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
Starbucks Debuts ChatGPT‑Powered Personal Barista in App
Starbucks introduced a beta feature that lets users describe a vibe, outfit or preference to ChatGPT, which then suggests a customized drink and routes the order through the Starbucks app. The move aims to capture impulse buying moments and deepen digital engagement, while positioning the coffee chain at the forefront of agentic commerce.
Meta Raises Prices on Quest 3 and Quest 3S Due to RAM Shortage
Meta announced price increases for its Quest 3 and Quest 3S VR headsets, attributing the hikes to a global RAM shortage. The 512 GB Quest 3 rises from $500 to $600, while the 128 GB and 256 GB Quest 3S models each add $50 to their original...
These Four Apple Intelligence Features Might Be Coming in iOS 27
Apple is reportedly preparing four new Apple Intelligence features for iOS 27, as uncovered in backend code by MacRumors. The features include a Visual Intelligence nutrition label scanner that could log foods in the Health app, and the ability to...
Meta Is Giving Threads on Web a Redesign that Finally Adds Direct Messages
Meta has begun testing a redesign of the Threads web platform that finally adds a native direct‑messaging inbox, a feature long available only on the mobile app. The new interface introduces a left‑rail navigation bar with shortcuts to saved posts,...
Chance Miller: ‘Netflix Ruined Its Apple TV App by Switching to a Custom Video Player’
Netflix has replaced the native tvOS 26 video player on Apple TV with its own custom player, mirroring the approach used on other platforms. The switch adds extra steps for basic actions like 10‑second rewinds and disables several Apple‑specific remote features, including...
‘The Sims 4’ Marketplace Launches on PlayStation, Xbox, Making UGC Available for the First Time on Consoles (Gaming News Roundup)
EA announced that The Sims 4 Marketplace is now available on PlayStation and Xbox as of April 16, letting console players browse, purchase, and download community‑created Maker Packs and Kits directly in‑game using Moola. The launch removes the need to restart a...
9 Best Screen and Video Capture Apps I Recommend
The screen and video capture software market, valued at $1.49 billion in 2023, is projected to surpass $6 billion by 2031 as remote work fuels demand for visual communication tools. The article evaluates nine leading platforms—Zoom Workplace, Loom, Snagit, Scribe, Camtasia, Riverside,...
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Proves “Leica Phone” Concept Viable
Until recently, I'd have called it a cynical cash grab – but after two weeks with this special-edition Xiaomi 17 Ultra, the idea of a "Leica Phone" finally makes sense to me. Join me in the live chat for my first...
Ozlo’s Comfy Sleepbuds Are Nearly 30 Percent Off in the Run-Up to Mother’s Day
Ozlo’s Sleepbuds, engineered by former Bose staff, are on sale for $249—a $100 discount that brings the price down about 30% from the regular $349 list price. The earbuds function as a white‑noise machine while also allowing users to play...
Apple Pay Express Mode for Transit, When Used With a Visa Card, Is Vulnerable to Scam Tap-to-Pay Readers
Researchers from the University of Surrey and Birmingham demonstrated that Apple Pay’s Express Transit Mode, when paired with a Visa card, can be hijacked by a specially tuned NFC reader. The attack works on a locked iPhone, intercepts the payment flow,...
Why This MagSafe Battery Pack Is Our Readers' Favorite Model Right Now - Especially at Its Price
The Torras MiniMag Power Bank has emerged as ZDNET’s top‑rated MagSafe battery, offering 5,000 mAh in a remarkably thin 0.3‑inch, 4‑ounce package. Priced around $55 (often discounted to $36), it delivers 7.5 W charging via MagSafe and up to 18 W through USB‑C,...
T-Mobile Will Give You a Google Pixel 10a for Free - Plus an Extra Gift
T‑Mobile is offering new and existing customers up to four free Google Pixel 10a smartphones plus a complimentary pair of Pixel Buds 2a. The cost is spread over 24 monthly bill credits, and the devices must remain on an active plan for the...
Playdate Season 3 Is Coming Later This Year
Panic confirmed that Playdate Season 3 will arrive in time for the 2024 holidays, extending the console’s curated surprise‑game model. While the exact number of games and price remain undisclosed, the announcement follows a three‑year gap since Season 2’s launch. Season 2 delivered...
2nd-Gen Onn 4K Pro Does Not Support Lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS:X Audio Passthrough Like the Onn 4K Stick
The second‑generation Onn 4K Pro streaming stick cannot pass lossless Dolby TrueHD or DTS:X audio, unlike the earlier Onn 4K Stick which uses a Realtek processor and supports lossless formats in Kodi. Benchmark tests with Kodi and Plex showed the...
Google's AI Mode Update Tries to Kill Tab Hopping in Chrome
Google rolled out an update to Chrome’s AI Mode that embeds the chatbot as a persistent sidebar, allowing links clicked within AI responses to open in the same tab. The change eliminates the traditional tab‑hopping experience, letting users continue the...
