Category: All News

  • Garmin Connect+: Exclusive Features for Smartwatch Subscribers

    Garmin Connect+: Exclusive Features for Smartwatch Subscribers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has launched Connect+, a new subscription service for smartwatches that offers enhanced features and insights through the Garmin Connect app.
    2. Key features include Active Intelligence (AI-powered health insights), customizable performance dashboards, and real-time workout metrics for indoor training.
    3. Subscribers can access expert training guidance from Garmin Run Coach and Garmin Cycling Coach, and create personalized LiveTrack pages for sharing their workouts.
    4. Exclusive Badge challenges are available only for Connect+ subscribers, adding a fun element to fitness tracking.
    5. The subscription costs $6.99/£6.99/€8.99 monthly or $69.99/£69.99/€89.99 annually, while existing features in Garmin Connect remain free for all users.

    Garmin has introduced Connect+, a new high-end subscription service for its smartwatches. This plan will give users access to various new features and tailored insights through the Garmin Connect app, which can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices.

    Exciting New Features

    Among the new offerings in Garmin Connect+ is Active Intelligence, an AI-powered tool that provides insights related to your health and activities, along with helpful suggestions. It’s important to note that this feature is still in its beta phase. Subscribers will also benefit from a performance dashboard that allows for customizable graphs displaying recent workout data. If you prefer indoor workouts, you can connect your smartwatch to a compatible smartphone to see real-time metrics such as heart rate, pace, and repetitions. Additionally, you can view workout videos on a larger screen for an enhanced experience.

    Training Support and Social Sharing

    Users who take advantage of Garmin Run Coach or Garmin Cycling Coach will receive “expert training guidance,” with content crafted to help enhance their performance. Furthermore, subscribers can create a personalized LiveTrack page to share with friends and family, and they can send text notifications when starting a workout. There will also be exclusive Badge challenges available only for subscribers, adding more fun to your fitness journey.

    Pricing Details

    Garmin emphasizes that the Connect+ subscription is solely for the new features; all current data and features within Garmin Connect will remain free. The subscription is priced at $6.99/£6.99/€8.99 per month or $69.99/£69.99/€89.99 annually. This plan is accessible to all smartwatch users, including those with the latest Tactix 8 model (currently priced at $1,399.99 on Amazon).

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  • Best Buy Canada Launches Switch 2 Pre-Orders on April 2nd

    Best Buy Canada Launches Switch 2 Pre-Orders on April 2nd

    Key Takeaways

    1. Best Buy Canada will start pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 on April 2nd, following the Nintendo Direct event.
    2. Tech journalist Matt Swider predicts pre-orders will begin at 10 AM EST, with a likely price of $399.
    3. Best Buy has not confirmed the Switch 2’s price or release date, but it mentions features like backward compatibility and magnetic joy-cons.
    4. The only confirmed launch title for the Switch 2 is a new Mario Kart, with no listings for other games yet.
    5. A Nintendo Switch 2 Experience event will take place in Toronto from April 25th to April 27th, offering hands-on demos.

    Best Buy Canada has announced the pre-order date for the highly awaited Nintendo Switch 2 console. In a recent blog entry, the company stated that customers can start reserving the console on April 2nd. This date aligns with earlier leaks suggesting that pre-orders would kick off right after the Nintendo Direct event for Switch 2.

    Anticipated Pre-Order Timing

    Tech journalist Matt Swider, known for his accurate tracking of console availability, predicted that pre-orders for the Switch 2 would begin one hour following Nintendo’s April 2nd presentation. This timing is similar to the pattern established during the 2017 Nintendo Direct for the first Switch. Although Best Buy Canada hasn’t confirmed the exact time, Swider estimates it to be at 10 AM EST for gamers across various regions. He also anticipates a price tag of $399, which is consistent with information from other sources.

    Limited Information from Best Buy

    Sadly, the latest update from Best Buy does not reveal the Switch 2’s price, release date, or any surprising specifications. However, it does confirm some features that seem pretty evident from Nintendo’s announcement video in January. The retailer promotes the hybrid Switch 2 as being backward compatible, but it does caution that certain titles may not work. Other features include magnetic joy-cons, a U-shaped kickstand, and a USB-C port for charging devices.

