Consumer Tech News and Headlines

I Turned My Linux Terminal Into a Local AI Assistant and It’s so Useful
NewsMar 6, 2026

I Turned My Linux Terminal Into a Local AI Assistant and It’s so Useful

The author demonstrates how to turn a Linux terminal into a local AI assistant using Ollama and the 2 GB Llama 3.2 model, running entirely on a CPU‑only laptop. By adding two Bash functions—`ask` and `explain`—the model can interpret commands, man pages,...

By MakeUseOf
The Apple Watch Series 11 Is at Its Lowest Price Ever
NewsMar 6, 2026

The Apple Watch Series 11 Is at Its Lowest Price Ever

Apple has reduced the price of its Watch Series 11 to the lowest level since launch, making the health‑focused smartwatch more accessible. The latest iOS 26 update introduces blood‑pressure notifications and a new sleep‑score metric, enhancing its comprehensive wellness suite. Industry analysts...

By Womens Health
Pixel Journal Gets Short Material 3 Expressive Bottom Bar
NewsMar 6, 2026

Pixel Journal Gets Short Material 3 Expressive Bottom Bar

Pixel Journal has been updated with Material 3 Expressive’s short bottom bar, reducing the space above the tab indicator and aligning its look with Google Home and Phone. The UI tweak introduces a floating toolbar similar to the recent Pixel Now Playing...

By 9to5Google
This New Company Aims To Take OLED TV Tech To The Next Level
NewsMar 6, 2026

This New Company Aims To Take OLED TV Tech To The Next Level

South Korean material firm Lordin announced a breakthrough blue phosphorescent OLED technology named ZRIET, which collapses energy transfer distance to near zero. The new emitters claim over 20% external quantum efficiency and roughly 60% longer lifespan than traditional fluorescent blue...

By SlashGear
Android 16 QPR3: Pixel Launcher Search Bar Loses M3 Expressive Redesign
NewsMar 6, 2026

Android 16 QPR3: Pixel Launcher Search Bar Loses M3 Expressive Redesign

Android 16 QPR3 reverts the Pixel Launcher search bar to its legacy layout, discarding the Material 3 Expressive redesign introduced last year. The update restores the single‑container design with AI Mode positioned left of the microphone, and re‑enables long‑press customization of the AI...

By 9to5Google
Motherboard Buying Advice for the PC Building Apocalypse — Our Benchmarks, and Years of Testing, Show You Where to Save...
NewsMar 6, 2026

Motherboard Buying Advice for the PC Building Apocalypse — Our Benchmarks, and Years of Testing, Show You Where to Save...

Tom’s Hardware analysis shows motherboard prices have exploded due to AI‑driven component shortages, but performance gaps between flagship and budget boards are minimal. Testing reveals $190‑$300 boards deliver adequate VRM, storage, and networking for most builds, freeing budget for RAM,...

By Tom's Hardware
The Logic of Platform Exclusivity Remains Undefeated | Opinion
NewsMar 6, 2026

The Logic of Platform Exclusivity Remains Undefeated | Opinion

Sony is reversing its recent experiment with PC ports, scrapping plans for upcoming first‑party titles like Ghost of Yotei. The move follows disappointing sales – only about 6% of God of War Ragnarök players were on PC – and a failure...

By GamesIndustry.biz
Once Again, Nvidia Resurrects an Older Card...
NewsMar 6, 2026

Once Again, Nvidia Resurrects an Older Card...

Nvidia has announced a re‑release of the older RTX 3060 8 GB graphics card, positioning it as a low‑cost option for budget gamers. The new SKU is expected to retail near $250, a steep increase from the $70‑plus price point the card originally...

By AnandTech
Acer's RTX 5070-Powered Nitro V16 Gaming Laptop Price Cut to $1249.99 — You Have 24 Hours to Make the Most...
NewsMar 6, 2026

Acer's RTX 5070-Powered Nitro V16 Gaming Laptop Price Cut to $1249.99 — You Have 24 Hours to Make the Most...

