USB-C is the newer connector that you can plug in either way around (no more fumbling!), while the older USB-A only works one direction and is what you probably have on many of your current devices. USB-C is faster at transferring data and charging, and it's becoming the standard on newer phones, laptops, and tablets—which means fewer cables to carry around as you upgrade your tech. Worth knowing: if you have older devices with USB-A ports, you can buy affordable adapters to use newer USB-C cables, so you don't need to replace everything at once.
Google has just released a new laptop called Googlebooks that's designed to work seamlessly with Android phones, making it easier to share photos, messages, and files between your devices. If you own an Android phone and regularly switch between your phone and computer, this laptop could save you time by letting you access your phone's information directly from the screen without complicated steps. Worth knowing: when these laptops arrive in October, you might want to check if the features Google is promoting (like easy photo sharing) actually work as smoothly as they promise before deciding to upgrade your current setup.
A Philadelphia nonprofit has created an open-source radio system called HERMES that lets remote communities around the world send emails, photos, and other files over shortwave radio—no internet required. For people in isolated areas of countries like Bangladesh, Brazil, and Ecuador, this means they can finally stay connected to family, access emergency services, and share information without waiting for expensive satellite connections or traveling hours to find a signal. You can learn more about this technology by searching for "Rhizomatica HERMES radio" online, or ask your local emergency management office if they're aware of shortwave solutions for areas with poor connectivity.
Google has announced new lightweight laptops from major computer makers like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, available in different sizes and styles to suit different needs. These affordable computers are designed to be simple and secure, making them a solid choice if you're looking for something straightforward for email, browsing, and everyday tasks without complicated software. Worth knowing: if you're considering a new laptop, visiting a store to test which screen size and keyboard feel comfortable for your hands is worth the time before deciding.
# Trading In vs Selling Your Old Phone
When you upgrade your phone, you can either trade it in to a retailer for a discount on a new one, or sell it yourself to get cash—and one option usually puts more money in your pocket than the other. Trading in is more convenient since you handle everything in one visit, but selling privately (through sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace) typically gets you a better price because you're cutting out the middleman. Worth knowing: check what your phone is worth on a few independent valuation sites before deciding, so you can compare the trade-in offer against what you might earn selling it yourself.
# Canada's Social Media Age Plan
Canada is proposing that social media companies themselves decide what age makes sense for their platforms, rather than the government setting one hard rule that applies to everyone. This matters because tech companies know their own apps better than lawmakers do, so they might come up with ages that actually fit how teens use different platforms — for example, a messaging app might be okay for younger kids, while something designed for older audiences could have a higher limit. Worth knowing: when similar rules roll out elsewhere (including potentially in your own country), you might see your favorite platforms change their age requirements or ask for better proof of your grandchild's age before they sign up.
Smartwatches significantly underestimate the calories you burn during exercise, and this problem gets worse if you carry more body fat—meaning the devices become less reliable precisely for people who might benefit most from accurate fitness tracking. For anyone over 50 who relies on their smartwatch to guide exercise goals or monitor health improvements, these inaccuracies could lead you to think you're burning more calories than you actually are, potentially affecting weight management or fitness plans. Worth knowing: if you use a smartwatch for exercise tracking, treat the calorie counts as rough estimates rather than precise numbers, and consider monitoring your actual progress through how you feel, your performance improvements, or periodic check-ins with your doctor instead.
# What to Consider When Buying an Ethernet Switch
A network switch is a small device that lets you plug in more devices to your home internet using cables, rather than relying on WiFi alone. For people who work from home, stream videos, or have multiple devices that need stable connections, a wired setup can be faster and more reliable than wireless. You can visit your local electronics store or check online reviews to compare affordable switches (often £20-60), and simply ask the store staff which model works best for the number of devices you want to connect.
Your iPad can work as an extra monitor for your computer, giving you more room to spread out your work without buying an expensive second screen. This is especially helpful if you like working with multiple windows open—say, keeping email visible while you write, or having a spreadsheet alongside a document. You can set this up fairly easily on most modern iPads and computers, so it's worth exploring if you find yourself constantly switching between windows.
Apple is working on a smart display device—similar to Amazon's Echo Show—that would sit on your kitchen counter or bedside table and let you control your home with voice commands through Siri. For people who already use iPhones or iPads, having an Apple device would make things simpler since it would work seamlessly with your existing devices and apps. Worth knowing: if you're considering smart home devices, it might be worth holding off a bit longer to see what Apple offers, especially if you're already in their ecosystem.
You can bring an old Android tablet back to life by using it as a car dashboard display with a free app called Open Headunit, which connects your phone to show navigation, music, and calls. Many people find their older tablets gathering dust, but this gives them a practical second purpose without spending money on a car upgrade or new device. Worth knowing: before trying this, check that your tablet has a USB port that can connect to your car and confirm your car's system will accept the connection—your car's manual or a quick call to the dealer can help clarify this.
Google has been fined over €400 million by Irish regulators because it secretly tracked people's location data on their phones and used it to target advertisements without making it clear that this was happening. For anyone over 50, this matters because your phone location is sensitive information—knowing where you go reveals a lot about your habits, health, and interests, and you deserve transparent control over who gets that information. Worth knowing: check your phone's location settings (usually found in privacy or settings menu) and turn off location sharing for apps that don't genuinely need it, or at least review which apps have permission to track where you are.