    Launch Titles and Upcoming Events

    Best Buy Canada has only mentioned a new Mario Kart as a possible launch title for the Switch 2. This game was showcased during the January reveal, featuring upgraded character models and 24 starting locations for racers. Up until now, there are no listings for Mario Kart 9 or any games specifically made for Switch 2.

    For those eager to pre-order the Switch 2, they can find a link on the Best Buy blog. Additionally, with similar events planned in cities like New York, Toronto will host a Nintendo Switch 2 Experience from April 25th to April 27th. Best Buy Canada is looking forward to offering a hands-on demo, which may help clarify any lingering questions about the Switch 2’s specifications.

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    Best Buy Canada Launches Switch 2 Pre-Orders on April 2nd
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  • Galaxy Tab S10 FE Specs, Pricing, and Renders Leaked

    Galaxy Tab S10 FE Specs, Pricing, and Renders Leaked

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE and FE+ will feature a 10.9-inch and 13.1-inch display, respectively, with the smaller model supporting a 90Hz refresh rate.
    2. Both tablets are expected to be powered by the Exynos 1580 chipset and will include a 13MP rear camera and a 12MP selfie camera.
    3. Battery capacities are rumored to be 8,000mAh for the Tab S10 FE and 10,090mAh for the FE+, with 45W fast charging support.
    4. Pricing for the Galaxy Tab S10 FE starts at EUR 579 for the base model, while the FE+ starts at $749, with additional charges for 5G versions.
    5. Design elements include even bezels, a single rear camera, and side-mounted power and volume buttons, consistent with earlier leaks.

    Recently, details about the screen size and thickness of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Tab S10 FE+ have been revealed. A new leak has also surfaced, giving insights into the specifications, pricing, and some visuals of these tablets. Though Samsung has not confirmed anything yet and there is no set release date, reports suggest that both the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and FE+ will run on the Exynos 1580 chipset and will be available in various RAM and storage options.

    Specifications Overview

    This new information comes from a source named Mystery Lupin, who shared what looks like an official image on X. This image displays the supposed Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Tab S10 FE+, along with their specs and features. The key distinction between the two models lies in their screen size and battery life. The Galaxy Tab S10 FE boasts a 10.9-inch WUXGA LCD that supports a 90Hz refresh rate, while the FE+ model features a larger 13.1-inch WQXGA display. According to the leak, the tablets will be equipped with batteries of 8,000mAh and 10,090mAh, respectively.

    Performance and Features

    Both tablets are rumored to be powered by the Exynos 1580 SoC, sporting a 13-megapixel camera on the rear and a 12-megapixel selfie camera with a 120-degree ultrawide view. They are also expected to include dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support. Fast charging at 45W is said to be a feature of both models, along with IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, and compatibility with the S Pen. In terms of storage, users can expect options of 128GB and 256GB, expandable up to 2TB.

    Pricing Information

    In a different post, the leaker disclosed the European prices for the various configurations of the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Tab S10 FE+. The base version with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage is expected to retail for EUR 579, while the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model will cost EUR 679. The 5G versions of these configurations will carry an additional fee of EUR 100. For the FE+, the pricing is rumored to start at $749 for the 8GB+128GB model, EUR 849 for the 12GB+256GB variant, with the same EUR 100 extra for their 5G counterparts.

    Design Elements

    Lastly, the renders appear consistent with earlier leaks shared by Evan Blass on X. They showcase even bezels all around and a single camera positioned on the back, along with the power and volume buttons located on the right side.

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    Galaxy Tab S10 FE Specs, Pricing, and Renders Leaked
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  • Oppo Find X8 Ultra Impresses on Geekbench Ahead of Launch

    Oppo Find X8 Ultra Impresses on Geekbench Ahead of Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new series of ‘Ultra’ smartphones will launch next month, including the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
    2. Vivo’s X200 Ultra is set to introduce innovative advancements in smartphone camera technology.
    3. Oppo’s Find X8 Ultra, identified by the model number PKU110, is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
    4. The Find X8 Ultra scored 3,134 in single-core and 9,176 in multi-core tests on Geekbench, making it one of the fastest Snapdragon 8 Elite devices.
    5. The Find X8 Ultra is equipped with 16 GB of RAM, but additional RAM options are yet to be confirmed before its launch on April 10.

