Amazon has released new colour Kindle e-readers for the first time, alongside updated versions designed for note-taking, children, and different budgets. For someone who loves reading but struggles with shelf space or heavy books while travelling, a Kindle can hold thousands of books in a device lighter than a paperback, without the distracting features of phones and tablets. You can visit Amazon's UK website to compare the different Kindle models and read full reviews to find the one that suits your reading habits and budget best.
Apple has finally released its first foldable phone, called the iPhone Duo, which opens like a book and offers a larger screen when unfolded—a feature Android phones have had for a couple of years now. If you're an iPhone loyalist who's been curious about foldable phones but didn't want to switch to Android, this device gives you that option while keeping everything you love about Apple. Worth knowing: foldable phones are still pricey and heavier than regular phones, so it's worth holding one in a store first to see if the larger unfolded screen is worth the extra weight and cost for your needs.
Google has just released a new fitness tracker called the Fitbit Edge that sits somewhere between a basic step counter and a full smartwatch, offering health tracking without being too complicated. For someone in your age group, this means you could monitor your heart rate, sleep patterns, and daily activity in one simple device without the overwhelming features of a smartwatch. Worth knowing: if you already own a Fitbit Inspire 3, the Edge is worth comparing side-by-side in a store or through customer reviews to see which fits your lifestyle better—they're built for similar purposes with slightly different strengths.
Google is updating its AI assistant Gemini so that when you're driving, it can access your personal information like emails, calendar appointments, and photos to help you more effectively. Instead of manually searching for directions or checking flight times, you'll be able to simply ask Gemini to do things like "take me to my doctor's appointment" and it will pull the details from your calendar and navigate for you. Worth knowing: this feature works in Android Auto and in cars that have Google built-in, so check whether your vehicle is compatible before expecting these conveniences.
Apple is hosting a special event on October 28th where they're expected to show off new versions of their computers and tablets, including a MacBook with a touchscreen and a smaller iPad with a premium display. These new devices could make your work easier if you use Apple products, and the touchscreen MacBook especially might appeal to people who like drawing or detailed design work. You can watch the event live on Apple's website when it happens, and wait a few days afterward to read honest reviews before deciding if any new device might be right for you.
Google is now bringing its Personal Intelligence feature to car systems, letting the AI assistant use information from your email, calendar, and other apps to give you better answers while you drive. For drivers aged 50 and up, this means your car could remind you about appointments, help you find places based on your habits, or answer questions with more relevant information—all without you having to type everything out. Worth knowing: this feature is optional, so you can choose not to use it, and you might want to check your Google privacy settings to see what information you're comfortable sharing with your car's system.
Google's AI assistant Gemini is coming to your car and will be able to look at your email, calendar, and maps to give you helpful suggestions tailored just for you. This means if you're running late, your car could remind you to send a message, or suggest a faster route based on traffic and your schedule. Worth knowing: you'll want to review what personal information you're comfortable sharing with your car's system before using this feature.
JustWatch, a website that helps you find which streaming service has the movie or show you want to watch, is now starting its own streaming channel with free movies and shows (supported by ads) plus a cheap paid option without ads. This matters because you won't need to jump between Netflix, Disney+, and five other apps just to find something to watch—JustWatch can now offer you content directly. You can check out JustWatch's new service at no cost to see if it has films you'd enjoy, since the ad-supported tier is completely free.
Many smart TVs collect data about what you watch and listen to your conversations, while bombarding you with ads and pushing subscription services—and some people are so frustrated they're abandoning them entirely. For anyone over 50 who values their privacy and just wants to watch television without constant updates and sales pitches, this is a real concern that affects your home comfort and personal information. You can look for a basic non-smart TV, use an older model you already own, or connect a simple streaming device that you control yourself rather than letting the TV manufacturer track your habits.
Adobe's popular Lightroom photo app on phones and tablets can now automatically fix photos where people have their eyes closed, using artificial intelligence to open them with just one tap. This matters because it saves photos you might otherwise delete—family pictures from holidays or gatherings where someone blinked at the perfect moment can now be rescued instead of thrown away. You can try this feature yourself if you use Lightroom on your phone; just look for the "Open Eyes" option when the app spots closed eyes in your photos.
Google One subscriptions now bundle together several handy tools beyond just extra storage—things like VPN protection for your internet, identity theft monitoring, and premium tech support that many people don't realize they have access to. For someone managing photos, emails, and documents online, these extra protections can give you real peace of mind without paying for separate services. Worth knowing: if you already pay for Google One, check your account settings to see what bonuses came with your plan, as they're often tucked away and easy to miss.
Oura, the company that makes smart rings people wear to track their health, is adding new features that show how your workouts affect your body—things like muscle recovery and strain levels. As other companies start making similar rings, Oura needs to offer something extra to stay ahead and keep customers interested. You can check if your current wearable device offers these kinds of detailed workout insights, or look at what Oura's new features do if you're thinking about switching to their ring.
