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Amazon Echo Studio 2025: upgraded acoustics and gesture controls Amazon has introduced the 2025 Echo Studio, a refreshed smart speaker that leans harder into high‑quality sound and modern controls. The new Studio is pitched as a stronger rival to Apple’s HomePod, with improved acoustic tuning and user‑friendly gesture inputs for common functions. The Studio’s updated feature set focuses on audio performance and convenience: it offers enhanced speaker hardware and tuning for richer bass and clearer mids, plus touch/knock gestures — for example, a tap can play or pause audio, and quick controls let you mute the microphone or adjust volume without using your phone. Key features at a glance Improved acoustics: Reworked speaker drivers and tuning designed to deliver fuller sound and better room filling performance. Gesture controls: Tap/knock gestures…

Fitbit food‑logging outage: search and barcode scanner failing for many users Many Fitbit users are reporting problems with the app’s food‑logging features: searches for foods return blank results and the barcode scanner shows a maintenance error. The issues started appearing in the last 24 hours and affect both the search interface and barcode scanning, with only manual/custom food entry still working reliably. Users have tried updating the app and reinstalling it without success, and some say they rely on Fitbit’s calorie counts for dieting or tracking goals — which is obviously disrupted when you can’t log items. Google (Fitbit’s parent company) has not yet published an official statement at the time of writing. Symptoms reported Food search results load but display as blank or empty lists. Barcode scanner returns a…

Form unveils HeadCoach 2.0: AI-powered, in-goggle swim coaching Form has introduced HeadCoach 2.0, an upgraded AI-driven coaching system for its smart swimming goggles. The new service analyzes each swim — distance per stroke (DPS), stroke rate, pace and heart rate — and delivers tailored guidance through the goggles’ augmented reality display and the Form app. HeadCoach 2.0 is available now to Form Premium subscribers. The company says the insights are informed by data from millions of swims and input from professional coaches and Olympic swimmers, and can be customized to objectives like improving technique or race preparation. Key features Real-time AR coaching: Live cues in the goggles highlight what to adjust during your set. Detailed metrics: DPS, stroke rate, pace, heart rate and a personal Form Score guide the feedback.…

Roomba Max 705 Combo: vacuum + mop with AutoWash Dock — now $869 with code ENGABF430 iRobot’s Roomba Max 705 Combo (vacuum + mop) is on an early Black Friday discount at Wellbots: the model with AutoWash Dock is down to $869 from $1,300 when you apply code ENGABF430 at checkout. The bundle includes the dock that empties the robot, washes and dries the mop, and charges the unit — a big convenience boost for hands‑off upkeep. This model combines strong cleaning hardware with smart navigation: dual rubber brushes and a PowerSpin roller mop handle debris and grime, while PrecisionVision AI and ClearView Pro LiDAR build detailed room maps and help the robot avoid obstacles like pets and toys. Key features AutoWash Dock: Automated emptying, mop washing and drying, and…

Dyson’s early Black Friday deals: big discounts on V9 Motorbar, V11 Extra and 360 Vis Nav Dyson has kicked off an early Black Friday sale with steep discounts across several popular vacuums. Top highlights include the cordless V9 Motorbar priced at $270 (about $330 off), the more powerful V11 Extra for $400 (about $260 off), and the 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum marked down to $500 (roughly $500 off). These deals are a solid chance to pick up a well‑reviewed Dyson model ahead of the holiday rush. The V9 Motorbar aims to be a versatile all‑floor cordless option with roughly 40 minutes of battery life — enough for a standard clean. The V11 Extra boosts suction and battery life to around 60 minutes for longer sessions, while the 360 Vis…

Apple’s complaint to the European Commission sparks debate over strategy and publicity Apple recently submitted a complaint to the European Commission. Several media outlets picked up passages from the filing and published similar excerpts, creating the impression that Apple may have shared the document intentionally to generate public attention and debate about upcoming EU regulations. The reports say Apple expressed confusion and concern about two parallel sets of rules or requirements in the EU framework. While details vary across outlets, the coverage focuses less on the legal merits and more on the company’s apparent choice to make its concerns public — a move that blurred the line between legal action and public relations. Why this matters Public strategy: Circulating a complaint can shift a regulatory debate into the court of…

Car Play Connect: popular iPhone CarPlay workaround reaches iPad with v1.0.5 Car Play Connect, a free hobby project originally released for iPhone, has received an update (version 1.0.5) that brings the app to iPad. The app — created by developer Ahmet Mucahid — has collected a lot of positive feedback, prompting a quick follow-up and broader device support. The tool is aimed at users who don’t have native CarPlay in their vehicles or who want a lightweight alternative. Moving to iPad expands the app’s use cases: it can now be run on larger screens for easier in‑car navigation, media control and quick access to common driving features. What’s new in v1.0.5 Native iPad support — interface adjusted for larger displays. Bug fixes and improvements based on community feedback. Continuing development…

Baseus refreshes Nomos desk station: 160W power and a cleaner design Baseus has launched an updated version of its Nomos desk charging station, boosting total output to up to 160 watts while shifting the design toward a tidier workspace. The new model retains multi-device charging capabilities but removes the integrated LCD display used in the previous variant. The revamp appears aimed at users who want more charging headroom for laptops, tablets and phones without extra visual clutter on the desk. Higher wattage helps power larger laptops and charge multiple devices faster when they’re used simultaneously. Key features Up to 160W total output: Enough power to feed larger laptops plus additional devices. Multi-device focus: Designed as a desk station to charge several gadgets at once and reduce cable mess. Simplified design:…

Apple TV announces two new series for the year‑end, including Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age Apple TV+ has announced two new series scheduled for release at the end of the year. The streaming service released a trailer for Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age — described as a continuation of the Prehistoric Planet franchise with a renewed focus on icy environments and life after the age of dinosaurs — which is set to arrive in late November. A second, separate series is slated to start in early December. Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age appears to shift attention from the Mesozoic giants to the post‑dinosaur world, showcasing how life adapted in colder climates. The show follows the nature‑documentary style of the franchise and aims to combine visual storytelling with scientific insights. What we know so…

IONOS Nextcloud Workspace: a German-hosted alternative to Microsoft 365 IONOS and Nextcloud have launched IONOS Nextcloud Workspace, a joint cloud storage and collaboration offering operated entirely in German data centers. The service is positioned as a European alternative to Microsoft 365, with a primary focus on public administrations and medium-sized businesses that place a high priority on data sovereignty and regulatory compliance. The Workspace combines Nextcloud’s collaboration platform with IONOS’s hosting and infrastructure. Running in Germany means data residency and GDPR-aligned controls are core selling points, which can be especially important for government entities and companies handling sensitive information. Key points Hosted in Germany: All services run in German data centers to support data residency and compliance needs. Target audience: Public administrations and SMEs looking for a Microsoft 365 alternative…