Don’t miss the top headlines from across the web! Stay connected with what’s happening in the world of tech, from iPhone 17 to Google Videos and more – we have you covered. Check out this week’s tech news round-up!
Instapaper Replaces Pocket on Kobo E-Readers
Kobo pushed a free firmware update that swaps Pocket for Instapaper as the built-in read-it-later service, arriving just before Pocket’s data shuts down for good. The change means Kobo owners can continue saving long-form articles directly to their e-readers without a paid Instapaper subscription, and the new integration supports most current Kobo models. Kobo’s move addresses a tangle left by Pocket’s winding down and aims to keep the e-reading workflow seamless for heavy article consumers. Users should apply the firmware update to migrate saved links while they still can and check settings to confirm Instapaper syncing is active. Kobo and Instapaper say the pairing will be maintained and improved, which should reassure longtime Pocket users switching over.
Honor Refreshes Mobile Line with Magic V5, MagicPad 3, and MagicBook Art 14
Honor launched a new hardware wave, including the Magic V5 foldable, MagicPad 3 tablet, and the MagicBook Art 14 laptop, emphasizing thin designs and flagship specs across the lineup. The Magic V5 touts an exceptionally thin chassis for a foldable and high-refresh OLED panel, while the MagicPad 3 brings tablet improvements aimed at creators; the Art 14 rounds out a light-but-capable laptop option. Honor is leaning into value and polish—offering features like strong battery life and capable cameras while pushing into markets that still want bold hardware experiments. Pricing and regional availability vary, but Honor’s strategy is clear: compete on design and features in crowded device categories. Early hands-on impressions highlight build quality and aggressive thinness as key differentiators for the V5.
Microsoft Copilot Arrives on Samsung TVs and Monitors, Bringing GPT-5 Power
Microsoft expanded Copilot into Samsung TVs and monitors, embedding AI assistance directly into screens for things like summarizing content, drafting replies, and controlling apps—now powered by GPT-5 and a new Smart Mode that routes queries to the right model automatically. Users can ask Copilot on supported Samsung displays for meeting recaps, recipe steps, or to pull up contextual information without switching devices, and enterprise features land under Microsoft 365 integrations. The move turns the living room screen into a more interactive assistant and reflects Microsoft’s push to make AI omnipresent across surfaces rather than confined to phones or laptops. Privacy controls and admin settings aim to keep enterprise deployments manageable, while consumer versions focus on convenience and entertainment tie-ins. This step broadens where Copilot can be useful and demonstrates Microsoft’s strategy of embedding advanced models into everyday hardware.
Kwikset’s Halo Select Plus Adds NFC Home Keys and Matter Support
Kwikset updated its Halo Select Plus smart lock to support NFC tap-to-unlock home keys along with Matter compatibility, letting guests use phones or NFC cards for quick entry without complicated app installs. The lock’s Matter implementation promises better cross-platform reliability across ecosystems like HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa, while NFC keys make short-term access easier for deliveries, cleaners, or guests. Installers will appreciate streamlined provisioning and the option to manage credentials locally or through integrated smart-home platforms. Kwikset’s focus is on convenience plus interoperability—reducing friction for households that juggle multiple smart-home vendors. For people who want simple, secure ways to share access without full user accounts, NFC plus Matter hits a practical sweet spot.
Google’s Vids Lets Anyone Make AI Avatars and Image-to-Video Clips
Google opened Vids—its AI video tool—to more users, enabling image-to-video and avatar generation powered by Gemini models so creators can transform stills into short motion clips or generate avatar-guided scenes. The feature stitches together visuals, voice, and motion with simple text prompts and lets users refine outputs with additional guidance; it’s meant for quick social clips, mockups, and creative experiments rather than polished film work. Google emphasizes safety guardrails and a moderation layer, but creators should still watch for artifacts and check output fidelity before publishing. Vids lowers the barrier to entry for multimedia content creation, letting smaller teams or solo creators prototype video concepts in minutes. As with many generative tools, expect rapid iteration—improvements to realism and control will arrive fast.
Apple Sets iPhone 17 Launch Event for September 9
Apple confirmed an iPhone 17 event on September 9, where the company is expected to unveil the new iPhone family. In addition, Apple will potentially announce other accessories or software updates tied to iOS’s next major release. Rumors on the iPhone 17 point to incremental camera, battery, and performance upgrades. Likewise, the iPhone 17 will also likely include deeper AI-driven features baked into the OS. Of course, this continues Apple’s cadence of polishing hardware while layering on software differentiators. The event timing lines up with typical Apple fall launches, meaning preorder windows and ship dates will follow quickly for eager iPhone 17 buyers. Developers and accessory makers should watch for final spec changes for the iPhone 17 and new APIs that may affect app behavior or case design. For consumers, the event will clarify upgrade value and trade-in timing for those weighing a fall iPhone 17 purchase.
Spotify Rolls Out DMs and Audio Clipboard Sharing to Boost Social Listening
Spotify added direct messages and richer audio-sharing tools so users can send songs, playlists, and short voice clips to each other inside the app—moves aimed at keeping more social music activity native rather than pushed to external chat apps. DMs support text and audio snippets and make collaborative playlisting and discovery feel more conversational and immediate, lowering friction for friends to swap finds. The feature also integrates sharing controls so creators can opt in or out of message-based promos, and Spotify says it’s testing moderation and spam protections. For listeners, it’s a convenience win; for Spotify, it increases time-in-app and creates new engagement pathways that could tie into future social product experiments. Expect iterative tweaks as Spotify balances utility with noise control.
When:
