Tag: high-tech solutions

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From the Starlink Mini to Counsel Health and More! | Tech News

Stay connected with the world of technology and media with our weekly round-up. From the Starlink Mini to Counsel Health and more, we have you covered. Check out what you may have missed in this week’s Tech News blog!

Google Tabletop Turns AI Into a Collaborative Planning Tool

Google’s experimental Tabletop platform could make planning trips, events, and household projects more interactive. The Google Labs tool lets users create customized collaborative spaces by describing what they need, including savings trackers, chore charts, dinner polls, expense splitters, and tournament brackets. Users can add links, files, and ideas to a shared space, while Tabletop’s built-in AI generates interactive tools from that information. Finished projects can be shared through an invite link so multiple people can work inside the same space at once, similar to a Google Doc. Access is currently available through a waitlist for users ages 18 and older in the United States.

Adobe Max Previews a New Generation of Experimental AI Tools

Creative work is getting another dose of generative AI through a collection of experimental projects unveiled at Adobe Max 2026. Project Screen Test lets creators develop AI characters by speaking with them, shaping everything from personality and voice to backstory, fears, and movement. Another experiment, Project Sight Span, can transform a flat photograph or illustration into an explorable 3D environment that lets users reposition the viewing angle. Adobe also demonstrated Project Sound Bender for generating and adjusting synchronized audio, along with Project Rinse Repeat for copying edits across multiple people or objects in an image. These features are still experiments rather than confirmed product releases, but they offer a glimpse at how Adobe is exploring more interactive approaches to AI-assisted creative work.

Serve Robotics Opens Its Delivery Robots to Developers

Local businesses may soon have an easier way to put autonomous sidewalk robots to work without relying on a major delivery app. Serve Robotics has launched an AV Delivery Developer Portal that gives developers, small businesses, and even AI agents access to its fleet of roughly 2,000 delivery robots. The service is available across the approximately 150 neighborhoods where Serve currently operates, allowing businesses to dispatch robots directly through software tools. Potential uses extend beyond restaurant delivery to florists, pharmacies, repair shops, office deliveries, and peer-to-peer exchanges. Serve says direct access could also help merchants avoid some of the substantial commissions charged by traditional food delivery platforms.

Disney Plus Brings More Than 60 3D Movies to Meta Quest

Virtual reality movie nights are getting a significant upgrade through an updated Disney Plus app for Meta Quest. Subscribers can now stream more than 60 movies in 3D, including The Avengers and Black Panther. Select films also offer themed virtual environments, allowing viewers to watch Star Wars: A New Hope from a Tatooine-inspired setting or Monsters, Inc. from a recreation of the Scare Floor. Disney Plus plans to bring additional immersive viewing features to Meta’s upcoming VR Glasses, which are expected to launch in spring 2027. The update gives Meta another entertainment use case for its headsets while offering Disney a new way to showcase its large catalog of blockbuster franchises.

Oura Acquires Counsel Health in a $625 Million Deal

Wearable health data could play a much bigger role in virtual medical care. Oura has agreed to acquire Counsel Health for $625 million. Counsel operates an AI-powered healthcare platform. The platform analyzes information from wearable devices. Additionally, it answers medical questions and connects users with physicians when additional care is needed. Oura says the acquisition will help combine biometric tracking and clinical AI. Likewise, it will also have access to doctors within a more integrated health experience. The companies plan to focus on preventative care, short-term health concerns, and specialty or chronic care areas such as reproductive and cardiometabolic health. Counsel’s roughly 70 employees will join Oura after the deal closes, which is expected before the end of the year.

Starlink Mini 2 Adds a Hot-Swappable Battery

Portable satellite internet is becoming more self-contained with SpaceX’s new Starlink Mini 2. The laptop-sized Starlink terminal combines the satellite dish, Wi-Fi router, and an integrated battery into a single device. The Starlink device can operate for up to 4.5 hours on a full charge. Users can extend that Starlink runtime by swapping in additional batteries. In addition, Starlink users can connect the Mini 2 to a 60W USB-C power source. Despite adding a battery, Starlink has made the new model thinner than the original. Likewise, the Starlink Mini 2 retains an IP67 rating for outdoor use. The $999 package includes one year of Roam Unlimited service. Preorders for the Starlink Mini 2 are currently available by invitation to select customers in the United States.

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From the NASA X-70 to a Premium Motorola and More! | Tech News

Stay connected with the world of technology and media with our weekly roundup. From NASA’s X-70 aircraft to a premium Motorola smartphone and more, we have you covered. Check out what you may have missed in this week’s Tech News blog!

NASA Tests an Experimental X-70 Aircraft With a Radical Design

A futuristic aircraft concept is giving NASA a new way to explore how unconventional shapes could improve aviation efficiency. The experimental X-70 Fractal uses a distinctive wing design built from repeating geometric structures. Unlike most aircraft, the X-70 does not rely on a traditional wing-and-tail configuration. Researchers hope the X-70 could reduce weight, improve aerodynamic performance, and eventually support more fuel-efficient flight. For now, the X-70 remains an experimental platform designed to test new technologies and collect data. NASA’s work with the X-70 continues a long tradition of using X-planes to explore ideas that could influence the future of aircraft design.