    A new wave of ‘Ultra’ flagship smartphones is set to launch next month, following the earlier releases of the Galaxy S25 Ultra (currently priced at $1,099 on Amazon) and Xiaomi 15 Ultra at the beginning of the year. Vivo is gearing up to introduce the X200 Ultra, which promises innovative features in smartphone camera technology. At the same time, Oppo has developed the Find X8 Ultra, which has recently appeared on Geekbench with the model number PKU110.

    Geekbench Insights

    As per usual, Geekbench doesn’t specify the device’s name. However, the model number PKU110 has been previously associated with the Find X8 Ultra. Additionally, it’s indicated that this device will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite, aligning with expectations that the Find X8 Ultra will be the sole model in the Find X8 lineup to be equipped with a Qualcomm chipset.

    Performance Scores

    In Geekbench 6.4.0, the Find X8 Ultra achieved impressive single-core and multi-core scores of 3,134 and 9,176 respectively, making it one of the fastest Snapdragon 8 Elite smartphones we have assessed so far. Nonetheless, these scores do not match the ROG Phone 9 Pro, which leads the rankings with a significant edge in both single-core and multi-core performance. Furthermore, Geekbench indicates that Oppo has paired the Snapdragon 8 Elite with 16 GB of RAM. It is still uncertain whether there will be other RAM options available at the official launch of the Find X8 Ultra on April 10.

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    Oppo Find X8 Ultra Impresses on Geekbench Ahead of Launch
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  • Abxylute Launches Kickstarter for Affordable 7-Inch One Pro Handheld

    Abxylute Launches Kickstarter for Affordable 7-Inch One Pro Handheld

    Key Takeaways

    1. Display and Performance: The Abxylute One Pro features a 7-inch LCD screen with a 1080p resolution, runs on Android 13, and is powered by a MediaTek Genio 510 processor with 4 GB RAM and expandable storage.

    2. Graphics Capabilities: It uses an Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, supports 4K video streaming, and outperforms competitors in benchmarks, allowing smooth gameplay for titles like Genshin Impact.

    3. Ergonomic Design: The device has a comfortable semi-transparent shell, upgraded capacitive joysticks designed for durability, and anti-slip grips for extended gaming sessions.

    4. Audio and Connectivity: Enhanced stereo speakers, dual microphones, and support for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi ensure a great audio experience and seamless game streaming from consoles or cloud services.

    5. Pricing and Availability: Early backers can purchase the One Pro for $199, with a retail price of $249 after the Kickstarter campaign, starting shipping around mid-May.

    The Abxylute One Pro gaming handheld comes with a 7-inch LCD screen that has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080. It supports 10-point multi-touch input and features a refresh rate of 60 Hz. This device operates on Android 13 and is compatible with Google services like the Play Store.

    Powerful Performance

    Inside, it is equipped with a MediaTek Genio 510 processor, alongside 4 GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 64 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using TF cards up to 2 TB. The CPU consists of two Arm Cortex-A78 and four Arm Cortex-A55 cores, all clocked at 2.0 GHz.

    Impressive Graphics

    For graphics, it utilizes an Arm Mali-G57 MC2 that can handle hardware decoding for 4K 60 Hz AV1, H.265, H.264, and VP9 video streams. The device can also output 4K content to TVs and AR glasses.

    Testing has shown that the One Pro outperforms the original One and LG G Cloud handhelds on benchmarks like AnTuTu, 3D Mark, and Geekbench 6. This means that it can run PlayStation 2 emulators and Genshin Impact smoothly.

    Comfortable Design

    The One Pro boasts a semi-transparent black shell and upgraded capacitive joysticks. These full-sized sticks are immune to the electromagnetic issues that can affect Hall effect joysticks, offering a lifespan of six million rotations without drift. The 10 mm sticks are designed to mimic the feel of an Xbox controller, featuring a maximum tilt angle of 25 degrees and 90 gf resistance.

    Both grips have an anti-slip texture at the back, ensuring a firm and comfortable hold during extended gaming sessions. The internal linear z-axis motors allow for customizable rumble strength.

    Enhanced Audio Experience

    The upgraded stereo speakers provide a richer sound experience and are complemented by dual microphones. Gamers can also connect headphones via a 3.5 mm audio jack or Bluetooth for quieter gameplay.

    Connectivity & Features

    The One Pro supports Bluetooth and 802.11ac Wi-Fi (2T2R MU-MIMO) for seamless game streaming. Players can cast games from their consoles or PCs to the handheld for remote play, or utilize cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now. An updated game launcher comes with touchscreen mapping and more features on the way.

