Amazon is trying to use computer crime laws to stop an AI tool called Comet that helps shoppers find the best prices by comparing options across websites—including Amazon itself. If Amazon succeeds, it could set a dangerous precedent that prevents people from using helpful tools to shop around and find bargains, which would ultimately make it harder for everyday consumers to get good deals. Worth knowing: when you use comparison shopping tools or price-checking apps, make sure they're legitimate services, as companies may increasingly try to block or restrict them through legal arguments rather than competition.
Avec is a new email app that works like a dating app—you swipe left or right on messages instead of clicking through folders, and you can reply using your voice instead of typing. For anyone tired of endless email clutter, this could make staying on top of messages faster and less frustrating, especially if typing long replies bothers your wrists or hands. You can try it out if you're open to experimenting with new ways to manage email, though it's worth checking whether it works smoothly with the email accounts you already use.
Google's AI assistant Gemini is adding a new "notebooks" feature that lets you gather all your files, notes, and past conversations about a project in one organized place, so the AI can better understand what you're working on. This means when you're planning a home renovation, researching a health topic, or managing a hobby, you can keep everything related to that project together and ask Gemini smarter questions based on all that context. You can start trying this out by creating a notebook in Gemini for something you're currently working on—like a vacation you're planning—and adding relevant documents or notes so the AI becomes a more helpful assistant for that specific task.
Amazon is shutting down access to its book store for older Kindle devices made in 2012 or earlier—meaning you won't be able to download new books starting May 20th, though you can still read what's already on them. If you've held onto one of those older Kindles because you loved the physical page-turn buttons or keyboard, this is the moment to decide whether to upgrade to a newer model or switch to a different way of reading digital books. Worth knowing: if you reset an older Kindle to factory settings, you won't be able to sign back into your Amazon account on it, so avoid doing that if you want to keep using the device.
Amazon is ending support for Kindles and Fire tablets made in 2012 or earlier—starting May 20, 2026, you won't be able to buy or download new books on these older devices, though books already on them will still work. If you own one of these older devices, this matters because a factory reset or deregistering it will make it completely unusable, so you'll need to be careful not to accidentally brick it. You can check what year your Kindle was released by looking at your device or your Amazon account, and if it's from 2012 or earlier, Amazon is offering a 20% discount on newer Kindles plus ebook credits if you upgrade by June 20.
Apple's laptops and phones are harder to take apart and fix than most competitors' devices, according to a consumer group that tested how repairable products actually are. For those of us who rely on our devices for work, staying connected with family, or hobbies, this matters because repairs can be expensive—and Apple makes fixing things yourself nearly impossible by designing products that snap together rather than using standard screws and parts. You can check a device's repairability score before buying it, and if you own an Apple product that breaks, ask your local repair shop whether they can fix it affordably or if you'd be better off with a manufacturer repair.
Spotify now lets you type in what kind of podcasts you're interested in—like "true crime" or "gardening tips"—and it automatically creates a personalized playlist of episodes just for you. This makes discovering new shows much easier than scrolling through endless lists, saving you time and helping you find content that actually matches what you want to hear.
You can try this feature if you have a Spotify Premium subscription in the U.S. or Canada, though it's still being tested so it may improve over time.
Waymo's self-driving taxis are now available in Nashville and 10 other cities across America, letting people order them through their phones just like they would a regular Lyft or Uber. For those of us who want to see how autonomous vehicles actually work in the real world, or who are curious whether they're safe and reliable, this expansion gives us a chance to learn firsthand rather than just reading about it.
Google has quietly released a new dictation app that lets you speak text into your phone without needing an internet connection—something that's surprisingly useful when you're traveling or in areas with spotty WiFi. This kind of voice-to-text technology can be handy for writing emails or notes hands-free, and having it work offline means Google isn't sending your voice recordings to distant servers to be processed.
Regulators have decided to stop investigating Tesla's "Smart Summon" feature—which lets your car park itself remotely—because very few problems actually happened and nobody was hurt. Tesla has also been fixing the feature with regular software updates to make it work better and safer.
Samsung is shutting down its own messaging app by July and switching all users to Google Messages instead, which offers features like clearer photo sharing, AI-powered photo editing, and the ability to see when someone is typing. If you own a Samsung phone and still use Samsung Messages, you'll want to switch to Google Messages now to keep your texting running smoothly without any interruption. Worth knowing: Check your Samsung phone's messaging settings soon to make sure Google Messages is set as your default app, so you don't miss any texts during the transition.
Google's AI assistant Gemini can now plan your entire day using Google Maps, suggesting restaurants, attractions, and activities tailored to what you're interested in—and it actually works well. For someone planning a trip or a day out in an unfamiliar city, this could save you hours of researching and browsing different websites, letting you focus on enjoying yourself instead. You can try it yourself by opening Google Maps, looking for the Gemini feature, and asking it to plan a day around your interests—just be clear about what you're looking for, whether that's restaurants, outdoor activities, or family-friendly spots.
