This week delivers a wave of compelling tech advancements and updates. Key highlights span innovative trackers, robot vacuums, display tech, app changes, e-reader support cuts, space photography, and hardware shortages. Here’s the rundown of the biggest stories.
7. Pebblebee Halo Tracker Offers Enhanced Safety Features
Pebblebee introduces the Halo tracker, a versatile alternative to popular Bluetooth locators. This device integrates with Apple’s Find My network or Google’s Find Hub without needing a separate app. In emergencies, it activates a 130dB siren, flashes a strobe light serving as a 150-lumen flashlight, and shares real-time location with up to five trusted contacts in a Safety Circle. Priced at $59.99 / £55.28 / AU$87.88, it includes a free 12-month Alert Live subscription for location sharing.
6. DJI Romo P Robot Vacuum Impresses in Tests
DJI expands into home cleaning with the Romo P robot vacuum, featuring a transparent case that reveals its internal components during operation. Its obstacle avoidance and navigation systems perform exceptionally, navigating tight spaces effectively. Cleaning tests show strong performance on floors, excelling at edges and mopping spills. Despite the premium price, it stands out as a top performer among robot vacuums.
5. Sony Unveils True RGB TV Technology
Sony enters the RGB TV market with True RGB, a three-diode system using dedicated red, green, and blue diodes alongside a custom backlight controller. Early impressions highlight vibrant colors, high brightness, and accurate visuals that preserve creators’ intent. The first consumer model launches in Spring 2026, positioning Sony competitively against established players.
4. Samsung Phases Out Messages App
Samsung discontinues its Messages app in July, urging users to migrate to Google Messages. Galaxy owners express frustration over the forced switch, with no official way to retain the service. Alternatives like Textra SMS and Handcent Next SMS provide options for those seeking different messaging experiences.
3. Amazon Ends Support for Pre-2012 Kindles and Fire Tablets
Starting May 20, Amazon ceases support for Kindle and Fire tablet models from before 2012, including popular ones like Kindle 3, Kindle 4, and the first Kindle Paperwhite. Users retain access to downloaded content but lose the ability to buy or sync new books. Many prefer these simple, affordable devices over newer models, and sideloading remains a viable workaround for now.
2. Artemis II Mission Delivers Stunning iPhone and GoPro Images
NASA’s Artemis II crew captures breathtaking photos from deep space using consumer devices. Selfies of astronauts Christina Koch and Reid Wiseman, taken with the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s front camera, showcase Earth from afar. A GoPro outside the spacecraft records a lunar eclipse from the moon’s far side. Traditional gear like the Nikon D5 DSLR also features in the mission’s imagery.
1. Apple Faces Mac Mini, Studio, and MacBook Neo Shortages
Stock shortages plague Mac Mini, Mac Studio, and MacBook Neo across Apple stores, with wait times stretching weeks or months based on configurations. A persistent RAM shortage likely contributes, while MacBook Neo delays stem from limited iPhone 16 Pro chips. Speculation points to repurposed A18 Pro chips with CPU issues, exhausted by unexpected demand for the Neo.
