Today's Consumer Tech Pulse
Apple integrates distilled Gemini AI into Siri, boosting on-device processing
Apple is embedding a distilled version of Google’s Gemini model into Siri, enabling the iPhone’s Neural Engine and custom silicon to handle simpler queries locally while offloading heavier AI workloads to the cloud. The initiative also brings Nvidia’s Confidential Computing platform to encrypt user data during cloud processing.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Airbnb leads $58M Series C in travel startup WeRoad
Turris Omnia NG Wired Dual 10GbE, Quad 2.5GbE Router Drops Wi-Fi for Cost Savings
Turris has launched the Omnia NG Wired router, mirroring the feature set of its Wi‑Fi 7 model but stripping out built‑in wireless to cut costs. The device offers dual 10 GbE SFP+ cages, four 2.5 GbE RJ45 ports, a Qualcomm IPQ9574 SoC, 2 GB RAM and optional Wi‑Fi 7 or 5G upgrade kits. Priced at €349.54, it saves roughly €110 versus the Wi‑Fi‑enabled version while retaining OpenWrt‑based Turris OS and the dynamic Sentinel firewall. The model targets users who prioritize wired performance and security over wireless convenience.
Foursquare Debuts Mobile App at SXSW, March 2009
#ThisDayInTechHistory. March 11, 2009. Foursquare launched its #Mobile application at SXSW. (CNN Business) #History https://t.co/eP2mwEJbAC
New $299 Smart Speaker with Built‑In Taste
Another listening device? But one with taste built in. $299. Gonna be on top of the Christmas Tree in my house this year.
Logitech Launches New ‘Charger Not Needed’ Campaign for Light-Powered Keyboard via UMM
Logitech ANZ, together with agency UMM, has launched a billboard campaign in Sydney promoting its new Signature Slim Solar+ keyboard, which runs without a charger by harvesting any light source. The ads, displayed at Wynyard and Town Hall stations, highlight...
Microsoft Quietly Scraps “This Is an Xbox” Campaign
it looks like Microsoft's "This is an Xbox" marketing campaign has been quietly canned. The original announcement post has been removed, but the ads still remain on YouTube https://t.co/PeCX9AG175 https://t.co/XqJXAU83Zf
Thin, Light GeekBook X14 Pro Impresses with 32GB RAM
Sick of your boat anchor? I put a shockingly thin and light GEEKOM GeekBook X14 Pro Windows 11 Pro Laptop through its paces, and I'm not going to lie, I was impressed. And did I mention 32GB of RAM and...
Meta Adds New Tools Including Freeze Frame to Edits
Meta expanded its Edits video‑editing app with three new tools: a freeze‑frame function that lets creators pause on any frame, personalized sound effects that auto‑suggest audio based on video content, and a teleprompter overlay for on‑screen script narration. These features...
Apple’s $699 MacBook Neo Sets New Security Standard
This sounds great, and for only $699! Way to go Apple for raising the bar yet again—protecting users both from the world's most sophisticated attackers and from Apple itself. And way to go, Sooraj, for becoming my trusted source for these...
Apple Has Changed Several Key Cap Labels From Words to Glyphs on Its Latest MacBook Keyboards
Apple has updated the key caps on its latest MacBook lineup, swapping word labels for glyph symbols on the Backspace, Return, Shift and Tab keys. The change appears on the new M5 16‑inch MacBook Pro, the M5 Air and the...
GrapheneOS Coming to Motorola Phones Is Exactly the Android News I Wanted
Motorola announced a partnership with GrapheneOS to ship phones with the privacy‑focused operating system pre‑installed, starting in 2027. Currently, GrapheneOS runs only on Google Pixel devices and requires a complex flashing process. The first Motorola models slated for the collaboration...
NEKOPARA Sekai Connect Brings Rhythm Battles, Romance, and Charming Catgirls to Mobile on April 14
GOOD SMILE COMPANY announced Nekopara Sekai Connect, a social RPG launching April 14, 2026 for Android and iOS, with a PC version slated for fall. The game blends semi‑auto rhythm battles, fully‑voiced story episodes, and 2D animated catgirls, including new...
