollars.

CCNET

23 Oct 2026

TechTech EnthusiastProduct Launch

Key takeaways

The iPhone Duo Hit Stores Friday. Next Came Long Lines, Sellouts and Resellers
Crowds camped outside of stores before Apple’s first folding phone became available.
1. 1. Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, experienced long lines and sold out quickly upon its release.
1. 2. Demand for the iPhone Duo led to preorders with backlogs extending into the following year, and some customers were seen reselling the device immediately after purchase.
1. 3. Reviews suggest the iPhone Duo offers a premium foldable experience with features like split-screen capabilities and Apple Pencil support, though its broader appeal is still developing.

CCNET

23 Oct 2026

TechTech EnthusiastProduct Launch

Key takeaways

The iPhone Duo Is Selling Out Within Minutes of Apple Stores' Doors Opening
Crowds camped outside of stores up to two days before the iPhone Duo became available on Friday.
1. 1. The iPhone Duo sold out within minutes of many Apple stores opening on its launch day.
1. 2. Crowds lined up for the iPhone Duo across the country, with some waiting in line two days before the launch.
1. 3. The iPhone Duo's preorders opened on Oct. 16, but quickly turned into a backlog that stretches into early next year.

CCNET

23 Oct 2026

TechControversialOpinion

Key takeaways

New iPhone Duo? Here are 4 Features You Should Check Out Now
A handful of neat capabilities help Apple’s foldable phone feel even more intuitive.
1. 1. The iPhone Duo's foldable design and dual screens open up more ways to take pictures.
1. 2. Apple launched StandBy in 2023, which turns the iPhone into a smart display of sorts, with access to widgets like the clock, calendar and weather.
1. 3. The iPhone Duo can run up to two apps simultaneously in its open horizontal orientation, so you can watch a YouTube video on one half of your screen while texting your friends on the other, for example.

CCNET

23 Oct 2026

TechInformativeTech Guide

Key takeaways

iOS 27 Cheat Sheet: Quickly Become an Expert on the New iPhone Update
From new features to updates, here’s everything you should know about iOS 27.
1. 1. The latest iPhone OS introduced a revamped Siri AI to Apple Intelligence-compatible devices, as well as a handful of other features to all compatible iPhones, like an updated Safari browser.
1. 2. But many of iOS 27’s upgrades are more subtle, under-the-hood changes, so it’s easy to miss things on your new or newly updated iPhone.
1. 3. We put together this guide to help you navigate and use the latest features in iOS 27.

CCNET

23 Oct 2026

LifestyleControversialOpinion

Key takeaways

Beyond the Review: Inside the Onyx RCR 80V E
The Onyx RCR 80V can hit motorcycle speeds, but after hundreds of miles in the saddle, I found there’s a lot more to this compact e-bike than going fast.
1. 1. The Onyx RCR 80V is a compact electric motorbike with BMX-inspired maneuverability and modern electronics, designed for customization and longevity.
1. 2. The RCR's compact dimensions make it easy to move around underneath me and maneuver in tighter spaces.
1. 3. While using CarPlay, especially during a call, I want speed and battery status to remain easy to see.

CCNET

23 Oct 2026

LifestyleOpinionExpert

Key takeaways

Beyond the Review: Inside the Onyx RCR 80V
The Onyx RCR 80V can hit motorcycle speeds, but after hundreds of miles in the saddle, I found there’s a lot more to this compact electric machine than going fast.
1. 1. The Onyx RCR 80V offers BMX-inspired maneuverability with modern electronics, aiming for customizable and maintainable electric motorbikes.
1. 2. The bike's compact dimensions, CarPlay integration, and cruise control are notable features that enhance the daily riding experience.
1. 3. While the RCR 80V provides strong acceleration and power for hills, long-term durability and parts availability remain open questions for owners.

