Google's Find Hub is a free tool that helps you locate a lost Android phone by showing its location on a map, and you can also make it ring loudly or lock it remotely if you can't find it. If your phone goes missing, being able to track it down quickly means you won't lose your photos, contacts, and personal information—and you might even get your phone back. Worth knowing: you can access Find Hub from any computer or another device by going to google.com/android/find, and it works best if you've already turned on location services in your phone's settings.
Peloton has released a new treadmill that folds up when you're not using it, making it easier to fit into smaller homes or apartments. This matters because many people in their 50s and beyond are downsizing their living spaces or simply don't want exercise equipment taking up permanent room in their homes. Worth knowing: if you're interested in home fitness equipment, you can check whether Peloton's lower price point and space-saving design actually work for your particular living situation before committing to the purchase.
Google has created a new laptop called the Googlebook that puts their AI assistant Gemini at the center of everything you do—from writing emails to searching the web to taking notes. For people who want help organizing information, answering questions quickly, or working more efficiently, having AI built into every corner of your computer could save time and reduce frustration. You can wait to see what reviewers and everyday users say about whether the $899 price tag is worth it, or try out Gemini's free version on your current device first to get a feel for how it works.
Google has just released a new laptop called Googlebooks that's designed to work seamlessly with Android phones, making it easier to share photos, messages, and files between your devices. If you own an Android phone and regularly switch between your phone and computer, this laptop could save you time by letting you access your phone's information directly from the screen without complicated steps. Worth knowing: when these laptops arrive in October, you might want to check if the features Google is promoting (like easy photo sharing) actually work as smoothly as they promise before deciding to upgrade your current setup.
A Philadelphia nonprofit has created an open-source radio system called HERMES that lets remote communities around the world send emails, photos, and other files over shortwave radio—no internet required. For people in isolated areas of countries like Bangladesh, Brazil, and Ecuador, this means they can finally stay connected to family, access emergency services, and share information without waiting for expensive satellite connections or traveling hours to find a signal. You can learn more about this technology by searching for "Rhizomatica HERMES radio" online, or ask your local emergency management office if they're aware of shortwave solutions for areas with poor connectivity.
Google has announced new lightweight laptops from major computer makers like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, available in different sizes and styles to suit different needs. These affordable computers are designed to be simple and secure, making them a solid choice if you're looking for something straightforward for email, browsing, and everyday tasks without complicated software. Worth knowing: if you're considering a new laptop, visiting a store to test which screen size and keyboard feel comfortable for your hands is worth the time before deciding.
# Trading In vs Selling Your Old Phone
When you upgrade your phone, you can either trade it in to a retailer for a discount on a new one, or sell it yourself to get cash—and one option usually puts more money in your pocket than the other. Trading in is more convenient since you handle everything in one visit, but selling privately (through sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace) typically gets you a better price because you're cutting out the middleman. Worth knowing: check what your phone is worth on a few independent valuation sites before deciding, so you can compare the trade-in offer against what you might earn selling it yourself.
Smartwatches significantly underestimate the calories you burn during exercise, and this problem gets worse if you carry more body fat—meaning the devices become less reliable precisely for people who might benefit most from accurate fitness tracking. For anyone over 50 who relies on their smartwatch to guide exercise goals or monitor health improvements, these inaccuracies could lead you to think you're burning more calories than you actually are, potentially affecting weight management or fitness plans. Worth knowing: if you use a smartwatch for exercise tracking, treat the calorie counts as rough estimates rather than precise numbers, and consider monitoring your actual progress through how you feel, your performance improvements, or periodic check-ins with your doctor instead.
Apple is working on a smart display device—similar to Amazon's Echo Show—that would sit on your kitchen counter or bedside table and let you control your home with voice commands through Siri. For people who already use iPhones or iPads, having an Apple device would make things simpler since it would work seamlessly with your existing devices and apps. Worth knowing: if you're considering smart home devices, it might be worth holding off a bit longer to see what Apple offers, especially if you're already in their ecosystem.
You can bring an old Android tablet back to life by using it as a car dashboard display with a free app called Open Headunit, which connects your phone to show navigation, music, and calls. Many people find their older tablets gathering dust, but this gives them a practical second purpose without spending money on a car upgrade or new device. Worth knowing: before trying this, check that your tablet has a USB port that can connect to your car and confirm your car's system will accept the connection—your car's manual or a quick call to the dealer can help clarify this.
# RAMageddon: Why Your Next iPhone Just Got Pricier
The world's biggest tech companies are buying up computer memory chips for artificial intelligence systems, leaving fewer chips available for smartphones—and Apple is now charging an extra £100 for iPhones to cover the shortage. For decades, phones and gadgets kept getting cheaper as technology improved, but this shortage has reversed that trend, meaning you'll likely pay more for electronics going forward. Worth knowing: if you're thinking of upgrading your phone, prices may continue climbing for a while, so it's worth checking what your current device can still do for you before making a purchase.
# ChatBot Apps for Your Car
Several popular chatbot apps like ChatGPT and Google Gemini now work through Apple CarPlay, giving you alternatives to Siri when you're driving. Having different voice assistants available means you can choose whichever one you find most helpful for navigation, answering questions, or getting information on the road. You can check your car's settings to see which chatbot apps are already compatible, or ask a family member to help you download and set up a new one if you'd like to try something different from Siri.
