Gear News and Events

The latest news and updates on gear, gadgets, and consumer tech. Plus, dispatches from the events that shape your world.

Dark Days

Even Black Friday Will Be More Expensive Than Usual

The AI memory crunch is coming for your holiday shopping list.

Boone Ashworth

Face Time

Google and Samsung’s Android XR Smart Glasses Are Finally Here

Julian Chokkattu

Optic Nerve

Here’s How Google Says It’s Making Its Smart Glasses More Private

Julian Chokkattu

News and Events

Fairphone Lands Its First US Carrier Partner in Boost Mobile

The sustainable phone maker is teaming up with its first US carrier to sell wireless plans alongside its fully repairable smartphone.

Julian Chokkattu

Google Wanted Spirit Airlines Data. Flight Attendants Found a Way to Opt Out

The union representing flight attendants for the defunct airline struck a deal with Google to scrub sensitive employee records from a $10 million data sale.

Aarian Marshall

Your Smartphone Camera Could Get a Big Upgrade With This Tech

Metalenz just acquired PxE to ditch the 50-year-old color filter that has held back smartphone night photography.

Julian Chokkattu

This New Linux-Based Desktop Operating System Is Built for AI Nerds

Built by Cyanogen’s cofounder, Kora is a next-gen alternative to Windows and macOS built for power users running local AI models.

Reece Rogers

Trends

Rocco’s Cult-Favorite Fridge Just Became Desktop-Sized

The new Mini Mini holds 12 cans and fits on a countertop. And if you buy a full-sized Rocco fridge, you can take $50 off the little one.

Kat Merck

World Models Will Soon Be Inescapable. Here’s What You Need to Know

Moving AI from text to 3D space, world models simulate real-world physics to teach robots and autonomous cars how to navigate reality.

Reece Rogers

You Can Skip the New Kindles, but Get the Kindle Page Turner

If you already have a compatible e-reader, the $35 Kindle Click could be all the upgrade you need.

Nena Farrell

Sauerkraut at Every Meal? These Fermentation Fanatics Tried That Long Before MAHA

The annual Portland Fermentation Festival took place last week in Oregon, at a time when sauerkraut, kimchi, and other funky foods are in the social and political spotlight.

Joe Ray

How To and Advice

I Let Pangram Loose on My Gmail Inbox. Here’s How Much AI It Found

The AI detector will now check your incoming emails for machine-generated text.

David Nield

How to Remind Your Boss of Your PTO Without Pissing Them Off

The next time you take paid time off, your boss and coworkers will remember if you follow this advice.

Jill Duffy

This Totally Free App Can Free Up Space on Your Mac

Stop paying for disk cleaners. This open source utility safely clears hidden caches, leftover app junk, and even gigabytes of offline Apple Intelligence models.

Justin Pot

Apps for Caregivers Get a Dose of AI, but That Might Not Be Enough

The apps and platforms that help family caregivers manage their loved ones’ needs are becoming more capable, but the broader issue of caregivers’ well-being remains unsolved.

Jaclyn Greenberg