Motorola’s Signature 27 Takes Aim at the Premium Smartphone Market

Luxury touches and high-end hardware are at the center of Motorola’s latest flagship smartphone. The Signature 27 features a 6.8-inch OLED display, Qualcomm’s latest premium processor, and a camera system designed to compete with top-tier devices from Apple, Samsung, and Google. Motorola is also emphasizing materials and design, positioning the handset as a more refined alternative within its increasingly broad smartphone portfolio. The device arrives as the company continues trying to strengthen its presence beyond the midrange and foldable categories where it has found recent success. Pricing and availability vary by market, with Motorola targeting consumers who want flagship specifications without automatically choosing one of the industry’s dominant smartphone brands. 

Discord Is Rebuilding Its Desktop App Without Electron

A major technical overhaul could make Discord faster and more efficient on desktop computers. The company is moving away from Electron, the framework that has long allowed it to package its web experience as a desktop application across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Discord plans to replace it with more native technologies that can better take advantage of each operating system while reducing memory consumption and improving responsiveness. Electron has made cross-platform development easier for many companies, but apps built with it have also developed a reputation for consuming significant system resources. Rebuilding Discord’s desktop experience represents a substantial engineering undertaking, but it could result in a lighter application for millions of users who leave the service running throughout the day.

Amazon Brings Uber Eats Restaurant Delivery to Prime Members

Ordering dinner is becoming another benefit inside Amazon’s growing Prime ecosystem through an expanded partnership with Uber Eats. Prime members can access restaurant delivery benefits through Amazon, creating a more direct connection between the retailer’s subscription service and Uber’s food delivery network. The partnership builds on the companies’ existing relationship and gives Amazon another way to add everyday value to Prime without building its own restaurant delivery operation from scratch. For Uber, exposure to Amazon’s enormous membership base could encourage more customers to use Uber Eats and potentially strengthen its position against DoorDash. The arrangement reflects a broader trend of subscription platforms bundling services from outside companies to make monthly memberships feel more indispensable. 

Nothing Is Developing a Screen-Free AI Device

Another technology company is betting that artificial intelligence could eventually live somewhere other than a smartphone screen. Nothing CEO Carl Pei has confirmed that the company is working on an AI-focused hardware product designed to operate without a traditional display. Details remain limited, but Pei has suggested that the device will offer capabilities that cannot simply be replicated through an app running on a phone. The project places Nothing alongside companies experimenting with wearable assistants, smart glasses, and other hardware built around conversational AI. Rather than predicting the immediate death of smartphones, Pei believes consumers may eventually use several specialized AI devices that work together throughout the day.

Eufy Puts a Security Camera Against the Window

Renters and homeowners who cannot install an outdoor security camera have a new indoor alternative from Anker’s Eufy brand. The Window Camera E10 attaches to the inside of a window and records activity outdoors while using a design intended to minimize glare and reflections from the glass. Its camera offers color night vision and AI-powered detection capable of identifying people, vehicles, and other activity outside the home. Because the device remains indoors, users can monitor exterior spaces without drilling holes, running outdoor wiring, or exposing the camera itself to weather. The concept gives people in apartments and other installation-restricted homes a

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From NYT AI Recipes to Readwise Ebooks and More! | Tech News

Feel like you’ve missed all the tech news buzz this week! Don’t fret, we have you covered! From NYT AI Recipes to Readwise Ebooks and more, stay connected with our weekly wrap-up. Check out what you may have missed from across the web in this week’s blog below!

NYT Cooking Tests AI-Powered Recipe Modifications

Home cooks now have a new way to personalize recipes in the NYT Cooking app. An AI-powered NYT feature can suggest ingredient substitutions, adjust serving sizes, recommend equipment changes, and tailor cooking instructions to a user’s needs. The system is designed to make practical adjustments rather than rewrite a NYT recipe from scratch. Likewise, this includes changing when a softer ingredient should be added during cooking. Customized versions remain private to the user and cannot be published or shared through the app. The feature is currently available to NYT Cooking subscribers on iOS. Of course, broader availability is planned as the Times continues testing how AI fits into its NYT recipe platform.

Amazon Expands Alexa Into a More Capable Shopping Assistant

Online shopping is becoming more hands-off as Amazon adds new list, registry, and customer-service features to Alexa for Shopping. Users can now create and edit grocery lists, manage gift registries, move items between lists, and check which products remain unpurchased. The assistant can also compare products, monitor prices, set alerts, and automatically buy eligible items when they fall below a chosen price. New service tools allow customers to update delivery instructions, review unfamiliar charges, track refunds, and modify recurring deliveries without navigating through several menus. The rollout gives Amazon a stronger first-party AI shopping experience as it continues limiting how outside agents interact with its marketplace.

Apple Finally Embraces the Touchscreen MacBook

More than 15 years of resistance came to an end this week when Apple officially introduced its first touchscreen MacBook Pro. The new model features a tandem OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 2,000 nits of brightness, and a touch sensor integrated directly into the screen. Apple also replaced the familiar notch with a hole-punch camera area and redesigned the chassis to weigh as little as three pounds. Prices start at $2,899 for the 14-inch model and $3,399 for the 16-inch version, with both powered by M5 Pro or M5 Max chips. The launch marks a notable reversal for a company whose executives spent years arguing that touchscreen laptops blurred the line between tablets and traditional computers.

