Consumer Tech
The devices, apps, and platforms changing how we live and work.
112 articles published
Here’s How Many Remote Operators Waymo Has Per Self-Driving Taxi
Waymo's Remote Assistance: How Many Humans Does It Take to Drive a Driverless Car? The promise of autonomous vehicles is just that — autonomous. But the reality involves humans behind the scenes, assisting when the AI encounters tricky situations. Waymo's reliance on remote assistance agents, partic
Anker’s X1 Pro shouldn’t exist, but I’m so glad it does
Anker's new Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro is a head-scratcher that somehow works. It jams a 4K projector, karaoke mics, and a five-speaker Google TV system into a portable, wheeled package. The audacity is the point, creating a unique gadget that might just be the ultimate party machine. Key Points
Google Pixel 10a dashed my hopes, but I can recommend these 6 phones instead
Google's new Pixel 10a is here, but don't get too excited. It's essentially a carbon copy of last year's Pixel 9a, offering minimal upgrades at the same $499 price point. While sticking to a successful formula isn't always bad, in the crowded mid-range market, stagnation can be a death knell. Key Po
Apple’s upcoming smart glasses could get dual cameras and a touch of luxury
Apple's long-awaited smart glasses are shaping up to be more than just a wearable, with the potential to be a key part of the company's AI strategy. The inclusion of dual cameras and a focus on premium design signal Apple's intent to differentiate itself in a crowded market. This could mean a shift
Apple apparently has two new Studio Display models lined up for launch
Apple's display strategy could be about to get a lot more interesting. Hints in the latest macOS beta suggest the company is prepping not one, but two new Studio Display models. This could address criticisms of the current model and better compete in a market with increasingly sophisticated display
After Search Party backlash, Ring is still avoiding the bigger questions
Ring's facing scrutiny again, and it's not just about grainy footage. Despite canceling one controversial partnership, the company's commitment to broad video sharing with law enforcement and expanding AI capabilities raises concerns about mass surveillance. Are convenience and security worth the po
A $10K Bounty Waits for Anyone Who Can Unplug Ring From Amazon
Ring doorbells are facing fresh scrutiny over data privacy, and a new initiative is putting money on the table to solve it. The Fulu Foundation is offering a bounty for developers who can sever Ring's connection to Amazon's cloud, allowing users to store footage locally. This comes after criticism o
Meta will ruin its smart glasses by being Meta
Meta's Smart Glasses Gamble: Privacy vs. Functionality Meta's reported plan to introduce facial recognition in its smart glasses is a risky move that could undermine the nascent smart glasses market. The feature, dubbed "Name Tag," aims to identify people using Meta's AI assistant, potentially draw
Smart glasses in court are a privacy nightmare
Smart glasses are facing increasing scrutiny, especially in sensitive spaces. Recent courtroom incidents involving Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses highlight growing concerns about privacy and unauthorized recording, prompting swift action from legal authorities and raising questions about the future of
Meta’s VR metaverse is ditching VR
Meta's vision for the metaverse appears to be shifting away from virtual reality, despite continued investment claims. Layoffs in Reality Labs and the cancellation of projects suggest a pivot toward third-party content and augmented reality. Is this the beginning of the end for Meta's VR ambitions
Apple sets the date for March 4 event and it could be a big one for Macs
Apple's March 4th event is shaping up to be a major refresh of its hardware lineup, potentially impacting everything from entry-level devices to professional workstations. The simultaneous events in New York, London, and Shanghai signal Apple's focus on key global markets and a potentially broad pro
Future MacBooks might hide your screen from everyone else
Worried about prying eyes on your laptop screen? Apple might have a solution in the works. Leaks suggest future MacBooks could feature a built-in privacy display, shielding your content from unwanted onlookers. This isn't just about convenience; it's about securing sensitive data in an increasingly