Consumer & Gadgets news

Consumer & Gadgets

Eye-catching mobile device research could be a sight for sore thumbs

Insights from a new study focused on widening the use of eye-tracking as a control method for mobile devices could offer a sharper view of the smartphones of the future.

Consumer & Gadgets

Nintendo Switch 2 launches in June with new 'Mario Kart World' game

Nintendo has announced a June 5 launch date and $449.99 price tag for its latest gaming console, the Switch 2, which will introduce interactive chat and screenshare functions to connect gamers.

Consumer & Gadgets

Everything you say to an Alexa speaker will be sent to Amazon—starting today

Amazon has disabled two key privacy features in its Alexa smart speakers, in a push to introduce artificial intelligence-powered "agentic capabilities" and turn a profit from the popular devices.

Consumer & Gadgets

Those constantly distracted by their phone will just find other ways to procrastinate if it isn't nearby, study suggests

A new study published in Frontiers in Computer Science investigated if placing smartphones just out of our reach while we're at work influenced device use for activities not related to work.

Consumer & Gadgets

Robotic dogs can inspire emergent leadership in humans

A study from the Media Innovation Lab (miLAB) at Reichman University's School of Communications explored how a robotic dog can influence leadership dynamics between humans. The study revealed that simple gestures of affection ...

Consumer & Gadgets

E-scooter crashes mainly caused by reckless driving, study shows

Crashes on electric scooters are mostly due to the behavior of the riders, with one-handed steering and riding in a group being some of the largest risk factors. Researchers are also concerned about riders who deliberately ...

Consumer & Gadgets

Q&A: What happens to your data if 23andMe collapses?

A paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine calls for regulations to protect customers' personal and genetic data in light of biotech company 23andMe's uncertain future.

Consumer & Gadgets

Young Chinese women find virtual love in 'Deepspace'

Rafayel's girlfriends went all out to celebrate their lover's birthday, renting malls across China for parties, decorating high-speed trains with his photos, and even staging a dazzling drone show.

Consumer & Gadgets

Safeguarding coffee grinders from hidden stones with acoustics

Most coffee connoisseurs are familiar with the gentle hum of their favorite café's grinder while they wait in eager anticipation of that aromatic first sip. But behind this everyday scene lies a surprisingly tricky problem. ...

Consumer & Gadgets

Social media design is key to protecting kids online

Social media is a complex environment that presents both opportunities and threats for adolescents, with self-expression and emotional support on the one hand and body-shaming, cyberbullying and addictive behaviors on the ...

Consumer & Gadgets

YouTube influencers: Gaming's best friend or worst enemy?

YouTube influencers are shaping the gaming industry in unexpected ways, and a new study in the journal Marketing Science uncovers the surprising truth: Although influencers can drive massive engagement with video games, they ...

Consumer & Gadgets

Apple unveils new iPhone built for AI

Apple on Monday unveiled new iPhones built for generative artificial intelligence as it seeks to boost sales and show it is keeping up in the technology race.

Consumer & Gadgets

Apple AI expected to star as new iPhones are unveiled

Apple is expected to release its latest line of iPhones on Monday that will feature generative AI capabilities as the tech behemoth looks to bolster sales of its iconic device.

Consumer & Gadgets

How the iPhone 16 is different from Apple's recent releases

Apple's ubiquitous iPhone is about to break new ground with a shift into artificial intelligence that will do everything from smartening up its frequently dim-witted assistant Siri to creating customized emojis on the fly.

Consumer & Gadgets

Japan is next level for retro game collectors

US tourist David Madrigal is over the moon after paying $200 for a "vintage" console at a busy Tokyo store that is tapping into booming global demand for retro gaming kit.

Consumer & Gadgets

How smart toys may be spying on kids: What parents need to know

Toniebox, Tiptoi, and Tamagotchi are smart toys, offering interactive play through software and internet access. However, many of these toys raise privacy concerns, and some even collect extensive behavioral data about children, ...