News
Google Pixel 3 XL leaks show mostly unchanged design
Like the Pixel 2 XL but with a notch
While early signs show that Google’s upcoming Pixel 3 XL will likely join in on the notch trend, it seems like it’ll retain a lot of the design cues of its predecessor.
That’s according to the leaked photos of the smartphone in question from XDA Developers. The live pictures back up previous reports that the larger of the two new Pixels will sport a notch at the top of its screen and a pair of front-facing cameras.
What’s new — or rather, old — is the rear design. The first thing you’ll notice is that the Pixel 3 XL still has a single camera on its back. It’s an unusual move considering how Huawei and possibly more brands are opting for up to a triple-camera system at this point.
However, we may be getting a sought-after feature: a glass back. That doesn’t sound so exciting at first (and will lead to a slippery surface), but it might enable wireless charging on the next-generation Pixel, which was missing on the previous two models.
Aside from those, you can barely tell this is a newer model judging by the two-tone design that’s been used since the original Pixel. Not that it’s a bad thing, since it has become the Pixel’s signature look, and has given way to attractive designs like the Panda colorway from last year. In addition, the audio port is still missing, and there’ll be a pair of front-facing speakers once again.
We’re hoping that Google can still find a way to surprise us with some advanced artificial intelligence or cool software tricks at the official launch, if this is in fact how the Pixel 3 XL will look like. Otherwise, we may be looking at yet another minor upgrade.
Events
Apple’s March 4 Event signals something bigger than a routine launch
When Apple breaks tradition, it usually means something big
Apple is gearing up for a big announcement, and the date is set — March 4, 2026.
Invites have gone out for an in-person “Apple Experience” happening simultaneously in New York, London, and Shanghai.
Typically, Apple hosts just two major in-person events each year: WWDC in June and the iPhone launch in September, both held at its Cupertino campus.
The last time the company staged a third in-person event was in spring 2024 for what became its largest-ever iPad refresh.
In-person events are usually reserved for major product launches, fueling speculation that Apple is preparing to introduce something significant.
While the company hasn’t officially confirmed the lineup, rumors point to a new entry-level Mac laptop featuring an aluminum chassis and bright color finishes, an aluminum chassis and bright color finishes.
Noted Apple leaker Mark Gurman says the invite’s yellow, green, and blue accents match colors Apple has reportedly tested for these upcoming devices.
Worth pointing out the three colors from the invite are light green, blue and yellow — which just so happen to be the colors Apple has tested the low-cost MacBook with, as I wrote yesterday. Coincidence? We shall see. https://t.co/1FFVkfw9JZ pic.twitter.com/ssKDDzdJsw
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) February 16, 2026
Additional reports suggest Apple could unveil an iPhone 17e, updated iPad and iPad Air models, upgraded MacBook Pro configurations powered by M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, a refreshed Studio Display, and an enhanced version of Siri with Google Gemini integration.
Whether all of these products make an appearance remains to be seen — but if the rumors hold true, 2026 is shaping up to be a major year for Apple.
Doomscrolling is the greatest enemy to everyone’s productivity today. The temptation to keep on scrolling for hours is an ever-present temptation. Taking a very strong stance against the phenomenon, the European Commission is now investigating TikTok for having an addictive interface.
Via Politico, Brussels is now prodding TikTok to change its interface. Very technically, the European Commission is not out to get doomscrolling, specifically. However, the major changes that they want to introduce “disabling infinite scrolling, setting strict screen time breaks, and changing its recommender systems.”
App addiction is a persistent problem today. Besides concerned parents, governments around the world have been trying to regulate addiction, especially when it comes to children. The European Commission, as is apparent from this new initiative, is at the forefront of preventing addiction.
Though the target is explicitly TikTok right now, changing addictive interfaces will also affect other social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and X. Most platforms nowadays thrive on encouraging users to keep scrolling through more content.
Right now, TikTok isn’t set to change just yet. However, the report states that the European Commission is willing to work with platforms for a better, non-addictive interface. It’s less abrasive than the region’s recent privacy initiatives, which requires users to verify their age before accessing mature content.
Laptops
Are you ready for a more colorful MacBook?
Apple is experimenting with quirkier colorway options for the MacBook.
In recent years, Apple has relented on limiting the colors of its devices to only the more premium-looking options. Users can now pick quirkier colors for their iPhones, highlighted currently by the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro Max. Soon, the same splashes of color might make its way to the MacBook lineup.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has been testing different colorway options for its upcoming entry-level MacBook. The unannounced lineup might come in pink, light yellow, light green, and blue.
It’s a big change for MacBooks. Currently, the only “quirky” option that users can get is the MacBook Air’s Sky Blue, which honestly looks more silvery than blue. Other than that, the MacBook simply seesaws from different shades of gold, silver, and black.
To be fair, the upcoming MacBook will still have the traditional colorways of the current lineup. Additionally, it’s unclear whether Apple will ultimately include all its experimental colors into the final lineup.
Reportedly, the new lineup will cost somewhere between US$ 699 to US$ 799. Of course, the lower price tag will come at the expense of some specs. Although, it should still be good if we’re talking about an entry-level laptop.
It’s even more interesting if it’s hinting at the return of truly colorful options but for the notebook. The iMac already got a similar renaissance back in 2024, which mimics the classic computer’s colorful history.
SEE ALSO: M5 MacBook Pro review
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