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
M:tel BH Adds Samsung Galaxy A37 and A57 Smartphones
Bosnia and Herzegovina operator M:tel has added Samsung’s Galaxy A37 and A57 5G smartphones to its catalogue, priced at 164.99 BAM per month (about $92) on a 24‑month contract. The A57 comes with complimentary Galaxy Buds 3 headphones valued at roughly $195, while the A37 includes a Galaxy Fit 3 smart bracelet worth about $83. Both promotions run until 15 June, aiming to boost mid‑range 5G adoption in the market.
Fitbit Air vs Pixel Watch 4: Which Should You Wear at Night?
Google launched the Fitbit Air, a $99.99 screenless 12‑gram band that tracks sleep stages, heart rate, HRV, SpO₂ and skin temperature, syncing to the new Google Health app. Paired with a Pixel Watch 4, the Air serves as an overnight companion,...
I Tested a Portable Battery with Graphene Heat Dissipation - and Cracked It Open for Proof
The Momax Q.Mag X is a 5,000 mAh MagSafe power bank that’s only 8.3 mm thick and 125 g light, offering 15 W wireless and 20 W wired charging. Its glass‑and‑aluminum chassis looks premium, and a graphene coating keeps the unit cool during use. Priced just...
5 Noise-Canceling Earbuds Worth Buying After the Spring 2026 Refresh
Spring 2026 introduced two flagship earbuds—Sony WF‑1000XM6 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro—while 2025 holdovers like Apple AirPods Pro 3, Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) and EarFun Air Pro 4+ remain competitive. The article ranks five earbuds based on real‑world ANC, transparency latency, battery life with ANC on,...
Google Launches Pics, AI Image Generator Built Into Workspace
Google unveiled Pics, a new AI image generator and editor, at its I/O 2026 conference. Integrated into Google Slides and Drive, the tool uses the Nano Banana 2 model to let users edit individual elements without re‑generating the whole image,...
I Tested Motorola's $1,500 Razr Ultra, and It's so Close to Being My Dream Flip Phone
Motorola’s 2026 Razr Ultra arrives as a $1,500 premium flip phone, refining the 2025 model with a larger 7‑inch 165 Hz Extreme AMOLED interior display, HDR10+, and a four‑inch external screen. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB...
China Built a Gaming GPU: Lisuan's LX 7G100 Performs Like an RTX 3060 but Costs Almost $500
Chinese firm Lisuan Technology has launched the LX 7G100, a 12 GB gaming GPU that benchmarks near Nvidia’s five‑year‑old RTX 3060 in synthetic tests. Priced at roughly $480 (3,300 RMB), it competes with mainstream cards like the RTX 5060 Ti but falls short in real‑world gaming...
SmallRig Add-On Turns Osmo Action 6 Into Street Snapper
SmallRig's add-on takes the DJI Osmo Action 6 from extreme sports sidekick to agile street snapper https://t.co/YniBTl43k6
How Accurate Are Smartwatch Calorie Burn Calculations?
Smartwatches claim to estimate calories burned, but multiple validation studies show errors ranging from 27% to over 90% across major brands. The inaccuracy stems from reliance on heart‑rate and motion data without accounting for metabolic rate or body‑composition differences. Experts...
Walmart’s Bestselling $859 Windows 11 Laptop Is Now 54% Off Ahead of Memorial Day
Walmart is offering its best‑selling Sgin 15.6‑inch Windows 11 laptop at a 54% markdown, slashing the price from $859 to $399 ahead of Memorial Day. The device packs an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U quad‑core CPU, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, a 512 GB SSD and a...
Apple Rolls Out Sleep Apnea Alerts and Hearing Tests to Indian Wearables
Apple announced that its Apple Watch lineup and AirPods Pro 2/3 will now offer sleep apnea notifications and clinically validated hearing tests for Indian users. The rollout covers multiple Watch models and positions the devices as early‑screening tools rather than...
Wait—Was that a Pixel 11 Teaser? Theories Are Buzzing After Google's I/O
During Google I/O 2026, the Gemini Omni demo ended with the Pixel’s camera bar glowing, igniting speculation that Google hinted at a Pixel 11 “Pixel Glow” feature. Rumors describe Pixel Glow as an eight‑LED RGB array embedded in the camera bar, potentially replacing the...
