phone lines

Brazil is following the second round of its municipal elections, with the electoral authority updating vote tallies. The Goiás Regional Electoral Tribunal said voters in Goiânia can request information by phone via line 148 during the runoff. Attention is focused on real-time results and how the count progresses in key cities.

Reports from Brazil suggest Samsung is considering bringing forward the launch of the Galaxy S27 line, including the S27 Ultra, so it does not cede ground to Apple's expected iPhone 18. The move would mark a change from Samsung's usual early-year release window for its flagship phones. Interest in the S27 Ultra is already building among tech enthusiasts in the region.

Mexico's Consumer Telephone Regulation body (CRT) has suspended more than one million phone lines ending in the digit 4, with additional numbers facing deactivation under a rolling schedule announced for October 18. Outlets including El Universal and Debate are explaining how affected users can verify their number and re-link it to regain service, publishing step-by-step guides for recovering suspended lines.

Russian media report that the Kremlin has responded to questions over whether Vladimir Putin's traditional annual "Direct Line" phone-in programme will take place. The televised event, in which Putin answers questions from citizens live, has been a fixture of Russian political life for years. The announcement is drawing attention in Russia as audiences wait to see whether the format will return this year.

PCMag compares Apple's foldable iPhone duo against Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, weighing which device better suits buyers. The comparison covers how Apple's first foldables stack up against Samsung's established line in design, features and everyday use, offering guidance for shoppers deciding between the two flagship folding phones.

NPR's public affairs program 1A is holding an economy-focused call-in episode under its regular 'Money' strand, inviting listeners to phone in with questions and experiences about personal finances and the broader economy. The format gives audiences a direct line to discuss inflation, jobs, and household budgets on air. Beyond the program listing itself, no further details about specific topics or guests were available.

Apple has put its foldable iPhone Duo on sale in Apple Stores worldwide, priced at $1,999. The launch marks Apple's entry into the foldable phone market, a segment long dominated by Samsung and other Android makers, and buyers are lining up to get the first units as reviews and first impressions circulate.

Apple is pointing buyers toward walk-in, in-store availability of the iPhone Duo this Friday, suggesting shoppers line up early for their best chance at getting one. The device has been hard to obtain, and the news is being shared widely among tech watchers as a practical tip for anyone still trying to buy the phone.

Mexican media are reporting a rise in 911 emergency calls, with women and millennials leading a spike in calls related to mental health crises. Authorities in Mexico City and Ciudad Victoria also note growing calls over domestic violence, while the Federal Telecommunications Institute confirmed 911 calls remain guaranteed even on disabled phone lines. Separately, US news covered the Supreme Court rejecting a bid to revive a plea deal for the accused 9/11 mastermind.

Reports detail the major upgrades Samsung is planning for the Galaxy S27 Ultra, the next flagship in its Ultra lineup. Details shared by tech outlets point to significant hardware changes beyond incremental updates, though Samsung has not confirmed the specifications. The leaks are fueling speculation about the direction of the company's premium smartphone line.

Attention is turning to the route for the 2026 series of Celebrity Race Across The World, the BBC show in which famous contestants race between checkpoints with limited money and no phones. Interest centres on which countries and continents the next celebrity pairings will cross as speculation about the new line-up builds.

NBC10 Philadelphia is asking audiences to share the largest amount of money they have ever spent on a technology purchase. The question invites people to discuss gadgets, computers, phones or other devices and the price tags attached to them, prompting conversations about how much consumers are willing to pay for the latest tech and where they draw the line on spending.

Polk County Schools in Tennessee have regained internet and phone service after an outage disrupted communications across the district. Local 3 News reported the update, confirming lines are back online. No details have been given on what caused the outage or how long schools were affected.

Polk County Schools are without internet and phone service following an outage, leaving the district unable to use its online systems and phone lines. Local news outlet Local 3 News reported the disruption. The district has not said what caused the outage or when service is expected to be restored.

Telecom crews are working to restore internet and phone connections across areas hit by Tropical Storm Isaias. Crews are repairing damaged lines and infrastructure so residents can regain communication services. Restorations are being prioritised as communities recover from the storm's impact.

Apple is rumoured to have delayed the standard iPhone 18, and speculation now suggests the company may compensate by giving the base model features or positioning closer to the iPhone 18 Pro line. Discussion is centred on whether Apple will blur the line between its standard and Pro models in the 2026 lineup, effectively upgrading the regular phone rather than letting buyers wait.

AT&T is seeing higher revenue per wireless phone line while revenue per home internet customer declines, according to a Stock Titan report. The shift points to growth in mobile pricing against pricing pressure in the residential broadband market, where competition has pushed internet plans cheaper even as wireless bills keep rising.

Paris RER B operator has published its weekly agenda for October 19 to 25, covering phone-based ticketing, a luggage awareness campaign, an NFL game at the Stade de France, the switch to winter time and night works. Riders are being pointed to the full schedule on the line's website to plan their journeys.

Accessory maker Benks has introduced a new line of Kevlar protective cases designed for the iPhone 18 Pro. The design has drawn attention for its distinctive look, with commentators noting the styling resembles something suited to a holiday cruise. The launch offers early case options for Apple's next flagship phone before its expected release.

A new leak has reportedly revealed the name and specifications of Motorola's upcoming foldable phone designed to compete with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold line, referred to as Apple's iPhone duo competitor. Details shared by PhoneArena suggest the device's branding and key specs are now all but confirmed, fueling anticipation for an official announcement from Motorola in the near future.