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Yes, that Prego — the pasta sauce people. The company has teamed up with StoryCorps, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving everyday American conversations, to release a physical recording device built specifically for the dinner table. It’s called the Connection Keeper, and the whole point of it is to capture the kind of conversations that happen when everyone puts their phones down and actually talks to each other.

What it is and how it works?

The Connection Keeper is a small puck-shaped device, apparently nodding to the round lids on Prego’s pasta sauce jars, that you place in the center of the table. Hit the button on top, and it starts recording. That’s more or less the entire interface. There’s no screen, no app, and no Wi-Fi setup needed for this. Just a button, a USB-C port, and a 16GB microSD card that can store up to eight hours of conversation.

It can also prompt your family with conversation starters if dinner has gone quiet and someone’s just pushing food around their plate.

Where do the recordings go?

Once you’re ready to do something with your recordings, you move them over to a StoryCorps portal via USB-C. StoryCorps keeps everything private by default, and Prego says the portal is encrypted with full privacy controls, though the specifics of how all that works haven’t been fully laid out yet. Recordings will be accessible and shareable starting May 4.

Prego

If you want to, you can also contribute your conversations to StoryCorps’ public archive, where anyone online can listen. That’s a meaningful thing to consider before uploading, especially if kids are involved, or anyone at the table didn’t know they were being recorded.

At $20, the price is quite reasonable for what it is. The catch is that Prego plans to produce fewer than 100 units, with sales opening on April 27. So if this sounds like something you’d actually use, you’ll want to move quickly once it goes on sale. It’s a weird product from an unexpected brand, but in a world where every device is fighting for your attention, something that quietly sits on the table and just listens feels almost radical.

A sweet idea, with a slightly complicated aftertaste

The Connection Keeper is a genuinely sweet idea on the surface. There’s something almost nostalgic about a screenless, button-press recorder sitting in the middle of the dinner table, quietly catching the jokes, the arguments, the stories your grandmother tells for the third time that you’ll one day wish you’d heard a fourth. But the moment you start thinking about what actually happens to those recordings, the warm feeling gets a little complicated.

Prego

Your dinner-table conversations are as personal as it gets. The things said over a bowl of pasta on a Tuesday night, the offhand comments, the vulnerable moments, the stuff nobody outside that room was ever supposed to hear. Handing any of that over to a portal, even one that claims to be encrypted and private, asks for a level of trust that Prego and StoryCorps haven’t fully earned yet, mostly because they haven’t fully explained themselves. What does “full privacy controls” actually mean in practice? Who has access to the servers? What happens to your recordings if StoryCorps shuts down or gets acquired? These aren’t paranoid questions. They’re reasonable ones that any company asking you to record your family should have ready answers for before the product goes on sale, not after. Until those details are out in the open, the Connection Keeper is a device with a lot of heart and not quite enough transparency to match it.

Apple has been continuously expanding Apple Intelligence since its initial launch, and iOS 27 might represent the most ambitious iteration of this initiative to date. Internal code uncovered by developer Nicolás Alvarez, subsequently verified by MacRumors, suggests at least four new AI-driven enhancements for built-in apps. While unconfirmed officially, these clues are quite compelling.

Enhanced visual recognition capabilities

Two of the four features boost Visual Intelligence, aligning with Apple’s rumored hardware direction. The firm is reportedly crafting AI wearables such as smart glasses, AirPods with cameras, and an AI pin or pendant. These devices will depend heavily on Visual Intelligence, explaining the current investment in this capability.

James Yarema / Unsplash

The first enhancement allows users to scan food nutrition labels with their camera to retrieve detailed data, potentially integrating with the Health app. The second identifies printed phone numbers and addresses, offering to save them directly to Contacts. Apple already applies similar logic to calendar dates, making this extension a logical progression.

Wallet app gains powerful scanning features

Apple

The Wallet app appears poised to create digital passes by scanning physical cards and tickets, including gym memberships, event tickets, and loyalty cards. While Google Wallet on Android has offered similar functionality for some time, Apple is catching up with a feature many iPhone users will find practical for daily use.

Safari auto-names your tab groups

Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

Users of Safari’s Tab Groups who have stared blankly at unnamed collections of random tabs will appreciate this update. iOS 27 reportedly introduces automatic naming for Tab Groups based on their contents, delivering exactly the kind of seamless AI assistance that enhances product thoughtfulness.

