A new smartphone called the Communicator is bringing back the physical keyboard that BlackBerry fans loved, making it easier to type without relying on a touchscreen. For people who spent years typing on BlackBerry phones and found touchscreen keyboards frustrating, this could feel like a familiar friend returning. You can search for "Clicks Communicator" online to see the video and decide whether a dedicated keyboard appeals to you more than swiping on glass.
Samsung's new Music Studio 7 is a high-quality speaker that sounds wonderful whether you use it alone or pair two of them together for even richer sound. For people who want great music throughout their home without complicated setup, it's a straightforward choice that works particularly well in living rooms where you spend your time. You can listen to music from your phone, tablet, or streaming services like Spotify with simple controls, and if you decide later you want better sound, just add a second speaker and they'll work together seamlessly.
Proton—a company known for protecting your privacy—has added a new feature to their chatbot called Lumo: it can now create and edit pictures based on what you describe to it. For people who want to use AI tools without worrying as much about their data being tracked or sold, this gives you another useful option alongside the privacy protections Proton already offers. You can try Lumo out through Proton's website if you're curious about AI image tools but prefer a company that prioritizes keeping your information private.
Oura's new Ring 5 is now so slim and light that it feels like a regular piece of jewellery rather than a gadget, and it lasts much longer between charges than previous versions. For anyone interested in tracking their sleep quality, heart rate, and daily activity without wearing a bulky watch or fitness band, this finally makes a smart ring a genuinely comfortable all-day option. Worth knowing: the ring itself costs £399, but you'll need to pay a monthly subscription of about £6 to unlock the useful health features beyond basic daily step counts.
Google's Gemini chatbot can now create pictures for you based on things you like and information from your Google apps—and the free version is available to people in the U.S. This means the AI learns what you enjoy and can generate more relevant images without you having to describe everything in detail. Worth knowing: if you use Gmail, Google Photos, or other Google services, Gemini may already have a sense of your interests, so you might want to check your privacy settings if that makes you uncomfortable.
I'd be happy to help, but I don't see the article text in your message. Could you please paste the full article content that you'd like me to summarize? Once you share it, I'll create three clear, warm sentences explaining what's happening and why it matters to you.
Kobo, a company that makes e-readers, has partnered with StoryGraph to let you automatically track which books you're reading and how far through them you are—all without needing Amazon's Goodreads service. If you use a Kobo device and enjoy keeping reading records or joining online book clubs, this gives you a real alternative that's independent from Amazon's ecosystem. Worth knowing: if you've been frustrated by Goodreads or prefer not to use Amazon services, you can now switch to StoryGraph and have your reading habits sync seamlessly with your Kobo e-reader.
Stacking a power strip into a smart plug—while convenient—can create serious fire and electrical hazards because smart plugs aren't designed to handle the total power draw of multiple devices running at once. If you're 50 or older and managing your home's electricity to save money or for convenience, this setup could overheat and damage your devices or worse, start a fire. Worth knowing: plug high-power items like space heaters or coffee makers directly into the wall, and only use smart plugs one at a time for lighter devices like lamps or phone chargers.
# Rolling Back to Google Assistant on Android
Google has switched many Android phones to a new AI assistant called Gemini, but if you preferred the older Google Assistant, you can switch back fairly easily. Some people find Google Assistant simpler or more straightforward for their everyday needs, and there's nothing wrong with sticking with what works for you. Worth knowing: you'll likely need to go into your phone's settings and change your default assistant in the "Apps" or "System" section, though the exact steps vary slightly depending on your phone model.
Flipper Device has created a small gadget with a colorful screen that sits on your desk to help you stay focused and manage your time. It lets you set timers for tasks, block distracting apps, and show personalized messages or information—all designed to keep you organized without constantly checking your phone or computer. Worth knowing: if you struggle with screen time or find yourself easily distracted, this kind of visual reminder on your desk might help you stick to your goals throughout the day.
Small wheeled robots have been quietly delivering packages around Milton Keynes since 2018, and new UK laws are about to let them spread to other towns and cities. For people who struggle with mobility or live far from shops, these self-driving couriers could mean convenient deliveries straight to your door without relying on traditional delivery trucks. Worth knowing: if you start seeing six-wheeled robots on pavements near you, they're programmed to avoid pedestrians, but it's still sensible to stay aware of them just as you would with any traffic.
Oura has released a new version of its popular smart ring that's significantly smaller than before while actually keeping the battery running longer between charges. For people who've found previous smart rings too bulky or uncomfortable to wear all day, this smaller design could make it much easier to actually use the device without noticing it on your finger. Worth knowing: if you already own an older Oura Ring, you might want to try on the new size before upgrading, since the fit difference is quite substantial.
