From the NBA to Sony audio-sharing and more, we have you covered on the leading tech news of the week. Stay connected to what’s happening from across the web with our weekly round-up. Check out this week’s tech news blog!
AWS and the NBA Bring New AI-Driven Player Stats to Broadcasts
Amazon Web Services is rolling out new AI tools with the NBA and it’s “Inside the Game” platform. The tool will work to surface previously unseen player metrics during the 2025–26 season. The NBA system tracks dozens of body points and uses machine learning to produce stats like shot difficulty. In addition, the NBA tool uses a defender-focused Defensive Score Box that breaks out impacts by defender. Those new metrics will appear in broadcasts and the NBA app, and fans can also search plays at a much finer level using a Play Finder tool. The NBA and AWS integration aims to deepen analysis for broadcasters, coaches, and superfans. Likewise, it makes advanced analytics more accessible during live games. It’s a clear example of sports production leaning into real-time AI to tell richer stories on the court.
Instagram Tests Opening Straight to Reels From the Home Tab
Instagram is experimenting with a Home tab that opens directly into Reels for some users, a test that underscores the app’s continued pivot toward short, full-screen video discovery. The change replaces the classic feed-first experience with one that prioritizes algorithmic video surfacing, making Reels the initial canvas for scrolling sessions. Instagram says it’s testing the layout to see how people react, and the company is also tuning controls so users can more easily switch back to a feed-oriented view if they prefer. For creators, that means Reels discoverability could increase even further; for longtime photo-first users, it’s another nudge toward video. Watch for more tweaks as Instagram balances creator reach, ads, and user preferences.
Sony Adds Audio-Sharing to Flagship Headphones and Earbuds
Sony’s latest firmware updates bring a long-requested audio-sharing feature to the WH-1000XM6 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds, letting two Sony listeners pair and listen to the same device simultaneously. The update improves social listening scenarios—two people on a flight or in a café can share audio without cumbersome cable splits or third-party apps. Sony also bundled performance tweaks and bug fixes, keeping focus on call quality and multipoint stability for power users. These updates extend the life and utility of flagship audio hardware without requiring new purchases, which is great news for owners. Expect a gradual rollout via Sony’s Headphones Connect app.
Google Refreshes Nest Cams and Doorbell with New Hardware and Home App Features
Google launched new Nest cameras and a redesigned Nest Doorbell, along with updates to the Home app that simplify setup, activity zones, and privacy controls for households. The camera family includes indoor and outdoor variants with clearer HDR video, better low-light performance, and more affordable options alongside premium tiers. The refreshed Home app centralizes controls and notifications, making it easier to manage multiple cameras and subscription settings in one place. For users, the update is both a hardware refresh and a UX push to reduce friction in everyday home monitoring. If you’re evaluating a camera upgrade, the new Nest line aims to balance clarity, smart-detection features, and tighter privacy defaults.
Oura’s New Ceramic Rings and Charging Case Add Color and Convenience
Oura expanded its ring line with colorful ceramic finishes and a new charging case that doubles as polished storage, aiming at users who want wellness tracking with a bit more style. The new rings keep Oura’s sleep and readiness sensors while introducing fresh material choices that resist scratches and look more like jewelry. The ceramic charging case adds portability and design cohesion for users who wear their rings daily and want a better on-the-go solution. Pricing lands at a premium relative to basic wearables, positioning these as lifestyle tech for people who value design as much as metrics. Functionally, the update nudges wearable health tracking toward mainstream style sensibilities.
Amazon’s Hardware Event Brings New Ring Cameras and Alexa+ Features
At Amazon’s fall hardware showcase, the company unveiled refreshed Echo devices, Fire TVs, and an expanded Ring lineup that includes upgraded 2K/4K cameras and new AI-enabled features like smarter notifications and neighbor-assisted search tools. The event also doubled down on Alexa+, Amazon’s LLM-powered assistant experience, which will be integrated across new Echo and Fire TV models. Ring’s new cameras emphasize clearer footage, AI summaries, and improved neighbor-network features for locating lost pets or spotting shared events. Taken together, the announcements show Amazon pushing AI into both entertainment and home-security products while making new hardware the primary route to its advanced assistant features.