A Latino civic group has created an AI app called Nubi that answers voting questions in both English and Spanish, helping voters navigate registration, early voting, and other election details specific to their state or district. With nearly 39 million Hispanic voters eligible in the midterms and voting preferences shifting, having trusted, accurate information in people's preferred language can help reduce confusion and boost participation. You can download Nubi or ask your local election office if they recommend bilingual resources to get clear answers about voting rules without sifting through conflicting information online.
# Foldable Phones: A Few Things to Know
Foldable phones have a screen that bends in the middle, which means they need more careful handling than regular phones—things like dust, pressure on the fold, and extreme temperatures can cause problems over time. If you're considering one of these devices, it's worth understanding that repairs can be expensive and the technology is still relatively new, so you'll want to be comfortable with a bit of extra caution. You can ask the phone shop staff to show you how to properly close and open the device, and avoid putting pressure on the crease or using it in very hot or cold weather.
Google is working on a new AI assistant feature that would let you ask it to call your mom or a friend and leave a message—for example, telling your mom you're running 15 minutes late without you having to make the call yourself. This could be handy for people who don't always notice texts or prefer hearing a voice, and it saves you time when you're busy or driving. Worth knowing: this feature would only handle simple, quick messages rather than having a full conversation, so it's really just a convenient way to send an urgent update to people who prefer phone calls.
# Instagram's Read-Only Mode for Plus Subscribers
Instagram is testing a new feature that lets paying subscribers browse the app without posting, commenting, or liking anything — essentially letting you scroll and watch without participating. For older adults who enjoy keeping up with family and friends but feel overwhelmed by the pressure to engage, this could be a peaceful way to use social media on your own terms. Worth knowing: if this rolls out, you might want to try it for a week to see if a quieter Instagram experience helps you feel less stressed about the constant notifications and social expectations.
Apple's latest Mac operating system automatically installs AI features that take up a lot of storage space, and Apple removed the easy on-off switch that existed before. If you don't want these AI features or need extra storage room on your Mac, you're stuck with files you can't easily remove through normal settings. Worth knowing: a developer has created a free tool called RemoveMacAI that lets you turn these features off and reclaim up to 12GB or more of storage space, though it requires using the command line (a text-based way to control your computer that may feel unfamiliar if you've never used it before).
Instinct has created a new way for groups of friends to work together using an AI assistant, even if some people in the group don't have their own Instinct account. The AI can help with practical tasks like planning holidays, sorting out shared rides, or coordinating who's bringing what to an event. Worth knowing: you'll stay in control of your own information, as the group needs your permission before the AI shares your details or makes decisions on your behalf.
TikTok has introduced an AI shopping assistant that lets you chat with it about what you want to buy, and the app will suggest products and let you check out with just one click. For anyone who finds online shopping overwhelming or enjoys browsing, this could save you time by putting personalized recommendations right in front of you based on what you're looking for. Worth knowing: these AI assistants learn from what you search for and click on, so be mindful that your shopping interests are being tracked to improve the suggestions it shows you.
# Drone Deliveries Coming to Denver and Seattle
Wing and Walmart plan to start delivering packages by drone to homes in Denver and Seattle starting in 2027, with each drone able to carry items weighing up to five pounds. For people in these cities, this could mean getting lighter groceries, medicines, or small goods delivered directly to your home within hours rather than days. Worth knowing: these early deliveries will likely be limited to certain neighborhoods, so check whether your address qualifies when the service launches in your area.
Apple's new AI features take up about 12 gigabytes of storage space on your Mac, but the company made it harder to remove them by scattering the settings across many different menus instead of having one simple on-off switch. A helpful tool called RemoveMacAI has popped up to do what Apple used to allow—completely delete these AI features and free up that storage space all at once. Worth knowing: if you're running low on disk space or simply don't want Apple's AI on your computer, this free tool can help, though it requires using the command line (which isn't as scary as it sounds, and there are guides available online).
# Are Phone Coolers Actually Worth It?
Phone cooling devices do reduce heat on the back of your phone, but they only make a real difference if your phone is running genuinely hot in the first place. Most people's phones work fine without them—only heavy users like mobile gamers or those in very hot climates might notice a benefit. Worth knowing: if your phone feels uncomfortably warm during normal use, that's the time to consider one, but if it runs cool most of the day, you're probably wasting your money.
Qalo has released a new fitness tracker called the SL-1 that has no screen—just buttons and lights to show your activity—but costs as much as much fancier smartwatches from bigger brands. The company is betting that people want something simple and durable, but reviewers think you're paying too much for features you could get cheaper elsewhere. Worth knowing: if you're shopping for a fitness tracker, compare what the Qalo SL-1 actually offers (step counting, sleep tracking) against similarly priced options from Apple, Garmin, or Fitbit before deciding it's right for you.
Google is preparing a new fitness watch called the Fitbit Edge that will have a small screen and come in colors matching their Pixel phones. If you enjoy tracking your daily steps, heart rate, or sleep, this updated device should make it easier to see your health information at a glance rather than reaching for your phone. Worth knowing: the Fitbit Edge isn't officially available yet, so you might want to check Google's official website in the coming weeks if you're interested in upgrading from an older fitness tracker.
