Tech is in a weird place right now. There are plenty of exciting developments in AI, tons of new hardware, and rapidly growing ideas, but it’s all surrounded by the effect today’s tech is having on society. So, what tech is making you happy right now?
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This article spawned from my time recently with new tech including Googlebook, the Oppo Find X10 Pro Max, and the Mac Mini that I recently purchased.
Let me explain.
In the 10+ years I’ve been working in this industry, Googlebook is the first big launch that left me unable to find the upsides. Even after reviewing the otherwise excellent HP Googlebook 14, I’m still struggling to find anything to be optimistic about. And that largely boils down to the timing, as we discussed in last week’s Weekender issue. Googlebook is not only a platform that’s less capable than its competitors, but also wants to demand more from customers for it, all in a time where our resources as customers are more strained than ever. That same train of thought also comes into the Oppo Find X10 Pro Max that I reviewed earlier this week. It’s a great smartphone, one I think I’ll keep using for a while yet, but it’s also obscenely expensive, not really to the fault of Oppo directly. That’s just the tech industry we’re dealing with right now – heck, it’s the economy as a whole we’re dealing with right now.
So, that Mac Mini I bought. That came out of a limited-time deal where the M4 Mac Mini was $650. I’m still a Windows guy at the end of the day, but as PC components only become harder to find and, frankly, to afford, a $650 Mac Mini was by far the most logical way for me to eke more out of my gaming PC that’s already overdue for some component replacements.
All of that is to say, the tech industry right now is full of a lot of tougher choices when it comes to the bottom line. As a reviewer, that’s been a tough conversation to balance, and it has me thinking not just about how we’ll interact with new devices going forward, but also where to find the optimism in the tech I’m using.
Here are some recent examples of tech that have brought me a smile:
- The Oppo Enco X4 earbuds that I used alongside the Find X10 Pro Max are the harder-to-buy sibling to the stellar OnePlus Buds Pro 3, and they’re just utterly wonderful to use with such an excellent sound profile.
- As I’ve been working up my review of the Fitbit Edge, I’m reminded just how much I’ve come to adore the Fitbit Air for its simple and refreshing take on a wearable – I look forward to going back to it soon.
- There’s delight in the simplest ideas; the Statik Powerstand cable I went hands-on with this week immediately sparked a bit of joy from the moment I picked it up, knowing I’d just found a new staple for my bag.
So, that’s my question to you.
What tech is making you happy right now? Is it a new gadget you picked up, or just the simple fact that your existing device is still up and running? Regardless of your outlook on the tech industry as a whole right now, it’s a stressful time out there, so let’s all focus on the positives for a minute…
This Week’s Top Stories
A big week for foldables
The launch of iPhone Duo this week has also come with a bunch of additional foldable news. New apps for Android foldables, a new Samsung foldable on the horizon, it’s been a big week!
- Someone made a Walkman music player for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and it works with YouTube Music
- Samsung is releasing a new foldable next week, and it just leaked
- iPhone Duo’s software restricts an already-small display; Galaxy Z Fold 8 doesn’t
- Someone built iPhone Duo’s tent mode for Android foldables, but made it even better
YouTube is killing the subscriptions tab
I said I wanted to focus on the positives, but there’s nothing particularly positive about this one. YouTube is removing the dedicated subscriptions tab from its app in exchange for a new, customizable homepage.
Not a fan! What do you think?
Welcome Nick!
Nicholas Sutrich joined our team here at 9to5Google this week. Stay tuned for his coverage as he broadens our looks at the global smartphone market and as he dives into AR/VR/XR.
- I’ve struggled to use Samsung displays for years, but the Galaxy S27 may finally fix that; here’s why
- Google TV powers the RayNeo Pocket TV Pro glasses, and that’s exactly the problem
More Top Stories
- Spotify’s ‘QR code verification’ cracks down on sharing and could ban you for a year
- Google Maps on CarPlay rolling out Gemini when navigating
- Google Wallet rolling out notifications feed, support for more digital passports
- Here’s everything new in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 [Gallery]
- Samsung releases ‘Re-Newed’ Galaxy phones on Amazon starting under $500
- Google explains how to fix time zones on Android amid changes in Canada
- Google says Chrome’s Safe Browsing Enhanced Protection mode makes users 10x safer
- Dizzying lineup of Galaxy Z Fold 9 devices leaks, including the Galaxy Z ‘Slide’
- Android Auto ‘Work Account’ support would allow for easy switching in work vehicles
- LineageOS 24 review: Easier than ever to recommend [Video]
- Honor’s new gaming phone & tablet have 10,000+ mAh batteries, fans, up to 240Hz OLED display
- Supernatural, the best VR workout app, makes its glorious comeback today
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9to5Mac: iPhone Duo week
- iPhone Duo review: The future is foldable
- iPhone Duo launch day: Lines form at Apple Stores, walk-in availability limited
- Apple says developers are showing ‘incredible’ support for the iPhone Duo
- iPhone Duo adding Apple Pencil support next week with iOS 27.2
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