Amazon Releases Second Fire TV Stick with Vega OS, Plans to Bring It to All Future Models
Amazon announced the Fire TV Stick HD, its slimmest streaming stick yet, slated for release at month‑end. The device adds Wi‑Fi 6 and is claimed to be 30% faster than its predecessor. Unlike earlier models, the new stick runs Vega, Amazon’s...
Gemini Adds Personal AI Photo Generation with Google Photos
Another step towards Jarvis -> Gemini is now bringing together Personal Intelligence, Google Photos, and Nano Banana 2 "If you have manually connected Google Photos to Personal Intelligence, Gemini will “use actual images of you and your loved ones to...
A Guide to Sustainable Tech Habits
The article outlines practical habits for reducing electronic waste, emphasizing that the most sustainable device is the one you already own. It advises extending device lifespans through proper care, battery management, and repairs, while recommending smarter purchasing decisions such as...
Sage Haven Launches AI-Moderated Chat App for Kids
Sage Haven, a public‑benefit startup founded by sisters Kate Doerksen and Anne Pizzuti, has launched an AI‑moderated messaging and voice‑calling app for children after a beta phase and a $3 million pre‑seed round. The app assigns each child a dedicated phone...
The MacBook Neo Guide
Apple has introduced the MacBook Neo, a sub‑$600 laptop that aims to prove a premium‑grade device can be affordable. Powered by Apple Silicon, the Neo features a 13.6‑inch Liquid Retina display, two USB‑C ports (one with 20× faster throughput), and...
Deal Sourcing Wins: Shaq’s Ring Investment Story
Shaq story investing in Ring before Amazon bought it for $1B is very entertaining. He wanted a security camera. One firm tried milking him for $80k (“no…beat it”). So, he went to Best Buy, saw Ring camera and bought it. Loved the...
Meta's Wearables Spark Privacy Paranoia Over Constant Surveillance
Hung out with someone recently who was wearing a pair of these and it felt like they had their phone up the whole time. Made me feel very tin-foil-hat about Meta spying on everyday interactions...
First Look: Also's Upcoming E-Bike Disconnects the Pedals and Wheels
Also, an electric‑bike startup backed by Rivian, is gearing up to launch the TM‑B, a bike that disconnects the rider’s pedals from the wheels. Pedaling drives a generator, whose electricity—augmented by a battery—powers a separate motor, while software controls crank...
Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo: Recycled, Affordable, Not Junk
The MacBook Neo Guide — first edition. In 2008, Jobs said Apple couldn't make a $500 computer that wasn't junk. In 2026, they made a $599 one out of iPhone parts, binned chips, and recycled aluminum. It's not cheap....
First Look at My New AI Smart Glasses
I finally got my AI Smart glasses by @Vader_AI_ Check out the unboxing 👀 https://t.co/ldUq81Qk9r
Span and Nvidia Launch XFRA: Distributed AI Nodes for Homes Target 1 GW by 2027
Smart panel maker Span and chip giant Nvidia announced a partnership to roll out XFRA, a network of backyard AI compute nodes. A proof‑of‑concept of 100 nodes will be installed in new‑construction homes in the Southwest in Q3 2026, with a...
Yellow Taskbar Triangle Signals Action Needed
Noticed that one of the icons on your Taskbar has a yellow triangle? Not to worry, it means it needs you to click and fix something, like Windows Security. Here's the scoop: https://t.co/5zRszmzGcy #windows #taskbar #security https://t.co/jtdGnhPxrS
Future Is Here: Localizing Products From a Self-Driving Car
It's easy to forget that you're living in the future. But every now and then you see something like this... Responding to a client's complaint by making a major product change (localization) from your phone, talking to your software agent...
Moocci Launches Patent‑Backed Kinetic Display That Stabilizes Magnetic Levitation for Retail
Moocci introduced a kinetic display system that leverages three U.S. patents to deliver rock‑solid magnetic levitation for objects up to 5 kg. The technology neutralizes micro‑vibrations, supports varied shapes, and includes a fail‑safe mode for power loss, aiming to move levitation...
DJI Plans Two New Entry‑Level Drones Amid Existing Lineup
DJI seems poised to launch two new entry-level camera drones — a move that seems a little strange given it already offers several cheap, affordable and highly capable models. https://t.co/GNdYIuBAOp
Microsoft to Launch OLED Surface Laptop with Chip Choices
Microsoft is planning Surface Laptop with an OLED display this year. It's part of a refresh of the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop line, which will also reportedly include upgraded haptics and the option of Intel or Qualcomm chips. Details...
Ofcom Clears VodafoneThree for Direct-to-Device Satellite Mobile Service
Ofcom has approved VodafoneThree’s request to amend its spectrum licence, allowing the merged carrier to deliver direct‑to‑device satellite connectivity for voice, SMS and data on ordinary smartphones. The move follows similar approvals for O2 and a pending handset‑rule update, signaling...
Amazon Cuts Top Gadget Prices to as Low as $14.99
Amazon is slashing prices on its best-selling tech gadgets, including Fire tablets, Ring Doorbells, Blink cameras, Fire Sticks, and more, starting at just $14.99. https://t.co/CcxY57oXOI
Claude Opus 4.7 Feels Like a Promising Upgrade
Spending some time with my new friend Claude Opus 4.7. Already feels like an upgrade. Hope it doesn't go downhill like 4.6! https://t.co/ym6LY6lpWZ
Nest Thermostats Have Saved Users an Estimated $14 Billion and 200 Billion kWh of Energy Since 2011.