Acer’s Nitro V 16‑inch gaming laptop, equipped with an RTX 5070 GPU, is on sale for $1,249.99 at Best Buy—a $50 markdown from its list price. The machine ships with a 16‑inch 180 Hz IPS panel, 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD,...

By Tom's Hardware
MDT Announces New KNX RF+ Window Handle and Radiator Thermostat
NewsMar 6, 2026

MDT Announces New KNX RF+ Window Handle and Radiator Thermostat

MDT has launched two new KNX RF+ devices—a battery‑operated radiator thermostat and a window handle—both featuring the company’s DeepSleep power‑saving mode. The thermostat can be fitted to existing radiators, offers a boost function, window‑open detection, and an ePaper display, while...

By KNX Today
ADI Global Distribution Highlights Control4 KNX-Enabled Solutions at Light + Building 2026
NewsMar 6, 2026

ADI Global Distribution Highlights Control4 KNX-Enabled Solutions at Light + Building 2026

ADI Global Distribution will exhibit its Control4 automation portfolio at Light + Building 2026, booth B91 in Hall 12.0. The showcase emphasizes KNX‑enabled solutions, featuring a live Control4 environment that integrates lighting, audio, video, climate, security and power management. New products include Lux keypads,...

By KNX Today
Capitec Taking on Vodacom and MTN in South Africa
NewsMar 6, 2026

Capitec Taking on Vodacom and MTN in South Africa

Capitec Bank announced it will enter South Africa's telecommunications sector, launching its own mobile and broadband services. Leveraging its extensive retail branch network, the bank plans to distribute low‑cost data and voice packages directly to consumers. The move pits Capitec...

By MyBroadband (South Africa)
Overseas Report Says Samsung's Exynos 2700 Is Moving Fast, with a Cooler Head, Too
NewsMar 6, 2026

Overseas Report Says Samsung's Exynos 2700 Is Moving Fast, with a Cooler Head, Too

Samsung is reportedly finalizing its Exynos 2700 system‑on‑chip, a follow‑up to the 2600 that debuted on a 2 nm process. The new chip retains the advanced node while adding an upgraded Heat Path Block (HPB) packaging to curb thermal issues that...

By Android Central
Next-Gen Xbox Console, Codenamed Project Helix, Will Play PC Games
NewsMar 6, 2026

Next-Gen Xbox Console, Codenamed Project Helix, Will Play PC Games

Game Republic New Horizons has created an international advisory board of more than 20 industry veterans to shape its 2026 conference. The board includes leaders from Kickstarter, Revolution Software, Double Eleven and other key players. The three‑day event will run...

By GamesIndustry.biz
A Sub-$300 Drone with Obstacle Avoidance? Meet Skyrover S1
NewsMar 6, 2026

A Sub-$300 Drone with Obstacle Avoidance? Meet Skyrover S1

Skyrover has launched the S1, a sub‑$300 drone that packs DJI‑level capabilities into a sub‑249 g, fold‑foldable package. It delivers 4K/60 fps video from a 1/2‑inch Sony sensor on a 3‑axis gimbal, forward obstacle avoidance, and up to 12 km transmission. Smart flight...

By DroneDJ
Seagate FireCuda X1070 Leak Points to New High-End PCIe 4.0 SSD
NewsMar 6, 2026

Seagate FireCuda X1070 Leak Points to New High-End PCIe 4.0 SSD

Seagate is poised to launch the FireCuda X1070, a consumer‑grade PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD revealed through early retail listings. The drive will be offered in 1 TB, 2 TB and 4 TB capacities, delivering up to 7200 MB/s sequential reads and 6000‑6500 MB/s writes. It carries...

