Phone News
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Samsung's Galaxy Buds can now double as hearing aids. Here's the catch
Samsung's Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Buds4 Pro just earned FDA clearance for OTC hearing aid features, putting Samsung and Apple in direct competition this fall.
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Apple sued after privacy feature failed to hide your data
A law firm is suing Apple, claiming a privacy feature that millions pay for didn't actually keep their information hidden from websites.
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Apple warns iPhone users in 110 countries of spyware attacks
Apple confirmed it sent mercenary spyware alerts across 110 countries on August 13 and cited Pegasus as a known example of the threat.
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WhatsApp has a new feature to stop scam messages
WhatsApp's new Scam Alert feature uses on-device AI to warn you when a message looks like a scam, without sending your messages to Meta.
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Google's Pixel 11 Lineup Is Here – and Gemini Is Running the Show
Google's new Pixel 11 lineup doubles the base storage and puts Gemini everywhere, including a glowing AI light. Preorders are open now, starting at $899.
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Anker's back-to-school Amazon sale drops chargers to Prime Day lows
Anker is cutting prices on chargers, power banks, and charging stations through its Amazon back-to-school sale that runs through August 23.
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Samsung may be building a cheaper, longer-lasting Galaxy Watch
A leak reference suggests Samsung is developing a cheaper Galaxy Aero smartwatch with over a week of battery life. Here's what we know.
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Google Wallet now lets parents send kids money to tap and pay
Google Wallet's new feature lets US parents set up a spending balance for kids under 18, with spending limits, transaction alerts, and remote locking.
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Apple faces a $32.5 billion lawsuit over Photos face scans
An Illinois class action claims Apple's Photos app builds a facial "faceprint" of everyone in your pictures without asking first.
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Apple may charge extra for some Siri features, Tim Cook says
Tim Cook says heavy use of Apple's new AI-powered Siri could require an iCloud+ upgrade once it fully launches this fall.
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Spotify's new Running Mode matches music to your running workout
Spotify's new Running Mode adjusts your workout playlist to your pace, type of workout, and music taste, no manual DJing required.
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Apple patches bugs that let malicious apps take over your iPhone
Apple's updates this week fix dozens of security flaws, including several that could let a malicious app seize full control of your iPhone or Mac.
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Apple now lets you lease your next iPhone instead of buying
Apple Upgrade lets you lease an iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, or iPad starting at $11.99 a month, with no ownership until it is paid off.
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AT&T Fiber beats Verizon, Xfinity and Cox for best internet provider
Ookla's H1 2026 report crowns AT&T Fiber the top home internet provider, beating Verizon, Cox, Xfinity, and Spectrum on speed and reliability.
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This malware searches for and steals your crypto recovery phrase
SparkKitty malware scans iPhone and Android photo galleries for crypto recovery phrases, using OCR to steal them from your saved screenshots.
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Google adds a selfie video option to sign back into your account
Google's new selfie video option lets you record a short face video to prove it's you if you're ever locked out of your Google account. -

Samsung now sells two Galaxy Z Folds. Here's which to get
Samsung's new book-style foldables come in two shapes. The $1,899.99 Fold 8 is wider and lighter, while the $2,099.99 Fold 8 Ultra has the better cameras.
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Halliday's new G2 AI glasses want to sit in on your meetings
Halliday’s new camera-free glasses use software called Meeting Flow to track decisions and commitments while a meeting is still happening.
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China clears Apple's AI features for launch on iPhones
Apple has received Chinese regulatory approval to bring its AI features to iPhones there, more than a year after launching in other countries.
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Skullcandy's new Crusher 1080 ANC borrows Bose's best tech
I listened to Skullcandy's new $279.99 Crusher 1080 ANC at launch. The Bose partnership delivers on sound, but the headphones run heavy.
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Another MagSafe power bank recalled over fire and burn risk
Flaunt is recalling about 1,400 MagSafe battery chargers after burn injuries and fire reports. Here's how to check yours and get a refund.