OPPO Find X9 Ultra, Find X9s Ditch AI Monopoly: Uses Gemini, Perplexity, and OpenAI Together
OPPO has launched the Find X9 Ultra and Find X9s in India, embedding a new AI strategy that pulls from Google Gemini, Perplexity AI, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The phones run ColorOS 16.1, which hosts the Mind Pilot assistant that automatically...
Android 17 Adds Streamlined OS Verification for Authentic Software
📱 Here's a closer look at how Android 17's OS verification is going to work Google is introducing a streamlined OS verification tool in Android 17 to help users easily confirm that their phone's software is authentic and hasn't been tampered Details...
AccLock Lets Earbuds Unlock Gadgets and Doors
Chinese researchers have developed a tool called AccLock, that'd let you use your earbuds to unlock your gadgets — or even your front door https://t.co/xzAuLMjUw6
TCL CSOT Unveils AI‑Driven APEX Pixel Displays at SID 2026
TCL CSOT introduced its AI‑centric APEX Pixel platform at SID Display Week 2026, featuring a new RGBC subpixel structure and AI digital‑twin tools that shave up to two months off development cycles and cut missed defects by 85%, signaling a...
Phone Carriers Offer eSIM Plans in the US for World Cup Travelers From Abroad
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws international visitors to the United States, AT&T, T‑Mobile and Visible have launched short‑term eSIM travel passes that can be activated on unlocked 5G phones. The plans range from a data‑only 30‑day AT&T option...
Google TV Will Gain Support for Pointer Remotes
At Google I/O, Google announced that its Google TV platform will now support pointer‑style remotes, letting users move a virtual cursor by waving the remote in the air. The new input method mirrors LG’s webOS remote design and is positioned...
Apple Was Fastest Growing Latin American Smartphone Vendor in Q1
Apple emerged as the fastest‑growing smartphone vendor in Latin America during 1Q 2026, posting a 31% year‑over‑year increase despite a flat regional market that grew only 3% to 34.8 million units. The iPhone 17 series drove the surge, with Mexico delivering an extraordinary...
Microsoft Launches AI‑enabled Surface Pro and Laptop for Business, Starting at $1,949
Microsoft introduced a new line of Surface devices for enterprise customers on May 19, pricing the 13‑inch Surface Pro for Business at $1,949.99 and the 13‑inch Surface Laptop for Business at $1,499.99. Both models run Intel’s third‑generation Core Ultra 3...
Amazon Rumored to Add User‑Replaceable Batteries to Next‑Gen Kindle E‑Readers
Amazon is rumored to equip its next generation of Kindle e‑readers with user‑replaceable batteries, a move that could ease consumer frustration as support for pre‑2012 models ends on May 20. The speculation stems from a pulled firmware update that referenced battery...
Razer Viper V4 Pro Takes on Logitech with 49‑Gram Ultra‑Fast Mouse
Razer unveiled the Viper V4 Pro, a 49‑gram mouse with a 50,000‑DPI Focus Pro Optical sensor and up‑to‑8,000 Hz polling, directly targeting Logitech's X2 Superstrike. The launch intensifies the rivalry between the two brands for esports‑focused gamers seeking the fastest, lightest...
We Still Don't Have A Price Or Release Date On Android XR Glasses
Google unveiled its Android XR intelligent eyewear at the I/O 2026 conference, positioning the device as a developer‑focused platform powered by Gemini AI. The company showcased design and software capabilities but withheld any pricing information or a concrete release date....
Having Android XR Glasses Support iOS Might Be Their Best Feature
Google and Samsung are set to release Android XR smart glasses this fall, backed by eyewear brands Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. The devices will pair with both Android and iOS smartphones, extending the market beyond Android users. Powered by...
Is It Bad to Use a Laptop Right on Your Lap?
Recent research shows that laptops do not pose a cancer risk because they emit only low‑energy, non‑ionizing radiation. However, the heat generated by the battery and processor can raise scrotal temperature by about five degrees Fahrenheit, temporarily reducing sperm quality....
