TECHSWU

Get ready for a thrilling smartphone revolution in 2026! Major brands like Samsung, Vivo, Xiaomi, and OnePlus are gearing up to launch devices packed with cutting-edge features that promise to redefine mobile technology. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to impress with its 6.

9-inch OLED display, outstanding camera capabilities, and superior battery life, while the Vivo X300 Pro 5G aims to dominate photography with its Zeiss-tuned tri-camera system. Xiaomi's 17 Pro Max introduces a dual-display design, ideal for gamers and media lovers, while OnePlus is focusing on speed and efficiency with its high-refresh-rate screen and powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.

All these innovations come with AI-driven enhancements, ensuring these smartphones are not just powerful but also smarter than ever.

Life360 has introduced the Pet GPS, a game-changing tracker designed to help you locate your lost furry friends using advanced GPS technology. Unlike traditional Bluetooth trackers like the Apple AirTag, the Pet GPS provides real-time location updates every 10-12 seconds, even when your pet is far from smartphones and Wi-Fi.

With a subtle design, it easily attaches to most collars and links to the Life360 app for seamless tracking.

While the Pet GPS is priced at £49.

99, be aware of the subscription model required to unlock its full features, costing £9.99 to £19.

99 per month. This setup allows alerts to anyone using the app nearby, increasing the chances of reuniting with your wandering pet.

Despite the ongoing costs, pet owners might find the investment worthwhile for peace of mind knowing their beloved companions are always traceable.

In a bold attempt to redefine the smartphone market, Apple and Samsung launched ultra-slim models—the iPhone Air and Galaxy S25 Edge—but consumers are largely underwhelmed. Measuring just 5.

6mm and 5.8mm thick, these devices are designed to marvel, yet their shortcomings are glaring.

The biggest consumer complaints? Dismal battery life and lackluster camera systems compared to their bulkier counterparts, coupled with hefty price tags of around $1,000 or more. As a result, sales have faltered, prompting Apple to cut production and Samsung to shelve future models.

While the allure of thinness is strong, the sacrifices in performance make it hard for users to justify these sleek gadgets. Until manufacturers can address battery limitations and enhance camera features without sacrificing size, the ultrathin phone category may find itself fading fast from consumer interest.

The role of AI in education is a double-edged sword, sparking debate on whether it can energize students or sap their motivation. While engaging AI tools like Khan Academy’s Khanmigo and ALEKS show promise by personalizing learning and providing adaptive feedback, there’s a catch: the impact heavily depends on thoughtful design and implementation.

Research indicates that AI can boost motivation—especially when it encourages autonomy and self-direction—but its effects can diminish once the novelty fades or when tools are used as crutches. For maximum benefit, consistent engagement with AI under teacher guidance is essential.

Moreover, the quality and reliability of AI tools play a critical role, with dedicated educational platforms often outperforming general-purpose chatbots. Ultimately, AI should complement, not replace, authentic instructional experiences.

As educators and technologists navigate this evolving landscape, understanding the balance between AI support and human motivation becomes crucial for fostering genuine learning experiences.

Are your old gadgets gathering dust? Instead of stashing them away, give your outdated devices a second life! From donating to local schools and charities for a worthy cause to exploring hassle-free trade-in and buyback options, there are plenty of ways to handle tech that's past its prime. You can even repurpose old smartphones and tablets as music players, digital cookbooks, or guest devices.

If you can’t reuse them, consider recycling through certified programs to help protect the environment. Remember to wipe your data for peace of mind and explore creative DIY projects to transform your tech into something new.

Don’t forget, even accessories can fetch some cash! With a little effort, you can declutter your space while supporting sustainable choices.

Amid the tech frenzy surrounding smart glasses, the debate rages on whether these devices will truly revolutionize our lives or merely serve as novelties. A recent S&P Global survey reveals a significant interest in smart glasses, with nearly half of respondents keen to purchase a pair soon.

While heavyweights like Meta and Apple race to innovate, these devices face a steep uphill battle in gaining widespread acceptance. The stigma of "glassholes" and privacy concerns remain prevalent, as fears of surveillance loom large.

Additionally, the eyewear's ability to reduce smartphone dependence feels dubious, offering just another screen to our already tech-saturated lives. As sleek designs and AI advancements emerge, the real question persists: can smart glasses carve a meaningful niche or will they be relegated to the sidelines, like the smartwatches that have yet to outshine smartphones? For consumers, the future of smart glasses looks increasingly unclear.

In a groundbreaking advancement, a pioneering eye implant has restored the ability to read for a group of blind patients at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. Surgeons implanted tiny microchips in five participants as part of an international trial to combat geographic atrophy, a severe form of age-related macular degeneration affecting millions globally.

Patients now wear specially designed glasses that project infrared images to the implant, which then enhances these visuals for their brains to interpret, effectively reviving their vision. Sheila Irwin, a 70-year-old patient, shared her joy at being able to read and enjoy her beloved crosswords again, calling the experience “beautiful.

” Consultant ophthalmologist Mahi Muqit heralded the innovation as life-changing, marking it as the first of its kind capable of providing practical vision that can dramatically improve daily life. This remarkable technology shines a beacon of hope for those previously resigned to a life of visual limitation.