Category: Consumer Tech

YouTube TV is set to introduce significant updates that will enhance the viewing experience for users. In an announcement, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan revealed the upcoming launch of custom multiview features and 10 new paid plans tailored to specific content genres.

The multiview feature, which has been gradually expanded since its initial introduction in 2023, will now allow users to watch multiple non-sports channels simultaneously. This enhancement will offer full customization, enabling viewers to personalize their multiview experience by selecting their preferred channels. Whether it’s sports, entertainment, or news, users will have the flexibility to curate their viewing choices.

Additionally, YouTube TV will roll out genre-specific plans designed to provide subscribers with more control over their channel selection. These new plans aim to offer access to a narrower range of channels within specific categories like sports, entertainment, and news. For instance, the Sports plan will include popular sports networks such as FS1, NBC Sports Network, and ESPN, catering to sports enthusiasts.

While specific pricing details and launch dates for these updates are yet to be disclosed, YouTube has indicated that the rollout is expected ‘soon.’ These changes are poised to enhance the user experience by offering more tailored viewing options and greater flexibility in channel selection.

Source: The Verge

Korg, a leading manufacturer in music technology, has unveiled the Kaoss Pad V, the latest iteration of their touch-based effects line. The Kaoss Pad series has long been a favorite among musicians and producers for its innovative approach to effect processing and sampling.

The Kaoss Pad V builds upon its predecessor, the KP3+, by introducing new features that enhance user creativity and control. One key improvement is the ability to manipulate two parameters simultaneously using two fingers on the X/Y pad, enabling users to create unique soundscapes and effects in real-time.

Furthermore, the Kaoss Pad V incorporates a dedicated voice effects engine, allowing users to experiment with vocoding, harmonizing, and converting vocal inputs into MIDI signals for controlling external gear. This integration of voice manipulation capabilities expands the creative toolkit and offers a more immersive music-making experience.

Korg has also refined the sampling and looping features on the Kaoss Pad V, providing users with greater ease and flexibility in recording, overdubbing, and rearranging loops. The inclusion of a balanced input further enhances audio capture quality, catering to the needs of musicians and producers seeking pristine sound reproduction.

While the Kaoss Pad V represents a significant technological advancement, the $649.99 preorder price tag may be a notable investment for some. However, for enthusiasts and professionals seeking to elevate their music production capabilities, the Kaoss Pad V’s advanced features and intuitive design are poised to deliver a compelling performance.

Source: The Verge

Natural Cycles, known for its FDA-cleared birth control app, has introduced a new wristband priced at $129.99 to complement its traditional basal thermometer. The wristband monitors skin temperature, heart rate, and sleep movement, syncing with the Natural Cycles app to assess a user’s daily fertility status through an algorithm.

While the app already integrates with Apple Watch and Oura Ring for fertility tracking, the wristband offers an alternative for users without these devices. The wristband is not designed for pregnancy prevention but rather enhances temperature-based cycle tracking. Initially providing a basal thermometer, Natural Cycles now expands its compatibility to include other wearables like Samsung Galaxy smartwatches and Galaxy Ring.

Privacy concerns around period-tracking apps have surfaced following the Roe v. Wade decision. However, the Electronic Frontier Foundation suggests users review app security measures, noting that these apps do not pose an immediate threat to abortion rights.

Source: The Verge

Xreal has filed a lawsuit against Viture in the United States, accusing the company of infringing on a patent related to AR glasses technology. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, revolves around US Patent No. 11,988,839, focusing on optical technology that enhances image quality and field-of-view in lightweight AR glasses.

The legal dispute highlights the increasing importance of defending intellectual property in the smart glasses market. Xreal’s victory in a similar case in Germany resulted in a preliminary injunction against Viture in nine EU countries, restraining the sale, marketing, or import of their products.

Additionally, patent disputes have extended to other players in the industry, such as Meta, Even Realities, Brilliant Labs, and Halliday, reflecting the growing significance of IP protection in the smart glasses sector.

Anshel Sag, principal analyst at Moor Insights and Strategy, emphasized the escalating IP disputes as a sign of the expanding smart glasses market’s value and strategic importance among tech companies.

Source: The Verge

The Lego Smart Brick, recently featured at CES 2026, captivated audiences with its immersive VR capabilities demonstrated by Lego designer Maarten Simons. The Verge’s senior editor provided readers with a unique opportunity to virtually experience the same tech demo through a 15-minute uncut video filmed at the event.