Readwise Takes Aim at Kindle With Its Own Ebook Store

A new beta platform from Readwise is attempting to combine ebook reading, social discovery, and reading analytics in one place. Readwise Books lets users buy titles, track reading time and pace, share progress, write reviews, and discover recommendations through a social feed. The company has secured agreements with all five major U.S. publishers, giving it a broad catalog and the ability to compete more directly with Kindle and Kobo on price and availability. Limited Kindle integration allows users to bring some existing reading activity into the platform, although Readwise acknowledges that switching ecosystems will take time. The company hopes its stronger note syncing, social features, and customizable reading experience can attract readers looking for something more interactive than a traditional ebook store.

Meta Quietly Launches an AI Pet Journal

A cozy new experiment from Meta turns personal journaling into a conversation with a virtual pet. Waddle World is a free 16-bit app where users talk to an AI-powered creature. The creature can listen, remember details, respond to conversations, and create small doodles inspired by what it hears. The experience also includes low-pressure mini activities such as word games and grocery stacking. Additionally, there are no streaks or competitive scoring to maintain. Meta describes the app as a “daily journal disguised as a pet.” Of course, this positions the app as a more playful alternative to traditional diary apps. Waddle World is currently limited to select markets. Meta has not yet confirmed whether the app will expand to the United States.

Firefox’s Smart Window Can Fill Out Forms for You

Browser automation is getting more practical with an update to Mozilla’s AI-powered Smart Window experience. The new form-filling feature can pull relevant information from open tabs. This includes a LinkedIn profile or online portfolio and uses it to populate fields on another webpage. That could make tasks like job applications, account registrations, and other repetitive online forms considerably faster. Smart Window is also gaining broader monitoring capabilities. Current updates allow users to keep track of changes on webpages without repeatedly checking them manually. Mozilla’s approach shows how browser-based AI is shifting. Likewise, taking browsers from answering questions toward completing more of the tedious work people already do online.

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From iPhone Duo Apps to Insta360 Mics and More! | Tech News

It’s time to catch up on the top tech and media headlines from the week! From iPhone Duo focused apps to a cool new rollout of Intsa360 mics and more, we have you covered. Stay connected with our weekly technology round-up.

Apple Adds a “Made for iPhone Duo” Badge to the App Store

A new App Store label is underway for the iPhone Duo. Coming soon, iPhone Duo owners will find software designed specifically for Apple’s foldable phone. The “Made for iPhone Duo” badge will appear on apps and games built for the device. Likewise, the iPhone Duo apps will take advantage of the device’s larger inner display and secondary outer screen. Netflix, Prime Video, Microsoft Word, Zoom, Lyft, and United Airlines are among the apps already adapting their interfaces for the new form factor. Apple is also preparing editorial collections focused on iPhone Duo software. This will come as additional updates for the iPhone Duo roll out throughout the year. The badge arrives alongside the $1,999 iPhone Duo, which launches this week in limited quantities.

Birdbuddy Shrinks Its Smart Feeder for Smaller Spaces

Birdbuddy is offering a more compact option for backyard birdwatching with its new Nook smart feeder. Starting at $99, the Nook uses a 2K HDR camera with a 135-degree field of view and automatically wakes when a bird lands nearby. The accompanying app uses AI to identify bird species, and the camera supports both portrait and landscape capture for easier social sharing. Upgraded configurations add solar charging and a larger perch, while Birdbuddy’s $219 Home model offers a bigger seed reservoir and additional features. The smaller design gives apartment dwellers and homeowners with limited outdoor space a more affordable way to experiment with connected wildlife cameras.

Insta360 Launches a More Affordable Wireless Mic System

Content creators now have a lower-cost alternative to Insta360’s premium Mic Pro without losing many of its most distinctive features. The new Insta360 Mic costs $249.99 for a two-transmitter kit and keeps the customizable six-color E Ink displays found on the more expensive model. Each transmitter offers AI-powered noise cancellation, automatic gain control, and up to 13 hours of battery life, or 34 hours with the charging case. The tradeoff is a single omnidirectional microphone instead of the Mic Pro’s triple-mic array, although the transmitters are slightly lighter and support removable microSD cards for backup recording. Individual transmitters cost $79.99, making the system a more approachable option for podcasters, vloggers, and mobile creators.

Meta Creates a New Share Class to Finance Its AI Expansion

Billions in AI spending are pushing Meta to introduce a new class of non-voting shares designed to give the company more financing flexibility. The stock will help support artificial intelligence initiatives, potential acquisitions, and employee compensation, with trading expected to begin in 2027. Meta now expects capital expenditures of between $135 billion and $145 billion this year as it builds data centers, recruits AI talent, and develops new models and products. Recent launches include the Muse AI agent, which reached 10 million U.S. downloads shortly after its debut, along with the company’s newer Muse Wonder model. The move underscores how expensive the AI race has become as major technology companies invest heavily in infrastructure and software at the same time.

