Apple confirmed it has bought Israeli AI firm Q.ai in a deal valued at close to $2 billion, marking one of its largest acquisitions since the $3 billion Beats purchase. Q.ai specializes in "silent speech" technology that interprets imperceptible facial micro‑movements and faint audio cues, enabling devices to understand user intent without spoken words. Apple sees the acquisition as a way to blend machine learning with next‑generation hardware, potentially bringing the technology to AirPods, Vision Pro headsets, or other wearables. The move reflects Apple’s shift toward redefining human‑computer interaction beyond traditional voice assistants. Leer más →

OpenAI is preparing to announce its first hardware product in the second half of the year, with reports suggesting the device will be earbuds codenamed “Sweet Pea.” The wearable is expected to feature a custom 2‑nanometer processor that handles AI tasks locally, and the company is weighing manufacturing partners such as Luxshare and Foxconn. OpenAI aims to ship tens of millions of units in the first year, seeking greater control over the distribution of its ChatGPT assistant while facing integration challenges with existing ecosystems. Leer más →

A recent leak on X reveals that OpenAI is developing a behind‑ear wearable called Sweetpea, designed to integrate ChatGPT functionality directly into a discreet ear‑mounted device. The prototype reportedly includes a custom chip that can issue commands to Siri, an ultrasonic transmitter for environmental sensing, and a larger battery positioned behind the ear for extended use. The leaker, known as Smart Pikachu, suggests the device could launch near September 2026 with a high price point reflecting its smartphone‑grade components. Sweetpea appears aimed at competing with mainstream earbuds while offering AI‑first capabilities. Leer más →

A surge in artificial‑intelligence demand is straining the supply of memory chips, causing shortages and price spikes for consumer audiovisual products. Smart TVs, soundbars, high‑resolution audio players and other devices that rely on RAM and NAND storage are facing higher component costs, especially at the budget end of the market where profit margins are thin. Manufacturers may scale back specifications or delay launches until new production capacity, expected around 2027, eases the crunch. Leer más →

OpenAI is consolidating its engineering, product, and research teams to overhaul its audio models in preparation for an audio‑first personal device. The move reflects a broader industry shift toward voice‑driven interfaces, with competitors like Meta, Google, and Tesla also expanding audio capabilities. Startups are experimenting with screenless wearables, AI rings, and voice‑focused accessories, while former Apple chief Jony Ive joins OpenAI’s hardware effort to prioritize audio‑first design. The company aims to launch a more natural‑sounding audio model and related devices within the next few years. Leer más →

Industry observers note that advances in artificial intelligence are prompting a shift away from traditional screen‑based devices. OpenAI’s partnership with former Apple designer Jony Ive signals a focus on new hardware that could reduce reliance on the smartphone. Analysts suggest that voice‑first, always‑on companions and other screen‑less form factors may soon complement or replace current devices, reshaping how consumers interact with technology. The trend reflects broader expectations that screens are a clumsy intermediary step in an AI‑driven world. Leer más →

Tech writer tests Casio’s Moflin, an AI‑enabled robotic pet that learns and reacts over time. While the fluffy device offers novelty, interactive app tracking and a “deep sleep” mode, the reviewer questions its practicality and steep price compared with traditional toys and higher‑end robot dogs. The piece balances humor with critical assessment, noting the Moflin’s appeal for children or memory‑care settings but concluding it may not replace real pets. Leer más →

Google has reaffirmed its dedication to smart displays, linking them to the new Gemini for Home platform. Anish Kattukaran, head of Google Home, emphasized the multi‑modal strengths of displays—combining microphones, speakers, screens and cameras—to deliver a richer home experience. While no specific hardware has been announced, the company signals that future smart displays will be integral to its AI‑driven home strategy, positioning them as the ultimate form factor for interacting with Gemini and the broader Google ecosystem. Leer más →

Amazon announced a revamped Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 at an invite‑only Devices and Services event in New York City. The new smart displays feature custom silicon, advanced sensors, improved microphones, and 13‑megapixel cameras, and are built around the AI‑enhanced Alexa+ service. Alexa+ offers more conversational interactions and memory of prior chats, and is available free to Prime members or for a monthly fee for non‑Prime users. The redesign aims to blend the devices into home environments while delivering higher‑quality audio and visual experiences. Leer más →

Qualcomm’s new W5 Gen 2 chipset has enabled the Looki L1, a cat‑inspired wearable camera that records photos, video and audio throughout the day. The device, demonstrated by Dino Bekis at the Snapdragon Summit, features a 12‑megapixel Sony sensor, 4K photo capture, 1080p video at 30fps, and voice‑activated AI integration with ChatGPT. Its companion app organizes footage into story‑like chapters and can generate short themed films. Weighing 30 g with a 12‑hour battery, the Looki L1 aims to blend playful design with practical lifelogging, though privacy concerns remain. Leer más →