Equipped with a Qoocam Q3 Ultra camera modified for VR180 capture by Siyang Qi, the video offers a spatial stereoscopic 3D experience compatible with VR headsets like Meta Quest. Viewers can interact with the video on various devices, adjusting the perspective through tapping or sensor movements.

For optimal viewing on a Quest headset, users can access the video via the provided links and adjust the resolution settings for enhanced clarity. Despite being recorded and uploaded in 8K resolution, YouTube may currently limit the playback resolution.

The potential for VR180 content excites subscribers, although the complexity of video production poses challenges. The accessibility and immersive nature of such technology hint at a promising future for experiential content creation.

Source: The Verge

Nissan is set to offer a new wireless charging feature in its upcoming 2026 Murano and Pathfinder models in the US market. The automaker is integrating Qi2-compatible wireless chargers with magnetic mounts into the center consoles of these vehicles, aiming to enhance the charging experience for drivers and passengers.

The magnetic mounts are based on the Wireless Power Consortium’s Qi2 standard, which emphasizes the use of magnets to align wireless charging coils. This technology, similar to Apple’s MagSafe, helps ensure the charging coils stay aligned, enabling faster charging speeds even while the vehicle is in motion.

The wireless chargers in the 2026 Murano and Pathfinder models will deliver a maximum power output of 15W, with an integrated cooling fan to prevent overheating and optimize charging efficiency. Additionally, the chargers will feature LED indicators to display the charging status, glowing orange during charging and switching to green once the device is fully charged.

Source: The Verge

Amazon has been automatically upgrading Prime members to Alexa Plus, a move that has sparked discussions among tech enthusiasts. According to reports on the r/alexa subreddit, users are seeing this upgrade as a perk tied to their Prime memberships. While the update is not opt-in, users do have the option to revert to the original Alexa version if they choose to do so.

Users who have received the upgrade have shared screenshots of messages from Amazon indicating that after the update, they can revert to the original Alexa by a simple voice command, ‘Alexa, exit Alexa+.’

Alexa Plus represents a significant update to Amazon’s voice assistant, powered by large language model (LLM) technology, aimed at enhancing its competitiveness against rivals like Google Gemini. However, not all users are embracing this new version of Alexa. Some have expressed preferences for the original Alexa due to reasons such as disliking the new voice and attitude of Alexa Plus, as well as facing longer response times from the upgraded assistant.

Additionally, users have reported an increase in advertisements related to Alexa Plus, with some mentioning being ‘flooded with ads’ after reverting to the original Alexa and then turning the updated version back on.

Source: The Verge

At CES 2026, the tech industry showcased a diverse range of smartphone designs, moving beyond the traditional rectangular glass slabs. While robots demonstrated household tasks on the main stage, the sidelines revealed intriguing innovations in phone form factors.

One standout was the Communicator by Clicks, a device that combines a full keyboard with a BlackBerry-inspired aesthetic. Although still in the prototype stage, the tactile keyboard keys and interchangeable back panels suggest a unique user experience. Positioned as a supplementary device rather than a primary smartphone, the Communicator targets users seeking a focused typing experience, such as composing emails during a busy convention.

Another notable find was the MindOne Pro by Ikko, a compact Android phone with a square form factor. Despite its inconspicuous booth location, the device caught attention for its unconventional design, reflecting a trend towards more diverse phone shapes in the market.

These discoveries at CES 2026 indicate a shift towards personalized, task-specific phone options alongside the traditional slate of glass rectangles, offering users a chance to explore novel form factors and functionalities beyond the mainstream.

Source: The Verge

Artificial intelligence is transforming the world of collectibles, as AI-powered toys, companions, and robots showcased at CES 2026 integrate advanced technology into figurines like never before. Among the interactive gadgets on display, HeyMates and Buddyo are leading the resurgence of AI-enabled collectible figurines, allowing users to engage in conversations with their favorite characters.

Both HeyMates and Buddyo feature a figurine mounted on a smart base equipped with a speaker, microphone, and interactive features. Through a dedicated app, users can converse with these characters, from discussing science with Albert Einstein to seeking advice from a tarot-reading Zara. The whimsical figures come to life with witty responses and engaging interactions, blending entertainment and education.

Olli, the company behind HeyMates, is not only entering the collectibles market but also aims to establish creative control by launching its own line of AI figurines. With plans to introduce characters like Einstein, Zara, and the sitcom-inspired Chandler, Olli anticipates a surge in demand for interactive collectibles featuring licensed characters and celebrity likenesses.

