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Robot Lawn Mowers: GPS, RTK and Design Drive Modern Performance

Robot Lawn Mowers: GPS, RTK and Design Drive Modern Performance

Modern robot lawn mowers have moved beyond boundary wires to rely on GPS paired with Real‑Time Kinematic (RTK) beacons for centimeter‑level accuracy. Companies such as Husqvarna explain how RTK tells satellites "I'm always here," allowing the mower to correct GPS drift. Design factors like cutting width, camera‑based obstacle detection, and scheduling features affect how well these devices handle narrow paths, nighttime operation, and weather delays. Real‑world testing revealed challenges with obstacles like trampolines, tree roots, and pets, while GPS coverage varies between suburban and urban settings. Overall, the technology offers reliable mowing with some human oversight needed.

Google Expands AI Capabilities Across Chrome Browser

Google Expands AI Capabilities Across Chrome Browser

Google is rolling out a major upgrade to Chrome that embeds its Gemini AI across the desktop, Android, and soon iOS versions of the browser. A new Gemini button lets users ask questions and receive summaries of content in any open tab, while AI Mode becomes reachable directly from the omnibar. The integration also links to Google services such as Calendar and YouTube and adds AI‑driven security tools that can spot common scams and help manage compromised passwords. The enhancements aim to make browsing more intuitive, productive, and secure.

Budget-Friendly 3i G10+ Robot Vacuum Stands Out with Dust Compaction

Budget-Friendly 3i G10+ Robot Vacuum Stands Out with Dust Compaction

The 3i G10+ robot vacuum offers a rare blend of affordability and advanced functionality. Priced lower than many premium models, it delivers strong 18,000 Pa suction, a one‑liter onboard dustbin with built‑in compaction, and a UV light for disinfecting debris. Its mopping capability, edge‑cleaning side brush, and compact design make it a solid choice for everyday households. While it requires manual water‑tank refills and can be finicky when undocking from carpet, its overall performance and value position it as a top contender in the budget robot‑vacuum market.

Strike 3 Holdings Sues Meta Over Alleged Pornographic Video Piracy for AI Training

Strike 3 Holdings Sues Meta Over Alleged Pornographic Video Piracy for AI Training

Strike 3 Holdings, a producer of "high quality," "feminist," and "ethical" adult videos, has filed a federal lawsuit against Meta Platforms alleging that the company illegally torrented and distributed thousands of its copyrighted pornographic videos to train its artificial‑intelligence models. The complaint claims Meta used the BitTorrent protocol to obtain more than 2,396 videos, citing 47 distinct Meta‑affiliated IP addresses, and argues that this conduct gave Meta a competitive edge in developing its so‑called "superintelligence" AI. Meta has responded that it is reviewing the complaint and does not believe the claims are accurate.

Octopus Energy Spins Off Kraken Utility Billing and AI Platform

Octopus Energy Spins Off Kraken Utility Billing and AI Platform

Octopus Energy announced the spin‑off of Kraken, its technology platform that handles utility billing, meter management and artificial‑intelligence‑driven grid optimisation. The move follows commitments of annual revenue from other utilities and positions Kraken to work with power providers beyond Octopus without conflicts of interest. Kraken originated as Octopus’s internal demo client, now serving millions of households in the UK and abroad, and integrates AI models to balance renewable energy on the grid while offering flexible tariffs that encourage customers to shift usage to periods of surplus supply.

Developers Tap Apple’s On-Device AI Framework in iOS 26 Apps

Developers Tap Apple’s On-Device AI Framework in iOS 26 Apps

Apple’s new Foundation Models framework, unveiled at WWDC 2025, lets developers embed on‑device AI into iOS 26 applications. The small, local models provide features such as guided generation and tool calling without internet reliance. Early adopters have already integrated the technology into a range of apps—from creative tools for kids and AI‑driven story creators to finance trackers, language learners, task managers, journaling platforms, recipe assistants, and digital signing solutions—enhancing user experiences while keeping data private.

