As the week comes to a close, we are wrapping up the latest headlines in the world of tech. From Oura Ring Updates to Google’s Project Aura and more, we have you covered on tech and media news. Read this week’s blog and stay connected!
Meta Tests AI-Powered 3D Instagram Photos on Quest Headsets
Meta’s Quest v77 update is rolling out an experimental feature that automatically converts standard 2D Instagram feed images into immersive 3D photos using AI view-synthesis, giving them depth when viewed in VR—no special cameras needed. The trial, available only to a subset of Quest users, debuts alongside other v77 additions including Navigator (a customizable hub for apps, friends, notifications, and settings accessed via the controller’s Meta/Oculus button), experimental Bluetooth LE audio support, a movable “follow-me” window option, and Horizon for PC, which merges Quest Link, casting, and remote desktop into one desktop app.
Rode Wireless Micro Update Adds Direct Bluetooth Connection to iPhone
Rode’s latest firmware adds “Direct Connect,” letting the $149 Wireless Micro pair straight to iOS devices over Bluetooth without its USB-C receiver; the trade-offs are iOS-only compatibility, a single-mic limit, and reduced range versus the receiver. The update also brings per-mic noise-reduction, in-app output-gain control, and the choice to record two mics as a merged stereo track or separate channels for easier post-production.
Google and Samsung Team Up to Add Desktop Mode in Android 16
Google is integrating a DeX-style desktop interface directly into Android 16, partnering with Samsung to expand the phone-to-PC experience beyond Galaxy devices. Demonstrated at Google I/O, the mode centers apps like Gmail, Chrome, YouTube, and Photos on a taskbar at the bottom of an external display, while adaptive windowing lets apps freely resize and reposition. A status bar showing time, Wi-Fi, and battery sits at the top, mirroring laptop conventions. Google says the feature will help apps scale fluidly across foldables, tablets, Chromebooks, mixed-reality headsets, and cars, marking Android 16’s broader push for cross-device versatility.
Oura Ring Update Adds Real-Steps Algorithm, Smarter Calorie Burn, and New Fitness Integrations
Oura is rolling out global firmware and app upgrades that introduce “Real Steps.” The machine-learning pedometer counts steps more accurately on your Oura Ring. In addition, your Oura Ring will adjust active-calorie estimates using heart-rate intensity, and extend activity tracking through the night. The ring also allows seven-day retroactive workout edits that automatically recalculate Readiness and Activity Scores. The update also delivers GPS-based running splits, imports heart-rate data from Apple Health, Strava, and Android Health Connect. In addition, the Oura ring update debuts new partnerships with CorePower Yoga, The Sculpt Society, Technogym, and Open, which will tailor training and recovery advice to each user’s refreshed biometrics.
TikTok–SoundCloud Integration Lets Users Save Discovered Tracks in One Tap
TikTok’s “Add to Music App” button now supports SoundCloud, enabling users to instantly save songs they discover in videos to a dedicated TikTok playlist within the SoundCloud app, joining existing integrations with Apple Music, Spotify, and others. The feature, which has already driven over a billion song saves since launching last year, streamlines music discovery and helps emerging artists expand their audience beyond the video platform as it rolls out globally starting today.
Google Partners with Xreal on “Project Aura” Smart Glasses Powered by Android XR
At Google I/O, Google and AR-wearable maker Xreal unveiled Project Aura, a pair of optical see-through smart glasses that run Android XR on a Qualcomm chipset and feature built-in Gemini AI, wide field-of-view displays, hinge- and bridge-mounted cameras, microphones, and on-frame controls; positioned as the second Android XR device after Samsung’s Project Moohan, Project Aura invites developers to port their headset apps to the glasses ahead of a consumer launch, signaling Google’s renewed platform-first push into smart eyewear while leaving hardware execution to partners.