Google now lets parents send money directly to their children through Google Wallet, with the funds usable wherever Google Pay is accepted—like shops, cafes, and online stores. For grandparents and parents managing family finances, this offers a safer way to give pocket money or allowances without handing over cash or sharing bank details. You can set up spending limits and track where the money goes, giving you peace of mind about how your child is using it.
# Apple Pencil USB-C vs Pro: What You Need to Know
Apple's new USB-C Pencil charges like your phone or tablet (through a standard cable) rather than by plugging into your iPad, while the Pro model charges wirelessly and includes extra features like pressure sensitivity adjustments. If you use your iPad for drawing, note-taking, or creative work, choosing the right stylus affects how smoothly it works and how often you'll need to charge it. Worth knowing: check which iPad model you own before buying, since not all Pencils work with all iPads—your local Apple Store can help match them, or you can look it up on Apple's website in under a minute.
Bose has released new QuietComfort headphones with improved noise-cancelling technology and the ability to use USB-C cables for both charging and listening to audio. For people who appreciate good sound quality and travel frequently, these upgrades mean better battery life and fewer cables to carry around. Worth knowing: the $359 price tag puts them in the mid-to-premium range, so compare them with other brands before deciding if they're right for you.
Google Maps is now doing much more than just giving directions—it can help you order food from restaurants and book hotel rooms directly through the app. This means you can handle several errands in one place instead of jumping between different websites and apps, which saves time and reduces the chance of making mistakes. Worth knowing: when you see these new options appearing in Google Maps on your phone, you can try them out, but always double-check prices and reservation details before confirming, just as you would on any other booking site.
Disney is planning to offer a free version of Disney+ alongside its paid options, funded by advertisements rather than subscription fees. For people on fixed incomes or those tired of rising streaming costs, this could mean access to Disney movies and shows without paying monthly—though you'd sit through commercials. Worth knowing: free ad-supported tiers often have fewer movies available and lower video quality than paid plans, so check what's included before assuming it's identical to the paid service.
SanDisk has created a tiny USB drive barely bigger than your fingernail that can hold more data than many smartphones—making it incredibly useful for backing up important documents, photos, and memories without taking up space in your bag. For people who've accumulated decades of family photos and files, having a reliable way to store everything on something you can slip into a pocket is genuinely practical and affordable compared to other backup options. You can pick one up online and use it with any computer that has a USB port, giving you peace of mind that your precious memories are safely stored in a device small enough to carry with you anywhere.
Google is shutting down its older voice assistant on Android phones and switching everyone to a newer system called Gemini starting September 4th. If you use Google Assistant on your phone, smartwatch, or car to ask questions or control smart home devices, you'll need to get comfortable with Gemini instead, though the transition may take a few weeks. You can start exploring Gemini now on your device to get familiar with how it works before the switch becomes mandatory.
# Zoox Launches Paid Robotaxi Service in Las Vegas
Zoox, an Amazon-owned company, is now offering self-driving taxi rides to paying customers in Las Vegas—a real milestone after years of testing. For older adults considering new ways to get around cities, this represents a practical option that could eventually become as common as ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft. Worth knowing: these robotaxis currently operate in a limited area of Las Vegas, so check the Zoox app to see if your usual routes are covered before relying on the service.
# Google's Big Shift: What You Need to Know
Google is replacing its Assistant with a newer AI called Gemini on Android phones and smart home devices, with the switch happening in September. If you've been using Google Assistant to set reminders, control your smart speakers, or ask questions hands-free, you'll soon find Gemini taking over those jobs instead. Worth knowing: Gemini should work similarly to what you're used to, but it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with it before September arrives—try saying "Hey Google, talk to Gemini" now if you have Android, so you're not caught off guard.
Uber and a self-driving technology company called Wayve have just been approved by London's transport authority to run robot taxis on city streets, starting later this summer. For now, there will still be a human driver sitting in the car to take over if anything goes wrong, so you're not riding completely alone. You can expect to see these autonomous taxis operating in London soon, though they'll likely start in limited areas before expanding more widely.
Google is phasing out its voice assistant tool from Android phones and replacing it with a newer program called Gemini, which will take over the job starting September 4th. If you use Google Assistant to answer questions, control your smart home devices, or set reminders on your phone or watch, you'll need to learn a new system. You can check what version of Google's assistant you have now and start getting familiar with Gemini's features if you use an Android device.
MasterCraft, a boat manufacturer, has added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to its pontoon boats, letting you use the same phone apps you rely on at home while you're out on the water. For boaters who want navigation, music, messaging, and hands-free calls without juggling multiple devices, this brings real convenience to a day on the lake or river. Worth knowing: if you're shopping for a new boat or planning an upgrade, ask the dealer whether your model year supports these features, as they may only be available on newer models.
