Don’t miss the top headlines from across the web! Stay connected with what’s happening in the world of tech, from Sonos to Meta’s VR Prototypes and more, we have you covered. Check out this week’s tech news round-up!
Meta’s “Tiramisu” and “Boba 3” VR Research Prototypes
At SIGGRAPH 2025, Meta revealed three research prototype headsets—“Tiramisu,” “Boba 3,” and “Boba 3 VR”—showcasing advances in contrast, resolution, and field of view beyond current Quest devices. Tiramisu achieves roughly 3× the contrast and 3.6× the angular resolution of Quest 3, hitting up to 1,400 nits of brightness for lifelike visuals, though it is bulkier and heavier than consumer models. The Boba 3 variants use mass-production displays and Quest-style lenses to deliver a 180° horizontal and 120° vertical field of view—nearly matching the human visual system’s breadth. Both Boba 3 headsets pack 4K×4K per-eye resolution, up from 3K×3K in Boba 2 and 2K×1K in Boba 1 prototypes. Meta emphasizes these are purely research devices—novel concepts that may never ship—yet they provide a glimpse of future immersive experiences.
Microsoft Brings GPT-5 to Copilot with New Smart Mode
Microsoft has integrated GPT-5 into Copilot, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Azure AI Foundry, and GitHub Copilot—introducing a “Smart Mode” that dynamically selects between models for faster or deeper responses. The unified GPT-5 rollout coincides with OpenAI’s public launch, offering free and paid users access to advanced reasoning and logic tailored to enterprise and consumer tasks. Copilot’s Smart Mode eliminates manual toggles, automatically routing complex queries through the full GPT-5 model while handling simpler prompts with leaner versions. Microsoft 365 subscribers immediately gain improved context retention and multi-step reasoning for tasks like drafting reports or analyzing data. Developers can also use GPT-5 via Azure AI Foundry’s model router, ensuring the right variant powers each application.
DJI’s Romo Robovac Combines Drone Tech with a Transparent Design
DJI’s first robot vacuum, the Romo, leverages drone-inspired sensors and a unique transparent housing that reveals its inner workings—and it’s debuting in China first. Available in three models (Romo S, A, and fully transparent P), the lineup features binocular fisheye vision and wide-angle laser sensors running machine-learning perception algorithms to detect and avoid obstacles as fine as 2 mm cables. With up to 25,000 Pa of suction, dual roller brushes, and spinning mop pads, the Romo rivals Roomba’s top offerings while offering anti-tangle and debris-sensitive cleaning modes. The Romo’s dock auto-empties, cleans, refills, and charges the bot in 2.5 hours, while voice commands enable targeted cleaning or security-camera functions. Global availability is expected later this year, though U.S. launch details remain unconfirmed.
Sonos Voice Control Expands to Philips Hue Smart Home Integration
By year’s end, Sonos Voice Control will support Philips Hue lighting, allowing users to adjust lights with the same privacy-focused, local-processing assistant that already handles music, timers, and weather. Introduced in 2022 after Sonos acquired private-by-design AI startup Snips, the assistant keeps voice data entirely on the device, contrasting with cloud-based rivals. Philips Hue compatibility promises commands like “turn living-room lights to 50 percent” or “activate movie time scene” directly through Sonos speakers. While specifics await a Philips Hue media event at IFA 2025, the move signals Sonos’ ambition to become a central smart-home hub. This integration bridges audio and lighting, streamlining home control under one privacy-first interface.
Instagram Adds TikTok-Style Reposts Feed and Snap Map–Inspired Locator
Instagram this week rolled out a reposts feature for Reels and grid posts, letting users “reblog” content into a new tab on their profile and into followers’ feeds—mirroring TikTok’s repost button. It also introduced an opt-in “Your Map” feed in DMs that displays friends’ last shared locations and public posts tagged at events or venues, borrowing heavily from Snapchat’s Snap Map. Additionally, the Reels Activity tab now offers granular controls—users can hide their own likes and reposts or mute others’ interactions to reduce unwanted visibility. These features reflect Instagram’s shift toward short-form video and discovery, though some creators worry about reduced photo reach. As feeds become more recommendation-driven, these updates deepen engagement but may further marginalize traditional photo sharing
Invest in a high-quality sound system, like Dolby Atmos, which provides an immersive 3D sound experience. Consider a 7.1 or even 9.2 channel setup, ensuring speakers are strategically placed for optimal audio.
Have a Great Weekend! 
