Starting August 2025, Google will increase the prices for its Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus subscriptions. The basic Nest Aware plan will rise from $8 to $10 per month, or from $80 to $100 annually. Nest Aware Plus will increase from $15 to $20 per month, or from $150 to $200 per year. These changes take effect on the first bill after August 15, 2025, or after any promotional period ends. Nest Aware offers 30 days of event-based video history, while Nest Aware Plus provides 60 days of event history plus 10 days of continuous 24/7 footage. Both plans include smart features like Familiar Faces recognition, sound detection alerts, and emergency 911 calling through the Google Home app. Though the price hike is unwelcome, Google's rates are similar to other competitors like Ring Home and Arlo. Google has not given a specific reason for the increase but is testing advanced AI-driven camera intelligence features powered by Gemini, which give detailed captions for recorded events.
The launch of the Analogue 3D, a modern 4K-capable Nintendo 64 console, has been postponed to late August 2025, a month later than the original July date. The delay is attributed to recent changes in US tariffs, which the company is absorbing without increasing preorder prices. The $249.99 console offers full N64 cartridge compatibility, upscaling to 4K, and multiple display options that emulate CRT visuals. Initially expected to launch in 2024, the device has faced several delays.
Apple's AirPods 4 offer great upgrades including better sound, clearer calls, and a comfortable design. They come in a standard $129 model and a $179 noise-canceling variant. Both versions are currently discounted, with prices as low as $89.99 for the standard AirPods 4 and $129.99 for the ANC model. The AirPods Pro (second-gen) with USB-C charging bring improved noise cancellation, sound quality, volume controls, and water resistance; they are on sale for $169 at Amazon and Walmart. Apple's AirPods Max provide luxury sound, excellent noise cancellation, and spatial audio, now discounted to $529. These deals represent significant savings on Apple's premium wireless earbuds and headphones, suitable for various preferences and budgets.
Apple offers a wide range of MacBooks with its M-series chips, from budget-friendly models like the M1 MacBook Air to powerful options like the latest 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro. Discounts of up to $400 can be found on various models across retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, and B&H Photo. The selection includes the versatile MacBook Air with M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips, and the MacBook Pro lineup featuring M3 and M4 series options. Refurbished Macs from Apple's official store provide additional savings with a one-year warranty. The Mac Mini also features new M4 and M4 Pro chips, offering strong performance in a compact desktop form. Notable deals currently include the M1 MacBook Air at $599, M2 MacBook Air at $699, M4 MacBook Air from $849, and 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro starting at $1,417. These offers make it easier to find a MacBook tailored to a range of needs and budgets.
Adidas has launched a new laced variant of its 3D-printed Climacool shoes, offering wearers the ability to adjust the fit. The Climacool Laced features a breathable lattice structure made through additive printing, with a black tongue and laces for a more conventional look. Originally available only as off-white slip-ons, these shoes now come in a $160 model, $20 more than the slip-on version, purchasable online via Adidas' Confirmed platform and select retailers. The main shoe structure remains 3D-printed in one piece through a 24-hour process using high-tech polymers, while the tongue and laces are added separately. This new design aims to improve comfort and fit while maintaining the shoe's unique breathable and fast-drying features.
Xbox is expanding its game streaming feature to PC, allowing Xbox Insiders with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription to stream their owned Xbox games directly through the Xbox PC app. This update enables users to stream games, including some console-exclusive titles, without the need to download them on their PC, saving storage space. Initially launched for streaming from Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, this feature also supports streaming on smartphones, tablets, TVs, browsers, and Meta Quest headsets. Currently, over 250 games are available for streaming, with plans to add more console-only and Play Anywhere titles, enhancing accessibility and convenience for gamers.
President Donald Trump announced over $90 billion in investments focused on AI and energy infrastructure in Pennsylvania. Major commitments include Google's $25 billion investment in building data centers and AI infrastructure for the electric grid, a $3 billion hydropower deal, CoreWeave's $6 billion data center project, and smaller investments from Meta and Anthropic supporting startups and cybersecurity education. Energy companies Enbridge and Equinor are also investing in gas pipeline expansion and natural gas production in the state. This announcement was part of the inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, emphasizing Pennsylvania's role in gas production and energy innovation.
Disney Plus' Ironheart introduces a young genius, Riri Williams, who builds armored suits and navigates a criminal underworld, showcasing her unique talents. Unlike Tony Stark, Ironheart offers a grounded, high-octane action experience with visuals influenced by Iron Man but distinguished by a tactile, realistic feel within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The show avoids overly CGI-dependent suits, opting for a more tangible approach to its technology and action sequences.
Pebblebee has introduced a new personal safety feature called Alert for its Clip location tracker, compatible with Apple's Find My and Google's Find Hub network. This free update in the Pebblebee app enables the Clip to function as a panic alarm without any subscription fee. By rapidly pressing the Clip's button, users activate a 97-decibel siren and flashing light to signal nearby people, while the app notifies an emergency contact from the user's Safety Circle. The alert can be canceled with another rapid press or a long press, with the contact receiving notification of the cancellation. The siren sounds more urgent than the tracker’s location signal and lasts up to a minute. The Safety Circle currently supports one trusted contact and plans to expand to multiple contacts with continuous live location tracking in the future. A test mode is available to familiarize users with the Alert activation process without notifying contacts.
Sony is launching a new headset designed specifically for NFL coaches, debuting in the 2025 season. This headset incorporates advanced noise-canceling technology from Sony’s WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones, optimized to handle the intense crowd noise of NFL stadiums at 100 decibels. Available in one or two ear cup configurations, the headset includes a new oversized microphone to keep coaches' voices clear while hiding their lip movements from opposing teams. Built to withstand extreme weather conditions and physical impacts, the gear is rugged and reliable for sideline use. The 32 NFL teams will connect these headsets wirelessly through a belt pack using Verizon’s private 5G network for secure communication. Sony was named an official NFL technology partner in July 2024, replacing Bose as the headset provider and expanding the use of its Hawk-Eye tracking technology to assist refereeing decisions on the field.