OpenAI's ChatGPT extension for Chrome can now look at the web pages you have open in different tabs and use that information to help you with tasks like comparing prices, summarizing content, or answering questions about what you're reading. This is handy if you're researching something across several websites—instead of copying and pasting information back and forth, you can ask ChatGPT to pull together what it sees and do the work for you. You can try this by installing the ChatGPT extension from Chrome's web store, opening a few related tabs, and asking ChatGPT a question about the content across those pages.
Google has built a smarter search tool for Gmail that understands what you're actually looking for, rather than just matching exact words—it's now available to people who pay for Google's AI subscription service. If you get dozens of emails a day and struggle to find that one message about your doctor's appointment or your grandchild's school event, this could save you real time and frustration. Worth knowing: you'll need to pay for a Google AI subscription (called Gemini Advanced) to use this feature, so check if the cost makes sense for how much you use email.
Withings, a company that makes health-tracking devices like smart scales and watches, now wants new customers to pay $100 per year if they want their health data to sync automatically with Apple's Health app. For older adults who use both Withings devices and Apple products, this means an extra subscription cost just to keep everything connected—something that used to be free. Worth knowing: if you're considering a Withings device, ask whether you're a new or existing customer, since this fee only applies to people signing up for the first time.
OpenAI has updated its ChatGPT tool so it can now look at the webpages you currently have open in your Chrome browser, letting you ask it questions about those pages without copying and pasting content back and forth. This means you could ask ChatGPT to compare information across multiple websites or help you summarize what you're reading—handy if you're researching something like comparing prices or reading several news stories on the same topic. Worth knowing: if you use the ChatGPT Chrome extension, you'll need to give it permission to see your open tabs, so check your privacy settings if you'd rather keep your browsing private.
E Ink has created a new type of screen that shows colors more naturally and updates faster than older e-readers, making them feel more like reading a real printed book. If you enjoy reading e-books but have been frustrated by dull colors or slow page-turning, this technology could finally make color e-readers worth considering. Worth knowing: when shopping for your next e-reader, look for models using the newest E Ink technology, as they'll give you a noticeably better reading experience than older versions.
Amazon's new Alexa Tablet 12 Pro is a large, capable tablet that costs less than iPad equivalents while doing most of the same tasks well. If you enjoy reading, watching shows, video calling with family, or using Alexa voice commands, this device gives you plenty of screen real estate without breaking the bank. Worth knowing: while the tablet itself is solid, some apps designed for phones don't display beautifully on the larger screen, so test it in a store first if that matters to you.
Google has launched a new shopping tool called Universal Cart that lets you add items from different stores to a single cart and check out all at once, rather than visiting each store's website separately. This saves time and hassle when you're shopping for multiple things across different retailers, and it works right within Google Search and Google's Gemini app. Worth knowing: look for the Universal Cart option when you're browsing products on Google Search, and you can start combining items from your favourite shops into one basket.
LinkedIn is rolling out new features to help its 900 million users manage side businesses or freelance work alongside their main jobs. Many people over 50 are starting second income streams in retirement or semi-retirement, and having tools to showcase these projects to potential clients or collaborators can make a real difference. Worth knowing: if you're exploring freelance work or selling services on the side, LinkedIn's updates will make it easier to create a separate profile section highlighting this work without confusing your main employment history.
A new wave of tools is arriving for older adults and their families—including an AI assistant that calls seniors daily for friendly conversation, a life-story app that helps care home staff connect better with residents, and a guide to help people understand the growing world of home robots. For someone managing aging parents from a distance or living in a care community, these offerings aim to reduce isolation, improve communication between residents and caregivers, and make daily life a bit easier. You can explore Kindable's "Loved" app or ask your local assisted living facility if they're considering Porchlight during its free pilot phase to see how these tools might help your specific situation.
United Airlines now lets you see before you book whether your flight will have Starlink internet access, so you won't be surprised to find yourself without Wi-Fi when you're already in the air. This is handy if you like to work, stream movies, or stay in touch during flights, and it helps you decide which flight to choose based on the connectivity you need. You can check the United website or app when searching for flights to see which planes have Starlink Wi-Fi available on your route.
Amazon has released two new wearable devices called Bee that listen to your conversations throughout the day and create summaries, transcripts, and to-do lists from what you say. For people who attend lots of meetings or social gatherings, these gadgets could help you remember important details without taking notes yourself. Worth knowing: these devices are always listening and recording, so think carefully about whether you're comfortable with that level of privacy before purchasing one.
Amazon's company Bee has created two new gadgets that use artificial intelligence to help you organize your life—one you wear and one small enough to clip to your phone—starting at about $75. These devices can listen to what you say, write down your to-do lists, and remind you of important things you've discussed, all while connecting with Amazon's Alexa system. You can watch for these devices to arrive in stores soon if you'd like a simpler way to capture and organize daily reminders without typing on your phone.
