Oct 7, 2025

Jony Ive’s screenless AI device aims to fix our toxic tech relationship

Former Apple designer Jony Ive offered his first public comments about his mysterious AI hardware project with OpenAI, revealing that the device aims to address the "overwhelm and despair" caused by current technology. Speaking at OpenAI's developer conference, Ive suggested his upcoming device will prioritize user well-being over productivity, marking a potential shift away from the addictive design patterns that have defined modern smartphones and social media. What they're saying: Ive expressed deep concerns about humanity's relationship with current technology during his appearance. "I don't think we have an easy relationship with our technology at the moment," Ive told the...

read Sep 30, 2025

Amazon unveils AI-powered Kindle, Ring, and Echo devices starting at $99

Amazon unveiled a new generation of AI-powered devices including Kindle, Ring, and Echo products, all connected to its enhanced Alexa+ personal assistant that debuted in February. The announcement represents Amazon's response to investor pressure to modernize its device lineup with artificial intelligence capabilities, as analysts noted the company's offerings were starting to look "a bit dated" compared to competitors. Key product updates: Amazon introduced significant improvements across its major device categories with AI integration at the center. Ring cameras now feature "Familiar Faces" facial recognition that allows users to register friends and family, plus "AI Search" functionality for finding specific...

read Sep 23, 2025

GoPro’s new $230 AI gimbal offers 18-hour battery life and universal compatibility

GoPro has announced the Fluid Pro AI, a new $229.99 handheld camera stabilizer that works with action cameras, smartphones, and compact point-and-shoot cameras up to 400 grams. Unlike the company's previous Karma Grip stabilizer from 2016, which only worked with GoPro devices, this versatile gimbal features AI-powered tracking and an 18-hour battery life, positioning it as a premium alternative to competitors like DJI and Insta360. Key capabilities: The Fluid Pro AI offers comprehensive camera movement with 360-degree panning and 320-degree tilting capabilities.• An integrated AI tracking module recognizes hand gestures for remote control and automatically keeps subjects in frame by...

read Sep 4, 2025

Major miniaturization: Anker’s quarter-sized AI recorder transcribes 100+ languages for $100

Anker has unveiled the Soundcore Work, a coin-sized AI voice recorder designed to automatically transcribe and summarize meetings with a single click. At just 0.91 inches across—roughly the size of a quarter—the device represents a significant miniaturization breakthrough in AI-powered meeting technology, offering professional transcription capabilities in an ultra-portable form factor that can be worn on clothing or a lanyard. What you should know: The Soundcore Work combines advanced AI capabilities with unprecedented portability for meeting documentation. The device can transcribe over 100 languages automatically and distinguish between different speakers while removing unwanted words and filler language. It offers eight...

read Aug 20, 2025

Pixel Watch 4 adds curved display and satellite communication for $349

Google unveiled the Pixel Watch 4 at its Made by Google event, featuring a striking curved domed display beneath the signature teardrop glass design. The smartwatch maintains the same $349 starting price as its predecessor while delivering enhanced AI capabilities through Gemini integration, improved battery life, and upgraded internals including emergency satellite communication. What you should know: The Pixel Watch 4's most distinctive feature is its Actua 360 domed display that curves beneath the glass, creating better visibility at angles. The display offers 10% more active area and 15% smaller bezels compared to the Pixel Watch 3, with maximum brightness...

read Aug 18, 2025

Eufy S350 4K security camera drops to $99 with AI tracking

Anker is offering its eufy S350 Security Indoor Camera at $99.99, down from its usual $140 price tag, marking a 29% discount that saves buyers $40. The camera stands out with its dual-camera setup featuring both 4K wide-angle and 2K telephoto lenses, delivering 8x hybrid zoom capabilities and 360-degree pan-and-tilt coverage for comprehensive home monitoring. Key features: The S350 combines superior imaging technology with intelligent tracking capabilities for enhanced home security. The dual-camera system provides 4K UHD resolution with an impressive 8x hybrid zoom, allowing users to capture detailed footage from various distances. Complete 360-degree pan and tilt functionality eliminates...