    Dimensions and Battery Life

    The device measures 250 x 115 x 30 mm (9.84 x 4.53 x 1.18 in.) and weighs 430 g (15.2 oz.). Its internal 5,200 mAh battery allows for up to eight hours of gameplay.

    Special Pricing

    The first thirty backers can grab the One Pro for just $199, while other early buyers can get it for $209. Current owners of the Abxylute One will receive a unique link to purchase the One Pro for $199, with no limits on quantities during the campaign.

    After the Kickstarter campaign wraps up, the One Pro will retail at the standard MSRP of $249 on the Abxylute store on Amazon, with shipping expected to start after mid-May.

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    Abxylute Launches Kickstarter for Affordable 7-Inch One Pro HandheldAbxylute Launches Kickstarter for Affordable 7-Inch One Pro HandheldAbxylute Launches Kickstarter for Affordable 7-Inch One Pro Handheld
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  • Asus ProArt PA32UCDM: New 4K OLED Monitor with Thunderbolt 4

    Asus ProArt PA32UCDM: New 4K OLED Monitor with Thunderbolt 4

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus has started pre-orders for the ProArt Display PA32KCX and PA32UCDM monitors, with the former featuring a 32-inch Mini LED screen.
    2. The ProArt Display PA32UCDM offers a 31.5-inch QD-OLED panel with a 3,840 x 2,160 resolution and 140 PPI pixel density.
    3. The monitor supports 99% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB color space, and HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HLG.
    4. Key features include 240 Hz refresh rate, 0.01 ms GtG response time, Adaptive-Sync VRR technology, and multiple color presets.
    5. The ProArt Display PA32UCDM is priced at $1,899 in the US, £1,599 in the UK, and €2,099 in the Eurozone, with some retailers offering lower prices.

    Asus has just begun pre-orders for one of its ProArt monitors that it first revealed almost a year ago. Just to recap, the company introduced the ProArt Display PA32KCX, which features a 32-inch Mini LED screen, as a sort of upgrade to the ProArt PA32UCR (currently priced at $1,279.99 on Amazon). Alongside this, Asus also launched the ProArt Display PA32UCDM, which is different from the PA32KCX as it uses a QD-OLED panel.

    Quiet Launch

    Strangely, Asus hasn’t provided any updates on either monitor since their announcement. Instead, they have quietly added the ProArt Display PA32UCDM to their website, along with various retail partners. To give some context, the ProArt Display PA32UCDM has a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels on its 31.5-inch display, boasting an effective pixel density of 140 PPI. The panel offers 99% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB color space coverage, plus support for Dolby Vision, HLG, and HDR10 modes.

    Impressive Features

    The monitor comes with nearly a dozen color presets, along with user-configurable options and Asus’ ProArt Hardware Calibration, among other software features. It also boasts a refresh rate of 240 Hz and an impressive 0.01 ms GtG response time with Adaptive-Sync VRR technology. Moreover, Asus has included a variety of ports for connectivity:

    At present, Asus is selling the ProArt Display PA32UCDM in the US for $1,899. In comparison, the monitor is priced at £1,599 in the UK and is set to start shipping on April 15. Meanwhile, in the Eurozone, the ProArt Display PA32UCDM has a retail price of €2,099, but retailers like Alternate are already offering it for as low as €1,799.

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    Asus ProArt PA32UCDM: New 4K OLED Monitor with Thunderbolt 4Asus ProArt PA32UCDM: New 4K OLED Monitor with Thunderbolt 4
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  • LG Gram 15 Launches New AMD Krackan Point Laptop with Zen 5 Cores

    LG Gram 15 Launches New AMD Krackan Point Laptop with Zen 5 Cores

    Key Takeaways

    1. LG has updated its Gram laptop lineup with new Intel Arrow Lake-H and Lunar Lake processors, replacing the older Meteor Lake versions.
    2. The Gram 15 15Z80T model now features AMD’s Ryzen AI 7 350 processor with a strong performance profile.
    3. The Gram 15 15Z80T includes a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display with a brightness of 350 nits.
    4. Connectivity options for the Gram 15 15Z80T include two USB Type-A, two USB Type-C ports, and a full-sized HDMI port.
    5. The Gram 15 15Z80T is lightweight at 1.29 kg and is priced at €1,499 (approximately $1,616) in Europe, with no release date announced for other regions.