Vibe Coding Is Coming to Your Phone
Google announced at I/O an upgrade to its AI Studio vibe‑coding tool that lets users generate full native Android apps from simple text prompts. The feature initially supports personal‑utility apps and lets creators export the app to a phone within minutes....
Yearslong Fight Over Users' Right To Tweak Smart TV Software Heads To Trial
The Software Freedom Conservancy has taken Vizio to court, alleging the TV maker violated GPLv2 and LGPLv2.1 by withholding the full source code of its Linux‑based smart‑TV operating system. The case, filed in Orange County Superior Court, is scheduled for...
Vivo and iQOO Get Android 17 Beta 3, Giving Developers Early Access to New Features
Vivo announced Android 17 Beta 3 for its flagship X300 Pro and iQOO 15 smartphones, opening the build to developers in 18 markets. The update brings tighter privacy controls, power‑saving tools and UI tweaks that could shape the next Android...
LatAm Smartphone Sales Stronger than Expected
Latin America’s smartphone market posted a 3% YoY increase in Q1 2026, driven by proactive inventory builds and OEM portfolio simplification toward lower‑storage models. Samsung led with 12.9 million units and a 37% share, while Xiaomi and Motorola followed at 6 million...
Smart Glasses: Samsung and Google Take the Next Step in the AI Race
Samsung and Google have joined forces with fashion brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to launch a new generation of AI‑powered smart glasses, entering a market recently energized by EssilorLuxottica and Meta’s second‑generation release. The collaboration blends cutting‑edge vision technology...
Android Is Finally Getting Its Own Version of Apple's 'Handoff'
Google unveiled "Continue On," a cross‑device handoff feature debuting in Android 17 RC1. The tool mirrors Apple’s Handoff by showing a suggestion label on a second device, letting users jump directly to the same task—such as a Docs file or...
The 8 Best Open-Ear Headphones for Running
Runner’s World’s Jeff Dengate evaluated nine open‑ear headphone models to identify the best options for runners. Premium choices like the Bose Ultra Open deliver superior audio and a secure clip, but carry a high price and occasional Bluetooth glitches. Mid‑range...
Google's AI Studio Now Lets Anyone Build Android Apps In Minutes
At Google I/O 2026, Google unveiled AI Studio’s new capability to generate native Android apps in minutes, cutting weeks of development down to a few clicks. The tool leverages Gemini‑powered AI to write Kotlin code using Jetpack Compose and automatically...
Google’s Wear OS 7 Skipped at I/O 2024, Sparking Wearable Future Debate
At this year’s Google I/O, Wear OS 7 received only a passing mention while the event spotlighted AI health services, Gemini integration, XR glasses and the $100 screenless Fitbit Air. The modest 10% battery boost and new widget tweaks signal...
Peru Smartphone Market 2026: Xiaomi Dominates as Samsung, Motorola, HONOR and ZTE Battle for Affordable 5G Growth
In Q1 2026 Peru’s smartphone market stayed fiercely competitive, with Chinese brands expanding in affordable and mid‑range segments while Samsung defended premium and mass‑market positions. Xiaomi kept the lead with a 28 % share, driven by Redmi and Poco models that blend...
Everything to Look for When Buying a New Laptop in 2026
Buying a laptop in 2026 requires matching use case, budget, and platform to rapidly evolving hardware. Intel’s Panther Lake Core Ultra CPUs, AMD’s Ryzen AI Max, and Apple’s M5 chips deliver stronger performance and battery life, while Nvidia’s RTX 50‑series GPUs set the standard...
Samsung and Google Launch AI-Powered Smart Glasses with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker
Samsung Electronics and Google unveiled a new line of AI‑enabled smart glasses at Google I/O 2026, built on Google’s Gemini AI and Samsung hardware. The devices, co‑designed with fashion houses Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, aim to create a hands‑free...