Inside The Verge Senior Reviewer’s Smart Backyard Tour

Inside The Verge Senior Reviewer’s Smart Backyard Tour

The Verge’s senior smart home reviewer, Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, opened her yard to a detailed walkthrough of a fully connected outdoor space. She highlighted devices such as weather‑aware smart sprinklers, an AI‑driven grill, mosquito‑repelling units that operate without scent, and a sensor‑equipped chicken coop. The experience underscored the complexity of bringing smart‑home concepts outdoors, noting the need for trial‑and‑error, environmental awareness, and a personal passion for nature. Tuohy’s insights paint a vivid picture of what a modern, tech‑enhanced backyard looks like today.

Google Consolidates Nest Devices into Google Home App Amid Hardware Decline

Google Consolidates Nest Devices into Google Home App Amid Hardware Decline

Google has completed the migration of most Nest-branded smart‑home devices from the Nest app to the Google Home app, allowing users to manage their hardware in a single interface. While the software integration marks a significant step, the move comes as Google phases out many legacy Nest products, including the Nest Protect alarm, Nest Secure system, and several camera lines. The company’s hardware strategy appears to pivot toward a limited set of new cameras, doorbells, and a rebranded Google Home speaker, all intended to showcase its Gemini AI. Critics note that the hardware reductions and performance issues raise doubts about the long‑term viability of Google’s smart‑home ecosystem.

Apple's Live Translation on AirPods Tested in Real Family Conversation

Apple's Live Translation on AirPods Tested in Real Family Conversation

A recent hands‑on test of Apple’s new live‑translation feature, built into the latest AirPods Pro 3, showed how the technology can break language barriers during a family visit. Paired with an iPhone running the latest iOS, the system provided real‑time subtitles for a Spanish‑speaking mother‑in‑law, though occasional mistranslations highlighted its beta status. The experience demonstrates both the promise of seamless, screen‑free translation and the current need for refinement.

Google Leaks Hint at End of Nest Branding and New Smart Speaker Plans

Google Leaks Hint at End of Nest Branding and New Smart Speaker Plans

Recent code analysis of the Google Home app has uncovered references to a "Google Home Speaker" and a "360 audio" feature, suggesting a possible shift away from the Nest brand for future smart speakers. The same investigation revealed mentions of "Google Home Premium" and "Google Home Premium Advanced" plans, likely rebranded versions of Nest Aware services, with the lower‑tier option potentially bundled into Google One subscriptions. Google One pricing starts at $1.99 per month, offering expanded cloud storage, AI tools, and other perks. These findings indicate Google may be consolidating its smart‑home ecosystem under a unified brand while enhancing subscription offerings.

Meta's Oakley Vanguard Glasses Promise Powerful Open‑Ear Audio and Advanced Fitness Features

Meta's Oakley Vanguard Glasses Promise Powerful Open‑Ear Audio and Advanced Fitness Features

Meta unveiled the Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses, a visor‑style device that combines open‑ear speakers, advanced noise‑reduction, a nine‑hour battery, and a 3K camera. Integrated with Strava and Garmin, the glasses can deliver real‑time fitness metrics via voice commands and overlay stats on recorded video. The speaker system is described as six decibels louder than previous Oakley models, and Meta claims the microphones can capture clear calls even in windy conditions, such as on a jet ski. While the presentation highlighted the device’s athletic appeal, the author notes lingering concerns about data privacy.

Engadget Podcast Reviews iPhone 17 Air and Unveils Meta Ray‑Ban Smart Glasses

Engadget Podcast Reviews iPhone 17 Air and Unveils Meta Ray‑Ban Smart Glasses

In the latest Engadget podcast, senior writer Sam Rutherford discusses the newly released iPhone 17 Air, assessing its thin design, battery performance, and how it fits within the broader iPhone 17 lineup, including the iPhone 17 Pro and the base model. The episode also covers Meta's Connect 2025 keynote, highlighting the introduction of Ray‑Ban Display smart glasses and speculating on their market impact. Additional topics include a developing TikTok partnership framework, potential U.S. licensing of ByteDance's original algorithm, and rumors surrounding a touchscreen MacBook Pro. The show wraps up with quick news bites and cultural picks.