    LG has refreshed its Gram laptop lineup by introducing a new processor choice, showcasing the Intel Arrow Lake-H and Lunar Lake options that were revealed late last year. These newer models take the place of the Intel Meteor Lake-powered versions, such as the Gram 17 17Z90S (currently priced at $999 on Amazon), which received high praise in our review from last year.

    New AMD Options

    Additionally, LG has broadened its offerings with 15-inch models that utilize AMD’s Krackan Point architecture. The specific model, Gram 15 15Z80T, is equipped with the Ryzen AI 7 350, a chip that performed well in the Vivobook 16 we assessed earlier this year. As we previously mentioned, the Ryzen AI 7 350 is built with four cores each of Zen 5 and Zen 5c CPUs along with a Radeon 860M integrated GPU that features 8 Compute Units (CUs) based on the RDNA 3.5 framework.

    Display and Connectivity

    The Gram 15 15Z80T sports a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and offers a peak brightness of only 350 nits. Furthermore, LG has incorporated two USB Type-A and Type-C ports each, in addition to a full-sized HDMI port, all packed into a lightweight design of just 1.29 kg. Currently, the Gram 15 15Z80T is available at various European retailers starting at €1,499 (approximately $1,616), featuring 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. However, LG has yet to announce when this AMD Krackan Point-powered laptop will be launched in other regions.

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    LG Gram 15 Launches New AMD Krackan Point Laptop with Zen 5 CoresLG Gram 15 Launches New AMD Krackan Point Laptop with Zen 5 Cores
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  • Crysis Remastered Trilogy 60% Off Steam Sale – Limited Time Offer

    Crysis Remastered Trilogy 60% Off Steam Sale – Limited Time Offer

    Key Takeaways

    1. Crysis has become a cultural icon in the video game industry since its debut in 2008, known for its gameplay, visuals, and powerful engine.
    2. The Crysis Remastered Trilogy is currently available on Steam with a 60% discount, reducing the total package price to $19.78.
    3. Individual remastered games can also be purchased separately at discounted prices: Crysis Remastered ($10.49), Crysis 2 Remastered ($11.99), and Crysis 3 Remastered ($13.49).
    4. Crysis Warhead, a standalone expansion released in 2008, is not included in the remastered bundle.
    5. The series utilizes CryEngine, which has been instrumental in developing other popular games and was updated to CryEngine V in 2016.

    Crysis has transformed into a major cultural icon in the video game industry. It’s not just known for its exciting gameplay, stunning visuals, or engaging narrative, but also for the powerful engine that drives it and what it’s capable of achieving. The first version hit the market in 2008, and it was able to challenge gaming rigs at that time, often pushing them to their maximum potential. Since then, two additional sequels have been released, and all of them have received remastered versions. For those who want to dive into this trilogy for the first time, there’s a great opportunity to do so at a lower price.

    Discounts on Steam

    On Steam, the Crysis Remastered Trilogy is available with a whopping 60% discount, encompassing Crysis Remastered, Crysis 2 Remastered, and Crysis 3 Remastered. This brings the total cost of the three-game package down to $19.78. This special offer is part of Steam’s Crytek 25th Anniversary Sale, celebrating the developer and publisher, Crytek. Each game can also be purchased separately, and they are similarly marked down. Crysis Remastered is available for $10.49, Crysis 2 Remastered is priced at $11.99, and Crysis 3 Remastered can be obtained for $13.49.

    Standalone Expansion

    In addition, Crysis Warhead was released in 2008 as a separate expansion to the original Crysis; however, it has not been remastered and is excluded from the current bundle.

    The Crysis Remastered Trilogy, as indicated in its title, introduces contemporary graphical enhancements to all three games. This includes better textures, ray-traced lighting, support for DLSS, and improved resolution and aspect ratio options, among other upgrades.

    The Power of CryEngine

    The series was built using an in-house game engine known as CryEngine, which has also powered games like Far Cry, Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2, and SNOW. In 2016, CryEngine V was unveiled, representing the latest iteration of this powerful platform.

