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Nothing Headphone (1) Unboxing
CNET· 2025-07-01 17:30
Product Announcement - Nothing's Headphone (1) is unboxed [1] Marketing - The content is promoted with hashtags nothingheadphone1, nothingheadphone, and headphones [1]
Ditching My iPhone for the Low-Tech Light Phone 3. Can I Survive? | Prove It
CNET· 2025-07-01 12:01
Product Overview - The Light Phone 3 aims to reduce doom scrolling by offering a simplified phone experience without social media, internet browsing, news, or ads [1][2] - The phone supports essential tools such as music upload (no streaming), contact import, calendar import, and RSS feeds for podcasts [2] - The Light Phone 3 includes a camera reminiscent of early 2000s point-and-shoot cameras and a matte screen with adjustable brightness [8] Functionality and Limitations - The Light Phone 3 lacks certain functionalities like digital wallet (NFC chip present but not active), online banking, and easy link access from texts [6][15] - Users may encounter issues with the phone's responsiveness, particularly with the screen's touch sensitivity and typing accuracy [7] - The device experienced service interruptions requiring a reboot to restore messaging functionality [4] User Experience - The absence of social media access can be a positive experience, promoting a digital detox [6][12][15] - The phone can provide step-by-step walking directions using its directory tool and map icon [11] - The Light Phone 3 is suitable for digital detoxes or weekends off social media, allowing for basic communication and navigation [15]
WTF | Meet the Microcar 🏍️ x 🚗
CNET· 2025-06-30 15:08
Product Overview - The report introduces the Microcar, a vehicle blending motorcycle size with traditional car design [1] Marketing & Social Media - CNET promotes its YouTube channel for car tech and vehicle of the future content [1] - CNET encourages viewers to subscribe to its YouTube channel [1] - CNET promotes its browser extension for deals [1] - CNET directs users to its Amazon storefront [1] - CNET promotes its presence on various social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Bluesky, X, and Facebook [1] - CNET highlights its AI Atlas [1]
Are iOS 26 and Android 16 Innovators or Copycats? | All Things Mobile
CNET· 2025-06-30 12:00
User Interface & Personalization - Android 16 and iOS 26 feature completely redesigned user interfaces, with Google emphasizing personalization through "Material 3 expressive" [1][2] - Apple's new "liquid glass" design for iOS 26 aims for a more expressive and delightful experience, though reception has been mixed, with some drawing comparisons to Microsoft Vista [2][3] - Both Android and iOS are introducing the ability to create custom emojis by mixing existing ones [13] Notification Enhancements - Android 16 will incorporate live activities, similar to iOS, providing real-time updates within notifications without needing to open the app [5] - Google is implementing grouped notifications for single apps, consolidating multiple notifications into one [6] Call Management - iOS 26 introduces a "hold assist" feature that keeps the phone on hold, mutes hold music, and notifies the user when a person becomes available, mirroring Google's "hold for me" feature [7] - Apple's new call screening feature automatically answers calls from unknown numbers, asks the caller for their name and reason, and provides the user with this information before they decide to answer [8] AI Integration - Apple Intelligence is integrated into iOS 26, offering live translations for texts, FaceTime captions, and audio translations over the phone [10] - Android 16 introduces "expressive captions" using AI to enhance captions with contextual information, such as capitalization for loud words and brackets for noises [11][12] Feature Parity & Copying - iOS is gaining visual intelligence, enabling users to search for items on their screen, similar to Google's "circle to search" [12] - Android is introducing a desktop mode for tablets, developed in collaboration with Samsung [12][13]
Neo Humanoid Robot At-Home Training Update
CNET· 2025-06-29 12:00
Robot Capabilities & AI Model - 1X's humanoid robot Neo features a new AI model, Redwood AI, enhancing its capabilities in unfamiliar settings [1][3] - Neo's new abilities include picking up unfamiliar objects, whole body control, improved coordination, running, multidirectional walking, and stair climbing [1] - Neo's stair mode uses onboard cameras to estimate floor height, avoiding the use of LiDAR sensors [1] - The robot can sit, kneel, stand, and perform tasks requiring low-to-the-ground positioning, such as handing tools and working under a car [2] - Neo can pivot, walk backwards, and side-step, useful for navigating tight spaces [3] AI Model Training & Simulation - Redwood AI runs completely on Neo's onboard GPU [3] - 1X's World model bridges the gap between training simulations and real-world action using video inputs, robot observations, and action trajectories [3][4] - The AI model learns from experience, improving its simulations of object interactions, such as opening an air fryer [5] - The 1X world model struggles with simulating unfamiliar objects and locomotion [6] Future Development - 1X focuses on task-specific training to achieve a general AI model for robots [6]
