As the week comes to a close, we are rounding out the latest headlines in the world of tech. From New Fire HD Tablets to Spotify updates and more, we have you covered. Check out what’s happening in this week’s blog!
Amazon Unveils New Fire HD 8 with AI Tools and Improved Specs
Amazon has unveiled its new Fire HD 8 tablet, featuring generative AI-powered tools like Writing Assist, webpage summaries, and wallpaper creation from prompts. These tools will also be available on other Fire tablets, including the Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11. The new Fire HD 8 offers improved specs, such as 3GB of RAM, a 5MP rear camera, and up to 13 hours of battery life, with storage options of 32GB or 64GB, expandable via microSD. Priced at $99.99, the new Fire HD is already on sale for $54.99 ahead of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days. Rumors suggest upgraded Kindle e-readers may be coming soon.
Sony Updates WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM5 with New Features and Find My Device Support
Sony has released firmware updates for its WF-1000XM5 earbuds and WH-1000XM5 headphones, adding compatibility with Google’s Find My Device network, making them easier to locate if lost. The updates also introduce Auto Switch, a feature from Sony’s new LinkBuds Speaker, allowing seamless playback transition between wireless devices. Users must install Sony’s new Sound Connect app for the updates, which also improve security and streamline Google Fast Pair through LE Audio priority connection for faster pairing with Android devices.
Aqara Launches U300 Smart Lever Lock with Matter and Apple Home Key Support
Aqara has introduced its first smart lever lock, the U300, available on Amazon for $229.99. The U300 supports Matter-over-Thread and Apple Home Key, allowing users to unlock doors via apps like Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home, as well as using a fingerprint reader, keypad, or physical keys. With weatherproofing, an IPX4 rating, and up to 10 months of battery life, it’s ideal for both interior and exterior doors. The U300 also features a USB-C emergency port and is available in North America, with wider availability expected soon.
Samsung to Introduce Tap-to-Unlock Feature for Smart Locks in 2025
Samsung has announced that, starting in 2025, Galaxy device users will be able to tap their phone or smartwatch to unlock smart door locks, similar to Apple’s Home Key feature. By adopting the new Aliro smart lock standard for its Samsung Wallet’s Digital Home Key, Samsung will enable tap-to-unlock and hands-free unlocking for Aliro-compatible locks, utilizing NFC and UWB technology. This feature will allow users to unlock doors without needing to open an app or unlock their phone. The first Aliro-compatible smart locks are expected to hit the market next year.
Spotify Introduces Offline Backup Playlist for Premium Users
Spotify has launched a new feature called Offline Backup. The feature automatically generates a playlist of recently streamed songs to keep your music playing when offline. The playlist evolves based on your listening habits. It appears in the app’s home feed whenever an internet connection is lost, provided offline listening is enabled in settings. Available only to premium subscribers, the playlist can be filtered by artist, mood, and genre, and can be permanently added to your library if desired. This feature builds on similar offerings from other streaming services like YouTube Music and Netflix.