This innovative approach by Olli reflects the growing trend of merging AI technology with traditional collectibles, opening up new possibilities for interactive storytelling and personalized experiences in the consumer tech landscape.

Source: The Verge

At CES 2026, The Lego Group unveiled a new feature for the Lego Smart Brick that promises precise distance measurement capabilities, potentially enhancing the way adult builders interact with these iconic bricks.

Lego Group’s design manager, Maarten Simons, demonstrated a ‘Lego ruler’ constructed from standard Lego bricks, with each segment measuring 10 Lego studs or approximately 8cm long. By attaching Smart Bricks to the ruler and moving another Smart Brick along its length, the bricks changed color precisely at every 10 studs, enabling accurate distance measurement in 2D and 3D space up to 4 to 5 meters away.

Furthermore, the Smart Bricks exhibited the ability to track each other’s position, even when rotated in midair, illuminating when facing each other precisely. This advancement goes beyond simple orientation detection, showcasing the potential for enhanced precision in building and interactive play.

The introduction of these advanced features hints at new possibilities for Lego creations, offering builders unprecedented accuracy and interactivity. The implications of this innovation extend beyond traditional brick play, opening doors to diverse applications in robotics, engineering, and interactive design.

Source: The Verge

Lego announced the introduction of its innovative Smart Brick technology at CES 2026. The Smart Brick, a compact yet powerful device, is now making its debut in three new Lego sets in the popular Star Wars line. The sets, available for preorder, showcase the Smart Brick’s unique features and capabilities.

The entry-level set, Smart Play: Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter, priced at $69.99, includes the Smart Brick, a Smart Tag, and a Smart Darth Vader minifigure. The Smart Play: Luke’s Red Five X-Wing set at $89.99 offers more interactivity with five Smart Tags and Smart Luke and Leia figures. The top-tier option, Smart Play: Throne Room Duel & A-Wing, priced at $159.99, features two Smart Bricks, five Smart Tags, and smart figures of Luke, Darth Vader, and Emperor Palpatine.

The Smart Brick acts as a miniature computer, enhancing Lego builds with interactive lighting and sounds. Equipped with LEDs, a speaker, a mic, wireless connectivity, and various sensors, the Smart Brick can detect movements, light, and gestures. It can also recognize Smart Tags and figures through embedded NFC tags, triggering specific sounds and lighting effects. Lego plans to introduce new features and functionalities through future updates.

Preorders for these new sets are set to ship on March 1st, 2026, allowing Lego enthusiasts to experience the fusion of traditional brick-building and cutting-edge technology.

Source: The Verge

Kia has introduced the EV2, a compact and cost-effective electric vehicle tailored for the European market. The EV2 was showcased at the Brussels Auto Show, positioned as Kia’s latest compact EV offering.

The EV2 will be available in two variants: a Standard-range model featuring a 42.2kWh battery pack providing 317 km (197 miles) of range based on the WLTP cycle, and a Long-range version equipped with a 61kWh pack delivering over 440 km (273 miles) of range. Acceleration figures for the Standard and Long-range models are 8.7 and 9.5 seconds respectively for the 0-100 km/h sprint.

Designed with a sleek profile, tall proportions, and distinctive LED daytime running lights, the EV2 reflects Kia’s current design language. Positioned below the EV3 and the upcoming EV4, the EV2 is set to be manufactured on a reduced version of Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) to optimize production costs.

The EV2 will utilize a 400-volt architecture for fast-charging, enabling a 10-80 percent charge in 30 minutes. Notably, the EV2 will support both 11kW and 22kW AC charging, aligning with prevalent charging standards in Europe.

Source: The Verge

Bose has made a user-friendly decision to open-source the API documentation for its SoundTouch smart speakers, originally set to lose official support on February 18th, as reported by Ars Technica. The date has now been extended to May 6th, 2026. This move allows for the continuation of local controls through an update to the SoundTouch app post cloud support termination. Users can still stream music via Bluetooth, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and AUX connections. Remote control functionalities, speaker grouping, and speaker setup remain unaffected.

With the API open-sourced, users have the opportunity to develop their own SoundTouch tools to compensate for the absence of cloud services. While it is unfortunate that official support is ending, Bose’s approach enables users to keep using their devices rather than rendering them inoperable.

Notably, this departure from the norm is a positive step. Typically, products losing cloud service support face bricking, with users occasionally resorting to community-driven solutions. For example, after Pebble’s closure in 2016, users banded together to create the Rebble Alliance, offering alternative cloud services, firmware, and an app store for the watches.

Source: The Verge