Tech Weekly Recap: Key Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss
It’s been a hectic week in the tech world! From Prime Day deals (which are still ongoing) to Microsoft’s response to Xbox Game Pass pricing, we’ve got you covered. We also took a close look at the top travel camera on the market today. If you want to stay in the loop, check out our roundup of the week’s seven major stories, along with links for further reading. And don’t forget to explore our recommendations for the seven must-watch movies and TV shows this weekend across Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, and more.
7. Microsoft Stands Firm on Xbox Game Pass Price Increase
Microsoft faced considerable backlash after raising prices for its Xbox Game Pass. However, instead of backpedaling, they’ve doubled down. Dustin Blackwell, the company’s director of gaming and platform communications, acknowledged that price hikes aren’t popular but emphasized that these adjustments aim to deliver greater value to subscribers. Many at TechRadar remain unconvinced, and it appears that numerous users are searching for ways to cancel their subscriptions.
6. Tag Heuer Launches Luxury Smartwatch
While smartwatches often prioritize functionality over style, Tag Heuer is changing that narrative with their new Connected Calibre E5. Designed to work seamlessly with iOS devices, this smartwatch boasts a stunning stainless steel frame and is equipped with various health-tracking features, including blood oxygen monitoring, heart rate analysis, and sleep quality assessment. Although it’s compatible with Android phones, Tag Heuer ensures that iPhone users will enjoy quicker pairings and consistent updates. Just be prepared for its steep price tag of $1,600.
5. Sneak Peek: Wake Up Dead Man
While Wake Up Dead Man won’t premiere on Netflix until December 12, we got an early glimpse at the London Film Festival, and it didn’t disappoint. The film, part of the Knives Out series featuring Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc, is described as a nearly perfect Netflix binge, earning a solid four stars from our reviewer. The witty script keeps viewers engaged with humor woven throughout, poking fun at everything from Netflix to the cast itself, making this a highly anticipated release.
4. Review: OM System OM-5 II Travel Camera
The OM System OM-5 II travel camera has drawn mixed reviews due to its similarities with its predecessor. However, as the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This camera offers an efficient and responsive shooting experience, complete with an electronic viewfinder, weather sealing, and impressive in-body image stabilization (IBIS). Despite some criticism, we’re firmly in the camp that believes this travel camera deserves its five-star rating.
3. Sennheiser Unveils New Audiophile Headphones
Sennheiser has introduced the HDB 630 headphones, promising to deliver “true audiophile sound.” The headphones come with the BTD 700 USB-C dongle, which bypasses the phone’s wireless transmitter to support advanced audio codecs like aptX and aptX HD. This makes them ideal for high-fidelity listening experiences. For the best sound quality, you might want to consider subscribing to Tidal or Qobuz, as even Spotify’s new Lossless update may not be sufficient to fully utilize these headphones.
2. Reality-Warping Camera Launches
In the realm of AI imaging tools, Camera Intelligence has just released the Caira device, which incorporates Google’s Nano Banana AI image model. This innovative tool attaches to MagSafe, allowing users to manipulate images in real time. The feature reveals how edits will alter your photos before you even start the editing process. While issues of ethics and responsible use are concerns, Camera Intelligence assures users it will limit any identity-altering functions.
1. Reviewing the Pixel 10 Pro Fold
We recently published our review of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. While it’s undoubtedly a standout smartphone, the hefty price tag of $1,799 raises questions about its value compared to the standard Pixel 10 Pro. Users are left wishing for either more features that justify the cost or a lower price point. Despite its shortcomings in camera capabilities, the design is stunning, the software is user-friendly, and it ranks as one of the most durable smartphones available today.
Stay tuned for more updates as the tech landscape continues to evolve!
