General Motors is redesigning the digital dashboards in its popular Silverado and Sierra pickup trucks for 2027, making them simpler and cleaner than before, while also adding Apple CarPlay and Android compatibility so you can use your phone's apps safely while driving. For truck owners who find modern dashboards overwhelming with too much information crowding the screen, this new design puts important details front and center on a dark background that's easier on the eyes, especially at night. Worth knowing: when you're next at a dealership or shopping for a truck, you can ask to see how the new dashboard works—GM made it customizable so drivers can choose different views depending on whether they're towing, going off-road, or just commuting to town.
Spotify is letting parents create separate accounts for their children so that kids' songs won't mix into the parents' music recommendations and annual Wrapped summaries. If you share a Spotify account with grandchildren or younger family members, this means your personalized playlists will finally reflect what *you* actually listen to, rather than a jumble of nursery rhymes and pop stars you've never heard of. Worth knowing: you'll need to set up a child account (which costs extra if you don't have a Family Plan) and link it through your account settings—it takes just a few minutes.
HTC has released new smart glasses called the Vive Eagle that are supposed to compete with Meta's similar product, but reviewers found them underwhelming and hard to justify at their high price. If you've been curious whether smart glasses might help you stay connected or access information hands-free, this particular model doesn't seem to offer enough practical benefits to make the investment worthwhile. Worth knowing: before spending £500+ on any smart glasses, wait to see what features actually get used regularly by early buyers, since most people find them more novelty than necessity right now.
Apple is now including its TV+ streaming service and Arcade gaming subscription with iCloud+ plans in 100 countries, so you get more entertainment bundled together for one monthly fee. If you already pay for iCloud+ to back up your photos and documents, this saves you from buying separate subscriptions for shows, films, and casual games. Worth knowing: check your iCloud+ settings to see if this bundle is available in your region, as the rollout is happening gradually across different countries.
Apple's current iPhone lineup offers different models suited to different needs—some excel at battery life, others at camera quality or screen size, so you can pick based on what matters most to you rather than just buying the newest one. If you're happy with your current iPhone, there's no rush to upgrade since new models improve gradually rather than dramatically, but if you do want a replacement, you have genuine choices within the Apple family without needing to switch to a different phone system entirely. Worth knowing: refurbished iPhones can offer good value, and before buying any new phone, consider whether your current one could be revived with a battery replacement or software update—it often costs far less.
Volvo's next-generation XC60 and XC90 plug-in hybrid SUVs will offer roughly twice the electric-only driving range compared to today's models, meaning you can cover daily trips without using gas much more often. For those of us who worry about running out of charge on longer drives, this improvement means you get the convenience of electric driving without the anxiety that comes with traditional battery-only cars. Worth knowing: when these arrive in 2028, you'll want to ask your dealer about the real-world range in your local climate, since cold weather can reduce that impressive distance slightly.
Meta has created special glasses that can sense when you're behind the wheel and automatically switch to audio-only mode, keeping the screen dark so you stay focused on the road. This matters because distracted driving is genuinely dangerous at any age, and having a device that polices itself removes temptation and potential legal trouble. Worth knowing: if you wear these glasses and drive regularly, the feature should activate automatically, but you might want to test it on a quiet street first to see how it works before relying on it.
Samsung's Galaxy S24 is now two years old, so you can find refurbished versions at lower prices, though you'll want to make sure the discount is steep enough to make it worthwhile compared to newer phones. If you're happy with your current phone and don't need the latest features, a discounted S24 could save you money while still giving you a reliable device that works well. Worth knowing: check the warranty on any refurbished phone and compare the price to a current model—sometimes the savings aren't as big as they first appear.
Waymo, a self-driving car company, has started offering rides to the public in Las Vegas using cars with no human driver at all. If you travel to Vegas or live there, you'll have a chance to try this technology yourself and see how comfortable you feel trusting a computer to get you safely around the city. Worth knowing: these rides are currently only available in certain areas around the Strip, so check Waymo's app before your trip to see if your destination is covered.
Apple has finally given Siri a major upgrade that makes it actually understand what you're asking and respond more helpfully, rather than just performing simple commands. For those of us who've been frustrated with Siri for years, this means you can now have more natural conversations with your iPhone or iPad without constantly rephrasing requests. Worth knowing: if you've dismissed Siri in the past, it might be worth giving it another try by holding down the home button or saying "Hey Siri" to see if the new version suits your needs better.
Daydream, a fashion app, now lets you photograph outfits you like and automatically find similar clothes to buy—all powered by Apple's new intelligence features built into iPhones. For anyone who's spotted an outfit they love while out and about, this means you can snap a quick photo and find matching pieces without hunting through dozens of websites. You can ask Siri (your iPhone's voice assistant) to search for similar items hands-free, making shopping easier whether you're at home or on the go.
Waymo, the self-driving car company owned by Google's parent company, has now started offering rides in driverless taxis in Las Vegas—joining 14 other cities where they already operate this service. If you travel to Vegas or live there, this means you could use an app to call a completely driverless car instead of a traditional taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber. Worth knowing: these robotaxis are still expanding gradually and may have some limitations on where they operate, so check what neighborhoods they serve before you plan a trip.