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Apple warns scammers are using FaceTime to drain bank accounts
Apple is telling iPhone users to hang up on suspicious FaceTime calls after scammers used the app to trick victims into handing over banking passwords.
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Bank-draining phone scams are about to get a lot more common
Criminals no longer need hacking skills to target your bank account. A cheap rental kit is fueling a wave of these scams. Here's how to stay safe.
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Passive income apps like Honeygain are routing criminal traffic
Investigators found traffic from a sanctioned Russian bank flowing through Honeygain. Here's why passive income apps could expose you to legal risk
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Things to Check Before Buying an eSIM for Travel in Canada
Before buying a Canada eSIM, check network coverage, data allowance, validity dates, device compatibility, speed, cost, and customer support.
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5 billion Apple and Android devices just became easier to attack
A new security flaw affects AirDrop and Quick Share on over 5 billion devices. Here's the one setting to change right now to protect your phone.
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WhatsApp usernames mean strangers never see your phone number
WhatsApp just opened username reservations, letting you message new people without giving out your phone number. Here's how to claim yours.
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The MagSafe phone stand that made my flight to Hawaii bearable
From plane rides to shooting YouTube videos, the Omoton 360° Rotating MagSafe Tripod Mount proves that one compact stand can do it all.
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Samsung Messages stops working July 6: how to switch
Samsung is discontinuing its Messages app on July 6 for US Galaxy users. Here's what stops working and how to make the switch in 2 minutes.
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A Bluetooth flaw let nearby attackers listen through your earbuds
Earbuds from Beats, Sony, Bose, JBL, and others had a flaw that let nearby attackers eavesdrop. Most can be patched. Here's how to check yours.
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Millions of older iPhones have a security flaw Apple can't fix
Researchers found an unpatchable flaw in iPhones XR through 11. If your phone gets stolen, thieves now have a documented way to bypass its startup security.
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Prime Day open-ear earbud deals: up to 41% off our top picks
Bose, Cleer, Soundcore open-ear earbuds are on sale for Prime Day with discounts up to 41% off. Here are the 7 deals worth buying.
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Cool new tech from the Global Connect Show in China
The Global Connect Show in China offers a preview of gadgets that will be hitting store shelves and a few that give a sneak peek of the future.
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Motorola razr fold hands-on: A great foldable at a punishing price
Motorola's razr fold delivers on screen size, battery life, and software polish. Whether $1,899 is worth it depends on how you use a phone.
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Apple's much smarter Siri AI is finally here
The rebuilt assistant holds a real conversation and taps your personal context, and Apple says Google can't read the data it sends to the cloud.
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Android's new Intrusion Logging tracks spyware activity on your phone
Google partnered with Amnesty International to build Intrusion Logging, a new Android 16 feature that detects and records phone surveillance.
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Google wants Gemini to stop talking and start doing
Google overhauled the Gemini app at I/O 2026, adding a background AI agent, a morning digest, and a new $100/month subscription tier.
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Google Search, Chrome, and Gemini can now detect AI-generated images
Google is rolling out its SynthID watermark detection to Circle to Search, Chrome, and Gemini app, so you can check whether an image was made by AI. -

How Android 17 will protect your phone from thieves
Google's Android 17 adds default theft protection, blocks apps from reading your login codes, and flags fake bank calls.
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Sony marks 10 years of the 1000X with its best headphones yet
Sony marks 10 years of the 1000X series with The Collexion: a new driver, AI-powered audio upscaling, and all-metal design for $649.99.
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How to prevent spam callers from leaving voicemail
Spam calls are getting smarter. Here's our latest advice on how to fight back with your phone's built-in tools, your carrier, and the apps worth paying for.
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The White House app is a security and privacy mess
The official White House app bypasses privacy consent dialogs, has dormant GPS tracking, and loads code from a random developer's GitHub account.
