Open earbuds let you hear music or podcasts while still catching sounds around you—like conversations, traffic, or birds—rather than blocking everything out like traditional noise-cancelling earbuds do. They're especially useful for walks, errands, or outdoor activities where you want to stay aware of your surroundings and safer doing it. Worth knowing: if you're someone who likes to stay connected to what's happening around you rather than disappearing into your own audio world, these might suit you better than pricier noise-cancelling models.
iCloud+ is Apple's storage service with privacy features like email masking, while Apple One bundles iCloud+ with other services like Apple Music, TV+, and Fitness+ at a lower combined price. If you use multiple Apple services already—like streaming shows or listening to music—Apple One saves you money compared to paying separately, but if you only need storage and privacy tools, iCloud+ alone might be the better choice. Worth knowing: check what services you actually use each month, because bundling only saves money if you'll genuinely use at least two or three of the included apps.
A popular app that helped people track what they've watched on television is closing, but its creator is launching a new app called Bingers so fans won't lose their viewing history or the community they've built together. For longtime users of the original app, this means you'll be able to move your records of shows you've watched over the years to the new platform and keep chatting with the people you've gotten to know there. If you used TV Time and want to switch over, keep an eye out for instructions on how to transfer your data when Bingers becomes available.
Both Android and iPhone phones now have a built-in camera feature that reads QR codes directly from pictures you've already saved, without needing a separate app. If you've received a QR code by email or text and saved it as a photo, you can simply point your phone's camera at the image to open the link or information it contains. Worth knowing: the next time someone sends you a QR code, you don't need to hunt for a special scanner app—just open your camera, aim it at the picture on your screen, and tap the link that appears.
# Waze Navigation Update
Waze, the popular GPS app, is getting smarter with help from Google's new AI assistant, which can now answer questions about your route and suggest better ways to customize how the app works for you. For regular drivers—especially those who appreciate having a helpful co-pilot during trips—these AI features mean the app can anticipate what you might need, like finding gas stations or warning about traffic patterns ahead of time. Worth knowing: try asking Waze questions about your upcoming route or explore the customization settings in the app to see which new features might make your drives easier.
# Electric Vehicle Range Guide for 2026
Some of the newest electric cars on the market can only travel between 200 and 250 miles before needing to recharge, which is noticeably shorter than many gas-powered cars you might be used to. If you enjoy taking long drives without stopping, these particular models could leave you frustrated or stranded between charging stations. Worth knowing: before buying an electric vehicle, check the real-world range on websites like fueleconomy.gov, and plan trips around publicly available charging stations in your area.
Your brain starts preparing decisions almost instantly when it encounters something new, rather than waiting to process all the information first like we used to think. Understanding this natural process matters because it could help explain why you make quick judgments about people or situations—your brain is working smarter, not slower. Worth knowing: if you've ever had a gut feeling that turned out to be right, that's your brain's feedback system at work, combining what you're sensing with what you already know in real time.
A New York hospital has laid off 12 experienced nurses—including one with 39 years of service—and replaced them with artificial intelligence software that handles tasks like reviewing patient charts and dealing with insurance companies. For people who receive care at hospitals, this matters because experienced nurses often catch details that machines might miss, and having real people involved in your medical decisions has historically meant better oversight of your treatment. Worth knowing: if you're admitted to a hospital, it's reasonable to ask your doctor or nurse directly whether AI systems are being used to make decisions about your care or insurance coverage.
Australian safety regulators discovered that young men are being targeted by scammers who threaten to expose intimate images unless they pay money—with over 2,000 complaints in just six months. Major tech companies like Facebook, Apple, and Google aren't doing enough to stop these criminals, even though the problem is growing faster each year. Worth knowing: if you or your grandchildren receive threatening messages about private photos or videos, report them immediately to the platform and local police rather than paying anything.
# Oppo Watch X3 Summary
Oppo has made a smartwatch that runs much longer between charges than competing brands—we're talking days instead of just a day or two. For anyone who's tired of hunting for a charger every evening or worrying their watch will die during the day, this longer battery life is genuinely useful and means less fuss in your daily routine. Worth knowing: if you're thinking about getting a smartwatch, ask friends who own one how often they actually charge theirs, since battery life often matters more in real life than fancy features do.
Waze is adding voice commands powered by AI so you can report traffic problems and search for places just by talking, rather than typing while driving. This means fewer distractions on the road and the app learns what you like, making it smarter about suggesting routes and stops that suit you. You can try these features by updating Waze and experimenting with voice commands when you're safely parked, to get comfortable with them before using them while driving.
# Waze's New AI Features Make Navigation Smarter and More Personalized
Waze, the popular navigation app owned by Google, is adding new artificial intelligence features that let you customize how the app talks to you—including a "Less Chatty" mode for drivers who find constant directions annoying, plus a special motorcycle mode for riders. These updates are powered by Google's Gemini AI technology and aim to make your driving experience feel more tailored to your preferences and needs. Worth knowing: if you're a regular Waze user who feels overwhelmed by too many voice instructions or notifications, check your settings soon to see if the "Less Chatty" option is available in your area.