By Guru3D
Xiaomi BE19000 Pro Combines Wi-Fi 7 Speed With Integrated NAS Features
NewsMar 6, 2026

Xiaomi BE19000 Pro Combines Wi-Fi 7 Speed With Integrated NAS Features

Xiaomi has unveiled the BE19000 Pro, a tri‑band Wi‑Fi 7 router that promises a combined wireless throughput of up to 18,656 Mbps. The device adds an M.2 2280 slot and a USB 3.0 port for built‑in NAS functionality, while offering dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports for...

By Guru3D
The Smart Home Technology That Could Actually Save Your Life
NewsMar 5, 2026

The Smart Home Technology That Could Actually Save Your Life

Smart home devices are evolving from convenience gadgets to life‑saving tools. Newer smoke and carbon‑monoxide detectors can notify phones and shut off gas, while motion and water sensors detect hazards early. Fall detection, AI health monitoring, and connected security systems...

By Realtor.com News
Home Assistant Now Backs up Directly to Cloudflare R2, and the Free Tier Gives You All You Need
NewsMar 5, 2026

Home Assistant Now Backs up Directly to Cloudflare R2, and the Free Tier Gives You All You Need

Home Assistant now includes a native integration that backs up the entire platform directly to Cloudflare R2. The free tier of R2 provides enough storage for typical home‑lab and personal smart‑home setups, and the service only charges for stored data,...

By XDA Developers
The Smart Home Never Quite Worked. Now It’s Getting an A.I. Reboot.
NewsMar 5, 2026

The Smart Home Never Quite Worked. Now It’s Getting an A.I. Reboot.

Tech giants Amazon and Google are betting that generative AI assistants—Alexa+ and Gemini—will finally make smart homes practical for mainstream consumers. Earlier smart‑home attempts floundered because devices were hard to configure, required ongoing software updates, and raised privacy concerns. Executives...

By The New York Times – Technology
15 Of The Coolest Gadgets To Pop Up On Oprah Winfrey's Favorite Things Lists
NewsMar 5, 2026

15 Of The Coolest Gadgets To Pop Up On Oprah Winfrey's Favorite Things Lists

Oprah’s annual "Favorite Things" segment has evolved into a powerful consumer catalyst, spotlighting a curated mix of high‑tech gadgets each holiday season. The 2025 list featured 15 standout devices ranging from the Ninja CREAMi ice‑cream maker to the HOVERAir X1...

By SlashGear
Marathon PS5 Controller Is Pretty Cool for a Limited-Edition DualSense
NewsMar 5, 2026

Marathon PS5 Controller Is Pretty Cool for a Limited-Edition DualSense

Marathon’s limited‑edition DualSense controller launched on March 5, 2026 for PS5, PC and Xbox Series X. The controller mirrors the standard DualSense in feel and functionality, featuring Marathon‑themed lime‑green and black decals baked into the plastic. Reviewers note the design is tasteful, though...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Google Starts Calling Out Android Apps that Drain Your Battery Before You Download Them
NewsMar 5, 2026

Google Starts Calling Out Android Apps that Drain Your Battery Before You Download Them

Google Play has begun displaying a battery‑drain warning on Android app listings, alerting users that an app may use more battery than expected due to high background activity. The warning launched on March 1, 2026, alongside a new developer metric that tracks...

By 9to5Google
3 Ways the Windows Task Manager Is Lying to You
NewsMar 5, 2026

3 Ways the Windows Task Manager Is Lying to You

Windows Task Manager is a convenient, built‑in diagnostic tool, but its percentages simplify complex system behavior. CPU usage is shown as an averaged figure across all cores, masking single‑core spikes. Memory usage includes cached and standby data that can be...

By How-To Geek
Pokémon Pokopia Review – Collectible Creatures Create Their Own Perfect World
NewsMar 5, 2026

Pokémon Pokopia Review – Collectible Creatures Create Their Own Perfect World

Pokémon Pokopia, a new Switch spin‑off from Game Freak and Omega Force, casts players as Ditto, a shapeshifting blob tasked with rebuilding a deserted town alongside Pokémon. The game replaces traditional battling with environmental restoration, letting players learn abilities like...

