Gadgets

Meta has introduced a new lineup of artificial intelligence products, according to Bloomberg. The company is positioning the offering as an attempt to succeed where competitors have struggled to gain traction with AI. The announcement is drawing attention as tech giants race to convert AI investments into widely adopted consumer and business products.

Alibaba has launched Qwen Intelligence as a full-stack agentic AI platform designed for smartphones. The move positions Alibaba's Qwen models to power on-device AI agents capable of handling tasks across apps, intensifying competition in the mobile AI space with rivals like Apple, Google and Samsung.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says AI laboratories that cannot control the systems they build should be shut down. The remarks, reported by Gadget Review, add a prominent industry voice to the ongoing debate over AI safety and accountability. Huang's position suggests that the ability to manage and contain advanced AI models should be a baseline requirement for any lab developing them.

A coalition of 23 US states is pushing for federal regulation of artificial intelligence following a series of alarming incidents involving AI systems. The states argue that state-level rules alone cannot address risks that cross borders, and are calling on Congress to set nationwide standards covering safety, accountability and oversight of AI technologies.

Singapore's National Library Board has launched a scheme offering micropayments to encourage people to read more and spend less time on their phones. The idea of paying citizens small amounts to pick up books has drawn attention online, with commenters debating whether financial incentives are an effective or appropriate way to build lasting reading habits.

The James Webb Space Telescope has detected a black hole hidden inside a dense cocoon of gas, according to a report by Gadget Review. The finding offers a rare glimpse of an object normally obscured from view and could shed light on how black holes grow in the early universe. Astronomers and space enthusiasts are sharing the discovery widely.

A new wave of AI-powered devices is hitting the consumer market, ranging from small wearable "charms" to reimagined smart speakers. The products aim to embed artificial intelligence assistants into everyday objects, moving beyond smartphones. Coverage highlights both the ambition of these designs and questions over whether consumers are actually ready to adopt dedicated AI hardware.

OpenAI is reportedly preparing to give developers an early preview of GPT-6 Cyber at its upcoming DevDay conference. If confirmed, the unveiling would mark the next step in the company's model lineup and signal a focus on security-oriented capabilities. Details remain sparse, with the report offering no official confirmation from OpenAI on timing or features.

Xiaomi has announced that its Android smartphones can now work with the Apple Watch, a notable cross-brand move since the smartwatch has long been limited to iPhones. The news is drawing attention in the tech press as an unusual instance of Apple and Xiaomi ecosystems overlapping, raising questions about what features will actually be available to users pairing the two devices.

Meta has unveiled Muse Charm, a pocket-sized device built around its AI assistant. The gadget marks Meta's continued push to move its AI assistant beyond phones and into dedicated hardware, following its AI-enabled glasses line. Details on pricing, availability and full specifications were not included in the initial announcement, leaving industry watchers waiting for more information about how the device will compete in the emerging market for standalone AI gadgets.

Meta has drawn attention with the Muse Charm, an AI-powered device that resembles a keychain but functions as a wearable assistant. Coverage highlights five capabilities, suggesting the gadget can handle voice interactions and everyday AI tasks beyond simple accessories. The device adds to Mark Zuckerberg's push to put AI hardware into consumers' daily lives, and commentators are weighing what it means for the wearable tech market.

Meta has set a Spring 2027 launch window for its latest VR glasses, priced at $1,300. The premium headset is positioned as a next step in the company's mixed-reality lineup, and tech watchers are weighing whether the steep price tag can win mainstream buyers.

Apple is expected to announce additional hardware before the end of the year, following this month's debut of the iPhone 18 Pro and the folding iPhone Duo. Reported upcoming products include a new version of the HomePod mini, the iPad mini 8, and an updated Apple TV 4K, signaling an unusually packed late-year release schedule for the company.

Chinese electric vehicle maker XPENG has entered the Philippine market, debuting with a lineup of six variants across two models: the X9, a premium electric MPV, and the L03 sedan. The move marks another step in XPENG's international expansion as Chinese EV brands push into Southeast Asian markets.

New research indicates that smartwatches become less reliable at estimating calories burned as a user's body fat percentage rises. The finding suggests wearables may systematically misjudge energy expenditure for people with higher body fat, raising questions about how much trust users should place in fitness trackers when managing diet and exercise goals.

Meta has introduced a small, Tamagotchi-like AI wearable that users can talk to, positioning it as a friendlier alternative to screenless AI pendants. The gadget pairs a cute, pocketable design with conversational assistant features, and reaction so far focuses on whether charm and novelty can make the AI wearable category appealing to mainstream buyers.

Xiaomi has launched a new 10,000mAh power bank globally, featuring a built-in cable and 22.5W charging output. The company is promoting the device as safer than previous models, with improved protection features. The accessory targets users seeking a compact, all-in-one portable charger without carrying separate cables.

A fourth-generation Apple TV 4K could be close to release, according to a Gizmodo report citing leaks about the next version of Apple's streaming box. The refresh is expected to update the company's set-top device, though details on specifications, pricing, and an official launch date have not been confirmed by Apple. Tech observers are following the story for signs of what the new hardware will offer.

Bose has released a special edition version of its QuietComfort Ultra headphones. The new variant arrives alongside the company's flagship noise-cancelling line, though details on pricing, colours and availability remain limited in initial coverage. Bose fans and audio enthusiasts are following the announcement as the QuietComfort Ultra series continues to be one of the most prominent names in premium wireless headphones.

Xiaomi has introduced a Pocket Guitar, a compact gadget designed to attach to smartphones and let users play a portable string instrument. The announcement has drawn attention among gadget enthusiasts curious about how the device works and who it is aimed at. Details on pricing and availability were not included in initial reports, and reactions to the product are still limited.

Accessory maker PeakDo has teased a new power bank designed for the Starlink Mini satellite dish, built around a semi-solid-state battery. The announcement suggests longer runtime and safer, more temperature-tolerant cells than conventional lithium-ion packs, aimed at users running portable satellite internet off-grid. Details on capacity, pricing and availability have not yet been disclosed.