Your old laptop gathering dust in a drawer can be repurposed into a "smart home hub"—the central control point that lets all your smart devices (like lights, thermostats, and security cameras) work together seamlessly. This matters because it saves you money instead of buying expensive dedicated hub devices, and it gives you a single place to manage your home automation without relying on multiple apps or company servers. Worth knowing: before you set this up, check what smart home system you want to use (like Home Assistant, which is free and popular), as this determines which devices will be compatible with your old laptop.
Meta has created a small, cute device called Muse with a friendly character on its screen that can help you with everyday tasks like answering emails, booking travel, or ordering groceries. The company is betting that people will find a charming little companion more appealing and less intrusive than the smart glasses it tried to popularize, which faced criticism for privacy concerns. Worth knowing: before spending money on any new AI gadget, think about whether you actually need help with those tasks—sometimes a smartphone you already own does the job perfectly well.
Meta is betting big that smart glasses—the kind you wear on your face like regular spectacles—will become the main way people stay connected to their phones and the internet. For someone your age, this could mean easier ways to get information, stay in touch with family, or access help without constantly looking down at a screen. Worth knowing: these glasses are still evolving, so if you're curious, you might try them on at a store or watch some honest reviews online before considering whether they'd suit your lifestyle.
Cricut has released new machines that let you design and create your own stickers at home—printing the image and cutting it out in one go, rather than ordering them online or buying them pre-made. If you're someone who enjoys crafts, personalizing gifts, or making labels for your garden or kitchen, this could save you money over time and give you creative control. Worth knowing: these machines do have an upfront cost and require ongoing supplies, so it makes sense to think about whether you'd actually use it regularly before investing.
Apple, Google, and Amazon have all added smarter AI features to their home security cameras that can now recognize what they're seeing—like telling the difference between a dog, a delivery person, or a real intruder—instead of just sending you alerts for any movement. For people managing their homes remotely or who want to avoid constant false alarms from pets and passing cars, these features mean you'll get fewer interruptions and more useful information when something actually matters. You can check which system works best for your existing devices (Apple for iPhones, Google for Android, Amazon for Ring cameras) and test the free trials before committing to upgrading your cameras.
# Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 vs. Gen 2
Meta has released a new version of its Ray-Ban smart glasses that offers modest improvements—like a slightly better camera and faster processor—but costs noticeably more than the previous model. If you're thinking about trying AI glasses for tasks like translating signs, identifying plants, or recording hands-free video, the older Gen 2 model still does most of what the Gen 3 does. You can save yourself money by checking whether Gen 2 is still available, or wait a few months to see if the price drops on the newer version.
The New York Times is bringing its cooking app to Meta's smart glasses, so you can follow recipes while keeping your hands free to chop and stir. When you're in the kitchen with your hands full of ingredients, having the recipe read aloud to you—rather than having to look down at your phone or tablet—makes cooking safer and less messy. You can try this feature when it rolls out by checking your Meta glasses settings, or ask a family member with smart glasses to show you how it works.
MapQuest, a mapping service that many of you may remember from the early internet days, has finally added the ability to show you how to get places using buses, trains, and other public transportation. This feature helps people who prefer not to drive or don't own a car find their way around cities more easily. Worth knowing: if you've stuck with MapQuest out of habit, it's now catching up to Google Maps and Apple Maps, so it's worth giving it another try if you need public transit options.
Google Photos now has a feature that uses artificial intelligence to organize all the clothing photos you've taken into a virtual closet, making it easy to see what you own without digging through your phone. For anyone who struggles to remember what's in their wardrobe or wants to plan outfits without trying things on, this can save time and help you get more wear from clothes you already have. You can try this feature by opening Google Photos on your phone, looking for the "Try it out" section, and uploading clear photos of your favorite pieces to build your personal style catalog.
Google's new Gemini feature on Pixel phones can make calls to local businesses like restaurants or shops on your behalf, handling everything from making reservations to checking if something's in stock. If you've ever dreaded sitting on hold or navigating confusing phone menus, this could save you time and frustration—especially useful if you find phone calls tiring or have difficulty hearing. Worth knowing: you'll still see exactly what's being said in a live transcript, so you stay completely in control and can step in if needed.
Google is testing a new feature that lets Pixel 11 phone owners have actual voice conversations with their AI assistant, rather than just typing questions. For people who prefer talking to their phone over typing—or who might have vision or mobility challenges—this could make smartphones genuinely easier to use every day. You can check if you're eligible by looking in your Pixel phone's settings under the Gemini app, though the feature is rolling out slowly to only some users right now.
Google is developing an AI assistant that can make phone calls on your behalf—so you could ask it to book a restaurant reservation or check your doctor's appointment without dialing yourself. For busy people or those who find phone calls stressful, this could save time and effort, though you'll need a newer Pixel phone and a paid Gemini subscription to try it. Worth knowing: when this rolls out more widely, listen carefully to how the AI identifies itself on the call, since businesses and callers deserve to know they're speaking with a machine, not a person.
