Google works on an AR OS, Mercedes prototype has a 620-mile range, Alexa is Santa now, and more

December 16, 2021

Remember when Google introduced the Android operating system? It filled a big gap in the smartphone market—most companies couldn’t produce their own smartphone OS, but they could build smartphone hardware and use Android for free. Well, that same gap exists in the world of AR hardware, and Google could come to fill it with a new AR OS.

Job listings show that Google is recruiting engineers and programmers to develop a versatile AR OS and new AR products, like smart glasses. It’s an interesting step that could change the trajectory of AR and all that “Metaverse” stuff, so if you’re into it, check out our cover story.

Other Highlights:

• Alexa has a Santa Claus voice now! Here’s how to enable it.
• Mercedes-Benz is about to reveal a new prototype EV with a crazy, insane, jaw-dropping 620-mile range.
• Face Unlock might come back to the Pixel 6, but that’s not necessarily a good thing.
• … and MORE!

-Andrew

In the nine years since Google Glass launched, nearly every major tech company has tried its damnedest to make a decent pair of AR glasses. Most of these experimental products suck so bad that they never reach consumers or morph into bare-bones “smart glasses,” but Google could give the industry a much-needed push with a brand new AR operating system. Read More »

One of the most anticipated board games promised for Arcade1Up’s Infinity Game Table is easily Ticket to Ride. It’s finally available for everyone to buy, but is it worth the cost? I’ve been playing it for a couple of weeks, and the answer to that question is easy. Yes! Read More »

Mercedes-Benz is one of the most successful automakers in the EV and autonomous car market, and its EQS Sedan has an impressive 350-mile EPA range that almost matches the Tesla Model S. But come January 3rd, Mercedes could set a new standard for EVs with its Vision EQXX concept vehicle. Read More »

Tis the season, which is why Amazon just introduced another new voice for Alexa. While the company added a bunch of celebrity voices earlier in the year, this new one is the most famous of all — Santa Claus. Here’s how to use the Santa Claus voice on Alexa. Read More »

Before the release of Google’s Pixel 6, several leaks suggested Face Unlock would be making a comeback to Pixel devices since being abandoned after the Pixel 4, but that never materialized. However, the latest Android 12L beta suggests that Google may be ready to bring it back to select Pixel phones. Read More »

It’s wintertime, so you’ve always got to have a thermos of coffee or hot cocoa on hand, right? With this classic vacuum-sealed thermos from Stanley, you can keep your hot beverages at the perfect sipping temperature for up to 24 hours—great for all-day outdoor adventures. The multi-purpose lid doubles as an eight-ounce cup and it has a leak-proof design so feel free to throw it in your bag or on your passenger seat. it even has a collapsible handle for easy carrying and storage! The thermos is made from BPA-free material and you can toss it in the dishwasher whenever it needs cleaning.

Get it at Amazon →

Searching for some last-minute gifts? Target is running a buy one get one 15% off sale on gift cards. Now’s your chance to stock up and save on gift cards for popular game consoles like the Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation. Read More »

NFTs are all the rage among aficionados of cryptocurrency and collectors alike, not to mention those who like to try their luck on the cutting edge of tech. However, as with all things new, there’s a risk with NFTs, one that can turn the cutting edge into the bleeding edge. Read More »

I’m not here to tell you how to live your life. If you want to be constantly buried underneath a mountain of browser tabs, that’s your choice. But I think you can do better, and I’ll try to explain why. Read More »

External solid-state drives can provide for the speeds that modern games and software need to run properly and without lag. Couple that with their decreasing cost, and the best SSDs have become a great alternative to external HDDs. Read More »