Bose Acquires Skullcandy to Reach a Broader Audience

A major deal in consumer audio is bringing Bose and Skullcandy under the same corporate umbrella. Bose says Skullcandy will remain a separate brand based in Park City, Utah, while joining its premium consumer audio business. The two companies had already worked together to bring Bose technologies such as spatial audio and active noise cancellation to select Skullcandy headphones and earbuds. Bose expects the acquisition to help its audio technology reach younger, more lifestyle-focused customers who may not traditionally buy its higher-end products. The purchase also continues Bose’s expansion strategy following earlier acquisitions in premium audio, engineering, and gaming sound technology.

Spotify Launches Its First Fully Native In-Car App

Listening on the road no longer requires a connected phone in select Audi vehicles thanks to Spotify’s new native automotive app. Built directly on Google’s Android Automotive operating system, the software runs through the car’s infotainment hardware instead of relying on CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, or an auxiliary cable. The initial rollout includes models such as the Audi A6 e-tron, Q6 e-tron, A5, Q5, and A6, with Spotify controlling the interface rather than using Google’s standard templates. Passengers can join Spotify Jam sessions by scanning a QR code, while supported secondary displays can show lyrics, browsing tools, and video content without distracting the driver. Spotify says it remains committed to CarPlay and Android Auto, but the new app gives the company greater control over the listening experience inside connected vehicles.

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From Plaud AI Earbuds to the next iPhone and More! | Tech News

Don’t miss out on what’s happening in the world of tech! This week we’re covering top headlines from Plaud AI Earbuds to the next iPhone, and more! For all things media and tech happening this week, read on below!

September 9 Set for Apple’s Next iPhone Event

Apple has officially scheduled its next major product event for September 9 at 1PM ET, with a livestream planned from the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park. The company’s “Surprise and shine” event could include one of its most anticipated hardware launches in years, with rumors pointing to the debut of a foldable iPhone. Apple is also expected to refresh its Pro and Pro Max models, although reports suggest those devices will receive more modest upgrades. The standard iPhone 18 may be absent from the September presentation and instead arrive sometime in 2027. With a possible foldable joining the lineup, this year’s event could mark a significant expansion of Apple’s smartphone strategy.

Xbox Makes Disc-to-Digital Gaming Official

Microsoft has officially announced a new Xbox feature that allows players to create digital entitlements for supported games they already own on disc. Players will insert an eligible Xbox One or Xbox Series X game into a console and launch it to claim access, with the entitlement remaining tied to that specific physical disc. Supported titles may then be playable through Xbox Play Anywhere on PC or streamed to other devices through Xbox Cloud Gaming. Microsoft says thousands of games will be included initially, although publishers will have control over whether individual titles participate. Xbox Insiders will begin testing the feature on August 31, with a broader rollout planned for the coming months.

Hugging Face Introduces a Rollerskating AI Robot Duck

Hugging Face’s Pollen Robotics is bringing a playful new personality to consumer robotics with Microduck, a one-eyed bipedal robot standing just under 10 inches tall. Demonstrations show the $399 robot picking up small objects, kicking a ball, following a laser pointer, and moving around on tiny roller skates. Its open-source software also allows owners and developers to retrain Microduck to perform new behaviors and experiments. Cameras, LiDAR, motion sensors, articulated limbs, and a Rockchip processor give the small robot a surprisingly robust collection of hardware. Each Microduck even generates its own permanent audio identity, with shipping expected to begin before Christmas 2026.

Plaud Turns AI Recording Into a Pair of Earbuds

AI recording company Plaud is moving its transcription technology into a more familiar wearable format with the new Plaud One earbuds. The $249.99 device can record conversations, generate transcripts, and create AI-powered summaries while functioning like a traditional pair of wireless earbuds. A 4G-enabled charging case allows recordings to be uploaded and processed without relying on a nearby phone or Wi-Fi connection, while its own microphones can capture audio from up to five meters away. Plaud Agent can also connect with services including Gmail, Google Calendar, Notion, and Slack to help turn conversations into follow-up actions. Preorders are available in select markets, with shipments expected to begin in late September.

Photoshop Lets Users Draw Instructions for Its AI

Adobe is making Photoshop’s growing collection of generative AI tools easier to find and control with a new optional AI-Assisted Editor interface. The beta experience places features such as background removal, image expansion, and prompt-based editing into one simplified toolbar. A new markup tool takes interaction beyond text prompts by letting users draw directly on an image to show the AI where and how they want something changed. Creators can circle areas for recoloring, sketch arrows to reposition objects, or roughly draw new elements they want Photoshop to generate. Adobe is also improving natural-language editing with Firefly Image 5, which can interpret the broader context of an image before making requested changes.

Instagram’s First Draft Takes the Tedious Part Out of Reels Editing

Instagram is rolling out a new iPhone feature called First Draft. The feature will automatically trim multiple video clips into a starting edit for a Reel. After analyzing selected footage, the tool removes pauses. From there, the feature pulls together what it considers the most important moments. Afterwards, the tool combines them into an editable video. Instagram says the feature is suited to multi-clip montages, talking-head videos, and day-in-the-life content. Of course, this new feature potentially saves creators time before they begin more detailed editing. Despite its automated approach, Instagram confirmed that First Draft does not use artificial intelligence. The rollout gives creators another built-in production tool as Instagram continues making Reels creation faster without requiring separate editing software.

