Google has created a special video calling system called Beam that uses 3D technology to make it feel like the person you're talking to is actually in the room with you, and the U.S. military's USO is now testing it at 20 locations so soldiers can have more lifelike conversations with their families back home. For anyone over 50 who misses seeing loved ones in person, this kind of technology could eventually make video calls feel much more natural and connected than the flat screens we're used to now. Worth knowing: while this technology is being tested with the military first, it may eventually become available to the general public, so keep an eye out for improvements in video calling quality over the coming years.
AI glasses are now sophisticated enough that some people might use them instead of headphones, though the sound quality varies depending on what you're listening to. For everyday tasks like taking calls, getting directions, or listening to podcasts while keeping your hands free, they work surprisingly well. Worth knowing: before buying a pair, try them on and test how they sound with music or podcasts you actually enjoy, since comfort and audio quality differ quite a bit between models.
If you have old speakers sitting in a drawer, they might work perfectly well with your television instead of being thrown away. Better sound from your TV can make watching movies, shows, and sports much more enjoyable, and you've already paid for those speakers once. You can check if your old speakers have a standard audio input jack (usually round or rectangular) that matches an audio output on your TV, or ask a shop assistant to help you figure out the right cable connection.
Wireless CarPlay adapters let you connect your iPhone to your car's existing system without cables, so you don't need to buy a new vehicle or expensive dashboard upgrade. This matters because it keeps your phone safely in your pocket or bag while driving, and you can update your navigation or music without fumbling with plugs. Worth knowing: check that your car's system is compatible and read reviews carefully, as adapter quality varies widely and some work better than others.
Apple AirTags use a standard coin-sized battery that lasts about a year, and when it runs out, you simply pop it open and swap in a fresh one. Keeping your AirTag charged matters because a dead battery means you won't be able to locate your keys, wallet, or bag if they go missing—especially frustrating when you need them most. Worth knowing: check your AirTag's battery status monthly through your iPhone's Find My app, and keep a spare coin battery (CR2032) at home so you're never caught off guard.
Electric cars gradually lose their charge even when sitting still, much like how a traditional car battery can slowly drain over time. This matters if you're thinking about buying an EV or own one you don't drive every day, because understanding this helps you plan charging schedules and know what's normal. Worth knowing: most modern EVs lose only a small percentage per month when parked, but if you're storing your car for winter or a long trip, charge it to around 50-80% rather than leaving it completely full or empty.
The Boox Palma 2 Pro is a device about the size of a smartphone that shows text and images on an easy-on-the-eyes screen, costing around $400. If you've found yourself squinting at your phone for reading but don't want to carry yet another gadget, this pocketable e-reader offers a gentler alternative without the glare and blue light. You can try one at an electronics retailer or read reviews from tech sites like CNET or The Verge to see if the smaller screen size and price suit your reading habits.
Spotify is now requiring family plan users to scan a QR code in person to verify they live at the same address, and anyone who doesn't comply within a week loses access to the plan for a full year. The company is cracking down because many people have been sharing family plans with friends rather than actual relatives to save money, though this catches genuine families in a bind—like those with kids at college or spouses who travel for work. Worth knowing: if you share a Spotify family plan with someone who doesn't live with you, you may need to sort this out soon, or check whether your household setup will pass a stricter verification process.
Apple's new Watch Ultra 4 offers you a bigger battery that lasts longer between charges and improved health monitoring features, though most of the genuinely new capabilities won't arrive until later this year. For someone who relies on a smartwatch to track fitness or health, that extended battery life means fewer nights charging the device, which matters more as we age and our routines matter to our wellbeing. Worth knowing: if you own last year's Ultra model, there's no urgent reason to upgrade right now—wait until Apple releases those promised new features later in 2026 to see if they're worth the £749 price tag.
Spotify is now asking some Family plan members to scan a QR code to verify they actually live in the same household, which is Spotify's way of cracking down on people sharing accounts across different locations. If you can't verify your address, Spotify may downgrade your Premium access to the basic ad-supported tier, which means interruptions and lower sound quality. Worth knowing: if you have a Family plan, keep an eye out for verification requests from Spotify, and be prepared to confirm your home address if asked.
Canva, the popular design tool millions use to create posters and graphics, has built its own artificial intelligence system that generates images from text descriptions—and it's now available to everyone. This means you can create custom pictures for your projects without hunting for stock photos or hiring a designer, and the company says it will be faster and cheaper than alternatives. You can try this feature next time you open Canva to see whether it helps you finish a project more quickly than before.
Amazon has renamed its book subscription service from Kindle Unlimited to Kindle+ and added more audiobooks to what you can read and listen to each month. For someone who enjoys reading or listening to stories, this means you get a single subscription that covers books, magazines, comics, and audiobooks all in one place. Worth knowing: if you're already a Kindle Unlimited member, you'll automatically get access to these audiobooks without paying extra, so there's no action needed on your part.
