# Swimming Headphones: What Makes Them Different
Headphones designed for swimming use special waterproof materials and a secure fit that keeps them attached to your head and working properly even when fully submerged, whereas regular headphones like AirPods will stop working or get damaged if water gets inside. If you enjoy swimming regularly—whether for exercise, recreation, or therapy—having audio that works underwater can make your sessions more enjoyable and help you stay motivated with music or podcasts. Worth knowing: if you already own regular headphones, check their water-resistance rating before taking them poolside, as some newer models have enough protection for splashing, though true swimming requires dedicated waterproof versions.
Elon Musk's X platform is now letting people in the US send money to each other directly through the app, and they can get a special debit card to spend that money right away. For many of us who've used traditional banks for decades, this offers a faster, cheaper way to split bills with friends or family—no waiting for transfers or paying fees. Worth knowing: before signing up, check whether X Money works with your regular bank account and read the terms carefully, since this is still quite new and operates differently from your established bank.
WhatsApp has added the ability to make phone calls directly through its web version, matching what you can already do on your phone or computer. If you spend a lot of time working on your computer, this means you can now stay connected with family and friends without switching between apps or devices. You can try it out the next time you're using WhatsApp in your web browser—just look for the call button near your contact's name.
Amazon's new Echo Dot Max has a bigger speaker that produces deeper, richer sound and a faster processor than the older Echo Dot model. If you enjoy music, podcasts, or audiobooks through your smart speaker, the improved sound quality makes a noticeable difference in your listening experience. You can visit Amazon's website to compare the two models side-by-side, or ask a shop assistant to play music through both speakers so you can hear the difference yourself.
Apple is now offering a way to lease iPhones and other devices through monthly payments via a partnership with Klarna, rather than buying them outright. This matters because it lets you use the latest Apple technology without the hefty upfront cost, and you can upgrade to newer models more easily when they come out. You can check if this program is available in your country by visiting Apple's website or asking a staff member at your local Apple Store.
Granola, a popular app that uses artificial intelligence to help people capture and organize meeting notes, now works on Apple Watch so you can record and take notes right from your wrist. This matters because many of us find it easier to jot down a quick note on our watch during a meeting rather than pulling out our phone, which can feel distracting or cumbersome. Worth knowing: if you already use Granola on your phone, check the Apple Watch app store to see if this new wrist version is available for your device.
Perplexity has created software that turns your Windows computer into a helpful AI assistant that can work on tasks for you—opening files, writing documents, and updating spreadsheets without you having to do it manually. If you're managing lots of paperwork or repetitive tasks, this kind of AI helper could save you time and reduce the frustration of switching between different programs. You can explore whether your version of Windows supports this tool by visiting Perplexity's website, and ask a tech-savvy family member or friend to help you set it up safely if you decide to try it.
Smart rings — tiny devices you wear on your finger — are becoming genuinely useful because they can now accurately understand and write down everything you say, making it easy to send messages or emails without typing. For anyone who finds typing tedious or has arthritis or hand strain, speaking your messages and having them automatically written out could be a real time-saver in daily life. Worth knowing: if you're curious about this technology, you can try free or cheap dictation apps like Whisper Flow or Spokenly on your smartphone first to see if voice-to-text feels natural to you before investing in a smart ring.
YouTube Premium members will get free access to Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming service, starting early next year—though it will be the ad-supported version rather than the premium tier. For people who already pay for YouTube Premium, this adds real value by giving you another major streaming option without reaching for your wallet again. Worth knowing: check your YouTube Premium subscription details in January to see how to activate your Peacock access, as you may need to link your account.
Meta has added its AI chatbot to Threads' private messaging, so you can now have one-on-one conversations with this virtual assistant whenever you want. If you use Threads to stay connected with friends and family, having an AI helper available in your messages means you can ask questions, get writing help, or brainstorm ideas without switching to a different app. Worth knowing: the AI will show up as a contact in your DMs like any other person, so you can easily spot it and choose whether to interact with it.
# Wireless Headphones Worth Considering in 2026
Engadget's editors have tested the top wireless headphones currently available and rated them based on sound quality, comfort, battery life, and features like noise cancellation. If you enjoy audiobooks, podcasts, music, or video calls, a good pair of wireless headphones can make these activities more enjoyable while keeping your hands free. You can start by thinking about what matters most to you—whether that's all-day battery life, comfort for longer wear, or the ability to block out background noise—then check Engadget's full reviews to find the best match for your needs.
Meta AI is now available to chat with directly through private messages on Threads, just like you can already do on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. If you enjoy asking questions or getting quick answers without leaving an app you already use, this gives you one more place to do that conveniently. Worth knowing: you'll want to check your Threads settings if you'd rather not see AI suggestions, since Meta is making this feature available to everyone automatically.
