Smart+

Consumer Reports is raising questions about whether smart home devices are spying on their owners, with the segment picked up by local stations including WSLS and WISN. The feature looks at the data connected gadgets may collect from people's homes and what consumers should know about privacy risks as smart speakers, cameras and other devices become more common in households.

Researchers have published a ranking of the risks posed by increasingly capable smart systems, placing potential catastrophes such as nuclear war, bioweapons development, and loss of control over advanced AI among the most severe threats. The work compares how experts weigh these scenarios and is drawing attention to how the field prioritises safety research as systems grow more powerful.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has laid out a vision for the network's evolution into a cryptographic world computer, describing a long-term roadmap in which Ethereum moves beyond a smart-contract platform toward a more trust-minimized, verifiable global computing layer. The remarks are drawing attention across the crypto community, with developers and investors debating what the roadmap implies for scalability, decentralization and Ethereum's competitive position.

Finnish health-tech company Oura, best known for its smart ring that tracks sleep and health metrics, is preparing an initial public offering that would list its shares on Wall Street. The move would make the wearable maker one of the most prominent health-device companies to go public, drawing attention from both tech and finance observers tracking the market for consumer health wearables.

Big Tech is betting its next wave of growth on AI-powered gadgets, particularly smart glasses, but the push is running into privacy concerns. Always-on cameras and microphones raise questions about recording bystanders and collecting constant data. Commentators argue companies must address consent and data protection rules if wearables are to win mainstream acceptance.

Climate Week NYC has wrapped up, with coverage pointing to two major themes: the build-out of smart electricity grids and growing attention to ocean resilience. Businesses, governments and campaigners used the annual New York gathering to announce commitments and debate how to finance cleaner energy systems and protect marine ecosystems.

Autonomous driving software firm Momenta and Stellantis' Chinese joint venture with Dongfeng have agreed to co-develop intelligent driving technology. The partnership will focus on bringing advanced driver assistance systems to vehicles sold in China, one of the world's largest but most competitive auto markets. The move underscores how global automakers are pairing with local tech suppliers to stay relevant against fast-moving Chinese competitors.

The NBA is drawing attention worldwide as preseason coverage ramps up. Lakers star Luka Doncic says he regrets actions that led to a hamstring injury that ended his season. Other headlines include the Mavericks and Rockets playing preseason games in Macau, the league testing smart basketballs and wearable tech in select games, and LeBron James reportedly managing chronic arthritis in his first season with the 76ers. The topic is trending across multiple countries, from India to Brazil to Germany.

A man has discovered that his parents' internet-connected coffee machine consumed 1TB of data in just 10 days, an enormous amount for a household appliance. The story is drawing attention online, with readers discussing how smart home devices can quietly consume unexpected bandwidth, and debating what a coffee maker could possibly be doing with that much data.

Meta's smart glasses, derided by critics as 'pervert glasses' over privacy concerns, have drawn complaints about their cameras and potential for covert recording. Despite the backlash, the technology industry shows no sign of slowing its push into wearable gadgets, with Meta and rivals continuing to invest in camera-equipped eyewear and other devices worn on the body.

A detailed review has put popular Zigbee temperature and humidity sensors through hands-on testing, measuring their accuracy, battery life, range and value against one another. The comparison helps smart home owners decide which sensor best suits their setup, and the piece is drawing attention among home automation enthusiasts comparing options.

Meta is preparing to launch three new devices: smart glasses without a built-in camera, an AI-powered keychain, and a new pair of VR glasses. The camera-free design is drawing particular attention as it addresses privacy concerns that have weighed on previous smart glasses. The AI keychain suggests the company is exploring smaller, wearable form factors for its assistant technology. Tech commentators are watching to see how the trio of products fits into Meta's broader push into artificial intelligence hardware.

The Dutch cabinet wants heat pumps in the Netherlands to become 'smart', able to respond to energy prices and grid demand. AD explains what the smart requirements involve and what homeowners should pay attention to when buying or using a heat pump, as the country continues shifting away from natural gas heating.

The Haryana government plans to develop five new Singapore-styled smart cities along the KMP Expressway, aiming to ease congestion across the National Capital Region. The announcement is drawing attention for its ambition to decongest Delhi's surroundings and attract investment, with observers weighing in on the state's urban development push and comparisons to Singapore's city planning model.