Switch 2 Pro Controller Compared to Original, DualSense Edge, & Xbox Elite: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
CNET· 2025-06-28 12:00
Product Features & Design - The Switch 2 Pro Controller closely resembles the original Switch Pro Controller in size and shape, but features a smoother grip texture [1][2] - A dedicated game chat button is included for forming parties and screen sharing, acting as a shortcut to the Switch main menu [2][3] - The controller adds programmable back buttons (GL and GR) for customized inputs on a per-game basis [4][5] - Unlike some competitors, the Switch 2 Pro Controller only offers two programmable back buttons and lacks swappable button shapes [5][6] - A headphone jack is included for private gaming [6] - The D-pad has been redesigned to allow for more freedom of movement, improving diagonal inputs [9] - The controller still lacks analog triggers, a feature present in Xbox and PlayStation controllers [10] Performance & Battery - Battery life remains approximately 40 hours on a single charge [7] - Recharge time is reduced to 3 and a half hours, compared to six hours for the original Pro Controller [8] Pricing & Compatibility - The Switch 2 Pro Controller retails for $85, a price increase compared to the original's $70 [11] - The original Switch Pro Controller is compatible with the Switch 2 [11] - The new Pro Controller may have connectivity issues with PCs, as Steam may not recognize it [11][12]
Apple Pulls ANOTHER Ad! Here’s Why Apple Ads Just Aren’t Cool Anymore | CNET | One More Thing
CNET· 2025-06-27 12:00
Marketing & Advertising Strategy - Apple has pulled down four marketing videos in the past year, indicating potential issues with its current creative direction [2][3][5][6] - The company apologized for its "Crush" ad in May 2024 due to social media backlash over its symbolism [3][4] - Apple's recent marketing efforts are perceived as "punching down" at consumers rather than highlighting the benefits of its products [18] - A recent video aimed at convincing parents to buy MacBooks was criticized for weak arguments and outdated humor [8][9][10] Product & Technology - An iPhone 16 ad featuring Bella Ramsay was pulled because it showcased an Apple intelligence feature that was not functional and never released [6] - The MacBook's features, such as fingerprint readers and lightweight design, are no longer unique selling points compared to other laptops [9] - The argument for buying a Mac should be tied to a student's major and the software compatibility it offers [20] - The seamless integration of Apple products within the Apple ecosystem, such as Notes and Reminders syncing, is a key advantage [21] Brand Perception - Apple's advertising has shifted from showcasing coolness and innovation to trying too hard to impress, resembling the "PC" in its old "Mac vs PC" commercials [13][16] - The company's iconic ad campaigns, such as "1984" and "Think Different," highlighted freedom, creativity, and ease of use, which are lacking in recent ads [14][15]
WTF | Breaking the World Sailing Speed Record
CNET· 2025-06-24 11:00
Project Goals - SP80 team aims to break the world sailing speed record, targeting 80 knots by the end of the year [4] - The record requires the highest average speed over 500 meters, at least one person on board, and wind as the sole energy source [1] Design and Technology - SP80's design features a trimaran structure for stability and reduced hull contact with water to minimize drag [2] - A kite was chosen for its speed, safety, and control advantages [4] Competitive Landscape - The current world sailing speed record is held by Paul Larson at 65.45 knots, equivalent to over 75 mph [4]
5 iOS Features You Need to Know
CNET· 2025-06-23 12:01
Apple previewed iOS 26 at WWDC and probably the biggest change was the new liquid glass design. And while folks have a lot of opinions about how attractive it is or how easy it is to read, there are a bunch of other iOS 26 features that deserve your attention. This is all things mobile and let's get into iOS 26. So iOS 26 is the follow-up to iOS 18 and will be released this fall.Now, Apple will release a public beta version of iOS 26 in July, but right now, the developer beta for iOS 26 is out, and I've bee ...
Meet France's Mini Motorcycle-Car Hybrid
CNET· 2025-06-22 12:00
[Music] For all those times you're stuck in traffic jealously watching motorcycle drivers weaving between the jammed up cars, French company AEO has made this micro car in the hopes of combining the small size and maneuverability of a motorcycle with the cargo space and safety features of a traditional car. Despite its four-wheel design, the microar can lean into turns like a traditional motorcycle, more than 35° according to AEOT. Inside there's seat belts like a car for safety and a second seat for a pass ...