Samsung is working on smart glasses that will run for nine hours on a single charge, with an extra battery case included to keep them going longer throughout your day. For people who wear glasses anyway, this could be a practical way to get information and notifications without constantly checking your phone or smartwatch. Worth knowing: when these glasses eventually arrive, you'll want to charge that case regularly, just like you would any other portable battery device.
Samsung is launching smart glasses this fall that look like regular eyeglasses but have built-in cameras and can run for nine hours on a single charge. These glasses, made with help from Google and popular eyewear brands, could let you take photos, get information, or use AI features hands-free throughout your day. Worth knowing: because they have cameras, these glasses raise privacy questions for both the wearer and people around them—something to consider before purchasing.
# Home Theater Speaker Setups: What You Actually Need
When setting up a home theater, the numbers like "5.1" or "7.1" refer to how many speakers surround you—more speakers don't automatically mean better sound, just different ways of spreading audio around your room. A simpler system with fewer, well-placed speakers often sounds better than an expensive setup with many speakers crammed into a small space, since what matters most is good speaker quality and proper positioning. Worth knowing: start with a basic system that fits your room size, then add speakers only if you find yourself wanting more immersion when watching movies.
A decade ago, Pokémon Go got millions of people—including the author and his sons—exploring their neighbourhoods by turning a smartphone game into a real-world treasure hunt that combined technology with outdoor adventure. Beyond the fun of catching digital creatures, the game created unexpected benefits: it gave the author's autistic son a natural way to connect with other children through gym battles, and it sparked a lasting love of noticing the world around him—he now collects birdsong and wildflowers instead of Pokémon. Worth knowing: if you have grandchildren or great-grandchildren who play location-based games, these experiences can genuinely encourage them to get outside and might open doors for socializing in ways that feel comfortable for them.
# Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 vs. Motorola Razr Ultra
Samsung and Motorola have both released new flip phones that fold in half like the old Razr phones from the 2000s, but with modern smartphone power inside. If you're considering switching to a flip phone, the choice mainly comes down to whether you prefer Samsung's track record or Motorola's design, since both offer similar features like larger screens when unfolded and good cameras. Worth knowing: flip phones are still pricier than regular phones and have smaller screens when closed, so try both in a store before deciding if the novelty suits your actual daily habits.
Samsung's newest Galaxy Watch 9 makes only small improvements over the Watch 8 from last year—it has a slightly better processor and a brighter screen, but nothing revolutionary. If you wear a smartwatch to track your health, sleep, and daily activity, the Watch 9 does these things a bit faster and more clearly than before. Worth knowing: unless your current watch is several years old or you're frustrated with its speed, waiting another year for the next model makes more sense than upgrading now.
CarPlay—that system that mirrors your phone onto your car's dashboard—works best with a carefully chosen handful of apps rather than cluttering it with everything. If you drive regularly and want your essential navigation, music, and messaging tools easily accessible without distraction, picking the right apps can make trips safer and more enjoyable. You can start by installing just three or four apps you use most (like maps, your favorite music service, and messaging) and add others only if you find yourself actually reaching for them while driving.
Apple now lets you lease iPhones, iPads, and Macs instead of buying them outright, with the option to own them later if you want. For people on fixed incomes or those who like upgrading to newer technology every couple of years, this could mean lower monthly payments instead of a big upfront cost. Worth knowing: check the total cost of leasing versus buying before you commit, since monthly payments can add up over time.
The Xteink X4 Pro is a small, lightweight e-reader designed to hold thousands of books without copy protection getting in your way. If you read regularly but find tablets too heavy or distracting, this pocket-sized device offers a comfortable reading experience with a paper-like screen and weeks of battery life. Worth knowing: you can load it with books from libraries, personal collections, or DRM-free sources, giving you more control over what you read compared to locked-down alternatives.
Apple is working on a subscription plan that would let you pay monthly to use iPhones, iPads, and other devices instead of buying them outright, possibly with help from a company called Klarna. This could be useful if you like having the latest technology without the big upfront cost, or if you prefer to upgrade more frequently than keeping a device for years. Worth knowing: if this launches, read the fine print carefully about what happens to your data, insurance coverage, and whether you can easily switch devices or cancel the service.
# Ring Doorbell on Your Smart TV
You can display your Ring doorbell camera feed directly on your television screen, so you'll see visitors at your door without needing to pull out your phone. This is especially handy if you have mobility challenges or simply prefer the bigger picture that a TV provides. Worth knowing: most modern smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Google TV) work with Ring through their apps—check your TV's app store to see if Ring is available, or ask a family member to help you set it up the first time.
Instagram has added a feature that lets you change the music on videos you posted in the past, without losing any of the likes, comments, or views that post earned. This is handy if you shared a video with a song you now regret, or if the music has been removed due to copyright issues—you can simply swap it out for something better. Worth knowing: if you have older videos on your profile that feel outdated or that you'd like to refresh, you can now give them new life with different background music.
