Google Home Speaker (Gemini refresh) — What’s new Google announced a refreshed Google Home Speaker powered by Gemini. Key details: AI: Gemini assistant front and center; Gemini Live available for Home Premium subscribers for more natural conversations. Audio: 360-degree sound and the ability to pair two Home Speakers with the Google TV Streamer for surround sound. Also compatible with other Google Nest speakers. Privacy: Physical mic mute button. Price & release: $99, launching Spring 2026. Colors: porcelain, hazel, jade, berry. Launch countries: US, Canada, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Japan, Australia, New Zealand. The speaker highlights Google’s push to bring Gemini to more hardware, similar to recent Alexa AI updates from Amazon. The Home Speaker’s light ring will show when Gemini…

Google’s new Nest Doorbell & Nest Cams — 2K HDR, wider field of view, and new AI features Google has released three new Nest devices: the Nest Cam Indoor (3rd gen), Nest Cam Outdoor (2nd gen), and Nest Doorbell (3rd gen). All three bring higher-resolution video, wider coverage, and expanded AI features. Key specs Resolution: up to 2K HDR (Nest Cams: 2,560 x 1,400; Doorbell: 2,048 x 2,048) Field of view: wider diagonal FOV (Cameras ~152°, Doorbell ~166°) Zoom: up to 6x digital zoom Low-light: Google claims ~120% better light sensitivity vs previous gens AI features New Gemini-powered features include Ask Home (a chatbot interface for questions like "what ate my plants?" with photo evidence) and Home Brief (an AI-generated summary of the day’s activity). These advanced features require a…

Ray‑Ban Meta 2nd Gen — Quick roundup Meta’s second‑generation Ray‑Ban smart glasses keep the classic Wayfarer look but add two key upgrades: longer battery life (up to ~8 hours typical) and improved 3K video quality. They also gain important AI features — better live translation, multimodal Meta AI tools, and upcoming camera/audio modes — and Meta is bringing many of these updates to older frames too. What’s new Same iconic design; multiple frame colors & lens options — prices start around $379 (polarized/transitions/prescription cost more). Battery: Meta claims up to 8 hours typical use; reviewer saw ~5.5 hours continuous music playback. Camera: higher‑resolution 3K video; 12MP portrait photos unchanged. AI: live translation, context/translation on signs, Live AI demos, accessibility features (Be My Eyes, detailed responses). Privacy & downsides Privacy concerns…

Safari 26 on macOS: Privacy setting can block WebSocket-based web apps (Figma, Miro) Recent reports show that Safari 26 on macOS — with the privacy option that hides your IP from both trackers and websites enabled — can break WebSocket connections used by real-time web apps. Affected services include collaboration tools like Figma and Miro, which may get stuck loading or fail to connect. What causes it? The issue appears linked to Safari’s enhanced tracking/fingerprinting protections (now more aggressive by default). These protections can interfere with WebSocket handshakes, causing Safari to abort connections even though the server reply is valid. Reported symptoms Web apps fail to establish real-time connections or remain stuck on loading screens. Network inspectors show WebSocket requests being sent but connections aborted after the handshake. Problem is…

YouTube TV Keeps NBC in Short-Term Extension; Univision Removed After Failed Deal YouTube TV announced a short-term extension with NBCUniversal that keeps NBC channels (including NBC, MSNBC, Bravo and others) on the platform while the two sides negotiate a longer-term contract. However, YouTube TV was unable to reach a new agreement with TelevisaUnivision, and Univision networks have been removed or are at risk of removal from the service. Key details Short-term extension with NBCUniversal preserves NBCU channels on YouTube TV for now. No agreement reached with TelevisaUnivision/Univision — Univision channels removed or planned removal. YouTube TV warned customers the NBCUniversal partnership would expire Sept 30; it negotiated a short-term deal to avoid immediate blackout. TelevisaUnivision has criticized proposed changes (including a $15 add-on previously flagged) and called the timing insensitive…

