Snapchat's 'Place Loyalty' feature allows users to see their ranking among the most frequent visitors to a location, rewarding them with badges based on their visit frequency.
Smart TVs are capable of tracking user data, including viewing habits and app usage, which can lead to personalized advertising and content recommendations. Users may prefer to limit this tracking to protect their privacy.
A recent SITA Baggage Insights Report shows that as of early 2025, the global baggage mishandling rate is approximately 7.6 bags per 1,000 passengers, with Europe the worst-performing region at 12.3 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers.
On February 28, ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz started appearing on tracking screens in places they couldn't possibly be. They appeared to be sitting on airport runways, parked on Iranian land, and clustered at nuclear power plants. More than 1,100 commercial vessels had their navigation systems scrambled in a single day following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, bringing a waterway that handles a fifth of the world's oil exports to a halt.
Covert recording is a lot about power. So, I was worried from the very beginning when Meta announced they were going to revive the Google Glass idea. That might be influenced by my study subject very well, but it might as well be influenced by every report and story I read on digital abuse and hate speech in the last twenty to thirty years.
Solo travel is one of my favorite ways to see the world, but it also means being extra intentional about safety. I've traveled alone multiple times, both in the U.S. and internationally, and I've learned that peace of mind is just as essential as a well-planned itinerary (or cute airport outfit). When you're navigating a new place on your own, feeling secure helps you relax and actually enjoy the experience, which is why safety is a nonnegotiable part of my travel essentials.
"Phone theft is more than just losing a device; it's a form of financial fraud that can leave you suddenly vulnerable to personal data and financial theft. That's why we're committed to providing multi-layered defenses that help protect you before, during, and after a theft attempt," said Google in the announcement. Your phone now fights back when stolen The most impressive upgrade targets the moment of theft itself. Android 's enhanced Failed Authentication Lock now includes stronger penalties for wrong password attempts, extending lockout periods to frustrate thieves trying to crack your device.
Rumors of a Meta smartwatch first surfaced in 2021, with leaked images appearing in 2022 before reports claimed the project was shelved. Now, a new report says Meta has revived the smartwatch project and plans to launch it this year. According to The Information, citing sources familiar with the project, Meta's upcoming smartwatch, internally codenamed Malibu 2, is expected to launch in 2026 with health-tracking capabilities and Meta AI features.
Google is rolling out an Android update that includes the ability to share the location of your missing luggage with an airline. It's similar to the luggage-tracking feature Apple brought to the iPhone, allowing you to view the location of your Find Hub tag or accessory on a map, and provide your airline with a link to the information they need to track it down.
The new feature, called Digital Home Key, will live inside Samsung Wallet and is powered by the Aliro smart home standard. The new standard uses near-field communication (NFC) for its tap-to-unlock technology. It also supports ultra-wideband (UWB), giving users the ability to unlock their door as they approach and without pulling out their phone.
On one end of the tracker you'll find an integrated metal loop that can be attached to a keyring or clipped to a carabiner without the need for an extra case. The Xiaomi Tag is compatible with both Apple's Find My and Google's Find Hub tracking networks and mobile apps, but not at the same time.
Got any big travel plans for 2026? I know when I'm traveling, I become weirdly anxious about all my stuff, afraid I might leave something behind somewhere in a hotel room or backseat of an Uber. That's why it can be a good idea to slip some Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 Bluetooth trackers into your bags. Right now, Amazon has the trackers 36% off. Normally, priced at $30, they've now each dropped by $10 to just $20 per tag.
Externally, the FoundIT looks like any other 12V in-car charger. It features two USB ports: a 20W max USB-C port and a 12W max USB-A port, both of which can be used together so you can charge two devices at once. Yes, there are out there better suited for charging bigger devices such as laptops -- but I'll bet most of us are more concerned about smartphones, tablets, or smartwatches. For these gadgets, it's more than enough power.
The Loop works with Apple Find My and Google Find Hub Device networks, so it's compatible with hundreds of millions of smartphones out there, allowing you to find your lost items no matter where you are (which is handy when you leave your keys in a random riad in Marrakech... speaking from experience). So, how does the Loop differ from an AirTag? First, the battery is rechargeable, and when it needs topping up -- every six months or so -- you can use any handy USB-C cable.
Unfortunately, the new challenger is a wearable AI pin with cameras, mics and... zero interest from me. According to a report from The Information, it'll resemble a slightly thicker AirTag with an aluminum and glass exterior. The report suggests it'll have two cameras (standard and wide-angle) for photos and video. It may also have three microphones and a (swoon) physical button. I love a physical button.
The other day we were scrolling through r/meshtastic and someone asks: "Why does my device show 10+ satellites in view while my buddy's barely sees 8?" Good question. Really good question, actually. And it's about to take us down a rabbit hole that involves atomic clocks, Cold War competition, European independence, and why your Meshtastic node cares about all of this.
As much as I hate to admit it, I can be absentminded and scatterbrained. It only gets exacerbated when I'm wrangling baggage at the airport. I was so frazzled once, I lost my MacBook Air amid the chaos. I thought I was done for, until I remembered that an AirTag was tucked inside the laptop case. Hallelujah. Sure enough, I tracked it down on a bench near the security checkpoint, quietly thanked Apple's genius, and was on my way.