Android Adds a High-Tech Approach to Fighting Car Sickness

Google is rolling out Motion Assist. The Android 17 feature is designed to reduce nausea when using a smartphone inside a moving vehicle. The system uses a phone’s accelerometer and gyroscope. With that, it places moving dots around the edge of the screen. The moving dots then visually correspond with the car’s acceleration, braking, and turns. This helps address the sensory mismatch that can cause motion sickness. Users can customize the appearance of the indicators. Additionally, users can set the feature to activate automatically when a moving vehicle is detected. Motion Assist appears to be reaching select Pixel devices first. Likewise, this gives Android an answer to Apple’s similar Vehicle Motion Cues feature.

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From Prime Air to Slack Coding and More! | Tech News

Stay connected with the world of tech and media. From new deployments of Amazon Prime Air to Slack AI Coding Channels and more, we have the latest news. Check out this week’s wrap-up of what’s happening from across the globe.

Slack Launches Collaborative AI Coding Channels

Slack is introducing a new feature called Slack Code that gives teams dedicated channels for building software alongside AI coding agents. Users can tag tools such as Claude Code, Devin, Vercel Agent, or GitHub Copilot, which can then create a project-specific channel to handle tasks like fixing bugs or updating websites. Team members can review code changes, preview HTML output, provide feedback, and approve work without leaving Slack. Completed coding channels automatically archive themselves while preserving an audit log for future reference. Slack Code is available across all Slack plans and reflects the growing push to make AI agents feel less like standalone tools and more like active members of a workplace team. 

Sennheiser Makes Wireless Earbuds Easier to Repair

Sennheiser’s new Momentum True Wireless 5 earbuds are taking an unusual approach to longevity by allowing users to replace the batteries themselves. Both the earbuds and charging case can be opened with a small screwdriver, avoiding the glue-heavy construction that makes most wireless earbuds difficult to repair. Battery life has also increased to as much as 12 hours per charge and 40 hours when paired with the charging case. Other upgrades include improved adaptive noise cancellation, Dolby Atmos, spatial audio with head tracking, and Bluetooth 6.0 support. The Momentum True Wireless 5 will launch September 3rd for $299.95, signaling that repairability may be becoming a bigger selling point in premium consumer electronics. 

LG Develops OLED Displays That Could Last Much Longer

LG Display has unveiled a new manufacturing technology called FLiPP that could address several longstanding limitations of OLED screens. Instead of using the traditional fine metal masks that help create RGB pixels, the process relies on photolithography and ultraviolet light to pattern the display. LG says panels made with FLiPP can be 1.6 times brighter, last 2.4 times longer, and consume 13 percent less power than conventional OLED panels. Eliminating the metal mask also removes some of the size and resolution restrictions that complicate production of larger OLED displays. If the technology reaches mass production, it could eventually improve everything from televisions and monitors to high-resolution AR and VR displays. 

Google Gives Gemini a Dedicated Student Hub

Back-to-school season is bringing a new education-focused experience to Gemini as Google introduces a centralized student hub. Students can use the space to organize research, build study notebooks, create flashcards, take practice quizzes, and even add deadlines from a syllabus to Google Calendar. Study notebooks are gaining support for graphs and images, while Gemini Live’s new Deep Research feature can produce more detailed reports that users can discuss with the AI afterward. Google Lens will also be able to analyze photos of worksheets and provide explanations or coaching when students make mistakes. Eligible U.S. students can receive a free year of Google AI Pro, giving Google another avenue for making Gemini part of students’ everyday academic routines. 

Meta AI Comes to the Mac

Meta is launching a dedicated Meta AI app for macOS as it works to turn its chatbot into a broader productivity assistant. Users can share a window with the AI and ask questions, receive suggestions, or generate content based on whatever is displayed on the screen. The app also supports systemwide dictation and can connect with Google Workspace, Instagram, Facebook accounts, and Meta advertising campaigns. Businesses and creators can use Meta AI to analyze post performance, generate presentations and documents, or automate recurring tasks such as weekly performance reports. The desktop launch puts Meta into more direct competition with ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, all of which are increasingly competing to become the AI assistant users keep open throughout the workday. 

Amazon Plans a Major Expansion of Prime Air

Amazon says its Prime Air drone delivery service will reach nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by the end of 2026. Upcoming markets for Prime Air include the Chicago, Syracuse, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Boise metro areas. Likewise, the expansion of Prime Air joins locations where the service is already operating. Prime Air is designed to transport packages weighing five pounds or less. Amazon states most current deliveries arrive about an hour after checkout by way of Prime Air. The company reports that its Prime Air drones have already delivered hundreds of thousands of packages this year as it works to scale the technology beyond limited pilot programs. Safety will remain a major focus for Prime Air as the network expands, particularly after previous Prime Air drones were involved in several highly publicized crashes. 