October Prime Day Lego Deals — Up to 38% Off October Prime Day has kicked off early deals on many Lego sets. Highlights include discounts on Star Wars and Super Mario sets — some up to 38% off. Before buying, check price history with tools like Keepa or CamelCamelCamel; many "sale" prices have been around for months. Top deals (as reported) Lego City Advent Calendar 2025 60475 — $25 (29% off) Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 75418 — $38 (16% off) Lego Minecraft Advent Calendar 2025 21280 — $38 (16% off) Lego Harry Potter Advent Calendar 2025 76456 — $38 (16% off) Lego Star Wars: The Mandalorian Paz Vizsla and Moff Gideon Battle set 75386 — $25 (38% off) Lego Star Wars Brick-Built Star Wars Logo set 75407 —…

Electronic Patient Record (ePA) now mandatory in Germany from Oct 1, 2025 As of 1 October 2025, doctors' practices, hospitals and pharmacies in Germany are required to use the electronic patient record (elektronische Patientenakte, ePA). The ePA is a central digital file intended to make it easier to share medical information between treating institutions and to avoid unnecessary duplicate examinations. What the ePA can contain Medical findings and reports Laboratory results Diagnoses Medication plans X‑rays and other medical images Statutorily insured patients will be provided the ePA automatically (unless they object). About the "95 apps" claim Some coverage referenced "95 individual apps". Official sources (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit, KBV) do not confirm that there are 95 separate apps required. Coverage appears to vary by publisher; no reliable public confirmation of an…

Peloton 2025 Cross Training lineup — full breakdown Peloton’s 2025 “Cross Training” series refreshes its Bike, Bike+, Tread, Tread+ and Row+ with significant hardware and software updates: rotating screens, integrated movement-tracking cameras, Peloton IQ AI-driven personalized plans, better speakers (Sonos partnership), a 3-speed fan and reengineered seats. Strength training and cross-discipline workouts are highlighted, with on-screen form guidance and rep counting on the plus models. Key features Rotating displays (23.8" on + models, 21.5" on base models) to support off-machine classes. Movement-tracking camera (can be flipped off) for rep counting and basic form guidance. Peloton IQ: personalized workout plans, target metrics, and difficulty guidance. Hardware upgrades: improved speakers with a built-in woofer on + models, 3-speed fan, phone tray, and better seats. New wellness & partner programs: Hospital for Special…

Best Advent Calendars for 2025 — Top Picks & Where to Buy Advent calendars are no longer just chocolate — they’re a daily dose of fun, nostalgia and collectible joy. Below are top picks across popular categories for 2025, with quick descriptions and links to shop (Amazon search links include our affiliate tag). LEGO City Advent Calendar 2025 — Holiday LEGO mini-builds and accessories. Buy: LEGO City Advent Calendar 2025 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 — Daily Star Wars minifigures and small builds. Buy: LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 Funko Pop! Bitty Advent Calendar — Mini Funko Pop collectibles in holiday styles. Buy: Funko Pop Bitty Advent Calendar Pokémon Holiday Gift Advent Calendar — Pokémon collectibles and festive items for fans. Buy: Pokémon Holiday Gift Advent Calendar Sephora…

Oura Ring 4 Ceramic: New Colors, Charging Case & Health Panels Oura has launched Zirconia Ceramic versions of the Ring 4, combining durability with four eye-catching colorways: Cloud (white), Midnight (dark blue), Petal (pink) and Tide (pale green). Each ring is priced at $499. Key features Durable zirconia ceramic finish with color embedded in the material to resist visible scratches. New clamshell charging case — portable, slightly larger than the standard charger and offers up to 5 full charges. Priced at $99 as an accessory. Multi-Ring Support allows you to wear multiple Ring 4s and keep health data synced across them. Health Panels: an optional $99 blood test (via Quest Diagnostics) screening 50+ markers (metabolic, blood sugar, liver & kidney function) with results in the Oura app and AI-based recommendations…