Unconfirmed details

It’s important to note that all information derives from code strings rather than an official announcement. These features might function differently in practice, be delayed to a point update, or be removed entirely before release. Nevertheless, Apple is known to be developing a more capable Siri for iOS 27 with deeper system-wide integration, and these features align well with that trajectory.

Apple

Apple will officially unveil iOS 27 at WWDC in June, with a public release anticipated in September alongside the new iPhone models. More details will emerge at that time.

Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone has been the focus of numerous rumors, with the most recent leak coming from Weibo’s Instant Digital. As reported by Notebookcheck, the leak indicates that the iPhone Fold will feature the Camera Control button, even though it will be slimmer than the iPhone Air when unfolded.

This is certainly an impressive achievement. Integrating the Camera Control button into such a slim device likely demanded significant engineering efforts from Apple. However, it seems Apple believed the effort was justified.

Why is Apple so focused on camera control?

According to the source, the explanation is straightforward: one-handed photography. Foldable devices have a known issue where users must hold the phone with one hand while using the other to interact with the screen.

AI Visualization

According to the leaker, Apple’s reasoning is that Camera Control allows users to zoom, tweak settings, and capture photos or videos with just one hand. While this sounds logical on paper, its practical application remains to be seen.

Will it actually be easier to use?

Without hands-on testing, it’s difficult to judge. The iPhone Fold will have a larger and wider footprint than a standard iPhone, and using your thumb or index finger to operate the Camera Control button on the same hand holding the phone may not feel very ergonomic.

Sonny Dickson

I’ve used the Camera Control button on both the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone Air. Based on my experience, operating the Camera Control can be frustrating. It lacks intuitive usability and requires precise control.

For instance, adjusting the zoom level is particularly challenging. It often overshoots or undershoots my desired setting. The on-screen controls provide better precision when setting the zoom.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Over the past two years, I’ve only used the Camera Control to launch the camera app and as a shutter button. It performs well in these scenarios, and I’d prefer an iPhone with it rather than without.

However, I can’t envision using the Camera Control to tweak settings like zoom or exposure. If it’s awkward on my iPhone Air, it seems unlikely to be practical on an even slimmer and larger iPhone Fold.

If you’ve been waiting to upgrade to a new Surface device, patience may be required. Leaker Roland Quandt reports that Microsoft has delayed the release of its next-generation Surface lineup by approximately one month. Early pricing indicators suggest that consumers may face significant cost increases when these devices finally arrive.

What’s in the Pipeline?

The Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 remain on track, with their core specifications largely intact. Buyers will likely have the choice between Intel and Qualcomm processors, allowing them to select between high-performance Intel chips or the battery-efficient ARM-based Qualcomm options. Reports indicate that OLED screens will be standard across the Surface Laptop 8 range, marking a notable improvement over existing models. Additionally, compact versions of both the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop are currently being developed.

Microsoft

Quandt shared the delay details on Bluesky, noting a roughly one-month postponement across Microsoft’s Surface roadmap. This shift likely impacts the Intel Panther Lake variants the most, potentially moving their release to July. Meanwhile, the Snapdragon X2 models were already scheduled for a later window between July and September 2026. Microsoft has yet to release official imagery, keeping the new devices under wraps for the time being.

Price Tag Concerns

A more troubling aspect of Quandt’s report involves his cryptic remark about pricing, describing it as “so bad” without providing exact figures. This aligns with leaked data from a Dutch retailer indicating that the Surface Pro 12 could see substantial price increases in certain configurations—potentially reaching up to 65% higher than the current generation. To put that in perspective, the current Surface Pro retails for approximately $999. Such a steep increase would place the new model in a price bracket that may be difficult for many consumers to justify, regardless of the hardware improvements.

Microsoft

Microsoft has not yet issued an official statement, and pre-launch retail listings are often speculative. However, the combination of a delayed release and alarming price rumors suggests that the Surface Pro 12 launch may face significant headwinds. We can only hope that the final pricing will be more reasonable than these early indications suggest.

Smartphone manufacturers have continuously honed their expertise over the years, resulting in devices that appear more sophisticated and refined in 2026. However, the recent leaks surrounding the Sony Xperia 1 VIII indicate that Sony may be clinging too strongly to outdated design principles, which is not necessarily a positive development. Here is the reasoning behind this perspective.

A Departure from Sony’s Iconic Identity

Sony previously distinguished itself with a bold and unmistakable design philosophy. In contrast, the Xperia 1 VIII appears to have lost that defining clarity. The rear panel, particularly in this render, is where the design seems to falter. The overall aesthetic is confusing and lacks coherence. Sony’s traditional vertical camera array has long been a hallmark of its brand identity, and abandoning this element erodes the familiarity that loyal customers have come to expect. Without this signature feature, the phone risks blending in with countless other devices on the market.