read Jul 21, 2025

AI sonar “AquaEye” helps Texas dive teams find flood victims 80% faster

Dive teams in Central Texas are using AI-powered sonar devices called AquaEye to search for victims in flood recovery operations following deadly floods that killed at least 135 people and left over 100 missing. The handheld devices use artificial intelligence to distinguish between debris and human bodies underwater, with search teams reporting an 80-90 percent reduction in search times compared to traditional methods. Why this matters: Recovery efforts face severe challenges from poor visibility, debris-filled rivers, and ongoing flash flooding along the Guadalupe River, making traditional search methods nearly impossible in conditions with only 6-inch visibility. How it works: The...

read Jul 15, 2025

$159 AI voice recorder transforms note-taking with GPT-4o transcription

Jack Wallen, a contributing writer at ZDNET, has reviewed the Plaud Note, a $159 AI-powered voice recorder that combines hardware and software to transcribe and summarize voice recordings. The device transforms traditional voice note-taking by automatically syncing recordings to a mobile app that uses GPT-4o and Claude 3.5 Sonnet to generate transcriptions and AI-powered summaries, though these features require a separate paid subscription. What you should know: The Plaud Note is a credit card-sized recording device that offers one-press recording with advanced AI capabilities for transcription and summarization. The device costs $159 and works with both Android and iOS apps,...

read Jul 15, 2025

Mattel partners with OpenAI to bring AI-powered toys to children amid safety concerns

Mattel, the toymaker behind Barbie and Hot Wheels, has partnered with OpenAI to integrate AI capabilities into its children's products. The collaboration will also see Mattel implement OpenAI's tools, including ChatGPT Enterprise, across its business operations to enhance product development and drive innovation, with the first AI-powered toy expected to be announced later this year. What you should know: The partnership spans both physical products and digital experiences, though specific details remain undisclosed. Josh Silverman, Mattel's chief franchise officer, said the collaboration will "enable us to leverage new technologies to solidify our leadership in innovation and reimagine new forms of...

read Jul 14, 2025

Apple delays smart home hub until 2026 over Siri AI setbacks

Apple's highly anticipated smart home hub has been delayed until 2026, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The iPad-like device, designed to control smart home gadgets similar to Google Nest or Amazon Echo speakers, was originally targeted for a March 2025 release but now faces a significant postponement tied to delays in Apple's AI-powered Siri upgrade. What you should know: The smart home hub's delay is directly connected to Apple's broader AI strategy and Siri overhaul. Apple delayed its Siri upgrade back in March, with the smart home hub reportedly reliant on many of those new AI features to function properly....

read Jul 14, 2025

UK’s NHS AI-powered heart patches double diagnosis rates at home

The NHS has started rolling out a new at-home heart monitor designed to detect heart rhythm problems, with the device being able to be posted directly to patients for self-attachment. The innovation aims to double productivity levels for diagnosing heart conditions while reducing hospital waiting lists and eliminating the need for trained physiologists to set up traditional monitoring equipment. How it works: The ePatch system represents a significant departure from traditional Holter monitors that require extensive hospital-based setup. The device is a small patch that adheres to the skin, replacing traditional monitors that hook patients up to numerous wires during...

read Jul 9, 2025

Google expands Circle to Search with AI Mode and gaming support

Google is expanding Android's Circle to Search feature with new AI capabilities and gaming assistance, alongside updates to Gemini Live for foldable devices. The enhancements integrate Google's AI Mode chatbot directly into Circle to Search and introduce camera-sharing support for Samsung's latest foldable phones, marking a significant step toward more seamless AI-powered mobile experiences. What you should know: Circle to Search now includes AI Mode integration, allowing users to access Google's chatbot-style search without switching apps. Users can "long press the home button or navigation bar, then circle, tap, or gesture on what you want to search," with AI Overviews...

