Yelp has added an AI feature that can actually phone restaurants for you to find out how long you'll wait before getting a table. This saves you the awkward phone call and means you get accurate, up-to-the-minute information without having to dial yourself. Worth knowing: the app will also start remembering what kinds of food and restaurants you like, so it can suggest places tailored to your taste over time.
Video doorbells have limits to how far away they can detect movement, and this distance varies depending on the model, lighting conditions, and even the size of what's moving. Knowing these limits matters because you might miss alerts from delivery drivers or visitors who stop just outside your doorbell's detection zone, leaving you unaware someone called. Worth knowing: when setting up your doorbell, test its detection range during different times of day and in various weather conditions, as darkness and rain can significantly reduce how far it can "see."
Some people are so frustrated with ads, tracking, and slow menus on their smart TVs that they're now using artificial intelligence tools to remove unwanted software and simplify their viewing experience. Smart TVs have become cluttered with features that manufacturers use to watch what you watch and show you advertisements, which can make the device annoying to use. Worth knowing: if your TV feels sluggish or you're bothered by ads, you might ask a tech-savvy family member whether there are simpler alternatives available, or check if your TV's settings let you disable some tracking features yourself.
Even Realities has created smart glasses that work really well and do impressive things, but the buttons and controls are confusing and frustrating to use. For someone considering smart glasses as a practical tool—whether for reading instructions, staying connected, or accessing information hands-free—having intuitive controls matters just as much as the technology itself. Worth knowing: if you're thinking about buying smart glasses, ask the seller if you can try the controls in person before committing, since what feels natural to one person might feel awkward to another.
Starlink offers two plans at the same $55 monthly price, but one gives you faster speeds with no data limit while the other caps your usage but costs less upfront for the equipment. The faster plan matters if you enjoy streaming films, video calls, or browsing without worrying about running out of allowance, whereas the capped plan suits lighter users who mainly check email and read news. You can visit Starlink's website to check which plan fits your household's habits—think about how much time you spend watching videos or doing video calls to pick the right fit for you.
A communication-skills company called RiseGuide is hiring people to practice small talk with strangers in real places like parks and bookstores, paying them $2,000 for a month of friendly conversations to build their confidence. Many younger people feel anxious or unsure about chatting with people they don't know, and research shows that social confidence can actually be learned and improved with practice. You can watch for whether this kind of real-world practice might help you or someone you know feel more comfortable striking up conversations — or ask yourself what's held you back from small talk and whether trying it in a low-pressure setting might help.
You can give your old PlayStation a second life by using it as a media player, donating it to a school or charity, selling it online, or even repurposing it as a retro gaming machine for nostalgic entertainment. Holding onto older tech rather than tossing it saves money, reduces electronic waste, and lets you enjoy games or movies without spending on new equipment. Worth knowing: check local recycling programs or donation centers first, as some will refurbish your console for others to use, and websites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace can help you find a buyer if you'd prefer a bit of cash back.
Android Auto, the system designed to work in your car, can actually be used on your phone or tablet at home or anywhere else, giving you a safe way to access maps, messages, and music with big, easy-to-read buttons. For people over 50, this means you can practice using the system before driving, or simply enjoy hands-free control of your phone's features while doing other things around the house. You can enable this feature by going into your Android phone's settings, finding the Developer Options, and turning on "USB Debugging" — though it's worth checking YouTube for step-by-step instructions since the exact steps vary by phone model.
Ember has updated its smart mug so you can change your tea or coffee temperature with buttons on the mug itself, rather than fumbling with your phone. For someone who enjoys a hot drink at a specific warmth every evening, this means you get the comfort you like without the hassle of opening an app each time. You can simply press the buttons on the side of the mug to find your perfect temperature, just like adjusting volume on a remote control.
Epic, a major healthcare software company, is building a tool that will let patients see and compare what they'd pay for prescriptions at different pharmacies—whether they're paying out of pocket or using insurance. For people managing chronic conditions or taking multiple medications, this could help you spot significant savings simply by checking prices before filling a prescription at your usual pharmacy. Worth knowing: when the tool launches in summer 2027, ask your doctor's office if they use Epic's system, as that's how you'd access it.
Apple used to sell replacement batteries for $29, but stopped that program and now charges much more—sometimes over $100—leaving people stuck with aging devices they can't afford to repair. When computer chips become scarce and hard to get, manufacturers could help by making batteries affordable to replace again, letting people keep their older gadgets working longer instead of buying new ones. Worth knowing: if your device is slowing down, a fresh battery often helps more than you'd think, so it's worth asking Apple or your device maker about their current replacement costs before assuming you need to upgrade.
MapQuest, the navigation app many of you have used for years, now displays the locations of Flock cameras—security devices that record license plates—right on your map. This can help you understand which streets in your neighborhood have surveillance coverage, which some people find reassuring for safety while others prefer to know where they're being recorded. You can open MapQuest and look for camera icons on the map to see if there are any near your home or regular routes, then decide how you feel about it.
