A small three-button device called Dune acts like a smart remote that changes what it does depending on which app you're using—so during a video call, those buttons might mute your microphone or turn your camera on and off. If you spend a lot of time in online meetings or juggling between different programs on your computer, having physical buttons you can reach without fumbling with your keyboard makes conversations easier and less awkward. You can look for this device online if you frequently find yourself hunting for the mute button or struggling to find the right window during calls.
Law enforcement agencies are warning parents that sharing photos of their children online—even on private social media—creates a risk that artificial intelligence could be used to manipulate those images into harmful content. Scammers and criminals are increasingly using AI tools to create fake abuse material, which can then be used for blackmail, exploitation, or other crimes. Worth knowing: before posting any photo of your child online, pause and ask yourself whether you'd feel comfortable if that image ended up in the wrong hands, and consider keeping family photos truly private by sharing them only through secure messaging with trusted people instead.
Amazon has quietly updated its Fire HD 10 tablet by increasing the memory (RAM) from 3GB to 4GB, which helps it run apps more smoothly without slowing down. If you use a tablet for reading, video calls with grandchildren, or streaming shows, this extra memory means fewer frustrating freezes and faster switching between apps. Worth knowing: if you already own an older Fire HD 10, you won't notice the difference, but if you're considering buying one for the first time, the newer models with 4GB are the ones to look for.
# WhatsApp Usernames Are Now Available
WhatsApp is letting people create unique usernames (like @yourname) so others can find and message them without needing their phone number. This is a significant shift because WhatsApp has always been about phone numbers—now you get to choose how much of your identity you want to share. Worth knowing: if you want a specific username, head to your WhatsApp settings and claim it soon, as popular names will get taken quickly just like on other social media platforms.
# PlayStation's Game Disc Decision
Sony has decided to stop letting people play physical game discs on its newer PlayStation console, meaning games you own on disc will eventually become unplayable. For anyone who's collected games over the years or prefers owning rather than renting through subscriptions, this is frustrating because you lose access to something you paid for. Worth knowing: check what format your favorite games are in now, and consider whether you want to keep an older PlayStation console that still plays discs—they're becoming more valuable to collectors.
Midjourney, the company famous for AI-generated images, is building an ultrasound scanner that looks like a hot tub with hundreds of probe sensors—a radical departure from traditional medical imaging that could theoretically offer cheap, detailed scans without radiation. For people concerned about healthcare costs and radiation exposure, a technology like this could eventually make detailed medical imaging more accessible and safer, though the company hasn't yet released solid evidence that it actually works reliably. Worth knowing: when a company shows impressive-looking prototypes but hasn't published independent test results, it's wise to wait for peer-reviewed studies before getting too excited—this scanner is still very much in the experimental stage.
A new attraction called Smithsonian Starstruck lets you put on a virtual reality headset and take a 40-minute tour of the universe, visiting the Sun, black holes, and distant planets as if you were really there. For people who've always wondered what space actually looks like beyond pictures in textbooks, this kind of experience makes astronomy feel real and immediate rather than abstract. You can visit one of these experiences in Washington DC, Denver, Orlando, or San Antonio for around $18–$35 per person, with discounts currently available.
# AI Web Crawlers: Getting a New Filter
Cloudflare, a company that helps websites run smoothly online, is giving site owners an easy way to block the robots that AI companies send to copy text and images for training their systems. Right now, websites have little control over whether their content ends up in AI training programs, and many creators feel their work is being used without permission or fair payment. Worth knowing: when you visit websites protected by Cloudflare (a huge number of them), you'll soon see these sites gain a simple on-off switch to refuse AI crawlers — though you might notice some AI chatbots becoming less helpful if websites widely adopt this.
# Jersey Mike's and the AI Hype Machine
Jersey Mike's sandwich chain mentioned artificial intelligence in its IPO paperwork, even though sandwiches have nothing to do with AI—showing how companies are desperately trying to mention AI anywhere they can to impress investors. When every business from sandwich shops to garden centers feels pressure to claim they're using cutting-edge technology, it becomes harder to spot which companies are genuinely innovating and which are just chasing buzzwords. Worth knowing: if a company's main business (like making sandwiches) suddenly emphasizes AI in its financial documents without explaining how it actually helps, that's a red flag that they might be overselling their story.
Researchers have discovered new malware targeting Apple computers that sneakily steals passwords by disguising itself as a legitimate clipboard tool. Unlike typical Mac viruses, this one uses Apple's own authentication system to quietly grab your login credentials and send them to criminals. Worth knowing: be cautious about downloading utilities from unfamiliar sources, and stick to getting software from the official App Store when possible.
Hopper, a popular travel booking app, has agreed to pay $35 million because it was hiding extra fees from customers and using confusing tricks to make prices look cheaper than they really were. If you've booked flights or hotels through apps, this matters because companies shouldn't be allowed to sneak charges on you at checkout or make it deliberately hard to see the true cost upfront. Worth knowing: when booking travel online, always read the final price breakdown carefully before confirming, and if you spot hidden charges, report them to your credit card company or the FTC website.
# Why Bulky Laptop Chargers Are Becoming a Thing of the Past
Modern laptop chargers have become dramatically smaller and lighter, thanks to a technology called gallium nitride that lets them pack more power into a tiny space. For travelers and people who move between rooms, this means less back strain and more room in your bag for the things that actually matter. Worth knowing: when shopping for a new charger, look for ones labeled "GaN" or "USB-C PD" — they'll work with multiple devices and weigh about as much as a phone charger.
