Tech giant shaping consumer hardware and services
Apple's AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 5 are subject of ongoing reviews. Pro 3 emphasizes enhanced noise cancellation, health sensors and longer battery life, while AirPods 5 targets value with improved ANC and features at a lower price. Multiple outlets compare models and discuss differences in design, battery, and features.
France has moved to allow temporary exemptions for acetamiprid and flupyradifurone to help struggling farmers, triggering resignations and heated debate. Barbut has warned this marks an environmental setback as the government faces pushback from ministers, courts, and scientists.
The article compiles reviews and deals on headphones from several outlets, highlighting strong active noise cancellation and value options across budgets, with some caveats about durability, cases, and controls.
ZDNet has reported that most people no longer need flagship levels of phone storage or RAM. For storage, 128GB or 256GB will suit most users who stream and use cloud backups; 64GB is now the bare minimum. For RAM, 8GB–12GB will cover most use cases while high-tier RAM is driving device price increases in 2026.
Apple has announced a broader Apple Upgrade program after the existing iPhone Upgrade plan. The program will let customers pay for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches over 12–36 months, with options to keep, upgrade, or return devices. The move comes as Apple faces higher prices and supply-chain pressures linked to memory shortages, and follows its legal battle with OpenAI.
New Yorkers will see five city-owned grocery stores offering a 30% discount on a core basket of goods, funded by a $70 million capital budget and run by private operators. Officials say no ID will be required to shop, but questions about logistics, subsidies, and price stability have sparked a wave of scrutiny from critics.
A Russian court has granted Rodina’s lawsuit to remove Yabloko from the federal ballot amid allegations of foreign funding, copyright violations, and extremism. Supporters gathered outside the Supreme Court as the ruling was delivered; Yabloko plans to appeal. The party remains the only registered pro-peace liberal option amid a broader crackdown.
Apple has confirmed a high-end focus for its September event, with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as the main attractions and a foldable iPhone Ultra expected to be unveiled. The base iPhone 18 is delayed to spring 2027, while AirPods and other components face supply and price pressures.
The MacBook Air lineup faces longer shipping times and higher prices due to a global memory shortage fueling demand from AI firms. Apple has raised prices, while retailers report constrained stock and delayed deliveries. Analysts say the trend will continue into back-to-school season and could extend into fall launches.
State media has highlighted public health tips for surviving a heat wave, including dog-meat soup, as Pyongyang records near-record temperatures. The pieces cast Kim Jong Un as sharing the heat with citizens and showcase several cooling foods and related imagery.
A roundup of Pixel 11 Pro Fold reviews shows a safer, more durable design and stronger hardware, with AI features receiving mixed responses. The outer screen is brighter and the build quality is praised, but some critics note limited gains over prior folds. Battery life stays solid while camera performance remains variable.
The Unibook, a Wildcat Lake laptop, has launched at $449 in the US through Chinese maker Chuwi. Its 8GB RAM and 256GB storage undercut rivals like the MacBook Air, but reviewers warn performance and build quality are uneven. Other brands respond with budget options, while Dell and Acer chase lower prices.
Apple has announced new Mac Mini and Mac Studio devices powered by the M6 family, delivering faster CPU/GPU performance and on-device AI capabilities. Prices rise and release timelines begin this September, with multiple configurations available from August 25 and shipments starting September 22.
France has temporarily loosened production rules for key cheeses after a historic drought dried pastures, allowing farmers to supplement cattle diets. The move targets Abondance, Beaufort and Comté in the Alps and Jura, with a broader plan to extend to other varieties. Authorities say the measures are temporary and aimed at preserving terroir while acknowledging climate impacts on farming.
Apple has announced the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, and the iPhone Duo, marking its entry into foldables and boosting health metrics. AirPods 5 and AirPods 4 are highlighted in accompanying coverage, with pricing and preorder details noted.
The government has announced plans to introduce a new law to require major tech platforms to build in device-level protections for children, with a focus on blocking nude images on under-18 devices. Talks with Apple and Google continue as ministers warn decisive legislation will be needed if progress remains insufficient.
Apple has unveiled Audio Intelligence features for the Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, including Siri Recap and Live Rewind, to summarize conversations and replay the last 15 seconds. The tools stress privacy, storing no raw recordings and masking speakers, but raise concerns about ambient listening.
Apple has updated its AirPods lineup with the AirPods 5, introducing active noise cancellation across the base model and offering two options: a standard charging case at $129 and a wireless charging case at $149. Preorders are open, with in-store availability on September 18. Early reviews highlight improved sound, durability, and value.
Google’s Pixel 11 Pro Fold preserves the design language of prior Pixel folds, offering an improved internal 8-inch display, a bright outer screen, and a Tensor G6 chip. It features six-month Google AI Pro access, Gemini tools, and a higher price, while battery life remains competitive among rivals.
Iceland Foods plans to open a Stanley-based store in the Falkland Islands in December, marking the first UK high street brand on the islands. The deal is with Kelper Stores (Fortuna group) and stock will include Iceland-own labels alongside well-known brands; controversy around sovereignty tensions with Argentina remains in the background.
Apple’s Siri AI is rolling out with third‑party app integration; success hinges on developers enabling access to apps like Gmail and WhatsApp, and on the willingness of major brands to participate. The move could reshape how AI assistants operate on iOS devices and influence the broader app ecosystem.
The iPhone Duo and other iPhone models have seen price increases as AI-driven demand for memory chips tightens supply, raising costs across consumer electronics. Analysts note this follows broader price rises in the iPhone lineup and shrinking smartphone volumes globally.
Apple has introduced Reference Image, a feature for the iPhone 18 Pro that signs sensor data to produce an unalterable reference image. The tool lets users compare the original photo with later edits to verify authenticity, and will support Google SynthID in a software update later this year.
A roundup of gadget deals shows portable power stations, smart plugs and screen protectors are being discounted ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. New and discounted models from Jackery, EcoFlow and Amazon are highlighted, with guidance on choosing the right option for home backup, travel and everyday use.
A federal jury in California has ruled that Apple infringed two Taction Technology patents related to haptic feedback. The verdict comes after a long-running case that began in 2021 and was revived on appeal, with Apple planning to appeal the decision.
A look at autumn meals from Sardinia’s riso con maiale e zafferano to apple specials in UK cooking, drawing on Guardian and Business Insider UK pieces as the season turns.
Prime Day discounts on Apple devices have continued, with AirPods Pro 3 and some iPad/MacBook models seeing notable reductions. Deals vary by retailer and model, with stock sometimes limited as the event progresses.
Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Laptop Ultra and the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, powered by Nvidia’s RTX Spark Arm-based chip. The devices are designed to run AI models on-device, with high memory and performance touted, and Windows updates to support local AI tasks. Prices start at $2,599 for the Ultra, with higher configurations and a $5,999 Dev Box.
Apple has launched HomeView, a 7-inch smart display that centralises control of its ecosystem and introduces an AI-powered Siri. It competes with Amazon’s Echo Show, offering features like FaceTime, Messages, and smart home management. The device starts shipping in November at $299.99, with a new line of HomeKit-enabled accessories announced.