Gadgets
* Noise cancellation is moving beyond simple ANC to AI-driven, context-aware systems. * Hearvana’s “sound bubble” uses on-device deep learning to amplify selected voices and suppress ambient noise. * Apple, Bang & Olufsen, Sony, and Bose are adding hearing-health and adaptive features to headphones. * New tech offers accessibility gains but raises questions
AI
• Key Takeaways: * A 23-year-old Swansea gym-goer used AI to build workout and diet plans, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg. * A 21-year-old runner used AI training for the Cardiff Half Marathon and improved her time by one minute. * Trainers say AI speeds learning and planning but cannot fully
Gadgets
Key Takeaways: * Samsung’s Freestyle+ doubles brightness to 430 ISO lumens and keeps 180° rotation and 360° audio. * New AI OptiScreen adds 3D auto keystone, real‑time focus, automatic screen fit and wall calibration. * Supports Q‑Symphony for compatible Samsung soundbars and Vision AI Companion for advanced features. * Freestyle+ will
Gadgets
* Key takeaways: December 2025 shipped a wide variety of notable gadgets, from 360° drones to affordable ANC earbuds. * Notable value picks include Soundpeats Air5 Pro+ ($130) and JLab Epic Pods ANC ($100) for battery and noise cancellation. * Novelty and niche products stood out: Antigravity A1’s 360 camera drone, Pebble’
How-Tos
• Key Takeaways: * HabitKit uses a GitHub-style contribution grid and analytics for clear visual progress tracking. * Finch gamifies self-care with a digital pet that grows as you complete healthy habits. * Google Calendar + Tasks offers cross-device scheduling but requires manual discipline for progress metrics. Why the right app matters Picking a habit
Games
* Log in to Halo Infinite anytime in 2026 to claim a free Silver Anniversary customization bundle. * The bundle includes armor and vehicle coatings, weapon skins, nameplates, and a weapon charm. * Claim the bundle before December 31, 2026 and share memories with #Halo25Together for anniversary features. What you get with the
Games
* Key Takeaways * Carolyn Petit’s 2025 list prizes games that take creative risks over frictionless, mass-appeal design. * Shadow Labyrinth (Bandai Namco) tops the list for its strange, discovery-driven Metroidvania world. * Other highlights: Blippo+ and Despelote for narrative invention; Terminator 2D: No Fate and Absolum for mechanical excellence. Why these games
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Code Vein 2 (Jan 30) brings vampire action and an exploration motorcycle; Bandai Namco leads the sequel push. * Code Violet (Jan 10) is a Dino Crisis–inspired, PS5-only action-horror from TeamKill Media. * Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven (Jan 22) is the biggest paid expansion with new systems, dungeons,
Gadgets
* AI-powered EQ and ambient lighting land across LG’s new xboom speakers. * Stage 501 adds vocal removal, pitch control and 220W output for parties. * Blast, Mini and Rock prioritize battery life, portability and ruggedness. * All four models will be shown at CES and are due in 2026; pricing TBA. What
Research
* Social feeds in 2025 are increasingly monetized: sponsored posts, shoppable videos and AI-generated content dominate the experience. * Instagram, TikTok and YouTube prioritize engagement and commerce, leaving fewer genuine posts from real friends. * Alternatives like Reddit and Bluesky still retain pockets of real conversation, but long-term monetization threatens their character. * For
AI
* Apple leaders reportedly see large language models (LLMs) becoming commodities, which helps explain conservative AI spending. * Apple maintains an internal models team but appears to favor hardware, software, and services control over costly LLM development. * The company is exploring partnerships (reportedly with Google) to power Siri while keeping a measured
Chips
• Key takeaways • Global semiconductor shortages and constrained fab capacity risk pushing consumer electronics prices up to 20%. • Demand from automotive, AI and 5G devices is tightening supply for key nodes used in phones, laptops and TVs. • Firms are responding with long-term contracts, redesigns to older process nodes and accelerated fab
