Author: alex

Levoit LVAC-300: Budget Cordless Vacuum Now $270 — Deal & ReviewThe Levoit LVAC-300 cordless vacuum is on sale for $270 (list $350) — an $80 (23%) discount. It's a solid budget option with good suction, convenient handling and a polished design suitable for apartments and small-to-medium homes.Key specsPrice: $270 (was $350)Bin size: 0.75 LFilter: HEPA (Levoit claims 99.99% @ 0.3μm)Battery life: up to 60 minutes (Eco), ~12 minutes (Turbo)Modes: Eco / Mid / Turbo; digital battery displayProsGood suction for the priceEasy to assemble and remove batteryDecent bin capacity for quick cleansHEPA filtrationConsNo charging dock includedTurbo mode drains battery quicklyOur take: The LVAC-300 is a practical, budget-friendly cordless vacuum that performs well for everyday messes like dust, pet hair and small debris. It's particularly suited to apartment dwellers or anyone needing…

Google Gemini: Free users can create up to 100 images per day Google has clarified daily usage limits for Gemini AI. According to recent reports, free users can now generate or edit up to 100 images per day using the Gemini 2.5 Pro model. Google also applies limits to other features (reported figures): Free tier: ~100 image generations/edits per day, ~5 text prompts per day, and ~5 Deep Research reports per month. Some sources also report audio overview limits (e.g., 20/day). Paid tiers: substantially higher limits (examples reported include Pro and Ultra tiers with up to 1,000 images/day and more prompts/reports). Exact limits and prices vary by plan. These concrete figures replace previously vague terms like “limited access,” giving users clearer guidance on how much they can use Gemini’s creative…

Ford F-150 Lightning STX: Replaces XLT with More Power, Range and Rugged Styling Ford has introduced the F-150 Lightning STX, a new trim that replaces the XLT and adds a more rugged look plus improved range and power. Built from customer feedback, the STX aims to offer a factory-ready rugged Lightning without aftermarket mods. Key Specs Powertrain: Dual motor Horsepower: 536 hp Torque: 775 lb-ft EPA range: ~290 miles (extended-range battery) Starting price: $63,345 (does not include destination charges) Availability: Expected at dealerships early next year Notable Features Rugged styling cues: new off-road wheels, all-terrain tires, Tremor-sourced running boards, and STX badging Interior options: optional black vinyl floor and blue accent lines New color options: Argon Blue and Marsh Gray Why it matters Ford projects the STX will be its…

Uber & Momenta to test Level-4 robotaxis in Munich (2026) Uber and autonomous-driving software company Momenta have announced plans to test Level‑4 robotaxis in Munich, Germany, with testing and commercial operations targeted to begin in 2026. Rides will be summoned through the Uber app; the fleet will start with safety drivers on board and aim to transition to fully driverless service. Key facts Location: Munich, Germany Start of testing/commercial launch: 2026 Vehicle automation level: Level 4 (high automation; vehicle can handle driving without a human in defined conditions) Initial operations: safety drivers on board, then move to fully driverless How to ride: via the Uber app once available in the area About Momenta Momenta is a Shanghai-based autonomous driving software company that partners with automakers and has been developing scalable…

Eero Signal: Cellular Backup for Eero NetworksAmazon’s eero has introduced eero Signal, a cellular backup device designed to keep your eero Wi‑Fi network online when your primary internet connection fails. The device uses a built‑in multi‑carrier eSIM to automatically switch to cellular data and then revert to your home internet when it returns.Key featuresAutomatic failover: Detects outages and switches to cellular backup automatically.Models & pricing: 4G LTE model at $99.99; 5G RedCap model at $199.99 (5G arrives later).Subscription required: Backup data is supplied via an annual eero plan (e.g., ~10 GB for $99/yr; higher tiers available).Compatibility: Works with USB‑C powered eero routers (Wi‑Fi 6+) and the eero PoE Gateway.Use case: Intended as a location‑bound backup (not a mobile hotspot or primary broadband replacement).AvailabilityThe 4G LTE version is expected to launch…

