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2026-09-16T14:25:44.997Z

September Pixel Drop is rolling out now

pixel 11 pro and 11 pro xl review images — (Image credit: Future)

Google's September Pixel Drop update is rolling out now, giving a software boost to handsets as old as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Alongside bug fixes and security updates, there are a couple of new features Pixel owners will be getting.

One of them, Pause Point, was a Pixel 11 exclusive until now. It allows you to add a pause before opening any potentially distracting apps. Think of it as a self-imposed guardrail against doomscrolling. The September Pixel Drop also brings Scam Detection within notifications to nine new countries, including the U.K.

2026-09-16T08:56:54.882Z

iOS 27 has an animation when you call someone on their birthday

iOS 27 has arrived, and we've already given you a list of the 7 features you should try first. But Apple has added a fun little tidbit to the Phone app that happens whenever you call a contact on their birthday. As spotted by X user Tiino-X83, the same fireworks animation users see on the Apple Watch will now appear on the iPhone screen, accompanied by a "Happy Birthday" message.

Nouveautés iOS 27 ! 📱Une animation s’affiche désormais lorsque vous appelez un contact le jour de son anniversaire ! 🎂 pic.twitter.com/V1TxKkpk0ASeptember 13, 2026

Apple Watch wearers have been used to getting the birthday fireworks (the same ones we see at New Year) for a while now. But according to the release notes for watchOS 27, wearers can also opt to see birthday reminders for close contacts on the Apple Watch Smart Stack.

2026-09-15T08:29:32.187Z

Samsung reportedly pushing to hike its RAM chip prices even higher

Four RAM slots — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

The effects of the current RAM crisis are being felt across the tech industry, and Samsung — one of the world's top memory suppliers — is reportedly pushing for another 7% to 10% price hike on mobile DRAM and NAND chips.

That would mean a knock-on effect of even more expensive consumer electronics. Amazingly, Samsung's own handsets, like the upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra, could also increase in price as a result. According to a report from SamMobile, Samsung's mobile division doesn't get any preferential treatment from its semiconductor division.