Amazon has created a small wireless remote that lets you turn pages on your Kindle e-reader without actually touching the device itself. For anyone with arthritis, shaky hands, or who simply likes to read while holding a cup of tea, this $35 gadget means you can keep your hands free and comfortable while reading. You can check if this remote works with your specific Kindle model before buying, since not all e-readers are compatible with every accessory.
Amazon has released updated e-readers with flatter screens and new color options, making them more comfortable to hold and easier on the eyes than older models. If you read a lot of books—whether novels, news, or magazines—these improvements mean less glare and a more natural reading experience, especially in bright sunlight or before bed. Worth knowing: the new Colorsoft model can display actual colors for illustrations and covers, so if you enjoy graphic novels or cookbooks with photos, this might be worth trying before you buy.
Neurable has created special headphones that measure your brainwave activity while you listen to music or go about your day, giving you insights into how your brain is working. For people in their 50s and beyond, this kind of technology could help spot early signs of focus problems or cognitive changes that might be worth discussing with a doctor. Worth knowing: these headphones are still quite new, so you'd want to research how accurate they really are and what companies do with the brain data they collect before considering one for yourself.
# Amazon Brings Back Physical Buttons to Kindles
Amazon is adding physical page-turn buttons to some of its Kindle e-readers, letting you flip through books the old-fashioned way instead of tapping the screen. For many people who grew up with paperbacks, this simple change makes reading feel more natural and comfortable, especially if you have arthritis or just prefer the tactile experience of a real button. You can look for these updated Kindle models if you find yourself missing the feel of holding a traditional book—they're particularly handy if you read for hours at a time and want to rest your hand on the device without accidentally triggering the screen.
Audible is adding tools that let you create maps of where a story takes place, keep notes on all the characters, and have conversations with characters from the book using artificial intelligence. These features can really help you stay engaged with a long book, especially if you listen over weeks or months and forget who did what or where the action happens. Worth knowing: you can try these new features on Audible's app to see if they help you enjoy your audiobooks more deeply, though they work best with newer releases rather than older classics.
Amazon's latest Kindle e-readers are now thinner and lighter than ever, with a smooth, flat screen that removes those raised edges from older models. If you read regularly or travel frequently, this means less weight to hold or carry, and a more modern look that feels easier on the hands during long reading sessions. Worth knowing: if you own an older Kindle with a raised bezel, the new design won't be dramatically different to use, but you might notice how much more comfortable the lighter weight feels after a week or two.
Fujifilm has created a tiny digital camera called the Instax Pal 2 that plugs straight into your phone to move photos over, and it comes with fun software filters you can apply to your pictures. If you enjoy taking photos but find modern smartphones confusing, this device gives you old-fashioned camera buttons to hold and control, while still letting you easily share images with family and friends. You can look up reviews online to see if the simple controls and compact size suit your style of photography before deciding whether it's worth the investment.
Tinder, the dating app many people use to meet new partners, is now letting you arrange group outings instead of going on dates alone with someone you've never met. Meeting in a small group setting can feel more comfortable and safer, especially if you're nervous about meeting someone from the internet for the first time. Worth knowing: if you're using dating apps, you can look for this group feature in the app's settings, though it's still rolling out to all users gradually.
DoorDash has created an AI assistant you can simply text to order your food, rather than clicking through an app or website. For busy people juggling multiple tasks, this could make ordering dinner faster and easier—you just describe what you're hungry for and let the AI handle the details. Worth knowing: if you use DoorDash, look for this texting option in the app or ask customer service whether it's available in your area yet.
# Affordable Gimbal Camera Alternatives to DJI's Osmo Pocket 4
DJI's Osmo Pocket 4 is an excellent handheld camera with built-in stabilization, but at around $500, there are cheaper options from other brands that do similar jobs well. If you enjoy making videos of family events, travel, or everyday moments, a more affordable gimbal camera (which smooths out shaky footage) can still give you professional-looking results without breaking the bank. Worth knowing: brands like Insta360, Zhiyun, and even some smartphone-based options can deliver steady video for $200–$350, so compare what features matter most to you before spending extra.
Meta has created a helpful AI assistant called Muse that can handle everyday tasks like writing emails and shopping online, and they're even building a small physical device shaped like a cute character to interact with it. For people in your age group, this could save time on repetitive online tasks, though you'd need to feel comfortable sharing your passwords and payment information with Meta to use it fully. Worth knowing: several security problems have already been discovered with Muse (including accidentally sharing someone's address with strangers), so if you do try it, start with simple tasks rather than giving it access to important accounts right away.
DoorDash is testing small drone deliveries in Northern California, starting with Chipotle and Popeyes restaurants, so your food could arrive by air instead of by car. For those of us who worry about delivery delays or damaged orders sitting in traffic, drones could mean fresher meals delivered faster and more reliably. Worth knowing: drones will only work for nearby orders in limited areas right now, so check if your zip code is included before expecting your meal to arrive from the sky.