read Jul 7, 2025

Rabbit launches browser-based AI agent that automates complex web tasks

Rabbit, the AI device maker behind the $200 r1 gadget, has launched "intern," a powerful AI agent that works through web browsers to automate complex tasks like building websites, booking restaurants, and making purchases. The company is positioning itself as a serious competitor to upcoming AI hardware from Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, and Jony Ive, Apple's former design chief, having shipped over 100,000 r1 devices with continuous software improvements since its rocky 2024 launch. The big picture: Rabbit CEO Jesse Lyu believes the future lies in AI agents that understand context rather than traditional app-based interfaces, giving the company...

read Jun 17, 2025

Developer gives failed $699 Humane AI Pin a glow-up, transforms it into custom AI assistant platform

A 29-year-old developer has successfully created PenumbraOS, a custom operating system that transforms the failed Humane AI Pin into a functional development platform for AI assistants. Adam Gastineau's 400-hour project represents one of the most ambitious attempts to salvage the $699 wearable device after Humane shut down its core functionality and was acquired by HP in February 2025. What you should know: Gastineau has effectively turned the AI Pin into "a normal Android device" capable of running custom applications and connecting directly to AI services. His system enables the pin to make direct WebSocket connections to OpenAI's real-time API, processing...

read Jun 13, 2025

Google and Snap push XR mainstream with Android XR and $3B Spectacles bet

Augmented World Expo 2025 concluded in Long Beach, California, with Google's Android XR and Snap's consumer Spectacles announcement driving momentum for mainstream XR adoption. The three-day event, drawing over 5,000 attendees and 250 exhibitors, showcased how AI integration and mature hardware are finally positioning extended reality technologies—which blend digital content with the physical world—for widespread deployment across enterprise and consumer markets. What you should know: Industry leaders declared 2025 the year XR moves from experimental to mainstream, with AI serving as the critical catalyst. AWE co-founder Ori Inbar's keynote emphasized that "the hardware is good enough, the tools are mature,...

read Jun 9, 2025

Apple unveils 15 major accessibility features including brain computer interface

Apple unveiled a comprehensive suite of accessibility enhancements coming to iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS later this year, coinciding with Global Accessibility Awareness Day. These updates represent some of the most significant accessibility improvements in recent Apple history, introducing entirely new capabilities alongside meaningful upgrades to existing features. The announcement, made ahead of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, showcases the company's continued commitment to making technology more inclusive. From breakthrough features like Brain Computer Interface support to practical improvements like system-wide reading modes, these updates will meaningfully impact how millions of users interact with their devices. 15 major accessibility features coming...

read Jun 3, 2025

Barking rad AI-powered Fi Series 3+ smart dog collar detects behavior

The integration of AI into pet technology is creating new opportunities for health monitoring, with Fi's latest smart collar offering advanced behavioral tracking alongside improved GPS capabilities. This progression of wearable technology for pets demonstrates how AI is expanding beyond human applications to provide pet owners with unprecedented insights into animal health and activity patterns, potentially transforming veterinary care through more comprehensive data collection. The big picture: Fi has upgraded its smart dog collar lineup with the Series 3+ that incorporates AI-powered behavior detection to monitor specific pet activities while offering enhanced GPS tracking capabilities. The collar can now detect...

read Jun 2, 2025

Know when to fold ’em: Tech giants advance AI and foldables in latest gear updates

Apple is gearing up for a significant overhaul of its operating system ecosystem, shifting from version numbers to yearly designations while redesigning user interfaces across its product lineup. This move represents one of the most substantial changes to Apple's software strategy in years and comes alongside major AI developments from Android competitors like OnePlus and Samsung's preparation for its next generation of folding devices. These parallel developments highlight how the mobile ecosystem continues to evolve through both interface refinements and emerging AI capabilities. Apple's sweeping OS rebrand: Bloomberg reports that Apple plans to announce a comprehensive redesign of all its...