By The Guardian
I Gained 10% More FPS by Turning Off This Windows Security Feature
NewsMar 5, 2026

I Gained 10% More FPS by Turning Off This Windows Security Feature

Memory Integrity, a component of Windows’ Virtualization‑Based Security, isolates core processes to block malicious drivers. Disabling the feature in Windows Security raised frame rates by roughly 10%, with the author’s benchmark jumping from 125 FPS to 140 FPS. While the setting adds...

By MakeUseOf
Perplexity AI Introduces Voice Mode in Perplexity Computer
NewsMar 5, 2026

Perplexity AI Introduces Voice Mode in Perplexity Computer

Perplexity AI has launched Voice Mode within its Perplexity Computer platform, enabling users to ask questions aloud and receive near‑instant answers. The feature supports continuous, multi‑turn conversations, allowing follow‑up queries without re‑activating the assistant. By integrating speech input directly into...

By Indian Express AI
M4 MacBook Air with 24GB of RAM Plunges to Lowest-Ever Price Following M5 Announcement — $300 Off Is a Steal...
NewsMar 5, 2026

M4 MacBook Air with 24GB of RAM Plunges to Lowest-Ever Price Following M5 Announcement — $300 Off Is a Steal...

Apple’s 15‑inch M4 MacBook Air with 24 GB RAM has hit a historic low of $1,299 on Amazon, the cheapest price recorded by price‑tracking tools. The deal arrives just after Apple unveiled the newer M5‑based Air, which offers modest performance gains...

By Tom's Hardware
Nintendo Switch 2 Users Buying Fewer Games because of AI Storage Crisis, Report Claims — Game Demand Under Threat as...
NewsMar 5, 2026

Nintendo Switch 2 Users Buying Fewer Games because of AI Storage Crisis, Report Claims — Game Demand Under Threat as...

Nintendo’s Switch 2 is confronting an AI‑driven NAND shortage that has driven storage prices sharply higher. The handheld’s 256 GB internal capacity is quickly consumed by modern titles—Final Fantasy VII Rebirth alone occupies roughly 102.5 GB—forcing gamers to consider costly microSD Express cards. As...

By Tom's Hardware
Philips Hue Festavia Globe Outdoor String Lights Review: High-End Smart Lights Designed for Outdoor Ambience
NewsMar 5, 2026

Philips Hue Festavia Globe Outdoor String Lights Review: High-End Smart Lights Designed for Outdoor Ambience

Philips introduced the Hue Festavia Globe Outdoor String Lights at IFA 2025, offering 7‑metre and 14‑metre base kits plus 21‑metre extensions. Priced at £139.99/£249.99 in the UK, the lights feature full‑colour, IP65‑rated globes that integrate with the Hue Bridge for app‑based...

By T3
Samsung Is Trying Really Hard to Prove that Its Foldable Displays Are More Durable than You Think
NewsMar 5, 2026

Samsung Is Trying Really Hard to Prove that Its Foldable Displays Are More Durable than You Think

Samsung Display showcased a golf‑ball impact simulator at MWC 2026 to prove the durability of its latest foldable OLED panels. The new screens feature a thicker ultra‑thin glass layer and a titanium backplate, boosting shock resistance. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 now boasts a...

By Android Central
The Latest Windows 11 Update Is Actually Good — if You Use These 4 Tricks
NewsMar 5, 2026

The Latest Windows 11 Update Is Actually Good — if You Use These 4 Tricks

The Windows 11 24H2/25H2 update introduces several consumer‑focused features. A built‑in internet speed test now lives in the taskbar, while Cross‑Device Resume expands to Spotify, Office apps and browsers. Windows Hello gains support for external biometric devices with Enhanced Sign‑in Security,...

By MakeUseOf
ŌURA Acquires Doublepoint to Expand AI-Driven Interaction Capabilities
NewsMar 5, 2026

ŌURA Acquires Doublepoint to Expand AI-Driven Interaction Capabilities

Oura announced the acquisition of Doublepoint, a Helsinki‑based AI gesture‑recognition startup, to embed natural, biometric interactions into its wearable platform. The deal brings Doublepoint’s four founders and AI architects into Oura’s R&D, reinforcing a roadmap that blends voice and gesture...