Since its 2011 launch, Google’s Nest thermostat has helped users avoid more than 200 billion kilowatt‑hours of electricity and save an estimated $14 billion. The device’s Auto Eco feature automatically adjusts temperatures based on occupancy, while Nest Renew lets homeowners shift heating to cheaper,...
Xbox's New Chief Asha Sharma Prioritizes Platform Foundations
Microsoft’s new Xbox chief starts making her mark. In this week's Notepad 📒 I reveal more of Asha Sharma's Xbox memo, including a "deeper investment in the Xbox platform foundations." Live now for subscribers 👇 https://t.co/hA5cQ2CL1M
Save over 40% Off Fire TV Devices in April
Amazon is offering deep April discounts on its entire Fire TV lineup, with savings of up to 43% off regular prices. The Fire TV Stick HD is now $20 (down from $35), the 4K Select model $25 (from $40), and...
New Ways to Create Personalized Images in the Gemini App
Google’s Gemini app now leverages Personal Intelligence and Nano Banana 2 to generate custom images directly from a user’s Google Photos library and inferred interests. Subscribers can issue simple, natural‑language prompts and the system automatically pulls relevant personal context, eliminating the need...
Despite the Government’s Ban, Netgear Just Got an Exemption to Keep Selling New WiFi Routers in the U.S.
The Federal Communications Commission granted Netgear an exemption that lets the company sell new foreign‑made Wi‑Fi routers in the United States through October 1, 2027, despite a recent ban on all new overseas router models. The exemption still requires each new Netgear...
Laser Distance Meters Deliver Precise Long‑Range Measurements
A laser distance measurer can help you take more accurate measurements at longer distances. https://t.co/RNQpdLonKW https://t.co/h4ibiTipR2
Bonus Thought Regarding the Name ‘iPhone Ultra’
Analysts speculate Apple’s upcoming two‑screen folding iPhone could be branded “iPhone Ultra.” The author argues that using the Ultra label would signal Apple has no intention to launch a dedicated rugged iPhone, as consumers already rely on thick protective cases....
How I Got Around Not Being Able to Afford a Good Gaming PC For My Kid
A parent recounts the challenge of providing a modern gaming experience for a 12‑year‑old daughter on a tight budget. After buying a $700 Dell laptop that failed to meet game requirements, the author notes that a decent gaming rig typically...
SNK Is Releasing a Modern NeoGeo AES Console with ‘Unrivaled Authenticity’ and £70 Game Cartridges
SNK and Plaion are reviving the 1990 NeoGeo AES with a modern NeoGeo AES+ console slated for a November 12 launch. The standard and 35th Anniversary editions will retail for $249.99 (≈£179.99/€199.99) and include HDMI, 1080p output, and on‑screen BIOS...
My AI Agent Calls My Allergy Clinic Before Every Appointment (And Why That’s the Best AI I’ve Built)
Productivity expert Thanh Pham built a Lindy AI agent that automatically calls his allergy clinic 30 minutes before each appointment, navigates the phone menu using DTMF tones, and notifies staff of his arrival. The call ensures the clinic prepares his...
Sabi Lets You Command Devices Directly with Thoughts
Voice assistants were supposed to free us from typing. You still pull out your phone. Still say the wake word. Still wait. Sabi skips all of it. No voice. No phone. No waiting. Just the thought. https://t.co/vhQwq0fO2F
Create Eye-Catching Social Media Stories via OPPO Reno15 5G
OPPO launched the Reno15 5G in Turkey alongside the Reno15 Pro 5G and Reno15 F 5G, positioning it as a visual‑storytelling smartphone. The device combines hardware like a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, a 6500 mAh battery and IP69 protection with software tools...
Fujifilm Introduces the Next Generation in Photo Printing Experiences
Fujifilm North America unveiled the instax SPOT, a next‑generation instant‑photo hub designed for high‑traffic venues such as retail stores, museums and amusement parks. The freestanding solution offers two engagement modes—a tabletop AR photobooth and a QR‑code‑driven wireless print hub—printing on...
Tired of Fragile AirPods? Consider Sturdy Headphones
Has anyone here switched from airpods to headphones? I am getting tired of how precious and flimsy airpods can be and considering a switch. Thoughts?
Foldable Smartphone Sales up 32% in Q1 - M.Video
M.Video reported that Russian foldable smartphone sales reached 29,000 units in Q1, a 32% year‑on‑year increase. Revenue rose 8% to roughly $29 million, driven by an average price of about $1,000, down from $1,200 a year earlier. Samsung and Huawei dominated both unit...
Meta Raises Quest 3 and Quest 3S Prices Due to RAM Shortage
Meta announced a price increase for its Quest 3 VR headsets, citing a global surge in memory‑chip costs. Effective April 19, the Quest 3 will rise $100 to $599.99, the Quest 3S 128 GB model adds $50 to reach $349.99, and the 256 GB version...