Plex, a service that lets you stream your own movies and TV shows on your devices, is tripling the price of its lifetime pass from $250 to $750—though people who already own one won't be affected. For people who love owning their media collection and want to avoid monthly fees, this dramatic price increase essentially pushes them toward paying Plex a subscription instead. Worth knowing: if you've been thinking about buying a Plex lifetime pass, the old pricing ends very soon (June 30), so you'd need to decide quickly whether it's worth the investment before the new higher price kicks in.
Google has created new smart glasses that let you control things just by talking to them—no need to touch anything or look at a screen. For someone who jugbles multiple devices or struggles with small buttons and screens, these glasses could make daily tasks like checking messages, setting reminders, or getting answers much simpler and hands-free. Worth knowing: when these glasses arrive, you'll want to think carefully about whether you're comfortable with a device that listens to your voice commands throughout the day.
Google's AI assistant Gemini is getting the ability to "see" through Volvo car cameras, starting with helping drivers understand confusing parking signs. For car owners, this means you could simply ask your car's AI what a tricky parking restriction sign means instead of squinting at it yourself or guessing. You can expect this feature to roll out in new Volvo EX60 vehicles, though Google is likely working on expanding what Gemini can help explain about the road around you.
Google has released a new app called Google Pics that uses artificial intelligence to help you edit your photos—like removing unwanted people from the background or fixing lighting—without needing to learn complicated software. For people who want to touch up family photos or old pictures without paying for expensive programs like Photoshop, this offers a simpler, more straightforward alternative. You can download it on your phone to try it out, or ask a grandchild to help you get started if you're curious about what AI editing can do.
Google has given its AI chatbot Gemini a fresh look and new capabilities on phones, making it easier to use and faster to get answers. If you use Google services for email, search, or just general questions, this update means you'll have a more polished tool right on your phone that understands what you're asking more naturally. You can try the new version by updating your Google app on your phone, or ask a younger family member to show you the new interface if you're curious about what AI assistance looks like these days.
Google Docs and Google Keep (their note-taking app) now let you speak your thoughts aloud instead of typing them out—your voice becomes the words on the page. If you've ever found typing tedious or your hands get tired, this hands-free option makes it quicker to jot down ideas, draft emails, or capture quick notes without lifting a finger. You can try this feature by opening Google Docs or Keep on your phone or computer and looking for a microphone icon, then speaking clearly as if you're dictating to someone.
Google is creating a new tool called Universal Cart that keeps track of items you've added to shopping carts across different websites and stores, so you don't lose them when you switch between your phone, tablet, or computer. For someone like you who might shop around to compare prices or take time deciding what to buy, this means your cart won't vanish if you check a product on your phone at breakfast and want to buy it from your laptop at dinner. Worth knowing: you'll want to check whether this feature is turned on in your Google account settings, and be aware that Google will be collecting information about your shopping habits across the web.
Google is adding a shopping cart feature that works across YouTube and Gmail, so you can collect items as you browse and check out all at once instead of buying from each place separately. For someone who watches videos or reads emails on Google's platforms, this means fewer interruptions and a smoother experience when you want to make a purchase without jumping between different websites. Worth knowing: take a moment to review what's in your cart before completing any purchase, since items can accumulate as you click around these services.
Google is adding a voice feature to Gmail that lets you speak questions out loud instead of typing, and it will listen to your emails to find answers—like asking "When is my grandchild's school event?" and having it pull up the details from your messages. For someone who finds typing on a phone tricky or who's juggling lots of emails, this could be a real time-saver, since you won't have to hunt through dozens of messages to find important dates and details. Worth knowing: this feature is still being rolled out, so you may not see it right away, but keep an eye on your Gmail search bar for a microphone icon in the coming weeks.
Google is redesigning its search engine to blend AI summaries and a chatbot-like experience together, so you can ask questions in natural language and get immediate answers without clicking through multiple websites. For someone who's used Google the same way for decades, this means search will feel more like having a conversation with a knowledgeable assistant rather than scrolling through a list of links. You can start noticing these changes rolling out to your Google Search soon, and it's worth taking a moment to try asking questions conversationally rather than typing in single keywords—the new system is built to understand that style better.
Google is building a shopping assistant that remembers what you want to buy across all its services—Search, Gmail, YouTube—and handles your purchases in one place, while also watching for price drops and better deals. For you as a shopper, this means less hunting around different websites and potentially spotting savings you'd otherwise miss, though it also means Google will know even more about what you buy. Worth knowing: before you use this feature, check what privacy settings Google offers, since letting one company track your shopping across multiple platforms is a big step.
Microsoft has designed a new thumbstick cover shaped like a goal post to help people with limited hand strength or dexterity use their Xbox controllers more easily, and it's one of seven different designs they now offer. These specially designed toppers matter because they make gaming accessible to older adults and people with disabilities who might otherwise struggle with standard controllers, letting them enjoy entertainment independently. You can check out all seven designs on Xbox's accessibility website if you're interested in adaptive gaming options for yourself or a loved one.