Microsoft Will Soon Let You Use Any Windows 11 PC Like an Xbox
Microsoft will roll out Xbox mode on all Windows 11 PCs next month, delivering a full‑screen Xbox interface that can be navigated with a game controller. The feature, already tested in the Windows Insider program since November, aims to blur the...
10 Android Trends That Will Define Smartphones in 2026
Android smartphones in 2026 will be defined by AI‑native hardware, on‑device intelligence, and a suite of new hardware innovations. Chipmakers are rolling out processors built for machine‑learning, while AI agents inside apps start performing tasks autonomously. Battery life jumps to...
10-Year Apple Newsletter Dissects MacBook Neo Strategy
Subscribe to my daily newsletter all about Apple. In its tenth year with ~2,000 updates published to date. Since last week, we have been dissecting MacBook Neo strategy from every angle.
Inside Apple’s MacBook Neo Strategy and Marketing
This week’s AVALON episode was dedicated to MacBook Neo. We talked about everything ranging from Apple event evolution and TikTok marketing to price umbrellas and MacBook trial balloons. If you have an interest in Apple product and strategy, come join...
Numberess Is Wordle, But with Digits and Numbers, Out Now on Mobile
Numberess, a new Android puzzle, launches as a numeric twist on Wordle. Players receive six daily rounds, each requiring them to guess a hidden four‑digit number using color feedback and a higher‑or‑lower hint. The game permits repeated digits and offers...
Lilbits:
Rabbit's 2024 handheld AI device, the R1, was widely criticized for underdelivering, prompting the company to refocus on software improvements. Now the firm announced Project CyberDeck, a mini‑laptop that pairs a high‑quality keyboard and display with low‑power, Raspberry Pi 5‑class processing. The...
You Can Get Both Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office Pro for Just $50 Right Now
StackSocial is offering a combined Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office Professional 2021 bundle for $44.97, a steep discount from the typical $419 price tag. The Office license is a lifetime, non‑subscription entitlement covering the full suite of desktop apps....
Foldable iPhone Gains iPad‑Style Multitasking Interface
NEW: Apple’s forthcoming foldable iPhone will include updates to the iOS operating system that enable iPad-like layouts and side-by-side apps for the first time, enhancing the device’s appeal for multitasking. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-11/apple-s-foldable-iphone-to-feature-ipad-like-interface-when-opened
Mac Mini Hosting for Agentic AI Benefits MacStadium
Didn't have Mac Mini's as being the host computer for agentic AI on my bingo card. Looks like they are hosting a Mac Mini for you as part of the service. Maybe a good play for @MacStadium ?
Windows 11 HDR Looks Bad for Browsing and Gaming, so I Fixed It with These Tweaks
Windows 11’s built‑in HDR handling often produces washed‑out colors and banding when displaying SDR content, prompting users to seek fixes. Microsoft’s free HDR Calibration app lets users adjust luminance settings, improving desktop and browser visuals. For gamers with Nvidia GPUs,...
Mac Mini Needed for Always‑on Perplexity PC
If this doesn’t come to Windows soon, I may need to buy a Mac mini.
(Podcast) Clockwise 647: A Seedy Jelly Experience
Clockwise 647 covers Apple’s upcoming MacBook Neo, potential USB‑C setbacks, LEGO’s Smart Bricks launch, and the controversy around loot boxes. The hosts debate who benefits from the Neo’s specs, warn about cable compatibility issues, assess the educational value of programmable...
These Smart Glasses Can Be Used As a Private HD Screen, and They’re $50 Off Right Now
Chinese manufacturer TCL’s RayNeo Air 4 Pro AR/XR smart glasses are now on sale for $249 on Amazon, a $50 discount from the original $299 launch price. The device projects a 201‑inch HDR10 virtual screen with 120 Hz refresh, allowing users...
First Footage of X-Plane 12 on Vision Pro
X-Plane 12, the industry‑leading flight simulator, will be available on Apple Vision Pro via a companion app this spring. The experience relies on visionOS 26.4 and Nvidia’s CloudXR 6.0 to stream the simulator from Mac, Windows, or Linux machines in...