read May 23, 2025

Pin envy: Jony Ive’s AI device reportedly bigger than Humane’s

Jony Ive and Sam Altman's forthcoming AI device appears to be taking shape as a wearable with iPod Shuffle-like elegance that could be worn around the neck. This collaboration, now officially part of OpenAI following a $6.5 billion acquisition of Ive's company, represents a significant hardware play from one of AI's most influential companies. The 2026 launch target signals a deliberate development timeline for what could become a pioneering product in the emerging wearable AI category. The big picture: Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's research suggests the OpenAI-Ive device will be larger than Humane's AI Pin but maintain a "form factor...

read May 23, 2025

Samsung AI washer/dryer combo $1,300 off for Memorial Day

Samsung's Memorial Day discount on its Bespoke AI Laundry Combo slashes $1,300 off a machine that combines cutting-edge AI technology with energy efficiency. This all-in-one ventless washer/dryer system represents Samsung's push into smart home appliances that blend convenience with sustainability, appealing to space-conscious consumers who want high-tech laundry solutions without separate machines or complex installation requirements. The big picture: Samsung has reduced its premium Bespoke AI Laundry Combo Electric Ventless Heat Pump Washer/Dryer to $1,999 during its Memorial Day Sale, down from its regular $3,299 price point. The current sale price represents a significant discount compared to typical sales that...

read May 22, 2025

OpenAI’s secret AI device heads to mass production in 2027

OpenAI and Jony Ive's mysterious AI device is targeted for mass production in 2027, according to respected supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The collaboration between the AI research powerhouse and Apple's former design chief has ambitious manufacturing plans, with The Wall Street Journal reporting an intended production run of 100 million units. This wearable device represents a significant hardware play in the emerging consumer AI market, though its exact functionality remains largely shrouded in secrecy. The big picture: The AI wearable is currently designed as a compact, elegant device meant to be worn around the neck, drawing design inspiration from...

read May 21, 2025

OpenAI acquires Jony Ive’s AI hardware firm io

OpenAI's acquisition of Jony Ive's hardware company io marks a significant strategic move into the physical device market, potentially redefining how consumers interact with AI technology. The $6.5 billion deal brings 55 engineers from Ive's team to OpenAI while establishing LoveFrom as the design authority for all OpenAI products—signaling the AI company's ambition to create entirely new hardware categories rather than simply competing with existing smartphones. The big picture: OpenAI is acquiring io, the hardware company founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, in a deal valued at nearly $6.5 billion. The acquisition brings approximately 55 hardware engineers, software...

read May 21, 2025

Yielding to Amazon? Smart home action nowhere to be found at Google I/O

Google's retreat from smart home innovation signals a concerning shift in priorities, with AI taking center stage while once-flagship Nest products fade into the background. At Google I/O 2025, the complete absence of smart home announcements marks a stark contrast to previous years when the category received significant attention. This trend raises questions about Google's commitment to competing with Amazon in the connected home space and whether its AI focus might eventually reinvigorate or further diminish its smart home ecosystem. The big picture: Google's smart home division has become noticeably absent from major announcements, with Google I/O 2025 featuring no...

read May 21, 2025

Google Pixel Fold drops $300 for Memorial Day sale

Google's latest foldable device, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, delivers significant improvements over its predecessor with a slimmer design and enhanced AI capabilities tailored for larger screens. Priced at $1,799 (though currently available for $300 less), this premium device earns ZDNET's Editors' Choice by successfully balancing portability with the productivity benefits of a tablet-like experience, all while leveraging Google's AI ecosystem to create unique functionality not found on other foldables. The big picture: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents Google's refined approach to foldable smartphones with a thinner profile and taller design that opens to reveal an 8-inch internal display....

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