By Oura – Blog
Galaxy S26 Seems to Have an Extra NFC Antenna That'll Make Me Fly in and Out of Stores
NewsMar 5, 2026

Galaxy S26 Seems to Have an Extra NFC Antenna That'll Make Me Fly in and Out of Stores

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series now includes a second NFC antenna positioned higher on the device, enabling users to complete contactless payments by tapping the top edge as well as the traditional rear center. Independent testing confirmed the top‑edge tap works on...

By Android Central
Google Is Still Fixing the Pixel 10's Graphics Issues in Its March Security Update
NewsMar 5, 2026

Google Is Still Fixing the Pixel 10's Graphics Issues in Its March Security Update

Google rolled out its March 2026 security update, version vCP1A.260305.016, aimed at the Pixel 6 through Pixel 10a devices, with a focus on lingering graphics problems in the Pixel 10 series. The patch addresses screen freezes, fuzzy displays, background blur,...

By Android Central
The Best LED Face Masks in the UK, Tested: 11 Light Therapy Devices that Are Worth the Hype
NewsMar 5, 2026

The Best LED Face Masks in the UK, Tested: 11 Light Therapy Devices that Are Worth the Hype

LED face masks are gaining traction as a high‑cost at‑home beauty tool, with experts confirming that red and infrared wavelengths can stimulate collagen and improve skin elasticity. The Guardian tested eleven models, ranking CurrentBody Series 2 as the best overall and...

By The Guardian
I've Researched and Tested the Best Smart Hubs to Simplify Your Home Automation – These Are My Top 6 Recommendations
NewsMar 5, 2026

I've Researched and Tested the Best Smart Hubs to Simplify Your Home Automation – These Are My Top 6 Recommendations

The article evaluates six leading smart‑home hubs, ranking the Homey Pro as the overall winner and highlighting the Apple HomePod for Apple ecosystems, IKEA Dirigera for app design, Philips Hue Bridge Pro for mid‑range lighting, Samsung SmartThings for budget‑conscious users,...

By Homebuilding & Renovating (UK)
5 Viral 'Do-It-All' Tools Users Say Are Actually Useful
NewsMar 5, 2026

5 Viral 'Do-It-All' Tools Users Say Are Actually Useful

A roundup of five viral "do‑it‑all" tools—Wallet Ninja, Gordon 20‑in‑1, RAK Multi‑tool Pen, Hori‑Hori knife, and Leatherman Skeletool—highlights their functionality, pricing and user reception. The Wallet Ninja packs 19 functions for about $15 and passes TSA checks, while the Gordon...

By SlashGear
GoPro Inc (GPRO) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
NewsMar 5, 2026

GoPro Inc (GPRO) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

GoPro reported Q4 2024 revenue of $201 million, matching guidance, while posting a GAAP loss of $0.24 per share and a non‑GAAP loss of $0.09 per share. Subscription revenue rose 9% year‑over‑year, driven by an 8% increase in ARPU and...

By Motley Fool – Earnings Transcripts
MacBook Neo Will Warn You if You Plug a Display Into the Wrong USB-C Port
NewsMar 4, 2026

MacBook Neo Will Warn You if You Plug a Display Into the Wrong USB-C Port

Apple’s new MacBook Neo ships with two visually identical USB‑C ports that serve different functions. The rear port offers USB 3 speeds and native DisplayPort output, while the front port is limited to USB 2 and cannot drive an external monitor. macOS now...

By 9to5Mac
AirDrop over Android Quick Share Support Will Roll Out This Month, Oppo Says
NewsMar 4, 2026

AirDrop over Android Quick Share Support Will Roll Out This Month, Oppo Says

Oppo announced that its Find X9 series will receive AirDrop‑over‑Quick Share support, allowing native file transfers between Android, iOS, iPadOS and macOS devices. The feature will roll out as a software update later in March, built in partnership with MediaTek and Google....

