This week continued the theme of ‘AI is everywhere’, as we rapidly shift from using AI mostly in chatbots to engaging with AI systems like Alexa+ and Gemini across a wide range of new smart-home technology.
It feels like the other shoe is dropping. To be fair, Amazon had promised this integration with the preview release of Alexa+ six months ago, but now we finally have hardware, like the new Echo Dot Max, built specifically for the generative AI system.
Hours after Amazon unveiled its new speakers and smart displays, Google was rolling out its own new Nest and Home devices, infused with Gemini smarts. In short, we’ll soon all be talking to our smart homes in new ways – and hopefully getting the automation responses we desire.
On the other side of the AI spectrum is the huge Sora 2 release, which is not just a new video generator; it's the first one launching with its own social network. It’s so powerful that I think we’re about to lose the ability to trust any video we see. *sigh*.
Meanwhile, in the world of good old-fashioned smartphones, we got a glimpse into a not-so-exciting 6G future, and we're still wondering where that long-rumored tri-fold Samsung Galaxy phone is at.
If all of that isn't distracting enough, how about Xbox jacking up Unlimited prices? It's a big topic of discussion in my house and, unsurprisingly, no one is happy. Maybe it’s because we’re being hit by price hikes from every service and streaming platform – and personally
I'm getting tired of the burgeoning tech subscription culture. *double sigh*
At least I can disconnect by watching Peacemaker this weekend… oh wait… it’s about what?! *triple sigh*
Enjoy your weekend, and get ready to snap up some tech bargains during next week’s Amazon Prime Day event – you’ll find some fantastic early deals linked below.
Lance Ulanoff, Editor at Large