The camera module further contributes to this dated impression, appearing overly large and reminiscent of the OnePlus 10 Pro from 2022, a design trend that even OnePlus has since abandoned. This comparison highlights the core issue: the design feels like a step backward into an era the rest of the industry has already moved past.

Weibo

What is particularly striking is how misaligned this design is with contemporary smartphone trends. Most manufacturers are currently focusing on sleek, minimalist aesthetics that convey refinement and modernity. Heavy, prominent camera modules are now typically confined to niche or special edition models, rather than being featured on mainstream flagship devices.

Consequently, this suggests that Sony may not be charting its own course but is instead relying on outdated design trends. For a company that once prided itself on a strong and unique design language, this regression is somewhat disheartening.

Lacking a Clear Design Vision

I have historically expected more from Sony, particularly regarding its design philosophy and user experience. It was a brand known for taking decisive and confident stances. Therefore, the current direction feels underwhelming. This is not merely about a single device but reflects a broader concern that Sony may have lost its design bearings.

Weibo

While the Xperia 1 VIII aims to differentiate itself, this distinction feels somewhat superficial. It appears to be a change for the sake of change, lacking a clear purpose. This is where it begins to lose its appeal. In the current flagship market, mere uniqueness is insufficient. A successful design must demonstrate intent, show evolution, and align with industry trends. This device falls short in that regard. Standing out is easy; driving innovation is what truly matters.

Smart rings pack in some clever tech. They track everything from daily activity and sleep cycles to how well your body is actually recovering, all without showing much on the surface. But design is where I’ve always felt a bit unconvinced, especially with something like the Oura Ring 4. It does what it promises, and it does it well, but aesthetically, it feels a little too plain and slightly bulky for something you’re meant to wear all day, every day. In a time where personal style is such a big part of how we present ourselves, slipping on a thick, minimal-looking ring can feel a bit out of place.

That said, there’s now a clever new approach that rethinks how a smart ring should look and feel, making it blend in much more naturally with what you’d actually want to wear.

A smarter ring, now with better taste

Steff Eleoff, a Toronto-based jewelry designer, seems to have had the same thought. Her solution is surprisingly elegant. She’s designed refined outer covers that slip over existing rings, completely transforming their appearance. These covers are compatible with devices like the Oura, Ultrahuman, and RingConn. The craftsmanship is where it really stands out. Each piece is made using 925 sterling silver or finished in 18K gold vermeil, giving it the kind of polish you’d expect from fine jewelry. Since these are made to order, the process takes about six weeks, and it shows in the detailing. Even at a glance, they feel considered and premium.

Steff Eleoff

What I particularly like is the range. There are understated designs if you prefer something minimal, but there are also more expressive options featuring stones like pink tourmaline and even diamonds. So, on the outside, these rings look like beautiful, thoughtfully designed rings you’d pick for style alone. Underneath, though, it’s still doing all the work of a smart ring, tracking your health without ever looking like a gadget.

The art of making tech wearable

To me, this feels like a genius idea, and it says a lot about how designers think. There’s a certain instinct they have, an ability to spot something functional and immediately imagine how it could be made more beautiful and personal.

If I were to pick up a smart ring, this is the kind of add-on I’d seriously consider. I like my tech to blend into my personal style rather than stand out, and these covers do that effortlessly. They turn something that can feel a bit utilitarian into something you’d actually want to show off.

Steff Eleoff

That said, there are a couple of practical things to keep in mind. The covers are currently available in gold and silver finishes, so pairing them with a black smart ring might create a noticeable contrast that doesn’t always look good. The detail can make or break the overall look. A safer approach would be to explore the cover designs first and then pick a ring color that complements them, so everything feels cohesive. Fit is just as important, too. Since the cover sits over the ring, getting the sizing right is key to making sure it feels comfortable and secure. When it all comes together, though, it’s a simple idea executed really well, one that makes smart rings feel a lot more wearable in everyday life.

The C-Class has long occupied the perfect middle ground in Mercedes-Benz’s lineup — offering a refined, upscale experience. Now, for the first time, it’s going fully electric. Mercedes unveiled the all-new electric C-Class on April 20 at a world premiere in South Korea, and the US is already on the roadmap, with the first deliveries expected sometime in the first half of 2027.

