Microsoft launches MAI-Voice-1 and MAI-1-preview — First in-house AI models Summary: Microsoft announced two homegrown models — MAI-Voice-1 (a fast, expressive speech-generation model) and MAI-1-preview (a text foundation model currently in public testing). This marks a step toward building proprietary AI capabilities and reducing reliance on partners like OpenAI. Key details MAI-Voice-1: High-efficiency speech generation — reportedly can produce one minute of audio in under one second on a single GPU. Used in features like Copilot Daily and available for experimentation via Copilot Labs. MAI-1-preview: Text LLM trained at scale (reported training on ~15,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs) and being benchmarked publicly. Intended for select Copilot text experiences. Microsoft emphasizes cost-effective training and curated data approaches to achieve strong performance with fewer resources. Implications This move signals Microsoft’s intent to be…

Hyundai Ioniq 3 to bring Apple CarPlay Ultra to an affordable EV Hyundai plans to equip the upcoming Ioniq 3 — a small, budget-friendly electric hatchback — with Apple CarPlay Ultra, a next-generation CarPlay experience that until now has mostly appeared in high-end vehicles such as the Aston Martin DBX. Why this matters CarPlay Ultra offers deeper iPhone integration across vehicle displays, including instrument clusters, with a native-like experience. Until recently, CarPlay Ultra was limited to very expensive vehicles (Aston Martin DBX, etc.). Putting it in a compact EV could make advanced in-car iPhone integration widely accessible. The Ioniq 3 is expected to be price-competitive thanks to production in Turkey and modern EV features like OTA updates and customizable EV sounds. Key points Model: Hyundai Ioniq 3 (small, affordable EV)…

PaperVault — encrypted QR codes for sensitive documents PaperVault is an app reported for Mac and iPhone that converts personal documents into encrypted QR codes. The QR codes can only be decrypted with a password, which lets users store or share sensitive data (IDs, medical info, bank details) in a compact, offline-friendly format. How it works Users input text or scan documents into the app. The app packages the data into an encrypted payload and encodes it as a QR code. Anyone with the QR (image or printout) needs the correct password in the app to decrypt and view the original content. Key points Developer named in reporting: Miguel Barreto. Focus: privacy by encrypting content before encoding it as a QR code. Use cases: secure offline storage, controlled sharing, printing…

AirCard Pro: Rechargeable "Find My" Tracker Card Arrives in Germany Lululook has launched the AirCard Pro, a wallet‑thin tracker card compatible with Apple’s "Find My" network. Instead of a disposable battery, the card uses a rechargeable battery and is offered at launch in Germany for €16.50 in black or white. Some reports mention a 50% promotional discount applied at the Amazon checkout. Key specs & features Compatibility: Apple "Find My" network (iOS required). Lululook's model is Apple‑only. Form factor: Card‑thin, fits in wallets or bags. Power: Rechargeable battery (wireless charging support reported); manufacturer lists several months of runtime per charge depending on use. Colors: Black and white at launch. Functions: Bluetooth Low Energy location via "Find My", audible alert (tone), "left behind" notifications. Durability: Water/dust resistance reported (check vendor page…

Sonos Labor Day Sale — Save up to 25% on Speakers & Headphones Sonos is offering limited-time discounts across its lineup. Highlights: Era 100: now $179 (was $199) — compact midrange smart speaker with Trueplay tuning and built-in mics for voice control. Sonos Ace headphones: now $299 (was $399) — 25% off, with improved spatial audio features like TrueCinema when paired with a Sonos soundbar. Whether youre upgrading a dorm room or a home office, these Sonos deals are worth a look. Shop via Amazon (affiliate links): Sonos Era 100 on Amazon Sonos Ace headphones on Amazon Prices and availability may change — deals are limited-time. Which Sonos would you choose? Reply below! Sources: monitoring retailer listings and deal roundups.

Best Smart Home Gadgets for 2025 — Guide Turning your house into a smart home is easier — and more useful — than ever. From automating lights and climate controls to securing your front door, smart home tech makes everyday life more convenient, energy-efficient and secure. Whether you're just getting started or upgrading a setup, this guide covers the key gadget types and how to choose the right voice assistant. Top categories Smart speakers — control devices by voice and run automations. Smart displays — add visual controls and video calling. Smart lights — schedules, dimming, color and presence-based lighting. Security cameras & doorbells — real-time monitoring and alerts. IoT gear — sensors, smart plugs, thermostats and hubs. How to pick the right voice assistant Most devices are platform-agnostic, but…

Vodafone reorganises cable TV & radio frequencies in Germany — what to expect Vodafone has started a nationwide reorganisation of TV and radio frequencies in its cable network. The change affects around 13 million households and aims to free up capacity for modern transmission technologies and higher internet speeds (including higher upload rates). Why this is happening To standardise previously regional frequency allocations across the network. To create space for faster internet and future services. To prepare the network for higher upload rates and better utilisation. Who is affected and when The rollout began in summer 2025 and is scheduled to be completed by May 2026. It covers TV and radio channels across Germany. What you may notice Modern smart TVs, the Vodafone GigaTV Box and recent receivers usually update…

UK seeks global iCloud access — Apple, ADP removal and the fallout In spring, the UK government used the Investigatory Powers Act and a Technical Capability Notice (TCN) to demand access to iCloud data — reportedly applying globally to all Apple users, not just residents of the UK. Apple said this conflicted with its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) end-to-end encryption guarantees and removed ADP for UK users in early 2025. Timeline Early 2025: UK issues TCN under the Investigatory Powers Act seeking capabilities to obtain iCloud data, including encrypted backups. February 2025: Apple disables Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for UK users, citing incompatibility with the government demand. Through 2025: Legal challenges and international pushback raise concerns over extraterritorial reach and conflicts with agreements such as the CLOUD Act. By August…

How to buy a GPU — Quick guide One of the trickiest parts of any build is choosing the right GPU. Here’s a condensed, practical guide to help you pick the best video card for your needs in 2025. TL;DR Pick a GPU based on the games you play and the resolution/refresh rate you want. Prioritize VRAM and enough memory bandwidth; larger VRAM wins for longevity. Check physical card size and PSU requirements before buying. AMD and Intel currently offer better value in entry/mid tiers; NVIDIA still leads in ray tracing and DLSS. Key considerations It’s all about the games Competitive shooters often run fine on entry-level cards at 1080p with high frame rates. For modern single-player titles with ray tracing or high resolutions (1440p/4K), you’ll need a much more…

Best Labor Day Tech Deals 2025 — Top Picks & Where to Buy Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and a great time to snag tech deals — from laptops and tablets to robot vacuums and accessories. Below are Engadget’s top picks summarized and where to find them (affiliate Amazon search links included). Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M4) — $799 (approx.)Light, fast, great battery life. Buy on Amazon: MacBook Air (M4) on Amazon Apple iPad (11-inch, A16) — $299 (approx.)Solid performance and 128GB base. Buy on Amazon: iPad 11" (A16) on Amazon Apple iPad Air (11-inch, M3) — $449 (approx.)More color-rich display and better speakers. Buy on Amazon: iPad Air (M3) on Amazon Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones — $38 (approx.)Affordable, long battery life. Buy on Amazon: Sony WH-CH520…