Smart

Meta's smart glasses, derided by critics as 'pervert glasses' over privacy concerns, have drawn complaints about their cameras and potential for covert recording. Despite the backlash, the technology industry shows no sign of slowing its push into wearable gadgets, with Meta and rivals continuing to invest in camera-equipped eyewear and other devices worn on the body.

A new survey finds 8 in 10 people aged 16 to 34 believe their smartphone use harms their everyday life. The figure, reported in the Netherlands, points to growing concern among young adults about screen time, attention, sleep and wellbeing, even as phones remain central to work and social life.

EUobserver reports that a Chinese company best known for making app-connected sex toys has been supplying components used in Russian military technology deployed against Ukraine. The investigation says the firm's dual-use electronics slipped through because the EU's sanctions regime does not adequately cover such indirect component suppliers, exposing what the outlet calls a sanctions blind spot that European policymakers have yet to close.

Stellantis' Chinese joint venture with Dongfeng has announced a partnership with autonomous driving firm Momenta to co-develop intelligent driving technology. The deal, reported by Reuters, deepens the automaker's push into advanced driver assistance in the world's largest car market, where smart driving features are increasingly central to competing with local electric vehicle brands.

A foreign investor in Australia has been fined $508,000 over land banking, in an enforcement action reported by Smart Property Investment. The penalty relates to rules governing foreign ownership of residential land, with authorities targeting investors who hold land without developing it. The case highlights increased scrutiny of foreign buyers in the Australian property market.

Finnish health-tech company Oura, best known for its smart ring that tracks sleep and health metrics, is preparing an initial public offering that would list its shares on Wall Street. The move would make the wearable maker one of the most prominent health-device companies to go public, drawing attention from both tech and finance observers tracking the market for consumer health wearables.

Donald Trump said he and Elon Musk sat down with Chinese President Xi Jinping 'the other day,' claiming Xi would take every US data center America does not want because China is smart and wants them all. Musk, in the quote, agreed. There is no independent confirmation such a meeting took place, and the remarks circulated widely among users questioning their authenticity and the data-center policy angle.

Finnish smart ring maker Oura has delayed its planned initial public offering, with the company describing the postponement as 'a common problem'. The move comes despite growing interest in its health-tracking wearables, and it fuels ongoing debate about whether volatile market conditions are pushing ambitious tech and health companies to hold off on going public.

Finnish health tech firm Oura, maker of the Oura Ring smart wearable, has withdrawn its planned stock market listing just days after announcing the move, which would have valued the company at $15 billion. The abrupt reversal has drawn attention from markets watchers questioning what prompted the sudden change of heart so soon after the float was publicised.

Meta is reportedly running an active public relations campaign to improve how people perceive its Ray-Ban smart glasses, according to a Gizmodo report. The effort comes as the company tries to position the glasses as a mainstream consumer product rather than a privacy concern, with observers debating whether the image cleanup will work.

A new commentary argues that AI risk goes beyond building smarter models, warning that companies face growing exposure as autonomous AI agents spread through enterprises. It calls on corporate boards to put governance around autonomy, access, accountability and resilience in place before AI agents scale, framing security as a board-level duty rather than a purely technical one.

Apple's reported decision to skip a so-called iPhone 18 release this year has sparked debate about whether the iPhone 17 remains a smart purchase. Shoppers weighing an upgrade are asking whether the current lineup is still competitive or whether waiting for future models makes more sense given the unusual naming gap.

A proposal called the SMARTER Act is being put forward as a route to reform the US immigration system around skills rather than other criteria. Backers frame it as a path forward for skills-based immigration, arguing the current system fails to prioritise talent and economic need. Details of its provisions and prospects in Congress remain limited.

Hulu is developing a television series adapted from a lesser-known piece of intellectual property, according to a report from Pajiba. The outlet frames the move as a smart strategy, suggesting the streamer sees untapped potential in obscure material at a time when studios are mining existing IP for new shows. No cast, showrunner, or source material details were given.

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for a popular European destination, urging American travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting. The advisory does not advise against travel but signals heightened awareness. Travelers are advised to check the latest guidance and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before departure.

The University of Michigan School of Kinesiology has published a review raising doubts about how accurately smartwatches measure health and fitness metrics. The findings challenge the reliability of consumer wearables for tracking activity, heart rate and related data, adding to ongoing debate about whether the devices deliver on their health claims.

The Smarter Web Company has priced its "MORE" preferred shares for an IPO on the London Stock Exchange Main Market. The listing gives the company access to London's flagship market, and the move is drawing attention from investors tracking new share offerings and the company's expansion plans.

The Smart #2 is back, reimagined as a high-tech electric two-seater. The return of the compact city car marks a new chapter for the brand as it pushes further into electric mobility, drawing attention from automotive watchers curious about how the classic two-seat format translates into a modern, technology-focused electric vehicle.

Finnish smart ring maker Oura has shelved its planned $2.2 billion IPO, with the company pointing to uncertainty in the market as the reason for pulling back. The decision is a notable setback for tech listings, coming as investors weigh volatility and sentiment toward new public offerings.

Apple has announced that its first foldable iPhone, part of a new iPhone Duo, will go on sale October 23, with pre-orders opening ahead of the launch. The announcement confirms Apple's long-awaited entry into the foldable smartphone market, putting it in direct competition with Samsung and other makers. Attention is now on pricing, availability and how the device compares to rival foldables.

Pew Charitable Trusts says that well-designed wildlife crossings would benefit communities. The organisation argues that thoughtfully planned overpasses and underpasses help animals move safely across roads, reducing collisions and supporting healthier habitats. People are currently discussing the appeal for better infrastructure that protects both wildlife and drivers.

WIRED has published a reviewer's guide to the seven best smartwatches, drawing on ten years of testing wearables. The roundup highlights which models have proved durable and reliable over time, offering buying advice for readers comparing options across brands. It is part of an ongoing wave of gadget guides as consumers weigh up smartwatch upgrades and new releases.

A Popular Science report highlights that octopuses are smart enough to use a mirror, adding to the growing body of evidence about their remarkable cognitive abilities. The animals are already known for problem-solving, camouflage and tool use, and mirror behaviour suggests a level of self-awareness that fascinates scientists and marine biology enthusiasts alike.

Web design commentary from Saudi Arabia argues that visually attractive websites can still lose customers when visitors cannot quickly find what they need, causing trust to drop. The advice is that a competent website design company should connect user experience, mobile design, site speed, SEO and business goals, and design to guide and inform rather than simply to look good.

Target is offering a $200 discount on Roborock's self-cleaning robot mop vacuum, significantly lowering the price of the popular smart home cleaning device. The deal is drawing attention from shoppers looking to upgrade their cleaning setup, as self-emptying and self-cleaning robot vacuums typically carry premium prices. Bargain hunters and robotics fans are sharing the offer while it lasts.