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Today’s tech, without the hype

UpdatedMonday, Oct 12

Wire Tech XploreAI framework offers new approach to teaching engineers ethical decision-makingAndroid AuthorityPebble Round 2 makes rival smartwatches look chunky in new hands-on videoNotebookcheckGoogle Fitbit Air now recognizes 10x more workouts, gets metal bandArs TechnicaEpic Games reportedly pivoting to "AI first" game development modelNotebookcheckNvidia's rumoured RTX 5080 24 GB could become its most powerful GeForce GPU available in 2027Tech XploreJust add water: New binder simplifies battery manufacturing and recycling without sacrificing performance
  1. AI $4 per 1M input tokens Meta's Muse Wonder is open to developers at $4 per million tokens WatchWait for independent tests of Wonder.
  2. Phones18 Galaxy devices Your Galaxy S25 or S24 can get Android 17 and One UI 9 now Try itCheck Software update; limited rollouts reach more phones over time.
  3. Laptops68% parts share of cost Laptop prices may rise in 2027 as memory costs stay high, TrendForce says WaitA forecast, not a price list; watch prices.
Today’s card
7 stories · 3 min
AIReport

Meta's Muse Wonder is open to developers at $4 per million tokens

Meta released Muse Wonder and Muse Wonder Full, its first larger models. Developers can use Wonder through the Meta Model API.

Why it matters. Developers now have another large model to test. Meta's scores come from its own model card, so independent tests will tell more.

In simple words. Meta made two new, bigger AI models called Muse Wonder. Developers can pay to use one of them in their own apps. Meta says it is good at coding and at remembering what you tell it.

For most peopleMake it about you →

Worth knowing: Meta now offers a larger model next to Muse Spark.

Hype7
Real5
As advertised

Your call: hype or real?

Make it about you. What do you do? We’ll say what each story means for you, and which ones to skip.

PhonesReport

Your Galaxy S25 or S24 can get Android 17 and One UI 9 now

Samsung is rolling out Android 17 to 18 Galaxy phones and foldables. Some models have full access, others a limited rollout.

Why it matters. If you own a recent Galaxy, the update may already be waiting for you.

In simple words. Samsung is sending a new Android update to many Galaxy phones. Some phones can get it now, and others will get it soon. You can check in Settings under Software update.

For most peopleMake it about you →

Try it: check Settings > Software update on your Galaxy.

Hype3
Real6
Underrated

Your call: hype or real?

Face-off of the day · Phones

Pick the Xiaomi 17 Ultra for photos and video.

See who wins →Images: Xiaomi via GSMArena, Oppo via GSMArena

LaptopsReport

Laptop prices may rise in 2027 as memory costs stay high, TrendForce says

The research firm expects notebook shipments to dip in 2027 and says brands may pass higher part costs on to buyers.

Why it matters. If you plan to buy a laptop, prices could be higher next year, but TrendForce gives no exact figure.

In simple words. A research company thinks laptops could cost more next year. The parts inside, like memory, are getting pricey. If you need a laptop soon, it may help to plan ahead.

For most peopleMake it about you →

Skip: nothing changes for you today.

Hype3
Real6
Underrated

Your call: hype or real?

For your home

Appliances and smart-home tech that make daily life easier.

WearablesReport

Google's Fitbit Air now detects 100 workouts and adds a $69.99 metal band

A firmware update raises automatic workout detection from 10 to 100 activities. Pixel Watch and Fitbit Edge get it too.

Why it matters. You log fewer workouts by hand, and the new band gives the screenless Air a dressier look.

In simple words. Google's Fitbit Air band now notices many more kinds of exercise by itself. You no longer need to tell it you started. There is also a new metal strap you can buy.

For most peopleMake it about you →

Worth a look if you own a Fitbit Air.

Your call: hype or real?

DronesReport

Your DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 gets service support until October 31

DJI will end technical support and repairs for the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 and its accessories after October 31, 2026.

Why it matters. Owners who may need a repair have a short window. The drone can still fly after that date.

In simple words. DJI will stop fixing and supporting one older camera drone after October 31. If you own it, ask for a check-up soon. It will still fly after that.

For most peopleMake it about you →

Skip unless you own a Phantom 4 Pro V2.0.

Hype3
Real4
As advertised

Your call: hype or real?

In focus · Smartwatches

Amazfit Balance 3

$370

GoodTraining fans who want offline maps and about three weeks of battery without a subscription.

Watch outThe case is large, and apps are fewer than on Apple or Google watches.

  • battery9
  • fitness8
  • value8

See the specs →Compare it

HomeConfirmed

Apple sets a "Welcome home" event for October 13

Apple posted a short teaser saying "Welcome home. October 13." Reports say the event is about smart home products. Apple has not listed them.

Why it matters. Apple is expected to show home devices. If you use HomeKit or plan a smart home, the products may matter to you.

In simple words. Apple said it will hold an event on October 13 called Welcome home. Reports say it will show new devices for the home, such as a screen for your wall or desk. Apple has not said what they are yet.

For most peopleMake it about you →

Watch: Apple's home products are the main thing to follow on October 13.

Your call: hype or real?

Robots🇨🇳 From ChinaReport

289 yuan a day: rented humanoid robot prices fall in China

After a Spring Festival Gala spike, some Unitree humanoids now list for rent from 289 yuan per day, about $40, reports Notebookcheck.

Why it matters. It shows how quickly interest and prices for humanoid robots can change.

In simple words. In China, people can rent robots that walk like humans. A few months ago a day cost a lot. Now some cost about the price of a few meals.

For most peopleMake it about you →

Worth a look: robots are becoming easier to try.

Hype4
Real2
As advertised

Your call: hype or real?

Idea of the day

A nuclear clock now keeps its own laser steady, TU Wien reports in Nature

Scientists built a clock that uses the inside of an atom to keep time. It can now fix its own laser without help. It is a lab test, not a product yet.

24 h ran unattended · Read how it works →

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