Sony Sets a Launch Date for Its PlayStation Gaming Speakers

Sony’s Pulse Elevate wireless gaming speakers will officially launch on November 12th for $219.99. Designed for the PS5, PlayStation Portal, PC, and Mac, the compact speakers feature planar magnetic drivers that Sony says deliver detailed sound across the audible spectrum. They also include a built-in microphone for voice chat, PlayStation Link low-latency wireless technology, and charging docks for keeping the speakers powered between sessions. Black and white versions will be available, although availability for the white model will vary by region and retailer. Preorders begin September 1st, expanding Sony’s growing collection of PlayStation-branded audio products beyond headsets and earbuds.

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From a Bose Refresh to Dolby Vision 2 and More! | Tech News

Stay connected in the world of tech with our weekly roundup. This week we’re covering top headlines from a Bose refresh to Dolby Vision 2, and more! For all things media and tech happening this week, read on below!

Apple Raises Trade-In Values Across Its Device Lineup

Customers looking to upgrade their tech can now get more money back for their old hardware across the board. Trade-in values have climbed for various iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and select Android smartphones. Desktop and laptop owners stand to gain the most, with the Mac Studio jumping by $260 and the MacBook Pro getting a $165 valuation boost. On the Android side, recent devices from Samsung, Google, and OnePlus are now officially accepted for credit toward new purchases. A Google Pixel 9 Pro XL fetches up to $315 today, while a trade-in for the OnePlus 13 yields as much as $250. These bumped-up figures come at a crucial moment for Apple, as the tech giant tries to ease the sting of high device prices for price-conscious shoppers.

Bose Refreshes Its QuietComfort Headphones

Audio giant Bose has unveiled a second-generation version of its standard QuietComfort wireless headphones. The new Bose headphones pack upgraded noise cancellation and spatial sound. Built-in TrueSpatial technology relies on head tracking to anchor sound in place or shift it fluidly as you move your head. Bose listeners will also notice a refined Aware mode. The Bose feature now dials ambient noise levels up or down far more smoothly during sudden environmental changes. Hardware tweaks include Bluetooth 5.4 support, multipoint pairing, lossless audio over USB-C connections, and restructured physical controls. The new Bose cans land at a $359 price point with up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge. Toggling on the immersive audio feature chops that battery runtime down slightly to 18 hours.

Dolby Vision 2 Arrives on Select Hisense TVs

High dynamic range imaging is taking a step forward as several 2026 Hisense television models adopt Dolby Vision 2. This updated format relies on a reworked image engine, broader metadata support, and refined tone mapping tuned for modern bright displays. Viewers eyeing top-tier sets can tap into Dolby Vision 2 Max, which adds ambient-light compensation alongside granular calibration tools. That premium tier also packs a feature dubbed Authentic Motion to handle action scenes without creating an artificial soap-opera effect. Hisense plans to update its UX, UR9, UR8, and U7 lines by late September, with TCL and Philips releasing compatible sets later this year. Owners of older displays are unfortunately out of luck, as the new standard depends on dedicated internal hardware.

Google Maps Can Now Help Order Dinner

Navigation utility is taking a back seat as new AI tools transform Google Maps into an active errand runner. Users across the United States can now ask the app’s Ask Maps assistant to locate specific meals along a driving route while respecting dietary restrictions. The tool even places selected items directly into a digital checkout cart without forcing you to switch applications. Ordering functionality launches through Square and Toast integrations, with Uber Eats compatibility slated for a future release. Beyond food, the updated feature scans Gmail for upcoming reservations, recommends nearby hotels or events, and surfaces real-time transit alerts. These shifts nudge the popular navigation platform far closer to becoming an all-in-one daily assistant.

Sunbird Brings iMessage Back to Android

Android users seeking cross-platform messaging can once again download Sunbird from the Google Play Store following a long hiatus. Nearly three years after shutting down over major privacy vulnerabilities, the service offers iMessage features like blue bubbles, reactions, and uncompressed video for $2.99 a month. Sunbird claims to have overhauled its backend infrastructure with end-to-end encryption and third-party security audits. Under the revised framework, transferred media files are automatically wiped within 72 hours of delivery. Account credentials for Apple IDs are reportedly processed exclusively during setup rather than saved on remote servers. Upcoming patches aim to integrate WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger while adding an AI helper for quick summaries and context-aware replies.

Disney Brings Fan-Made TikTok Videos to Disney Plus

Short-form user content is officially arriving on Disney Plus thanks to a fresh collaboration with TikTok. Curated fan creations will populate the streaming service’s Verts feed alongside mainstream studio programming. Participating influencers get direct access to official assets spanning hundreds of films and shows, including Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars franchises. Clips produced through the initiative will cross-post to both platforms, giving digital creators significantly broader exposure. Top performers stand to gain exclusive event invitations, featured spotlight placement, and potential career development guidance. The rollout begins as a limited pilot program in the United States before expanding to international subscriber bases later on.

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From Zoox Robotaxis to DoorDash Air and More! | Tech News

Wrap up your week with the latest news buzzing in the world of tech! From Zoox Robotaxis to DoorDash Air and more, we have you covered with the top headlines. Check out what’s happening from across the web in this week’s tech news wrap-up!