Impressive Specifications

The US-bound variant is called the C400 4Matic, and it arrives with a 94.5-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors. Combined output sits at 482 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, enough to get the car from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Top speed is capped at 130 mph. Range is where things get even more interesting. Mercedes hasn’t released official EPA figures yet, but based on the European WLTP rating of 473 miles, estimates are landing around 400 miles for the US cycle. That would put it in competitive territory for a performance-oriented luxury sedan.

Interior of the new electric Mercedes-Benz C-Class, 2026. Mercedes-Benz

The electric C-Class rides on a purpose-built EV platform, and you can tell from the proportions. The wheelbase has grown by 3.8 inches over the current gasoline model, which translates directly into more legroom front and rear. The shift to electric also opens up a front trunk with 3.5 cubic feet of space, while the rear trunk offers a generous 16.6 cubic feet. For those who need to tow, the car is rated for up to 3,968 pounds. The sedan also has a drag coefficient of 0.22, which is notably slipperier than the electric GLC’s 0.26. That aerodynamic advantage is a big reason the C-Class can cover more ground per charge than its crossover sibling. Plus, the C400 4Matic supports DC fast charging at up to 330 kW. That means roughly 200 miles of added range in just 10 minutes, and a 10-to-80-percent charge takes around 22 minutes. For those using older 400-volt infrastructure, a standard DC converter maintains compatibility.

Interior Technology

Three different dashboard setups are available depending on how much screen space you want in your life. The flagship option is the Hyperscreen, a nearly 39-inch seamless glass panel that stretches across almost the full width of the cabin. Below that is the Superscreen, which pairs a 10.3-inch gauge cluster with two 14-inch touchscreens under a single sheet of glass. Base models swap the passenger-side screen for an animated decorative panel instead. The optional kit includes an air suspension with predictive damping that actually pulls data from Google Maps to prep the chassis for bumps before the car hits them. Rear-wheel steering is also available, rotating the rear axle up to 4.5 degrees at low speeds, reducing the turning circle to 36.7 feet. And if you want something a little theatrical, an optional panoramic roof features 162 illuminated stars.

Interior of the new electric Mercedes-Benz C-Class, 2026. Mercedes-Benz

More variants are coming, too. Mercedes has already confirmed a rear-wheel-drive single-motor version is in the works, with an estimated range of around 497 miles. US pricing for any variant hasn’t been announced yet, and the existing gasoline C-Class will continue to be sold alongside the electric model for buyers who aren’t ready to make the switch. Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius described the car as raising everything customers love about the C-Class to the next level. Whether that holds up in the real world remains to be seen, but on paper at least, the electric C-Class looks like a step forward.

Google’s screenless Fitbit device has emerged as one of the most intriguing wearable leaks of recent times, with information rapidly accumulating. Following its initial reveal by Stephen Curry in March, and a subsequent report from 9to5Google confirming the name as Fitbit Air, the floodgates have opened. Supplier listings are surfacing, and we now have a pretty clear picture of what Google is planning.

It comes in three colors and band options are plentiful

According to supplier data, the Fitbit Air will be available in Obsidian, Lavender, and Berry. The charging cable, for what it’s worth, appears to be Snow white across the board. Nothing groundbreaking color-wise, but the lineup covers the basics and leans into softer, lifestyle-friendly tones that make sense for a health-focused wearable.

Stephen Curry

Google seems to be going deep on band variety. Four options are expected to be sold individually, each available in multiple colorways. The Performance Loop Band covers Obsidian, Fog, Lavender, and Berry. The Active Band comes in small and large sizes with the same four shades. For something a little more refined, the Elevated SoftFlex Band is listed in Obsidian, Moonstone, and Porcelain. And at the top end, a Metal Mesh Band rounds things out in Silver and Warm Gold. Which band ships with the device isn’t confirmed yet, but the range suggests Google wants the Fitbit Air to work for workouts and everyday wear alike.

The price could be a selling point

Supplier pricing data can be hit-or-miss, but at least one listing has the Fitbit Air sitting just under $93, which strongly hints at a $99 retail price. For a screenless fitness band, that’s a reasonable ask, and it makes even more sense when you factor in that Google is expected to pair the device with a Health Coach feature and a broader subscription tier for advanced tracking. The hardware would essentially be the entry point into a larger ecosystem.

Stephen Curry wearing Google’s Fitbit Air Instagram

The same supplier indicates a May 16 availability date. Google hasn’t said anything officially, but that timeline lines up with the growing momentum around the product. If it holds, we’re only a few weeks out from finding out whether the screenless Fitbit concept actually resonates with buyers. It’s a bold enough idea to stand out in a crowded wearables market, and at under $100, the barrier to trying it out is pretty low.