By 9to5Google
Study: Phone-Based Connections Lead Car Audio Listening
NewsMar 4, 2026

Study: Phone-Based Connections Lead Car Audio Listening

Futuresource Consulting’s Audio Tech Lifestyles 2025 survey of 10,000 car‑traveling consumers shows phone‑based connections now dominate in‑car audio, with 51% using Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto as their primary source. Radio’s share has slipped to roughly 25% overall, though...

By Radio World
Walmart Will Continue Selling Macs After Proving Market for MacBook Neo
NewsMar 4, 2026

Walmart Will Continue Selling Macs After Proving Market for MacBook Neo

Walmart announced it will continue selling Apple Macs, adding the $599 MacBook Neo to its lineup. The retailer previously used the M1 MacBook Air as a low‑cost entry point, pricing it as low as $599 before inventory ran thin. The new...

By 9to5Mac
Just Fun Tech: Analogue 3D Review
NewsMar 4, 2026

Just Fun Tech: Analogue 3D Review

Analogue 3D, the FPGA‑based Nintendo 64 recreation, launched in November 2024 at $269.99, delivering original cartridge compatibility and native 4K HDMI output. The console’s premium design, tight cartridge slot, and support for both legacy and wireless 8BitDo controllers aim to replace traditional...

By MMORPG.com
Home Assistant 2026.3 Has Arrived: Here’s What’s New
NewsMar 4, 2026

Home Assistant 2026.3 Has Arrived: Here’s What’s New

Home Assistant 2026.3 has rolled out, bringing a suite of automation refinements, new wake‑word support for Android, and expanded device integrations. The release adds "Continue on error" in the automation editor and lets robot vacuums clean specific mapped areas via...

By How-To Geek
Apple’s New Studio Display and Studio Display XDR Have Two Different Chips
NewsMar 4, 2026

Apple’s New Studio Display and Studio Display XDR Have Two Different Chips

Apple announced that its new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR are powered by two distinct A19‑family chips. The standard Studio Display uses a baseline A19, while the higher‑end XDR model incorporates an A19 Pro variant. Both chips replace the older A13 Bionic...

By 9to5Mac
Nuance Audio Glasses Help Understand Speech in Noisy Settings
NewsMar 4, 2026

Nuance Audio Glasses Help Understand Speech in Noisy Settings

A study published in the Journal of Otolaryngology‑ENT Research found that Nuance Audio Glasses, an over‑the‑counter hearing solution from EssilorLuxottica, improve speech‑reception thresholds by an average of 3.48 dB in noisy environments. Twenty adults with mild‑to‑moderate hearing loss achieved 50 % word...

By Healio
Hiboy Launches 100-Mile EX11 Full Suspension E-Bike at $1,300, Bluetti 128Wh to 3,840Wh Elite Power Stations From a $113 Low,...
NewsMar 4, 2026

Hiboy Launches 100-Mile EX11 Full Suspension E-Bike at $1,300, Bluetti 128Wh to 3,840Wh Elite Power Stations From a $113 Low,...

Hiboy unveiled its EX11 full‑suspension electric bike at a launch price of $1,299, a 35% discount from the $2,000 MSRP. The bike offers up to 100 miles of pedal‑assist range, a 750 W rear hub motor with 28 mph top speed, and rugged...

By Electrek
How Vulnerable Are Computers to an 80-Year-Old Spy Technique? Congress Wants Answers
NewsMar 4, 2026

How Vulnerable Are Computers to an 80-Year-Old Spy Technique? Congress Wants Answers

Senators Ron Wyden and Rep. Shontel Brown have asked the GAO to study how vulnerable modern computers are to TEMPER​ST‑style side‑channel attacks, which capture data from electromagnetic, acoustic or vibrational emissions. The request follows a new Congressional Research Service report...

By WIRED