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INIU Cougar P63 Is the Smallest 100W Laptop Power Bank You Can Buy
The INIU Cougar P63 delivers 100W laptop charging in a body 30% smaller than comparable 25,000mAh power banks. Available now at $75.99.
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INIU SnapGo Air Is the Slimmest Qi2.2 Power Bank You Can Buy
Need a faster wireless charge without the bulk? The INIU SnapGo Air charges an iPhone 17 Pro to 50% in 33 minutes and fits in your pocket like it isn't there.
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Encrypted iPhone-Android texting is here, with a catch
iPhone and Android texts can finally be end-to-end encrypted in iOS 26.5 – but carrier support determines whether your chats are actually protected.
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Android's new Gemini AI acts on your behalf. Here's the catch.
Android is getting AI that takes action for you, from booking appointments to filling forms. Here's what it does and what it costs you in control.
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Apple's $250M AI settlement: Do you qualify?
Apple is paying $250M to settle claims it overhyped Apple Intelligence. If you bought an iPhone 15 or 16 between June 2024 and March 2025, you may be owed $25 to $95.
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Google is paying out $700M to Android app buyers
Google quietly overcharged millions of Android users for years. Now a $700M settlement is sending automatic payments via PayPal and Venmo.
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Google Adds a 24-Hour Wait to Stop Scammers on Your Android Phone
Scammers are tricking victims into installing malware over the phone. Google's new Android process adds a 24-hour delay to break their grip.
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Trump Phone T1 gets another gaudy redesign. Still no release date.
The T1 phone has been redesigned for the third time in under a year, and Trump Mobile is still collecting $100 deposits with no firm ship date
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A 30 Million Call Loan Scam Hit My Phone Every Day for Months
A single robocall loan scam made 30 million calls in March using AI voices. I was a daily target. These new phone tools and FCC rules are fighting back.
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FTC warns about texts claiming your rewards points are expiring
Did you get a text about your rewards points expiring? The FTC says there’s a chance it’s a phishing scam to steal your personal data. -

This Free Android App Uses Sound to Fight Motion Sickness
Scientific research shows that playing a low-frequency tone using the Hearapy app for 60 seconds can provide up to 2 hours of relief from motion sickness.
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FBI Warns: Foreign Apps Are a Bigger Risk Than You Think
Chinese-developed apps can collect your data even when you're not using them. The FBI says it's time to take app permissions seriously.
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Google Translate Just Got a Major Upgrade for Travelers
Google rolls out Live Translate with real-time voice and tone detection, plus improved translations for slang and local expressions.
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These $80 open-ear buds keep you safe during outdoor exercise
Stay aware while you listen. Soundcore’s AeroFit 2 open-ear earbuds are down to $79.98 with all-day battery life and rich sound with impressive bass.
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Long TSA Lines, Glitchy Apps – How to Avoid Travel Disasters
Airline apps can fail when you need them most. Here’s how to avoid delays, access your boarding pass, and keep your trip on track.
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This $32.99 Power Bank Outperforms Chargers Twice Its Size
This $32.99 power bank packs 10,000mAh and 45W fast charging into a pocket-sized package. It's on sale now for up to 30% off.
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OPPO Find N6 Fixes Foldable Phones' Biggest Flaw
The crease has always been the weak spot in foldables. After testing the OPPO Find N6, I’m convinced it’s closer than ever to solving it.
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Google Maps just got two huge upgrades – here’s what it can do
Google Maps’ new Gemini-powered Ask Maps assistant can plan outings, recommend stops, and guide you with immersive 3D navigation.
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Most phones are impossible to read in sunlight – this one fixes that
Glossy phone screens are nearly impossible to read in bright sunlight. TCL’s new phone has a matte, paper-like display that dramatically cuts glare.
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Porn addiction app reportedly leaked what users say they watch
An app designed to help people quit porn reportedly exposed personal details and porn-watching activity from hundreds of thousands of users.
