News

Google NotebookLM Expands Audio Overviews with New Formats

Google has upgraded its NotebookLM Audio Overviews by adding three new formats—Brief, Critique, and Debate—alongside the existing Deep Dive mode. The Brief format delivers quick 1‑2 minute summaries, Critique offers constructive feedback, and Debate pits two AI hosts against each other to explore opposing viewpoints. Users can customize tone, language, and length, while the update aims to make the tool more dynamic and accessible, especially for those with visual impairments. The features are currently rolling out in the United States and are expected to expand globally.

Google Unveils Ironwood TPU with Record 1.77PB Shared Memory

Google introduced its seventh‑generation Tensor Processing Unit, dubbed Ironwood, at a recent Hot Chips event. The dual‑die chip delivers 4,614 TFLOPs of FP8 performance and pairs each die with eight stacks of HBM3e, providing 192 GB of memory per chip. When scaled to a 9,216‑chip pod, the system reaches 1.77 PB of directly addressable memory—the largest shared‑memory configuration ever recorded for a supercomputer. The architecture includes advanced reliability features, liquid‑cooling infrastructure, and AI‑assisted design optimizations, and is already being deployed in Google Cloud data centers for large‑scale inference workloads.

DuckDuckGo Expands Subscription to Include Latest AI Models

DuckDuckGo has upgraded its privacy‑focused subscription plan to give members access to a range of cutting‑edge AI models without additional fees. The plan, which already bundles a VPN service, personal information removal, and identity theft restoration, now includes models such as Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Haiku, Meta’s Llama 4 Scout, Mistral AI’s Mistral Small 3 24B, and OpenAI’s GPT‑4o mini. Users on the $9.99‑per‑month tier will also be able to use newer models like GPT‑4o, GPT‑5, Claude Sonnet 4, and Llama Maverick, offering more nuanced responses while maintaining DuckDuckGo’s privacy emphasis.

Robot Lawn Mowers: How They Work, Features and Top Picks

Robot lawn mowers use rechargeable batteries and autonomous navigation to trim grass regularly, leaving cuttings on the lawn as mulch. They come in satellite, camera, wire‑boundary and remote‑control varieties, each with distinct setup needs. Premium models like the Husqvarna Automower 450X offer satellite‑based exact positioning for large lawns, while more affordable options such as the Anthbot Genie 3000 use GPS. Remote‑control options like the Mowrator S1 provide a hands‑on experience. Installation is generally DIY, but placement of receivers and charging, weather resistance, and boundary setup are key considerations before purchase.

Ecovacs Unveils Fast-Charging Deebot X11 Omnicyclone Robovac

Ecovacs has launched the Deebot X11 Omnicyclone, a new robotic vacuum and mop that uses GaN-enabled fast charging to top up its battery each time it returns to its base for mop rinses. The device delivers 19,500 Pa of suction power, a 15 mm extended roller mop, and a 4WD system with mechanical climbing levers that handle thresholds, rugs, doorframes and uneven surfaces. Its base station features auto‑empty technology and hot‑water cleaning for the mop roller. Priced at $1,499, the X11 Omnicyclone is available for purchase in the United States and Canada.

Processing 68b9a574c057ec163ee202de mf5jbeq4

TCL Launches Nxtpaper 5G Junior Kids Phone with Monochrome Mode

TCL introduced the Nxtpaper 5G Junior, a kids‑focused smartphone unveiled at IFA, featuring a dedicated Max Ink Mode that switches the matte display to a monochromatic, E‑Ink‑like view for reduced eye strain. The device includes Google’s Family Link parental controls, a Digital Detox mode, and a protective case, while offering 256 GB, a 6.7‑inch screen, and dual rear cameras. Alongside the Junior, TCL also announced the Nxtpaper 60 Ultra, the first phone with Nxtpaper 4.0 technology, a larger 7.2‑inch display, triple rear cameras and optional stylus support, targeting broader markets in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

TCL Unveils NXTPAPER 60 Ultra Smartphone with Advanced Eye‑Comfort Display

TCL introduced the NXTPAPER 60 Ultra at IFA 2025, marking its first phone to feature the latest generation of its NXTPAPER eye‑comfort screen technology. The device blends e‑paper and OLED benefits, offering blue‑light filtering, a matte anti‑glare layer, and an Ink Mode that mimics e‑ink. Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset, 12 GB of RAM, and a 5,200 mAh battery, it also includes a 50 MP periscope camera with 3× optical zoom. The phone will launch in Europe, Latin America and Asia with pricing in euros for 256 GB and 512 GB models.

DuckDuckGo Expands Subscription to Include Latest AI Chatbots While Maintaining Privacy Protections

DuckDuckGo is reshaping its Privacy Pro subscription—now simply called the DuckDuckGo subscription—to grant members access to the newest AI chatbots from OpenAI, Anthropic and Meta. The price stays at $10 per month or $100 annually, and the offering still includes the company’s VPN, personal information removal and identity protection services. Conversations remain anonymized and are not used for training future models. A free base version of Duck.ai continues unchanged, and users can hide AI features if they prefer.

Processing 68b9a588c057ec163ee202ee mf5jb22q

Samsung Unveils Galaxy S25 FE at IFA, Targeting Midrange Market

Samsung introduced its new Galaxy S25 FE smartphone at the IFA trade show, positioning it as a more affordable midrange option within the S25 family. Priced lower than the flagship S25, the FE model ships with One UI 8, an Exynos 2400 processor, a 6.7‑inch AMOLED display capable of 1,900 nits, and a versatile triple‑camera system. The device also includes new AI‑driven software features such as Generative Edit and an on‑device assistant, offering flagship‑level experiences at a reduced cost.

Samsung Unveils Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra with Redesigned S Pen and Enhanced DeX Features

Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, a 14.6‑inch Android tablet that combines a remarkably thin profile with a new hex‑shaped S Pen, upgraded DeX multitasking, and a 3nm MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ processor. The tablet features a 120 Hz AMOLED display, up to 1,600 nits of brightness, and AI‑driven writing and drawing tools. It supports the latest Wi‑Fi 7, offers IP68 protection, and ships with a battery rated for roughly 13 hours of use. Pricing starts at a premium level, positioning the Ultra as a high‑end alternative for users seeking a laptop‑replacement experience on Android.