Mophie Introduces Premium Soft Goods Collection for iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and AirTag
Mophie has launched a premium soft‑goods collection for Apple devices, including iPhone 17 cases, iPad folio covers, AirTag accessories, and MacBook hardshells. The lineup features design‑forward aesthetics, microsuede interiors, AeroKnit fabric, and MagSafe compatibility, with prices ranging from $59.95 to...
Our Favorite Backyard Bluetooth Speaker Is $25 Off
Amazon is offering the Ultimate Ears Boom 4 Bluetooth speaker for $125, a $25 discount across four colors. The cylindrical device delivers 360° sound, boasts an IP67 dust‑ and water‑resistant rating, and features a rugged fabric‑wrapped chassis. It includes large volume controls,...
Google Is Making Android Phones Faster and Improving Battery Life with This Change
Google is integrating Automatic Feedback‑Directed Optimization (AutoFDO) into the Android kernel to streamline code execution based on real‑world usage patterns. By profiling the most common instruction paths from the top 100 apps, the compiler can make smarter decisions, reducing CPU...
The Galaxy S26 Series Is Now Officially on Sale, and the Trade-In Values Have Plummeted
Samsung's Galaxy S26 series has hit stores, but the generous pre‑order trade‑in credits have been slashed. The top‑tier S26 Ultra now offers up to $720, roughly $200 less than the pre‑launch incentive, while trade‑ins for devices like the Z Fold 6...
Mac's DNS Glitch Sparks Apple Support Confusion
What are the chances this is really Apple Support? And why is my Mac trying to connect to ip addresses instead Mountain View California right now instead of domain names. Don’t have time for this. 64.233.176.254 @google @apple https://t.co/qsHLJWmhRt
This All-in-One Android Utility Kit Saved Me From Installing 10 Separate Apps
OmniTools is a free Android utility suite that aggregates more than 50 everyday tools—ranging from finance calculators and unit converters to health metrics and home‑project estimators—into a single lightweight app. The app organizes its features into color‑coded categories and offers...
This Tiny Radio Lets Me Send Texts without Wi-Fi or Cell Service
Off‑grid messaging is now feasible with inexpensive LoRa‑based devices running the open‑source Meshtastic firmware. A Lilygo T‑Echo or MakerHawk ESP32 node can be purchased for as little as $22 and, when paired with a smartphone, creates a mesh network that...
Apple’s GCD Update Boosts Efficiency on M5 Max
I think Apple has updated Grand Central Dispatch to squeeze out some of these efficiency gains on M5 Max. Sitting here staring at core utilizations by workload and there are some differences from prior Max/Pro silicon.
Xbox Mode Arrives on Windows 11 This April
"Xbox mode will be coming to Windows 11 in select markets starting in April," says Jason Ronald https://t.co/xDIr9JcjeJ
I Kept Deleting Chats by Accident, and Google Messages Just Fixed It
Google Messages introduced a Trash folder that captures deleted conversations for 30 days before permanent removal. Users now see a "Move chat to trash" option, allowing them to restore messages or delete them permanently. The folder appears in the account...
Your 2026 Home Technology Tune-Up Checklist
The article offers a 2026 home‑technology tune‑up checklist that guides homeowners through a systematic, once‑a‑year audit of networking, storage, backups, power protection, smart devices, and firmware. It outlines core checks—firmware updates, Wi‑Fi coverage, drive health, backup verification, UPS battery age—and...
Nuphy Air V3 Rivals Lofree Flow84 in Feel and Sound
My main keyboard remains the Lofree Flow84 (V1, not V2), but I must admit that the Nuphy Air V3 comes awfully close on feel, and arguably sounds a little bit better. Here's a sound test. https://t.co/qrrrq5zfoS
The Graphene Heat Spreader Secret: Why You Should Never Peel the Sticker Off Your NVMe SSD
Modern NVMe SSDs use a thin, graphene‑copper sticker as a built‑in heat spreader, channeling heat away from the controller and NAND chips. Removing this label not only voids the manufacturer warranty but also creates air gaps that impair thermal transfer,...