Xiaomi Unveils an EV Designed Like a Living Space

The Chinese tech giant is expanding deeper into electric vehicles with the SkyNomad N90 Max, its first extended-range SUV. Boasting a range over 1,700 kilometers (roughly 1,059 miles), it will come in five- and seven-seat configurations. Inside, the cabin shifts between driving and lounging thanks to rotating front seats, reclining second-row chairs, footrests, and a sliding table. A dedicated Camping Edition dials up the outdoor utility with a pop-up roof, rooftop sleeping platform, tent connector, and detachable table.

Zoox Receives Approval to Charge for Robotaxi Rides

Federal regulators have granted Amazon’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Zoox, a temporary exemption that clears the way for paid passenger trips in its custom-built robotaxis. The landmark decision allows Zoox to deploy up to 5,000 of its purpose-built, steering-wheel-free vehicles across public roads over the next two years. Until now, Zoox had focused on offering free demonstration rides to refine its technology and accumulate real-world mileage in dense urban hubs like San Francisco and Las Vegas. With commercial authorization finally secured, Zoox plans to launch its paid fare service in Las Vegas next month, with aggressive expansions into Miami and Austin following close behind. By taking this major regulatory step, Zoox positions itself as a formidable competitor against established autonomous ride-hailing players like Waymo and Tesla.

Microsoft Confirms a Copilot Super App Is Coming

A unified “super app” bringing Microsoft’s scattered AI offerings under one roof is slated to arrive later this year. CEO Satya Nadella announced the platform will bundle Copilot chat, GitHub Copilot, coding tools, and autonomous agents into a single hub for both consumers and enterprise users. Instead of forcing people to jump between separate apps, the goal is to create one seamless interface for everyday tasks and workplace productivity.

Meta Prepares a Push Into Personal AI Agents

Mark Zuckerberg’s tech empire is building personal AI helpers meant to work continuously on behalf of everyday users. Likewise, this moves beyond developer-focused tools. Of course, specific product details remain under wraps. It is rumored that agents are being tailored to help manage personal organization, finances, relationships, and daily communication. Meta already sees heavy enterprise use with its WhatsApp and Messenger business bots, but these upcoming personal agents represent a key foundation for its consumer strategy.

Moving Beyond Delivery Partnerships, DoorDash Air Takes Flight

The food delivery giant has secured FAA air carrier certification to launch its own dedicated drone program, DoorDash Air. The company will not be relying strictly on partners like Alphabet’s Wing. Instead, the company’s internal Labs team will design and assemble its own aircraft. Additionally, DoorDash will be building out ground infrastructure for restaurant loading and flight routing. Bringing the hardware in-house gives DoorDash complete control over how aerial fulfillment fits into its broader network.

Apple’s Rumored HomePad Could Arrive This Fall

October could bring the debut of a dedicated smart home display from Apple. The potential HomePad product drop is rumored to feature a seven-inch square screen running a tailored version of tvOS. Likewise, it will be built around an upgraded Siri interface. Additionally, the device is expected to handle video calls, security monitoring, intercom chats, and personalized layouts for different users. The launch signals a direct push into territory long dominated by Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s Nest Hub. Of course, this comes with rumor-milled updates to Apple’s broader home hardware lineup.

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From Meta Spark AI to Starlink and More! | Tech News

Stay connected with what’s happening in the world of tech and media! From Meta Spark AI moves to Starlink deployments and more, we have you covered. Tune into the buzz below!

Meta Opens Its Muse Spark AI Model to More Developers

Meta is expanding access to its newest artificial intelligence model, Muse Spark, by introducing API availability for developers and businesses. Designed to power advanced reasoning, multimodal understanding, and agent-based workflows, the model is intended to support everything from customer service tools to content creation and productivity apps. Unlike earlier AI releases, Muse Spark is deeply integrated into Meta’s ecosystem and is expected to roll out across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Meta AI experiences. The API launch also gives developers an opportunity to build applications on the same technology that powers Meta’s latest AI assistant. As competition among AI providers intensifies, opening access to flagship models has become an important strategy for expanding developer ecosystems.

Character.AI Turns AI Chats Into Short-Form Entertainment

Character.AI is expanding beyond text conversations by introducing AI-generated microdramas designed for vertical video viewing. The new series transforms interactive AI characters into bite-sized scripted stories optimized for smartphones, reflecting the continued popularity of short-form content. Rather than simply chatting with virtual personalities, users can now watch them perform in serialized episodes that blend storytelling with generative AI. The initiative highlights how AI companies are increasingly exploring entertainment alongside traditional chatbot experiences. As audiences spend more time consuming vertical video, AI-powered storytelling is emerging as another frontier in digital media.

SpaceX Sets Another Record for Starlink Deployments

SpaceX is on pace to achieve its busiest year yet for Starlink satellite launches, continuing the rapid expansion of its global internet network. The company has significantly increased launch frequency, allowing thousands of additional satellites to reach orbit and improve coverage around the world. This aggressive deployment strategy strengthens Starlink’s position as the largest low-Earth orbit satellite internet provider while making it more difficult for competitors to catch up. Increased satellite density also helps improve network capacity and performance for existing customers. As demand for high-speed internet continues to grow in underserved regions, SpaceX is demonstrating just how quickly satellite infrastructure can scale.

