Google has created a new tool called Video Remix that lets you take videos already stored in your Google Photos and transform them into something completely different using artificial intelligence. If you enjoy home videos, travel footage, or family memories, this means you could turn a simple clip into an entirely new scene—imagine changing a backyard video to look like it was filmed in a different location or style. You can try this feature if you subscribe to Google's Gemini AI service, though it's worth checking what your current Google Photos subscription includes before signing up for anything new.
Amazon is developing a smarter version of Alexa that can tackle complicated, multi-step tasks on its own—like booking a doctor's appointment, checking your calendar, and then sending a confirmation email, all without you having to ask for each step separately. For people who appreciate convenience and want technology that actually saves time rather than creating more work, this could mean fewer interruptions and a more helpful assistant in your home. Worth knowing: when these upgrades roll out, you might want to try giving Alexa more complex requests to see if it can handle them—it's a good way to figure out what this smarter version can actually do for you.
# Fi Ultra Pet Tracker Summary
Fi has created a new dog collar device that uses Starlink satellites to track your pet even in remote areas where regular cell service doesn't reach. For people who live in the countryside or take their dogs hiking far from towns, this means you won't lose the ability to find your pet just because you're away from civilization. Worth knowing: check Fi's website to see if satellite coverage is available in your area before buying, and keep in mind that satellite tracking typically costs more than standard GPS trackers.
DuckDuckGo's browser has added a new feature that stops video advertisements from playing, even on YouTube, giving you uninterrupted viewing by default. If you watch videos online regularly, this means fewer interruptions and a smoother experience, plus it uses less data since ads aren't downloading to your device. Worth knowing: you can try DuckDuckGo's browser for free on your computer or phone to see if you prefer it to what you're using now, though some websites might not work perfectly with ad blocking turned on.
The Weather Channel just raised prices on its streaming app by two-thirds—from $3 to $5 per month (or $30 to $50 yearly)—making it noticeably more expensive than before. If you've been using this app to check weather forecasts and watch storm coverage without paying for cable TV, you'll need to decide whether the extra cost is worth keeping it. Worth knowing: before your next auto-renewal, compare free weather apps like Weather.gov or your phone's built-in weather service to see if they give you what you need.
# iRobot's Latest Floor Cleaner Breaks the Mold
iRobot, the company famous for robot vacuum cleaners, has just released a floor cleaner that works without any robot at all—it's a traditional handheld or stick-style device that you operate yourself. The company is branching out because while robot vacuums are convenient, some people prefer more control over their cleaning or need something that works better on stairs and tight spaces. You can look at this new product if you find robot vacuums frustrating to maintain, or if you'd like the flexibility to clean whenever you want without waiting for a machine to finish its schedule.
X (formerly Twitter) has added a simple video editor directly into its iPhone app, so you can trim, crop, and add text to videos before posting them. If you share videos on social media, this saves you the step of editing elsewhere and uploading—everything happens in one place. Worth knowing: the feature is currently iOS-only, so Android users will need to wait a bit longer, and you can test it out next time you're composing a post with a video.
Claude Cowork now works on your phone and computer web browser, so you can start a project at your desk and check on its progress from anywhere using your smartphone. This means you're not tied to sitting at your computer anymore—you can manage your work while you're out running errands or relaxing, and come back to it later without losing anything. Worth knowing: if you use Claude for work tasks, you might want to explore the mobile app next time you're waiting for something or away from home.
# Claude Cowork on Your Phone
Anthropic has created a new phone app feature called Cowork that lets you talk to Claude (an AI assistant) and work together on tasks right from your mobile device. For people who want to stay productive while away from their desk—whether you're organizing a trip, drafting an email, or working through a problem—having a capable AI assistant in your pocket can save time and mental effort. Worth knowing: this feature is rolling out first to Max subscribers, so check if you have that subscription level, and look for it in the Claude app over the coming weeks.
Solos has created a new pair of smart glasses called the AirGo A6 that are nearly half the weight of their previous model—just 19 grams, about as light as a few coins—by removing the camera and using voice commands instead. For people who wear glasses anyway, these lighter versions could be more comfortable to wear all day without the strain of heavier frames, and they'll work with prescription lenses so you don't need two pairs of glasses. You can wait for the official price and release date announcement, but if lightweight eyewear appeals to you, this might be worth keeping an eye on as an alternative to heavier tech glasses on the market.
Netflix's big gamble—releasing entire seasons at once so you could watch whenever you wanted—is losing its appeal, with many viewers not coming back for second seasons. For people juggling work, family, and hobbies, spreading shows out over weeks might actually feel more manageable than feeling pressured to consume everything at once. Worth knowing: if you find yourself abandoning shows partway through, you're not alone—it might be time to revisit what you were watching on your own schedule rather than the platform's.
# Robot Rentals Are Becoming a Real Option
Companies are now offering robots for short-term rental instead of forcing you to buy them outright, which makes sense given how quickly the technology changes. For small businesses and organizations—from restaurants to hospitals—renting lets them try out robots without spending tens of thousands of dollars upfront or being stuck with equipment that becomes outdated. Worth knowing: if you own a small business or work at one, you might want to ask your manager or local business association whether any robot rental services operate in your area, since this trend is still fairly new in most regions.