Eufy introduced the MarsWalker at the IFA conference in Germany, a device that lifts compatible robot vacuums and transports them up and down stairs. The system automatically identifies straight, L-shaped and U-shaped stair configurations, using the robot’s base station as a drop‑off point. Designed with four adaptive control arms and a track‑drive that grips each step, the MarsWalker aims to deliver truly hands‑free whole‑home cleaning. The company noted that pricing remains undisclosed, the accessory works only with select Eufy models, and it is slated for release in the first half of 2026. Eufy also announced the Omni S2 robot vacuum, featuring aromatherapy and adaptive wheels, priced at $1,600 and arriving in January. Leer más →

Eufy introduced the Marswalker, a tracked platform that can autonomously carry compatible robot vacuums up and down stairs without human help. The shell works with Eufy's Omni S2 vacuum, which features an aromatherapy system and advanced navigation. While the Marswalker does not clean staircases itself, it provides a solution for multilevel homes by transporting the vacuum between floors, recognizing various stair configurations and returning to its dock for charging and emptying. The innovation could reshape the robot‑vacuum market, offering a first‑of‑its‑kind stair‑climbing capability. Leer más →

Timekettle has unveiled the W4 AI Interpreter Earbuds, a new pair of real‑time translation earbuds that use bone‑enabled microphones and AI‑driven Babel OS 2.0 software. The earbuds translate speech across 42 languages and 95 accents with up to 98 percent accuracy, offering up to four hours of continuous translation and a charging case that extends use to ten hours. Priced at $349, the W4 AI provides a more casual design than the earlier W4 Pro, while still allowing custom lexicons and standard music playback for up to eight hours. Leer más →

The Baseus Inspire XC1 is a clip‑on open‑ear earbud that aims to challenge pricier rivals like Bose and Shokz. Priced at $129, it offers dual drivers per bud, high‑resolution audio support, an eight‑band EQ, and up to 40 hours of total battery life. While its lightweight design, IP66 rating, and easy‑to‑use touch controls earn praise, reviewers note a warm but muddy sound signature and occasional pinching discomfort during extended wear. Overall, the Inspire XC1 provides solid value for budget‑focused users who can tolerate its audio and comfort compromises. Leer más →

Apple introduced the iPhone 17 family at its fall event in Cupertino, rolling out four models—the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—each with distinct price points and upgrades. Prices start at $799 for the standard iPhone 17 and reach $1,999 for the top‑end 2TB Pro Max. The lineup adds a new chip, brighter displays, enhanced cameras, and a super‑thin Air model that Apple touts as its most power‑efficient phone. Analysts noted the pricing aligns with recent inflation and tariff impacts, while reviewers highlighted trade‑offs in the budget‑focused iPhone 16E released earlier this year. Leer más →

Apple's third‑generation AirPods Pro arrive with incremental but meaningful improvements. While the company highlighted new live‑translation and heart‑rate tracking features, reviewers note the real advances lie in a higher IP57 water‑and‑dust rating, a longer battery life of up to eight hours with active noise cancellation, and an upgraded chip that enhances location tracking. Pricing remains unchanged in the United States and slightly lower in the United Kingdom. The enhancements aim to address everyday durability and endurance concerns rather than introduce groundbreaking new functionalities. Leer más →

Beats has launched a new collection of cases designed for Apple’s latest iPhone 17 lineup. The highlight is a removable lanyard that doubles as a magnetic kickstand, offering hands‑free viewing and added security for mobile users on the go. The lineup also includes a slim, lightweight case with a microfiber interior and a rugged model featuring impact‑absorbing sidewalls and an enclosed bottom. Each design is offered in a range of colors and priced between $45 and $79, positioning Beats as a versatile accessory maker for iPhone 17 owners. Leer más →

Apple introduced a bold new hue for its flagship iPhone 17 Pro: a deep, “cosmic orange” that wraps the aluminum body and camera bump. The shade aligns with current fashion runway trends and summer color palettes, and its timing coincides with pop‑culture moments such as Taylor Swift’s recent orange‑themed tour outfits. Reviewers praise the color’s vibrancy and its ability to stand out on a table, while the more muted silver and deep‑blue options provide alternatives. The launch marks a rare instance of Apple using a high‑impact color as its hero shade for a Pro model. Leer más →

Amazon has scheduled a press event for September 30 at 10 AM ET, featuring Panos Panay of the Devices & Services team. A composite invitation image hints at updates to the Kindle e‑reader line, Fire TV hardware, and Echo speakers. Recent product refreshes include the Kindle Scribe and Colorsoft, as well as the Echo Dot, Echo Pop, and Echo Show 8, suggesting that the upcoming announcements may focus on new or refreshed entry‑level Kindle models, a redesigned standard Echo speaker, and additional Fire TV or streaming stick options. Leer más →

Casio has opened pre‑orders for Moflin, an AI‑enabled robotic pet that offers a calming, cuddle‑friendly experience. The plush, hamster‑like device, which can express emotions through head movements, touch sensors, and voice recognition, will ship later this year for a price of $449. Designed for users seeking a soothing companion, Moflin learns a unique personality over time based on interaction, though it lacks a reset function. The launch follows strong sales in Japan and marks Casio’s expansion into the U.S. market. Leer más →