Google's smart home system now lets you chat with its AI assistant naturally, without saying "Hey Google" before every question—the microphone stays active for a few seconds after each answer so you can keep the conversation flowing. This makes getting information faster and easier, since the AI remembers what you've already said instead of making you repeat yourself each time. Worth knowing: You'll need to turn on this "continued conversations" feature manually in your Google Home app settings, and while Google says it can tell the difference between questions meant for it and regular room conversation, it's worth being aware that voice assistants can sometimes listen when you don't intend them to.
Bond is a new social media app that uses artificial intelligence to actually encourage you to *stop* using it and go do things in the real world instead—a refreshing change from most platforms that try to keep you glued to your screen. The app's AI learns what activities you enjoy and nudges you toward them, helping break the habit of mindlessly scrolling for hours on end.
Samsung has made it easier to connect IKEA's smart home products—like lights and plugs—to Samsung's SmartThings system, so you can control them all together from one app or voice command. For anyone with IKEA smart devices who's struggled to get them working smoothly, this partnership should mean fewer headaches and a simpler experience managing your home. Worth knowing: if you own IKEA Matter devices and a Samsung phone or tablet, check the SmartThings app to see if IKEA products are now available to add—the integration is rolling out to users now.
Yelp's new AI chatbot can now do much more than answer questions—it can recommend restaurants, read reviews, and even book reservations for you, all in one conversation. For anyone who's tired of juggling multiple apps or websites to find a place to eat and make a reservation, this could save you real time and effort. Worth knowing: the next time you open the Yelp app, look for the chatbot feature and try asking it to find a restaurant recommendation and book a table in the same message.
Yelp's new AI assistant lets you ask questions about restaurants and then book a table or place an order without switching between different apps or screens. This saves time when you're planning dinner out and want to check reviews, see what's available, and make your reservation all in one go.
Yelp now has an AI chatbot that can do more than just help you find restaurants—it can actually make your reservation or order takeout for you, all through simple conversation. For anyone who's tired of juggling phone calls and websites to book a table or appointment, this could save you time and frustration when you're planning an evening out or scheduling a doctor's visit.
Social media apps and video games are deliberately designed with four specific features that work together to keep you glued to your screen—almost like a trance—and children are especially vulnerable to this pull. Understanding how these features hook your attention can help you recognize when you're being drawn in and make more conscious choices about your screen time.
Google Photos is adding simple editing tools that let you smooth skin blemishes, brighten eyes, and whiten teeth right in the app—no need for fancy software or expertise. If you enjoy sharing family photos online or want to look your best in pictures, these quick fixes make it easy to touch up your photos in seconds before sending them to friends and grandchildren.
AI writing tools have developed such a recognizable style that they often repeat the same sentence pattern over and over, making their work easy to spot if you know what to look for. Worth knowing: if you read something that keeps using the structure "It's not just X — it's Y," there's a decent chance a computer wrote at least part of it.
LinkedIn is now offering a free feature called Crosscheck that lets Premium members test several different AI chatbots (from companies like OpenAI, Google, and others) side-by-side without paying extra or hitting usage limits. You get two answers to your question from different AI models, pick which one you prefer, and only then learn which companies created each response—it's like a blind taste test for artificial intelligence. Worth knowing: this feature is text-based only (no image generation), and while it's free to use, LinkedIn does share your choices with the AI companies to help them improve their services.
A USC professor named Maja Matarić invented an entirely new field called socially assistive robotics—robots that can have conversations, play games, and help people with anxiety and depression by responding to their emotions and providing therapy-like support. Her work matters because as more of us live longer, these robots could eventually help older adults stay mentally healthy, fight loneliness, and receive personalized care without overburdening human caregivers. Worth knowing: if you or someone you care about struggles with anxiety, keep an eye on whether therapists in your area start offering robot-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy, as these tools are being tested in real settings right now.
Nearly half of all new music uploaded to streaming services is now created by artificial intelligence, and most of the "plays" these tracks get come from fake listeners rather than real people. This matters because you might be unknowingly listening to AI-generated music that sounds polished and professional, yet no human artist made it or earned money from your streams.
Worth knowing: When you're exploring new music on streaming apps, look for artist names and information—real musicians typically have profiles and backstories, while AI-generated tracks often appear with generic names or minimal details.
