Meta's Threads platform, which competes with X (formerly Twitter), has now reached 500 million monthly users and is rolling out new tools that let you decide what kind of posts appear in your feed rather than letting an algorithm choose for you. For anyone who's felt frustrated by social media showing them irrelevant content, this kind of control means you can focus on the topics and people that actually interest you. You can look for the "Your Algo" settings in Threads to customize your feed preferences, or start by following accounts and topics you genuinely care about to shape your experience right away.
The famous Commodore brand, known for computers decades ago, is releasing a new flip phone designed to keep you focused by blocking social media and web browsers. For people who've felt overwhelmed by constant notifications and endless scrolling, this could be a refreshing alternative—a phone that lets you call, text, and do the essentials without the distraction trap. Worth knowing: if you're interested in trying a simpler phone experience, this Commodore flip phone might be worth watching as it becomes available, though you'll want to check whether it works with your current phone plan and carrier.
Facebook is adding a new "AI Mode" search feature that creates summaries and answers by pulling information from people's public posts across Meta's platforms, rather than just showing you links to websites. For you, this means your Facebook activity could influence what AI-generated information other people see when they search—so it's worth thinking about what you post publicly. You can try out this new AI Mode search by looking for it alongside the regular search options the next time you search on Facebook, and you can always adjust your privacy settings if you'd rather limit what counts as "public."
# YouTube Premium Summary
YouTube is offering a special deal where you can get ad-free viewing and offline video downloads if you're already spending time there every day. For people who watch a lot of YouTube, removing ads means less interruption and a smoother viewing experience—especially helpful when you want to relax with your favorite channels without constant commercial breaks. Worth knowing: check if you're eligible for any introductory pricing, as YouTube often offers discounted first months to new Premium subscribers.
# Kindle Unlimited Discount Tips
Amazon's Kindle Unlimited subscription normally costs $11.99 a month, but there are several ways to pay less if you know where to look. If you're a frequent reader, catching promotional offers—like discounted rates for the first few months—can add up to real savings over time. Worth knowing: Amazon often sends special deals to existing members or past subscribers, so check your email and the Kindle app regularly for limited-time offers.
Rather than another tie or mug, the article suggests that practical gadgets—like wireless headphones or stylus pens—make gifts that dads genuinely love and use every day. These aren't complicated tech toys, but simple tools that make everyday activities like listening to music or writing easier and more enjoyable. You can browse the full list of real dads' favorite gadgets to find something your father will actually reach for again and again.
Sonos has released a new portable speaker called the Play that works both indoors and outdoors, making it handy for moving between rooms or taking to your garden. If you enjoy music while cooking, gardening, or working at your desk, having one affordable speaker that moves with you beats buying separate ones for different spaces. You can test one out in a shop or read reviews online to see if the sound quality and battery life suit your listening habits.
Apple TV now lets you watch up to four live sports games at the same time on one screen, which is perfect if your favorite teams play simultaneously or you want to catch multiple matches. For sports enthusiasts, this means you can finally see all the important games without constantly switching channels or setting up multiple devices in your living room. You can check Apple TV+ to see which sports are available for multiview (mainly football, basketball, and soccer), and note that you'll need an Apple TV 4K device to use this feature, though some sports can be watched this way on other devices too.
Several smartwatches on the market can run for a full week without needing a charge, unlike Apple Watch models that typically need charging every couple of days. If you find yourself frustrated by constantly hunting for a charger or worried about your device dying during the day, a longer-lasting watch could mean real peace of mind and fewer interruptions to your routine. Worth knowing: before switching, check which health features matter most to you—some alternatives track heart rate and steps just as well as Apple Watch, while others skip certain features entirely.
A thin speaker you tuck under your pillow lets you listen to sleep sounds, podcasts, or music without wearing earbuds that can hurt your ears or fall out during the night. For anyone who struggles with racing thoughts at bedtime, having gentle audio playing right beside you—without disturbing a partner—can be a real game-changer for finally getting decent sleep. Worth knowing: these under-pillow speakers are affordable and come in several brands, so you could try one risk-free to see if it helps your own sleep routine.
# Using Your AirPods as a Camera Remote
Apple's AirPods can work as a wireless remote control for your iPhone camera, letting you take photos without touching your phone. This is handy if you're taking selfies, group photos, or videos where you want to steady your phone and avoid shaking it with your finger. Worth knowing: you'll need to open the Camera app, put your AirPods in your ears, and look for the camera controls that appear on your AirPods—usually a double-tap or voice command will snap the photo.
Apple has added AI tools to iPhones that can edit your photos directly in the Photos app—removing unwanted people or objects, adjusting lighting, and changing backgrounds without needing separate apps. For iPhone users who've watched Android phones get these features for years, this is a meaningful upgrade that puts powerful editing right where your photos already live. Worth knowing: these tools are still being tested, so Apple may refine how they work before releasing them to everyone, and like any AI feature, they won't be perfect every time—it's worth trying them on copies of photos you really care about rather than originals.