You Can Already Save $50 on the New M4 iPad Air
Apple unveiled the M4‑powered iPad Air on launch day, and Amazon immediately offered a $50 discount on the 13‑inch model and $40 off the 11‑inch version. The base configurations retain 128 GB storage, 12 MP cameras, Wi‑Fi 7, Touch ID and a ten‑hour battery...
Xbox Next‑gen Games Built on PC Platforms
Microsoft says you build next-gen Xbox games by building them for PC. My colleagues @StarFire2258 and @jaypeters are in line for the Xbox GDC keynote, but look at what they spotted. "Next-gen game preservation" and building for PC for next-gen...
How to Set up a Smart Switch to Power Your Home (and What to Avoid when You Do)
SwitchBot offers a battery‑powered, adhesive‑mounted robot that mechanically flips existing light and appliance switches, eliminating the need for rewiring or professional installation. Users can control the device via direct Bluetooth for short‑range use or add a SwitchBot Hub to enable...
Valve Details New Game Verification System for Upcoming Steam Frame and Steam Machine — 30 FPS at 1080p for Steam...
Valve unveiled a game verification system for its upcoming Steam Frame and Steam Machine hardware. The system requires games in a designated category to maintain a stable 30 FPS at 1080p, mirroring the performance baseline set for the Steam Deck. Valve...
Backing Musubi: First Consumer Holographic Photo Frame
I just backed musubi: the first consumer holographic photo and video frame on @Kickstarter https://t.co/dWB7H7VPRV
This PC Upgrade Is the Weirdest Thing I've Added to Samsung SmartThings Yet
Bertel King adds a Samsung Smart Monitor M8 to his SmartThings ecosystem, turning a 32‑inch 4K display into a multifunctional hub. The monitor runs One UI on Tizen, offering TV‑style streaming, Samsung DeX desktop, and built‑in light, motion and sound...
Switch From Edge to a Better Browser Easily
Tired of using Microsoft Edge for your Web browsing adventures? There are lots of cool and specialized alternative Web browsers nowadays, and it's easy to switch your default. Here's how, step-by-step... https://t.co/j2OsbpQ2oZ #chrome #edge #opera #browsers #win11 https://t.co/CUikEHv3SK
I Stopped Trusting Samsung’s Battery Health Screen After I Found the Real Number
Samsung’s battery diagnostics screen shows a static "Normal" label and a rounded capacity figure, masking the natural wear of the battery over time. Internally, the actual rated capacity is lower, and the display does not update as the cell degrades...
Best Tablets for Kids in 2026
Mumsnet’s 2026 roundup identifies the top tablets for children, highlighting the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro as the overall winner, the budget‑friendly Tabwee K10, and premium options like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ and Apple iPad. Each device was evaluated...
4 Features that Make Android's Default File Manager Better than Third-Party Alternatives
Android’s built‑in file manager has evolved from a minimal utility into a competitive alternative to third‑party apps. It remains free, ad‑free, and inherits system‑level permissions, eliminating the need for additional user grants. The UI now follows modern material design and...
World's Most Powerful eFoil Is Also One of the Easiest to Learn On
Hydroflyer unveiled the Gen 2 FF, a limited‑edition eFoil powered by a 10,000‑watt motor that reaches 60 km/h and delivers explosive acceleration. The board features a four‑point‑contact stance with handlebars, carbon‑fiber construction, and an onboard computer that manages power, depth mapping, and...
Dabao Is a $10 Dev Board with an Open Source Baochip-1x RISC-V Microcontroller (Crowdfunding)
Hardware hacker bunnie Huang launched the Dabao evaluation board, a $9.50 single‑board computer featuring the open‑source Baochip‑1x RISC‑V microcontroller. The chip, fabricated in TSMC’s 22 nm process, offers a 350 MHz VexRiscv core, multiple PicoRV32 I/O cores, 4 MiB non‑volatile RRAM, and hardware...