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Smartwatches Are About to Get a Lot Smarter – Thanks to This New Chip
A new Qualcomm chip could change how smartwatches work, bringing AI processing, satellite connectivity, and longer battery life to upcoming devices.
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The World’s Thinnest Magnetic Power Bank Is Just 6mm Thick
Xiaomi’s UltraThin Magnetic Power Bank packs 5,000mAh and MagSafe compatibility into a body thinner than many smartphones.
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RedMagic 11 Pro Brings AI Coaching and Liquid Cooling to Mobile Gaming
The RedMagic 11 Pro introduces flowing liquid cooling, AI coaching, and high-end gaming specs at a mid-range price.
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Techlicious Editor’s Choice Awards – Best of MWC 2026
From AI-powered phones to foldable gaming PCs, these are the most innovative products we saw at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona.
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Meet the Phone With a Camera That Moves by Itself
Honor’s concept Robot Phone uses a tiny motorized gimbal camera that tilts and rotates to follow you during video calls and filming.
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The iPhone 17e Finally Gets MagSafe – But It’s Missing Key Features
The $599 iPhone 17e adds MagSafe, a faster A19 chip, and double the storage. But it still lacks key features we were expecting on this next-gen budget iPhone
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TECNO Revives Modular Phones With Magnetic Snap-On Modules
Is it time for modular phones again? TECNO thinks its magnetic snap-on hardware concept could finally make it work.
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This Ultra-Thin Charger Won’t Set Your Pants on Fire
BMX's SolidSafe Air ultra-thin magnetic power bank uses semi-solid-state batteries with longer lifespans and greater durability than lithium-ion portables.
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Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra Stops Strangers from Reading Your Screen
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra gets a cool built-in Privacy Display feature, but the rest of the upgrades for the S26 series are incremental once again.
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Pixel 10a vs 9a: A Small Upgrade, Still a Smart Buy
Google’s Pixel 10a adds Satellite SOS, a brighter display, and small refinements – but if you have the 9a, the upgrade case is thin.
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SwitchBot AI Art Frame Hands-on – No Cord, No Glow, Just Art
With a matte E Ink display and up to two-year battery life, the SwitchBot AI Art Frame finally makes digital wall art look like real artwork.
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Sony XM6 vs XM5 Buds – What’s Better, What’s Not
Sony’s XM6 adds clearer sound and better calls – but is it enough to upgrade from the XM5? Here are my hands-on impressions.
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Waze Is About to Get Better at Warning You What’s Ahead
Waze will be adding earlier warnings for road hazards, speed limit drops, and improved roundabout directions. Here’s how these new features make everyday driving safer.
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Chrome’s New AI Can Shop and Log In for You – Should You Let It?
Google’s agentic AI can browse, log in, and shop on your behalf. Here’s why I’m curious – and cautious – about turning it on.
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Samsung’s $2,899 TriFold Is a Phone That Tries to Replace Your Laptop
Samsung’s TriFold unfolds into a 10-inch screen and uses DeX to run like a laptop. Can it really replace your laptop, and is it worth $900 more than the Fold?
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WhatsApp Embroiled in Privacy Controversy - What to Use Instead
A lawsuit alleges WhatsApp may expose more data than people realize. We compare Signal, iMessage, Google Messages, and RCS as safer alternatives.
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Apple’s New AirTag Fixes the One Thing That Drove Me Crazy
The new AirTag is 50% louder, and that simple change makes finding keys, bags, and wallets far easier in real life.
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Spotify's Prompted Playlist Puts You in Charge of the Algorithm
The new AI feature lets Premium subscribers describe the kind of music they want to hear for a custom playlist that auto-refreshes daily or weekly.
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Pinwheel Home Brings Back the Landline Phone – for Kids
This screen-free home phone runs over Wi-Fi and gives kids a way to call family and friends without a smartphone.