Samsung Prepares for Its Next Wave of Foldables

Samsung is expected to showcase its newest foldable devices and wearable technology during its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event. Reports suggest the company will unveil updated Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip smartphones alongside a redesigned Galaxy Watch lineup featuring improved health tracking and AI-powered features. Samsung is also rumored to be introducing a wider foldable design, signaling continued experimentation with smartphone form factors. The announcements reflect Samsung’s commitment to pushing foldable technology further into the mainstream while strengthening its connected device ecosystem. With competition increasing across the premium smartphone market, hardware innovation remains one of the company’s biggest differentiators.

iFixit Builds a Toolkit for the Right-to-Repair Movement

Repair advocates have a new option with iFixit’s Megalodon Toolkit, a comprehensive repair kit designed for everything from smartphones and laptops to household appliances. The expanded toolkit includes a wider range of precision drivers, specialty bits, and repair tools aimed at helping consumers tackle increasingly complex fixes at home. The release aligns with the growing right-to-repair movement, which encourages manufacturers to make products easier to maintain instead of replacing them. As electronics become more expensive, many consumers are choosing to extend the lifespan of their devices through repair rather than purchasing new ones. The toolkit reflects a broader shift toward sustainability, self-service, and consumer ownership in technology.

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From a New Fujifilm Digital Cam to Amazon’s Starlink Rival and More! | Tech News

Dive into the top headlines of the week happening across the web in the world of media and technology. From a new Fujifilm Digital Cam to Amazon’s Starlink Rival and more, this week is filled with major news you want to know about!

Amazon Reaches a Major Milestone for Its Starlink Rival

Competition in satellite internet is accelerating as Amazon reaches an important turning point in its low-Earth orbit network ambitions. The company has now deployed enough satellites to begin offering continuous service across its initial coverage areas, putting Amazon Leo on track for a commercial launch later this year. Early customers can expect a rollout similar to Starlink’s first beta program, with speeds and reliability improving as additional satellites are added to the constellation. Although Amazon still has thousands of satellites left to launch before completing its planned network, this milestone represents meaningful progress toward challenging SpaceX’s dominance. As satellite internet continues to expand, increased competition could ultimately deliver broader coverage, faster innovation, and more affordable connectivity for consumers.

Apple Looks Ahead to the Next Generation of Macs and iPads

A new report suggests Apple is already laying the groundwork for its next wave of MacBook Pro and iPad Pro hardware. According to the latest roadmap, an entry-level MacBook Pro redesign is expected in 2027, while refreshed iPad Pro models will receive internal performance upgrades before then. In the meantime, Apple is reportedly preparing an M6-powered MacBook Pro that will largely retain the current industrial design. The staggered release schedule reflects Apple’s strategy of balancing steady annual improvements with larger design overhauls every few product cycles. For users considering an upgrade, the reports suggest Apple’s biggest hardware changes are still waiting just beyond the horizon.

Microsoft Continues the Shift From Physical Games to Digital Libraries

Gaming continues moving toward a digital-first future as Microsoft explores new ways to bridge physical game collections with modern Xbox libraries. The company is reportedly developing features that recognize disc ownership while making it easier for players to access their purchases across consoles and accounts. Although physical games are not disappearing overnight, Microsoft’s long-term vision clearly centers on digital downloads, cloud gaming, and subscription services. The approach aims to preserve the value of existing collections while making ownership feel more seamless in an increasingly connected ecosystem. As gaming habits evolve, shelves of game cases are gradually giving way to libraries stored in the cloud.

Fujifilm Celebrates Film Photography With a Black-and-White QuickSnap

Photography enthusiasts have another reason to embrace analog creativity with Fujifilm’s latest limited-edition camera release. The new Fujifilm QuickSnap Active Black & White brings monochrome film photography back into the spotlight, encouraging users to focus on composition rather than digital editing. Unlike smartphone cameras that rely heavily on computational photography, Fujifilm continues to celebrate the slower, more intentional process that has made film photography popular once again. The release reflects Fujifilm’s ongoing commitment to preserving analog photography while introducing younger generations to the unique aesthetic only film can produce. As interest in vintage cameras continues to grow, Fujifilm is proving that classic photography still has a meaningful place alongside today’s digital technology.

Google NotebookLM Makes AI Research Easier to Digest

Learning with AI is becoming more visual as Google introduces AI Clips to NotebookLM. The new feature automatically transforms lengthy documents and research materials into short, digestible video summaries that make complex information easier to understand. Rather than reading through dozens of pages, users can quickly review key insights presented in a more engaging format. The update strengthens NotebookLM’s position as an AI-powered research assistant for students, educators, business professionals, and content creators alike. As generative AI continues to evolve, companies are placing greater emphasis on helping users absorb information faster, not simply produce more of it.

WhatsApp Prepares to Replace Phone Numbers With Usernames

Privacy is taking center stage with WhatsApp’s long-awaited move toward usernames. The upcoming feature will allow users to connect without sharing their personal phone numbers, bringing the messaging platform closer to competitors like Telegram and Signal. In addition to improving privacy, usernames should make it easier to find and communicate with friends, creators, and businesses. Reports indicate that users will have an opportunity to reserve unique usernames before the wider rollout begins. As messaging apps continue evolving, giving users greater control over their identity has become just as important as adding new communication features.

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