Music streaming service Deezer has reported a significant increase in AI-created music on its platform, underscoring a notable transformation in song production and distribution methods. According to a recent report, approximately 44% of all songs uploaded to Deezer each day are now produced using artificial intelligence.

The company states it is currently receiving nearly 75,000 AI-created songs daily, totaling over two million tracks per month.

AI Music Is Flooding Platforms Faster Than Expected

The scale of AI-created music has increased rapidly over the past year. What was once a niche category has now become a significant portion of new uploads, driven by tools like generative music platforms that allow users to create full songs from simple prompts.

Unsplash

Despite the surge in uploads, Deezer notes that actual listening behavior tells a different story. AI-created tracks currently account for only about 1% to 3% of total streams on the platform, indicating that while supply is growing, demand remains relatively limited.

Why This Matters For The Music Industry

The rise of AI-created music is raising serious concerns across the industry. One of the biggest issues is fraud, with Deezer estimating that a large portion of streams for AI tracks are artificially generated through bots to manipulate royalties.

In response, Deezer has taken a more aggressive stance than some competitors. The platform has introduced tools to detect and label AI-created tracks, remove them from recommendation algorithms, and, in some cases, demonetize them.

What It Means For Users

For listeners, the immediate impact may not be obvious. Since AI-created songs make up a small share of streams, most users are still primarily consuming human-made music.

Unsplash

However, as uploads continue to grow, users may begin to encounter more AI-created tracks, especially in niche genres or algorithm-driven playlists. Deezer’s tagging system is designed to provide transparency, helping users distinguish between AI-created and human-produced content.

What Comes Next

Deezer has already positioned itself as a leader in this area by actively labeling and filtering AI content. Other platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, are also beginning to respond with their own policies.

As AI tools become more accessible, the volume of generated music is expected to rise further. The challenge now is not just managing that growth, but ensuring that it does not undermine the value of human creativity in the process.

Recent leaks hint that Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro series might debut a revised palette of hues, blending well-known tones with a fresh, eye-catching option. Although Apple hasn’t officially verified these details, several sources point to four potential shades currently under evaluation for the 2026 flagship device.

The speculated collection features Light Blue, Dark Gray, Silver, and a novel Dark Cherry shade, which is anticipated to become the defining color for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.

A Fresh Signature Hue Steals the Spotlight

Of the rumored selections, Dark Cherry is generating significant buzz. Reports suggest Apple is transitioning to a richer, more sophisticated red, moving away from brighter hues like Cosmic Orange seen in the prior model.

Apple Insider

This aligns with Apple’s usual practice of launching one distinctive color annually to set its Pro models apart. The Dark Cherry variant is projected to be more understated and luxurious, matching the brand’s present design philosophy.

The other hues – Light Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver – seem more conservative. Light Blue might echo past “Mist Blue” shades, while Dark Gray and Silver uphold Apple’s tradition of offering neutral, low-key finishes in its Pro range.

The Significance of These Shifts

While color might appear trivial, it is crucial for Apple’s product branding. Fresh finishes aid in visually separating each generation, helping customers easily identify the newest releases.

The move toward darker, subdued tones indicates Apple is honing its upscale aesthetic rather than trying out bold or unusual colors. Additionally, accounts suggest Apple might once again omit a standard black option, maintaining a recent pattern in its Pro series.

These decisions also reflect a wider design philosophy where minor tweaks signal advancements, particularly in a market where hardware distinctions are growing harder to spot annually.

Implications for Consumers

For shoppers, the rumored palette provides a blend of traditional and slightly bold options. Customers favoring classic looks will probably lean toward Silver or Dark Gray, while the new Dark Cherry choice could attract those seeking a unique yet not too loud appearance.

iPhone 18 Pro Ice Universe/Weibo

Since color often influences buying choices, particularly for high-end gadgets, the debut of a new signature shade could sway early adopters and existing users considering an upgrade.

Looking Ahead

Like all initial leaks, these specifics are prone to alteration. Apple usually confirms design details nearer to manufacturing, so some colors might still be modified or removed. The iPhone 18 Pro series is slated for a September 2026 release, accompanied by other hardware enhancements like possible screen upgrades and camera enhancements.

More leaks and renders are anticipated to surface before then, providing a more complete view of Apple’s plans for its upcoming flagship device.