Apple is planning to give Siri, its voice assistant, a major upgrade that will make it smarter and more helpful than it is today. If you use Apple devices and rely on Siri to help with tasks like setting reminders or answering questions, a faster and more capable version could save you time and frustration. Worth knowing: keep an eye out for announcements later this year about when the new Siri will roll out to your iPhone or iPad, as it may work differently than what you're used to.
A 56-year-old runner discovered that using a smartphone game called Zombies, Run! — which creates an imaginary chase scenario while you exercise — made training for his first marathon so engaging that he forgot about the physical discomfort and actually finished ahead of younger competitors. For people in their 50s and beyond who struggle with motivation or low mood, having a purpose or narrative while exercising (whether it's a game, a charity goal, or training with friends) can transform something painful into something you actually look forward to doing. You can try the Zombies, Run! app yourself if traditional running feels boring, or consider signing up for a charity marathon or local race — sometimes having an external goal and community makes all the difference in sticking with fitness.
Apple is bringing Google's advanced Gemini AI to Siri on iPhones, but it turns out the technology will need to rely heavily on Google's powerful computers in the cloud rather than running entirely on your phone itself. For you, this means Siri could become much smarter at understanding questions and giving helpful answers, though some of your requests will be processed by Google's servers rather than staying private on your device. Worth knowing: when Siri gets this upgrade later this year, you might notice it asks for your permission to send certain requests to the cloud—that's your cue to decide if you're comfortable with that trade-off for better AI assistance.
Waymo, the self-driving car company owned by Google's parent company, has launched a new driverless taxi service using Chinese-made minivans instead of the smaller cars it used before. The company is betting this bigger vehicle will carry more passengers and earn more money, which matters because Waymo has been struggling to turn a profit despite years of investment. Worth knowing: if you live in areas where Waymo operates (currently Phoenix and San Francisco), you can now try booking one of these minivans through their app to see how the technology works in real life.
YouTube is adding special features designed to make listening to podcasts easier, like a simpler audio-focused screen and automatic speed controls that let you listen faster if you want. For people who enjoy podcasts while walking, driving, or doing other things, this means YouTube is finally catching up to dedicated podcast apps by making it less clunky to listen hands-free. You can try the new "on-the-go mode" starting today if you have YouTube Premium on Android, or look for it on your iPhone in the coming weeks.
Apple is planning to make Siri, its voice assistant, the center of how you interact with your iPhone instead of tapping around menus and apps. This could save you time by letting you speak commands naturally—like asking Siri to find photos from your grandchild's birthday party or adjust your calendar—without hunting through multiple screens. Worth knowing: when this rolls out, you might need a few minutes to get comfortable speaking your requests aloud rather than typing, but it could make your phone feel simpler to use overall.
YouTube is making it easier to discover and listen to podcasts by adding an AI tool that suggests shows you might like, plus a new "Auto speed" feature that adjusts playback speed automatically. For people who enjoy podcasts while doing other things—like gardening or exercising—these tools mean less fiddling with settings and more time enjoying content that actually interests you. You can try out these features on YouTube's podcast section to see if the recommendations match your tastes.
Oura, a Finnish company that makes smart rings worn on your finger, has just released its smallest ring yet—40% tinier than before but with better battery life and all the same health-tracking abilities. For people who want to monitor their sleep, stress levels, and heart health without wearing a bulky smartwatch on their wrist, this elegant little ring could be a much more comfortable choice. Worth knowing: if you're interested in trying one, Oura is planning to go public later this year, which might affect pricing and availability, so it's a good time to check their website if you're curious about the cost.
Oura has released a new version of its smart ring that's noticeably thinner and lighter than before, making it more comfortable to wear all day and night. If you track your sleep, heart rate, or activity levels, a ring that feels less noticeable on your finger means you're more likely to actually wear it consistently and get reliable health data. Worth knowing: the slimmer design might also mean better battery life, so check the battery specs before upgrading if that's important to you.
YouTube is adding an AI helper that lets you describe what kind of videos you'd like to watch, and it automatically creates a custom feed just for you—like asking for "relaxing gardening videos" or "cooking shows from the 1970s." This means you won't have to scroll endlessly through recommendations that don't match your mood or interests, and you can save these custom feeds so they're always ready when you want them. You can try this new feature right now if you use YouTube on your phone or computer in the US—just look for the "Your custom feed" option at the top of your homepage and type in what you're in the mood for.
Roku has redesigned its smart TV menu system and made advertisements much more prominent—they now occupy a large, permanent section right on the home screen where you'd typically see your favorite shows and apps. For Roku TV owners, this means you'll see ads every time you turn on your television, even before you start watching anything, which some people find annoying on a device they've already paid for. You can check if your Roku TV is affected by visiting Settings to see if the new layout has rolled out to your model, and consider whether this change influences your satisfaction with the device going forward.
Meta is charging people money to use ad-free versions of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, and they're planning even more subscription options that include artificial intelligence features. If you use these apps regularly, you'll soon need to decide whether to pay for a cleaner experience without ads or stick with the free version that shows advertisements. Worth knowing: check your app settings over the coming months, as Meta will likely prompt you about these options, and you don't have to subscribe unless you want to.