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  • Support for New Smart Home Product Types: Matter 1.5 Update

    Support for New Smart Home Product Types: Matter 1.5 Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Matter 1.5 update will be the first change in 2025 for the smart home connectivity standard, following the Matter 1.4 update in November 2024.
    2. New features in Matter 1.5 are expected to include support for irrigation systems and soil sensors.
    3. At least six companies, including Rachio, will offer Matter-compatible smart gardening products.
    4. Rachio has products like the Smart Hose Timer that allows users to automate watering and is compatible with voice commands from Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
    5. The Matter 1.5 update is anticipated to be released in spring 2025, with no exact date confirmed yet.

    Details about the upcoming Matter 1.5 update have likely been revealed. This will mark the first change in 2025 for the smart home connectivity standard that first came out in 2022. It comes after the Matter 1.4 update that was released in November 2024.

    New Features in Matter 1.5

    The last update introduced support for devices like heat pumps, electric water heaters, and balcony power plant gadgets such as inverters, panel arrays, battery walls, and storage units. According to the leaker known as CyberModStudio on X, the Matter 1.5 update is set to include irrigation systems and soil sensors among the supported smart home technology.

    Companies Joining Matter

    The leak suggests that at least six companies will provide Matter-compatible smart gardening products. Among them is Rachio, which has already released items like the Smart Hose Timer (curr. $109.98 at Amazon), enabling users to manage or automate their watering through an app along with compatibility for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands. The other companies in this space include Grundfos, Gardena, Grimsholm, Nordic Semiconductors, and PuzL Labs.

    Release Timing

    The Matter 1.5 update is anticipated to launch in spring 2025; however, an exact date for the release is still unknown. It will be interesting to see which of the smart gardening products from these brands will become compatible with Matter.

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  • Simplify Your Vacation Planning with Google Search and Maps Updates

    Simplify Your Vacation Planning with Google Search and Maps Updates

    Key Takeaways

    1. AI Overviews in Search: Users can create detailed travel itineraries for specific destinations with suggestions for activities, images, and reviews, shareable via Google Docs or Maps.

    2. Integrating Screenshots in Maps: Users can now integrate screenshots of locations into Google Maps, which recognizes the places and allows users to save favorites and compile lists.

    3. Personalized Travel Guides with Gemini: The Gems feature lets users create a personal AI travel assistant for recommendations on destinations, dining, and more, along with a hotel price tracking feature.

    4. Ease of Access: New features are launching in the US for English-speaking users on both mobile and desktop platforms, enhancing the planning experience.

    5. Using Lens for Travel Insights: Travelers can use Google Lens to get detailed AI Overviews by simply pointing their camera at an object and asking questions, currently available for English-speaking users.

    Those who are wanting to take a summer vacation can now find more help from Google. A bunch of new features are here to help with planning trips, booking hotels, and exploring sights. These updates are part of Google Search, Google Maps, Lens, and Gemini. One of the key improvements is in AI Overviews, which can suggest trip ideas for various countries and regions, helping users to plan their days effectively while ensuring they don’t miss any attractions they want to see during their holidays.

    AI Overviews in Search

    In Search, AI Overviews can do more than just give a daily schedule; they can also provide suggestions on activities in a specific area or nation with an easy prompt like, “create an itinerary for Costa Rica with a focus on nature.” The output will feature images and reviews to help finalize the chosen spots. When finished, the itinerary can be shared via Google Docs, Gmail, or added to a Google Maps list. This new feature is launching this week in the US for English-speaking users on both mobile and desktop.

    Integrating Screenshots in Maps

    Trip planning usually means taking lots of notes and screenshots. To make this process smoother, Google has added a feature that lets users integrate screenshots into Maps, utilizing Gemini’s abilities. The places shown in the screenshots will be recognized, enabling users to save their favorites and compile a list. These locations will also appear on the map, but Maps will require access to photos for this feature. It will be available in the US on iOS next week, with Android support coming soon thereafter.

    Personalized Travel Guides with Gemini

    Moreover, the Gems feature from Gemini allows users to build their own AI expert at no cost, making it easy to have a travel assistant on their mobile devices at all times. With this tool, users can select a destination, discover dining options, receive recommendations, and much more. On top of that, Google’s hotel search is introducing a price tracking feature for selected dates and locations. This will be available this week on both mobile and desktop platforms.

    Lastly, using Lens, travelers can point their camera at an object and ask a question to receive an AI Overview filled with details and useful links. These overviews in Lens are currently available for English-speaking users.

    Google’s new features are aimed at making travel planning easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

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