Meta has unveiled new AI-driven video editing features that allow users to creatively transform their videos using over 50 preset options. These presets enable changing video themes, backgrounds, and even wardrobe styles with effects such as video game or anime aesthetics, desert scenes, and AI-generated clothing like tuxedos. Currently free for a limited time, the tool edits only the first 10 seconds of videos and is available in the US and several other countries via the Meta AI app, Meta.AI website, and the Edits app. Users can share their edited videos on Facebook, Instagram, or the Meta AI Discover feed. While custom prompts are not yet available, Meta plans to introduce them later this year. Personal testing revealed the AI can alter scenes creatively but results may vary, such as adding unusual visual elements and colors to videos.
Reddit's first chief product officer, Pali Bhat, who joined from Google in October 2021, is set to leave the company in the coming months, confirmed spokesperson Tim Rathschmidt. CEO Steve Huffman praised Bhat for his leadership in building a strong product team and navigating critical company moments. Meanwhile, COO Jennifer Wong and CTO Chris Slowe will temporarily oversee user growth and engineering, while Huffman will continue to guide Reddit's product vision. The company plans to focus on global expansion, ad products, search improvements, and enhancing the core platform. Bhat's tenure included launching user-friendly features and an AI search tool, coinciding with major API pricing protests affecting popular Reddit apps.
In light of recent nationwide demonstrations triggered by various social and political issues, securing your phone data before attending a protest has become crucial. As tensions escalate and the possibility of arrest increases, your phone and smartwatch may be confiscated, exposing your personal data. This guide offers essential tips on how to safeguard your digital information when carrying a phone to a protest. For those with smartwatches, it might be safer to leave them at home.
Federal Communications Commissioner Anna Gomez, the last Democrat on the FCC, frequently checks her email worried about being unexpectedly dismissed. Amid reductions in the federal workforce, Gomez is vocal against President Trump's and FCC Chair Brendan Carr's moves, accusing them of suppressing free speech and targeting news organizations with "sham investigations." With only Gomez and Carr left at the commission, her position remains uncertain, reflecting politically charged tensions within independent federal agencies.
Robot vacuums with mopping capabilities have advanced significantly, offering features like scrubbing with vibrating or oscillating mop pads and multifunctional charging docks that clean and refill water tanks automatically. These combo robots simultaneously vacuum and mop, making life easier, especially for homes with hardwood or tile floors and pets or children. Models vary in size, mop mechanics, and features such as mop pressure, mop lift for carpets, and smart navigation with obstacle detection. Highlighted products include the high-end Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni with an effective roller mop and AI navigation, the budget-friendly Roborock S8 with vibrating mop pads, the midrange Eufy X10 Pro Omni with dual spinning pads, and others designed for mixed flooring or specific floor types. Some advanced models feature plumbing hookups for hands-free water refills, while others excel with self-cleaning docks and smart app controls allowing room-by-room cleaning customization. The guide also covers current testing standards and upcoming models with innovations like robotic arms and improved navigation, offering options across price ranges and cleaning needs.
Even with the release of Nintendo Switch 2, the original Nintendo Switch remains beloved by millions, and choosing the right controller can significantly enhance gameplay. The standard Joy-Cons, while versatile, often lack comfort for long sessions and may suffer from issues like Joy-Con drift. This guide spotlights the best wireless controllers tailored for comfort, reliability, and unique features suited to varying play styles, excluding basic wired controllers which offer limited benefits.
The official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller stands out as the premium choice for TV mode, boasting features like HD rumble, motion controls, NFC for Amiibo, and a robust 40-hour battery life. For handheld gaming, the Hori Split Pad Pro offers a more comfortable Joy-Con alternative with larger buttons and better grip but lacks wireless features. Xbox-style enthusiasts will appreciate the GuliKit KingKong 3 Pro and Max, which provide Hall effect triggers, customizable paddles, and extensive platform compatibility.
The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller excels in versatility, supporting multiple platforms including the Switch, PC, and Steam Deck, with customizable buttons and profiles. Its Pro 2 model mimics a PlayStation layout with added features like paddle buttons and software customization. For those wanting to use existing controllers, the 8BitDo Wireless Bluetooth USB Adapter 2 enables various Bluetooth controllers to connect wirelessly to the Switch.
Other notable controllers tested include the Nitro Deck series, GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro, and PowerA's GameCube-style controller, each catering to different preferences. Looking ahead, the Switch 2 introduces new accessories and controllers, with most original Switch controllers remaining compatible, though third-party support varies. Updates and new models, like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, promise to expand options for Switch gamers in the near future.
Google is set to release a mandatory software update for certain Pixel 6A phones to reduce the risk of battery overheating. The update will implement battery management features that decrease capacity and charging performance after the battery completes 400 charge cycles. This move follows similar actions taken earlier this year with the Pixel 4A. Reports have surfaced of Pixel 6A devices overheating, including cases of phones catching fire. Google plans to notify affected users next month and provide guidance. Additionally, an extended repair program for battery swelling in the Pixel 7A was announced in April.
Apple is enhancing its Home app with new energy management capabilities as part of its iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates. The introduction of the EnergyKit framework allows developers to integrate energy data from Apple Home to optimize electricity usage for cleaner and cost-effective energy consumption. For instance, thermostats can reduce energy use during high price periods, while electric vehicles can schedule charging based on forecasted electricity rates. Currently, the Home app displays electricity usage, rates, and clean energy availability from select utility providers like PG&E. EnergyKit's Guidance feature helps developers create smart energy actions for devices like EV chargers and smart thermostats. While Apple Home currently lacks built-in energy monitoring and device integration for these utilities, EnergyKit lays the groundwork for future adoption. The development aligns with advancements in the Matter smart home standard, suggesting an eventual evolution towards a comprehensive home energy management system (HEMS) capable of controlling diverse energy-intensive devices, including heat pumps, solar panels, and battery storage systems, potentially positioning Apple Home as a centralized platform for smart energy optimization.
Android 16 is now available, bringing Google's version of iPhone's Live Activities called Live Updates. Initially rolling out with ride-share and food delivery apps, these real-time notifications allow users to track rides and deliveries persistently. Google began developing Live Updates last year, with beta releases starting in January. The feature is expected to expand beyond these apps, with Google Maps using it for navigation in the beta version. Live Updates appear in the Now Bar on Samsung devices and Live Alerts on Oppo and OnePlus phones. Android 16 also improves notification management by grouping alerts from the same app and enhances call quality for hearing aid users by allowing microphone switching. Other updates include Advanced Protection for at-risk users, a new desktop experience similar to DeX, and additional features in Google apps like custom icons for RCS group chats, a redesigned Photos editor, and better smart home device management within Google Home. Pixel devices will receive Android 16 first, with more Material 3 design updates arriving later this year.
Google is launching Pixel VIPs, a new feature on Pixel 6 and newer devices that centralizes key information about close contacts. This widget allows users to add personal notes, view real-time locations, and see recent communication in a single timeline. VIP contacts can bypass Do Not Disturb settings to ensure important calls and messages are never missed. Additional features include event reminders, shared activity suggestions, and location sharing for seamless remote connection. Integration with Google Messages and WhatsApp is included, with rollout beginning June 10th.