Uber and Momenta to Test Robotaxis in Munich (2026) Uber and autonomous driving company Momenta will begin testing Level 4 robotaxis in Munich, Germany in 2026, Momenta announced. The pilot will use Momenta’s self‑driving technology on Uber’s ride‑sharing platform. Tests will start with safety drivers on board and aim for future expansion across Europe. Why Munich? Momenta cited Munich’s engineering heritage, a strong automotive ecosystem, and openness to innovation as key reasons for choosing the city as the European launch point. Tech & Regulation The planned service will run Level 4 vehicles in geofenced areas, which can operate without a safety driver once certified. The companies must obtain German government certification and approval for the designated zones before fully driverless operations can begin. Context & Competition Europe has trailed the…

Rumor: iPhone 17 Line May Bring 120Hz ProMotion to All Models Reports suggest Apple’s 2025 iPhone lineup — iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max and the new iPhone 17 Air — could all feature 120Hz ProMotion (LTPO OLED) displays. If true, this would be the first time the standard iPhone receives the higher-refresh-rate screen previously reserved for Pro models. Quick summary All models reportedly getting 120Hz ProMotion, improving smoothness for UI interactions and gaming. iPhone 17 may be slightly larger than the previous standard model; Pro/Pro Max could see material and battery changes. iPhone 17 Air is rumored as an ultra-thin model with a slimmed-down spec set (single camera, possibly eSIM-only) designed as a new ‘Air’ line. Why this matters ProMotion has been a Pro-exclusive differentiator for years. Bringing…

Lieferando restructuring: layoffs, subcontracting and criticism of working conditionsThe Lieferando app still appears unchanged for users, but the company is undergoing major structural changes. Reports indicate that in Austria all permanently employed couriers were dismissed, and in Germany around 2,000 positions are set to be cut as Deliveries are increasingly routed through subcontractors. The moves have drawn criticism from unions and worker advocacy groups concerned about job security, pay and working conditions.Key pointsAustria: reports say all permanently employed drivers were dismissed.Germany: roughly 2,000 driver positions to be cut as the company shifts toward subcontracting.Unions and worker groups have criticized the decision and reported strikes/protests in some cities.Sources & further readingGerman branch of Just Eat to cut 2000 jobs — Economic Times (2025-01-09) — Coverage of the planned job cuts and…

Dreame at IFA 2025 — Aqua10, Matrix10, Cyber10: full roundup At IFA in Berlin, Dreame unveiled a broad lineup of next‑generation floor-care robots designed to expand automated home cleaning beyond simple vacuuming. Highlights include the Aqua10 Roller series, the Matrix10 Ultra and the Cyber10 Ultra — each introducing novel hardware and docking solutions. Key products & features Aqua10 Roller / Aqua10 Ultra Roller: full-width continuous-clean roller mop system with self-rinse and squeegee; Ultra adds counter-rotating roller for stronger scrubbing; carpet protection and improved threshold clearance; up to ~30,000 Pa suction reported. Matrix10 Ultra: industry-first multi-mop switching system (degreaser, sponge, everyday fiber) with automatic pad swap, 100 °C cleaning + hot-air drying in dock; advanced obstacle handling and high suction. Cyber10 Ultra: features a Hyper-Flex robotic arm (multi-joint, ~33 cm reach,…

Debate in Germany: Smartphone & Social Media bans vs. Media Education Germany is again debating how to accompany children and adolescents in everyday digital life. While parents' and education organizations call for strengthened media literacy, some politicians push for stricter regulations — including proposals discussed around age limits such as 16. However, clear nationwide legislation setting a general ‘16+’ ban was not found in current sources; the focus is mainly on school rules and media education. Key positions Bundeselternrat: Opposes blanket smartphone bans in schools; advocates practical, age-appropriate rules developed together by parents, students and schools. (bundeselternrat.de) Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk: Warns that blanket bans can undermine children’s right to digital participation; calls for active involvement of children, parents and teachers when setting rules. (dkhw.de) GMK & D64: Along with other organizations,…