Best Buy Memorial Day: Gaming Laptops From $749
I've rounded up all of the best gaming laptop deals in the early Best Buy Memorial Day sale — including options from just $749. https://t.co/JK5NoQRErz
Gemini Intelligence Is Coming to Wear OS 7 and Your Smartwatch May Get a Lot Smarter: Here's What's New
Google unveiled Wear OS 7 at its I/O 2026 keynote, embedding Gemini Intelligence directly into the smartwatch platform. The update adds proactive, agentic AI that can launch tasks, place orders and manage apps via voice. Wear OS 7 also brings new 2×1...
10 Best Budget Sports Watches
The budget sports‑watch market has shifted dramatically, with Apple’s SE 3 and Coros’s Pace 3 delivering premium features at sub‑$300 prices. Reviewers now evaluate watches on long‑term wearability rather than spec sheets, emphasizing durability, battery life, and real‑world performance. The guide ranks...
IPhone Titanium Research: Apple Could Go Back to the Expensive Metal
Apple’s latest iPhone 17 Pro models have switched back to an aluminium chassis, abandoning the titanium frame introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro line. The change is attributed to heat‑dissipation challenges that emerged as AI processing and console‑level gaming demand...
4 Android Auto Settings I Always Turn on for a Safer Ride
Android Auto’s built‑in safety suite includes auto‑launch, split‑screen, voice controls, and Do Not Disturb. Activating auto‑launch removes the need to manually start the app, while split‑screen keeps navigation and media visible simultaneously. Voice commands let drivers issue commands without touching...
Acer Launches Aspire 14 AI Ryzen AI 400 Copilot+ Notebooks
Acer unveiled the Aspire 14 AI notebook series, featuring two 14‑inch models powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI 400 processors. The laptops combine 16 GB LPDDR5X memory, Radeon 840M graphics and a 50‑TOPS NPU for on‑device AI tasks such as text generation and image editing. A dedicated...
OpenAI Phone with Alleged 2 Nm SoC: An AI Device Between Smartphone Leak and Hardware Strategy
OpenAI is reportedly developing an AI‑focused phone in partnership with Jony Ive’s io design team. A leak suggests the device would use a custom MediaTek Dimensity 9600 built on TSMC’s 2‑nm N2P process, featuring dual NPUs, LPDDR6 memory and UFS 5.0 storage. Production...
It's the Same Old Phone with a New Name & Fatter Price Tag
Indian smartphone makers are rebranding existing budget handsets with new model names while inflating prices by 50‑60%. The move stems from soaring component costs and a weak rupee, which have pushed the bill of materials above original MRPs. Minimal hardware...
What ‘Rugged’ Means on a 2026 Smartwatch, and Which Specs Actually Matter Outdoors
The rugged smartwatch segment has moved from niche to mainstream as outdoor activity drives demand. Brands tout certifications like MIL‑STD‑810H, IP68/69K and ATM ratings, but true value lies in dual‑frequency GPS, barometric altimeter and realistic GPS‑on battery life. Samsung’s Galaxy...
![Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 Has a Bouncy New Animation for Quick Settings [Video]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://i0.wp.com/9to5google.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/05/android-17-quick-settings.jpg?resize=1200%2C628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 Has a Bouncy New Animation for Quick Settings [Video]
Google has introduced a new bouncy animation to the Quick Settings panel in Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3. The motion mirrors the existing bounce effect in the notification shade, giving the swipe a sense of inertia before snapping back. The update is...
Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3: System UI Adds More Blur to Pixel
Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 expands the blur and translucency introduced in earlier releases, adding frosted‑glass effects to the volume slider, full volume panel, power menu and other system UI elements. The changes build on Google’s Material 3 Expressive redesign and leverage...
I Stopped Caring Which Brand Made My Smart Devices, and I'm Glad We've Reached that Point
The Connectivity Standards Alliance’s Matter protocol has matured into a universal language for smart‑home devices, letting consumers ignore brand ecosystems. Over 500 companies now support Matter, and many existing Google, Apple, and Amazon products serve as hubs or Thread border...
Google Rolling Out Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 for Pixel
Google unveiled Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 at I/O 2026, continuing its two‑week update cadence. The build addresses a range of stability and UI issues, from noisy system logs to Wi‑Fi dropouts and audio distortion. Beta images are available for Pixel 6...