CCNET

22 Oct 2026

Current EventsScam AlertConsumer Advisory

Key takeaways

FTC Imposter Scam Threatens to Unplug Your Phone Number
Trust this genuine FTC warning. And maybe just don’t answer your phone.
1. 1. Fraudsters pretending to be from the FTC are calling to “warn” you that your phone number is being used to commit scams in another country and that if you don’t reply to them ASAP you run the risk of your phone getting deactivated.
1. 2. Ignoring unexpected calls from strangers gives you time to think rationally about claims, if they leave a voicemail, and if they don’t, that’s telling as well.
1. 3. In this case, it could start with the realization that it’s truly unlikely the FTC would be contacting individuals about this, especially before issuing a public statement that there’s a problem.

CCNET

22 Oct 2026

BusinessConsumer AdvocacyLegal Settlement

Key takeaways

Mobile Settle Dispute Over 4G Plan Price Hikes. How to Get a Credit
Customers on T-Mobile One accounts from 2017 through 2019 could get a free 5G phone, credit toward a more expensive 5G phone or their last month’s payment and $25 gift card.
1. 1. T-Mobile has reached an agreement with the New York State Attorney General's Office regarding claims of not honoring price guarantees for T-Mobile One plans on its 4G network between January 2017 and April 2019.
1. 2. Affected active T-Mobile customers who leave the carrier will be able to collect a credit worth the last month’s payment and a $25 gift card.
1. 3. Those who stay on and are still using an older phone can get a free 5G phone (worth up to $250) or credit up to $150 toward a more expensive 5G phone for lines that are still using 3G or 4G.

CCNET

22 Oct 2026

TechControversialOpinion

Key takeaways

I Tried Automating My Relationships Using AI Agents. Muse and Dots Overstepped
If it takes more time to review and approve a simple email than it would for me to write it myself, the whole promise of agentic AI falls flat.
1. 1. If it takes more time to review, revise and approve a simple email or DM than it would for me to do it myself, the whole prospect and promise of agentic AI falls flat.
1. 2. The bottom line on AI agents overstepping
1. 3. Overall, the experience didn’t leave me feeling more connected to anything but the AI companies.

CCNET

22 Oct 2026

BusinessEconomic ImpactConsumer Advocacy

Key takeaways

Americans Say Rising Utility Costs Are Straining Their Budgets. They’re Blaming Data Centers
1 in 5 households have cut back on groceries because of energy bills, according to a new Consumer Reports survey.
1. 1. Three out of four surveyed families reported that the utility rate increases have resulted in strained household finances.
1. 2. The two largest factors that ratepayers attributed their increased electricity bills to are utility company profits and AI infrastructure.
1. 3. Across the political spectrum, the vast majority of US voters oppose AI data center construction in their backyard.

CCNET

22 Oct 2026

TechControversialOpinion

Key takeaways

Shaped AI Lamp Companion, and I'm Smitten
The $849 Mori is designed to respond to your environment, knowing when to play and when to stay quiet.
1. 1. The Mori AI robot companion uses AI for playful restraint, responding contextually to its environment rather than demanding constant attention.
1. 2. The Mori processes images and audio on the device to discern context, then discards them, while storing facial recognition data for familiar faces without uploading.
1. 3. Priced at $849 for the standard edition, the Mori is positioned as a more affordable alternative to high-end companion robots like Sony's Aibo.

CCNET

22 Oct 2026

TechAITechnology Review

Key takeaways

I Went From AI Prompt to 3D
What started off as a dare became a fully fledged app in less than a day
1. 1. I went from these first few screenshots to a fully 3D-printed object in under 18 hours, and I’m impressed by how easy it was.
1. 2. I still don’t like generative AI, but I can’t help but be impressed by something that can take me from an idea to a physical product in less than a day.
1. 3. The screenshot clearly shows that it did, indeed, work.

CCNET

22 Oct 2026

TechControversialOpinion

Key takeaways

Test Driving an iPhone Duo? 6 Things to Try at the Apple Store
Apple’s first foldable has a lot going for it, but there may be some compromises you aren’t expecting. See for yourself if the Duo is for you.
1. 1. When the Duo was first revealed, Apple showed off a very intriguing animation when you unfold the it.
1. 2. The Duo has a minimal crease and a matte display, both of which are wins.
1. 3. You’ll want to be confident that the device is a good fit for your needs before plunking down $2,000 or more for the folding phone.

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