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iOS Apps Have Been Leaking Users' Information. Here’s How to Stop It
Security researchers found nearly 200 apps in the App Store exposing user data through sloppy coding, not malicious intent. And AI apps are the worst offenders.
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A Faster, Cooler Wireless Charger: The EcoFlow Rapid Mag Qi2.2 Deal
Fast Qi2.2 charging, strong magnets, built-in cable, and real heat protection make EcoFlow’s Rapid Mag Qi2.2 easy to recommend. Now 25% off.
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Anker's Clamp-On Power Strip Hides Clutter Under Your Desk
Anker’s 70W Nano Power Strip clamps on the edge of your desk, keeping USB ports within reach and bulky AC outlets out of sight for smart cable management.
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Got That Scary Instagram Password Reset Email? Here's What to Do
Meta fixed a flaw that let hackers send password reset emails to users, but it says no accounts were compromised. Here's what you need to know.
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Gemini Wants to Use Your Data to Help You. Should You Let It?
Gemini can personalize answers by pulling information from your Gmail, Photos, and search history. I see the appeal – and plenty of reasons to be cautious.
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Why Apple’s Gemini-Powered Siri Could Finally Be Useful
Apple is rebuilding Siri on Gemini AI. The move could finally make Siri conversational, helpful, and smarter – without giving up Apple’s privacy stance.
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AGI Is Showing What Hands-Free AI Can Actually Do on a Phone
AGI’s new voice assistant goes beyond simple commands, controlling apps and system settings directly for faster, hands-free phone use.
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iFLYTEK’s New Translation Earbuds Handle Noise and Long-Range Use
iFLYTEK’s translation earbuds delivered clear, fast translations even on the noisy CES floor, with long-range support through the AI Recorder S6.
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Nirva AI Jewelry Wants to Be Your Emotional Guide
Nirva is a new wearable that uses sensors and AI to analyze your mood and relationships. I look at what it actually does, how it works, and the privacy questions it raises.
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Rokid’s AI Style Are Smart Glasses I’d Actually Wear All Day
By ditching the display and focusing on comfort, AI, and prescriptions, Rokid’s Style glasses feel more like eyewear than wearable tech.
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Delays Cost Fliers 3.9 Million Hours this Year
The flight-tracking app Flighty's year-end report shows which airlines kept passengers waiting the longest and quantifies an especially annoying phenomenon.
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OnePlus 15R Hands-On: Incredible Battery, Frustrating Camera Trade-Off
The OnePlus 15R delivers massive battery life, smooth performance, and fast charging – but dropping the telephoto camera makes it hard to recommend.
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Instagram Launches TV App to Battle YouTube Shorts
The app brings Reels to Amazon Fire TV devices, letting you watch short videos organized into channels on the big screen. Other devices may be coming.
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New Android Virus Can Lock You Out of Your Phone and Wipe Data
With DroidLock, crooks take over a phone and threaten to delete its data if the owner doesn't pay up. Follow these steps to protect against it and all malware.
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Apple Keeps Walking Back Liquid Glass with iOS 26.2 Lock Screen Fix
Apple adds a new slider to reduce transparency on the lock screen clock. The update also lets you set the screen to flash for notifications.
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Kindle App Gets AI Answers For Book Questions – Debuting in iOS
Amazon's “Ask this Book” feature helps readers remember characters and plot points. It's now available on iPhone in the U.S., and authors can't opt out.
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Our Favorite Shokz Open-Ear Headphones Are Up to 30% Off
Multiple Shokz open-ear models we recommend – including the OpenRun Pro 2 – just dropped to holiday-level discounts through December 28.
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Android Phones Can Now Stream Live Video to 911 Dispatchers
Google will let Android users share live video during emergencies. The feature works with 911 systems used by 60% of North American dispatch centers.
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Never Lose a Thought Again. This Ring Records Your Ideas Anytime
Pebble’s Index 01 water-resistant smart ring lets you record ideas with the press of a button, even when your phone’s out of reach.