The Pixel 10 series restores the SIM slot to the top of the phone, away from microphone holes, fixing a common hardware annoyance from the Pixel 9 series and improving user experience, especially during SIM card swaps.
Microsoft's Xbox Series X|S generation is concluding, with veteran hardware designer Carl Ledbetter reflecting on nearly 30 years of innovation, emphasizing the consoles' powerful yet sleek design and Microsoft's evolving hardware and gaming strategy, including new partnerships and future hardware plans.
The Viture Beast AR glasses, launching in October at $549, feature the best screen quality seen on AR glasses with a 1200p display and customizable screens, but lack hardware myopia adjustment and have a slightly narrower 58-degree field of view compared to earlier reports. They offer significant visual clarity and design improvements, making them a compelling choice for those prioritizing display quality, though users needing myopia adjustment might prefer other models like the Luma.
Humane, a startup founded by former Apple executives, is set to launch its first product, the Humane Ai Pin, which aims to offer a human-centered alternative to the smartphone experience. The device, equipped with generative AI and a built-in projector, is designed to provide a hands-free and screen-free interface, reflecting a shift in consumer tech away from traditional smartphones. Despite facing competition and minor setbacks, the company has secured significant funding and is positioning itself for potential future growth, including the possibility of an IPO.
OpenWrt, the open source firmware, is celebrating its 20th anniversary and is proposing a "fully upstream supported hardware design" to ensure future-proof router hardware without the need for "binary blobs." The proposed "OpenWrt One" board aims to be affordable, with publicly available schematics and code, but will not be produced or sold by OpenWrt. The group is looking to Banana Pi makers for distribution, with proceeds going to the Software Freedom Conservancy. The proposed design has sparked questions and discussions among community members, with some expressing interest in features like ethernet ports and PoE support.
Reports have emerged of the new iPhone 15, particularly the Pro and Pro Max models, overheating during use and charging. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the issue is due to compromises made in the device's thermal system design to achieve a lightweight build. Apple is expected to address the problem through a software update, which may reduce the performance of the powerful A17 Pro chipset. While the impact on most users may be negligible, power users may notice a difference in performance.
The Asus ROG Ally out-specs the Steam Deck with up to 71% more gaming performance, thanks to its latest AMD mobile APU, the Z1 Extreme. The handheld features excellent hardware design, including a bright 1080p panel that operates at 120Hz and supports FreeSync, and a quiet cooling arrangement. However, being a Windows handheld, battery life can be challenging, and bugs are present. While the Ally addresses some of the Steam Deck's shortcomings, it still falls short in terms of battery life and efficient design.
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 15 Pro may replace the mute switch with a multi-use Action Button, similar to the Apple Watch Ultra. The button could be customizable to activate shortcuts, such as Do Not Disturb, camera app, flashlight, and more. However, some users may find it less accessible than the existing mute switch, which has been on the iPhone since 2007. The iPhone 15 is expected to be unveiled in September, and we'll have to wait and see if the rumors are true.