Another week in tech has come to a close, and it was a whirlwind! The highlight was undoubtedly Meta Connect 2025, where we got a first look at three new pairs of smart glasses. In addition, DJI unveiled a new drone, and we dived into Apple’s latest products. Let’s recap the top seven stories from the past week.
### 7. An Underrated Audio Brand Stands Out
Budget audio brand Soundpeats has just introduced a new pair of earbuds that raise the bar higher than many rivals. Priced at just $129 (with global availability set for the future), these earbuds boast a triple-driver sound system and impressive features like hybrid active noise cancellation. Notably, they support Snapdragon Sound, aptX Lossless, and LDAC for high-resolution wireless audio.
With a refined, gold-accented design that’s bolder than many competitors, these earbuds appear more like premium in-ear monitors than budget options. The Soundpeats H3 are certainly aiming high, and we’ll bring you a full review soon.
### 6. Amazon Plans a Hardware Showcase
Thinking about upgrading your Echo smart speaker or Kindle e-reader? You might want to hold off for just ten more days. Amazon announced a major hardware event scheduled for September 30, where we anticipate new devices in both categories and more.
Our analysis of Amazon’s teaser image suggests we could see the launch of a new Echo Studio speaker, a color Kindle, Echo Buds, and new Fire TV sets. Given the expected broader lineup designed to work with the refreshed Alexa+ voice assistant, this is an event to mark in your tech calendar.
### 5. The DJI Mini 5 Pro Takes Flight
DJI has redefined the mini-drone landscape with its latest offering, the Mini 5 Pro. Featuring a class-leading 1-inch sensor and impressive flight capabilities, this drone weighs in at just 249.9 grams, conveniently skirting regulations that apply to larger drones.
Our Cameras editor is left pondering whether DJI has set a high bar for its other consumer drones, as the value for the Mini 5 Pro is hard to beat. The standard bundle is priced around £679 / AU$1,119 (with US pricing still to be confirmed), which seems remarkable given its feature set.
### 4. We’re Impressed by the iPhone 17
We’ve reviewed Apple’s latest products, and the iPhone 17 has emerged as a standout. Our testers noted that it feels like the best standard iPhone in years. Apple has finally introduced coveted Pro features like ProMotion and an Always-On display to a more budget-friendly model.
With the new A19 chip, a larger screen, upgraded cameras, and the latest iOS 26, the iPhone 17 is a fantastic choice for users, especially since it offers double the storage for the same price as its predecessor.
### 3. iOS 26 Unveils Significant Changes
As we gear up for the launch of the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple has rolled out iOS 26. This update marks one of the biggest revamps in years, accompanying similar updates to iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26.
iOS 26 brings a fresh design and numerous updates to key apps, including Photos and Messages. The new UI, inspired by Apple’s virtual Liquid Glass, has sparked mixed reactions—some users adore the new look, while others report discomfort. New features include a redesigned camera app, improved Photos management, and enhanced Visual Intelligence and Live Translation capabilities.
### 2. Waiting for New VR Hardware
While we didn’t see any new Quest headset hardware at Meta Connect, the event still had plenty to offer. Director James Cameron took the stage to promote the Quest as a home entertainment powerhouse, hinting at upcoming features. Updates to Horizon Studio and Horizon Engine were also showcased, benefiting VR creators.
The debut of Horizon TV, a centralized hub for video content on Quest headsets, was another highlight. This signals the anticipated arrival of Disney+ on Quest devices after its temporary exclusivity with Apple Vision Pro.
### 1. Meta’s Smart Glasses Take Center Stage
The star of Meta Connect was undoubtedly the new Ray-Ban Display glasses, which feature a full-color display for the first time. This innovative screen can assist with navigation, translation, and even video calls, although the live demo faced some hiccups.
In addition to the Ray-Ban model, Meta also introduced the Gen 2 Ray-Ban glasses (without a display) and the Oakley Meta Vanguard smart visor. This visor aims to enhance athletes’ experiences by providing hands-free access to fitness updates and automatically recording key milestones, like every mile during a marathon.
As the tech world continues to evolve, these developments have us eager for what’s coming next!
