consumer gadgets

Tech companies are competing to develop dedicated hardware for artificial intelligence, and Meta believes it has produced a winning device. NPR reports on the race, noting that Meta considers its offering a standout in a crowded field where rivals are also rushing to ship AI-focused gadgets to consumers.

The government has permitted e-commerce providers to deliver food items and gadgets, expanding the scope of online retail services. Details on when the rules take effect and which platforms qualify have not yet been reported. The move is expected to widen consumer access to delivered goods and open new business opportunities for online sellers.

Sony is reportedly withdrawing from CES 2027, breaking an unbroken presence at the consumer electronics show that dates back to 1967. The move, reported by gadget outlet Gadget Review, would mark the first time in nearly six decades that the Japanese electronics and entertainment giant is absent from the Las Vegas event, prompting questions about its trade-show strategy.

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.

A technology reviewer has bought what is being called the world's smallest gadget, and the story is drawing large audiences online. The claim of an ultra-miniature device has sparked curiosity about how small consumer tech can actually get, with viewers weighing in on whether such tiny gadgets are practical or just novelty items.

Qualcomm has announced the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2, a new audio platform that brings on-device AI processing to wireless earbuds and other audio wearables. The move signals Qualcomm's push to add smarter, locally processed features to audio devices rather than relying on cloud connectivity. Details beyond the announcement are limited so far, with tech outlets picking up the news as part of the latest wave of AI-focused gadget launches.

Meta is pushing its Muse technology as a feature it wants built into future consumer gadgets, according to TechCrunch. Beyond the headline, no further details about which devices, partners, or timeline are given, and there is no wider discussion yet. The story suggests Meta aims to embed this technology across a range of upcoming hardware products.

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 question-and-answer column takes up the fate of Max Factor's once-popular beauty gadgets, asking what became of the cosmetic devices the brand was known for. The item revisits the brand's history with makeup tools and invites readers to wonder whether the products disappeared from shelves or simply fell out of fashion, with no further details given beyond the question itself.

Gear Patrol has published a running roundup of the standout new gadgets and hi-fi audio releases of 2026, updated as new products launch. The guide highlights the latest in consumer tech and high-fidelity audio gear for shoppers and enthusiasts following this year's releases.

People are questioning whether the economy is really in recession, pointing out that airports are full, concert tickets sell out instantly, iPhone pre-orders hit record highs and restaurants are booked solid. The contrast between claims of economic downturn and visibly strong consumer spending on travel and entertainment is confusing many, who are asking for a simple explanation of how both can be true at once.

Tech commentators are explaining that battery capacity and battery life are not the same thing. A large capacity figure, measured in mAh or Wh, does not guarantee longer runtime, since software efficiency, screen use and hardware demands also determine how long a device lasts. The discussion aims to clear up a common confusion for buyers comparing phones, laptops and other gadgets.

The Atlantic examines the growing group of consumers who are holding onto their phones and gadgets far longer than the typical upgrade cycle, resisting pressure to buy the latest models. The piece explores why some people keep devices for years, from cost concerns to satisfaction with older hardware, and what the trend means for tech companies that rely on annual sales.

Apple is preparing a new smart home device, referred to as the Home Hub, with attention focused on when it will be released. Details so far are limited to the product's existence and expected launch timing, and consumers are watching for official confirmation from Apple on specs, pricing and availability.

The Atlantic has published a feature on people who keep using old gadgets instead of replacing them, repairing or stubbornly maintaining devices most would discard. The piece profiles this subculture of longevity, touching on repair culture, e-waste and resistance to upgrade cycles. It is sparking conversation about planned obsolescence and sustainability in consumer tech.

Tech brand Nothing has unveiled the Headphone (1) Pro, a new pair of over-ear headphones pitched at studio and professional audio use. The announcement is drawing attention from audio and gadget enthusiasts, who are weighing the company's move from stylish consumer devices into more serious pro-grade equipment territory.

A roundup examines gadgets that were heavily promoted as the next big thing but never delivered on their promises, arguing that early skepticism about them proved correct. The piece revisits the gap between launch hype and real-world performance for products that failed to win lasting consumer adoption.

Meta is releasing the code for its Muse technology for free, aiming to get the AI assistant embedded in a wide range of consumer devices, from televisions to household appliances. The move positions Muse as a building block for third-party gadget makers rather than a feature locked to Meta's own hardware. Tech commentators are weighing what open-sourcing the software means for competition in the AI device market.

A roundup highlights five smart home gadgets pitched as essential for parents, covering devices meant to make family life easier, safer, or more convenient. The piece joins a steady stream of consumer tech listicles aimed at households looking to automate childcare-adjacent tasks like monitoring, lighting, and security. No specific products are detailed beyond the list format.

A popular experiment-style video is testing a range of solar-powered gadgets to see whether they perform as advertised. The presenter puts each product through real-world conditions, checking how well they charge and function on sunlight alone. Viewers are engaging heavily with the results, with hundreds of thousands of likes, reflecting growing consumer curiosity about whether affordable solar devices live up to their claims.

A design publication has listed five gadgets it says Generation Z genuinely wants to own at the moment. The roundup highlights the products and design trends resonating with young consumers, offering brands and readers a snapshot of what this generation is buying and why those items stand out right now.

A tech roundup lists five new gadgets worth watching in October 2026, flagging upcoming product releases for consumers and enthusiasts. The piece is aimed at readers tracking fresh hardware launches this month, though specific products named in the list are not detailed here. It reflects the usual seasonal wave of gadget announcements and reviews circulating in tech media this October.

Engadget has published an explainer on how translation earbuds function, breaking down the technology behind real-time language translation in earbuds. The piece walks through how these devices capture speech, process it, and deliver a translation to the listener, covering the role of AI and machine translation in making near-instant cross-language conversations possible.

Meta is releasing code that lets people build their own AI-powered gadgets, according to Gulf News. The move signals the company's push to put AI hardware development in the hands of everyday builders and developers rather than keeping it in-house. Details on which products or tools are covered were not provided in the report.

Meta has released the code behind its Muse AI gadgets as open source, letting anyone build their own home AI devices. The move, reported by The Verge, is drawing attention among developers and hobbyists interested in creating custom AI-powered hardware for the home using Meta's software.

Budget retailer B&M is selling a small electric heater that costs around 17p per hour to run, promoted as a way to keep warm at home without switching on the central heating. The item is being covered by consumer and regional news outlets amid ongoing concern about high household energy bills.

Investors and technology groups are continuing to put money into consumer gadget companies, even though the sector carries well-known risks. The main concerns are legal disputes over patents, which can be costly and slow growth, and unpredictable customer demand that can leave products unsold. The report highlights that backers see enough potential in new devices to accept these hazards.