Bose is transitioning its SoundTouch speakers to an open source software model after ending cloud support, allowing third-party developers to maintain compatibility and extend the product's life, while extending the end-of-life date to May 6 to accommodate this change.
Apple is expected to launch new products in January, including higher-end MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, a budget MacBook with an A18 Pro chip, and software updates like iOS 26.3. Other hardware like the MacBook Air, iPad Air, iPad, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and accessories such as AirTag and Apple TV are also anticipated later in the year. Software updates across Apple platforms will focus on bug fixes and performance improvements.
Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy S26 series with new camera features like 3x Zoom HDR and maintain current pricing levels despite hardware cost increases. The company is also focusing on advancing its semiconductor technology with a new 2nm process to compete with TSMC, and has released updates to its SSD management and UI design to enhance user experience.
The article highlights the top gear and software of 2025, including Roland TR-1000 drum machine, Arturia Pigments 7 synth, Native Instruments Absynth 6, Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M, Stylophone CPM DF-8, Korg multi/poly native, and Cherry Audio Mercury-8, emphasizing innovations and notable releases in music technology for the year.
The author reports improved trust in Microsoft's Xbox Ally handheld after recent updates, especially regarding sleep mode reliability, which is crucial for portable gaming. While the Xbox Ally X shows promising sleep performance, the vanilla Xbox Ally still faces issues like spontaneous wake-ups and charging problems, likely due to its AMD Z2 A chip. Overall, Microsoft appears to be making progress, and the device may become a more viable option for handheld gaming, especially if sleep issues are fully resolved.
A JetBlue flight's sudden altitude drop was caused by cosmic ray-induced bit flips in its computer systems, leading Airbus to recall over 6,000 aircraft for software and hardware updates to prevent similar incidents caused by space radiation affecting microchips in fly-by-wire systems.
Nintendo has launched a new website that allows users to easily check if their Switch games and apps are compatible with the Switch 2, streamlining the process of tracking updates and compatibility status.
Apple has released new software updates including watchOS 26.1 and tvOS 26.1, focusing on performance improvements and bug fixes across its devices, with a new colorful look for the Apple TV app icon.
Apple has released release candidate versions of watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and other updates, signaling that the official launches are imminent within the next week, with notable improvements in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, and minimal changes in tvOS, watchOS, visionOS, and HomePod.
Adobe Max 2025 is scheduled for October 28-30 in Los Angeles, where Adobe is expected to announce major updates to Photoshop and Lightroom, likely featuring new AI-driven features, with keynotes and Sneak peeks revealing upcoming software innovations.
General Motors plans to introduce a highly powerful, centralized computing platform in its vehicles starting in 2028, aiming to make them more autonomous and software-upgradable, similar to Tesla's approach. This new architecture will benefit both electric and combustion engine models, reduce wiring complexity, and enable faster software updates, with the Cadillac Escalade IQ being the first to feature these upgrades. GM's move signifies a major step towards a software-defined vehicle era, emphasizing reliability, scalability, and advanced autonomous capabilities.
The Xbox Ally, a new handheld gaming PC developed by Microsoft in partnership with ASUS, has launched in 45 countries, offering Xbox Game Pass, cloud gaming, and PC storefront support. While praised for hardware, the user experience has been criticized, prompting Microsoft to release a roadmap for future software improvements, including performance enhancements, AI upscaling, and better docked mode functionality, aiming to refine the device into a more seamless gaming ecosystem.
Roku announced new features including an AI assistant for questions about shows and movies, expanded support for Bluetooth headphones on more devices, and various interface improvements, though the AI update is considered less impactful than other enhancements like headphone support and content navigation tools.
Many TVs have hidden USB ports that can be used for various purposes beyond basic connectivity, such as playing media files, transforming the TV into a workstation, powering streaming devices, charging gadgets, and updating software, thereby enhancing the TV's functionality and lifespan.
Apple has released release candidate versions of macOS Tahoe, iPadOS 26, and other updates to beta testers, aiming for these to be the final versions before public launch, with potential for additional RC builds if needed.