France beat Belgium 4-1 in a UEFA Nations League match, with Michael Olise scoring twice as the hosts came from behind to win. The result sparks fresh interest in how the two sides' standings compare in the competition. France coach Zinedine Zidane had spoken of making 'smart changes' before the match, and the emphatic win has kept France firmly in the Nations League conversation.

Voters across Brazil are looking up polling locations ahead of the elections, with the Superior Electoral Tribunal promoting its 'Clica e Confirma' guide for the first round of the 2026 elections. In Mato Grosso do Sul, polls will be open from 7am to 4pm. Meanwhile, Folha de S.Paulo reports the TSE did not train poll workers to identify smart glasses, with criticism of court president Kassio just two days before the vote.

The NBA preseason is dominating search interest across the US, UK, France, Italy, Germany and Australia. The big storyline is LeBron James suiting up for Philadelphia, where he is managing a health issue, with the 76ers facing the Knicks. Fans are also tracking preseason previews, injuries to Collin Sexton and Tyrese Maxey's rest day, and the league trialling smart basketballs and wearable devices in select games.

France beat Belgium 4-1 in a UEFA Nations League match, coming from behind to secure the win. The match trended worldwide, with coverage focusing on Belgium missing suspended stars Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans, and coach Zinedine Zidane's comments that France would make 'smart changes' against Belgium.

Claro TV+ has disabled Amazon Alexa support and launched its own voice assistant on its television platform in Brazil. Subscribers who previously controlled the service through Alexa must now use Claro's built-in assistant. The change is drawing attention among Brazilian viewers, with discussion focused on the switch and what it means for users' smart home setups.

Apple is developing smart glasses that will launch without a display, according to a new report from RBC-Ukraine. The report also outlines a timeline for when the device is expected to reach consumers. The news has drawn attention as Apple continues to expand beyond the iPhone, with observers noting the decision may reflect current technical limits on integrating displays into lightweight eyewear.

The NBA preseason is generating global attention as the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets prepare to play games in Macau, a significant step in the league's expansion in Asia. Stars, legends and executives are also engaging with local youth there. Back home, the league is testing smart basketballs and wearable technology in select preseason games, while teams like the Pelicans and Thunder open their schedules. Jason Kidd is reportedly in talks to join ESPN's studio coverage, and top prospect AJ Dybantsa says he is 'super blessed' to join the Washington Wizards.

Angel Reese is drawing attention after a heated on-court exchange with Sabrina Ionescu during a Chicago Sky game against the New York Liberty. Separately, her departure from Chicago is being praised as a smart career move, with commentator Rachel DeMita applauding the decision. The basketball star remains a major talking point in the WNBA.

Jason Smart, a Ukraine-focused commentator, reports that officers in Putin's army are relocating their own families out of Russia, a sign of how the war in Ukraine and fears of escalation are prompting those closest to the military to seek safety abroad. The claim has drawn attention among observers following Russia's war effort and the broader geopolitics of the conflict.

Liverpool are being urged to pursue a Premier League player, with the deal described as a smart signing. The player's identity is not specified in the report, and no bid or negotiation has been confirmed. The claim has circulated among football fans and media outlets tracking the club's transfer activity.

France host Belgium in a UEFA Nations League match drawing attention worldwide. Zinedine Zidane has promised 'smart changes' to the squad, with reports suggesting Liverpool duo Jérémy Jacquet and Bradley Barcola could start. Belgium will be without Kevin De Bruyne, who is ruled out of the game. France's recent comeback form, with records set by Dembélé and Olise, adds to interest.

Former model and TV personality Aida Yespica lost control of her Smart car, knocking over five trash bins, and then refused a breathalyzer test, according to la Repubblica. The incident in Italy is drawing attention given her celebrity status and the refusal to take the alcohol test, which may carry legal consequences. No injuries were reported in the collision with the bins.

Apple is promoting an event under the name 'Welcome Home', prompting speculation that the company will unveil a new smart home hub. Tech outlets such as MacRumors are already pointing readers toward HomeKit accessory deals ahead of the announcement. Interest is high in Australia and Canada, where the topic is among the most searched.