Known for its premium handhelds that often go for more than $1,000, Ayaneo announced a higher-end version of the first handheld to release under its more affordable sub-brand called KONKR. Ayaneo revealed the new Android gaming handheld, called the Pocket Fit Elite, in a YouTube video that detailed most of its specs.
The Pocket Fit Elite will be built with a six-inch 1080p display that has a 144Hz refresh rate, an 8,000 mAh battery, and Hall effect joysticks and triggers. However, Ayaneo didn’t confirm what processor it will use for the Pocket Fit Elite, whose name could be a nod towards the inclusion of the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. We’re expecting a more powerful chip than the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, which Ayaneo said will be used for the Pocket Fit base model that was announced in July. Looking at the two models, the unrevealed processor for the Pocket Fit Elite will be the main difference.
Unlike the Ayaneo 3 and its $1,399 starting price, the Pocket Fit Elite will start at less than $399, while the Pocket Fit will be even cheaper with a sub-$329 starting price. Ayaneo said in its latest YouTube video that it’s in the final preparation stage for the Pocket Fit launch, which will be sometime in September.
One of the big new announcements coming out of Google’s Pixel 10 launch this week was that the Fitbit app is about to get a massive redesign and, after spending some time playing around with it and getting an overview of all of the new features, I think Google is putting together something that’s going to be incredibly helpful, but bordering on information overload.
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The Fitbit app as it exists today is relatively simple and easy to understand. You get your core metrics in a customizable view with deeper insights on a tap. That simplicity is a huge part of the appeal for me, personally, and makes the experience feel very approachable. That’s opposed to some other health apps which, as someone who’s trying to be more healthy and active but doesn’t care about every little detail, can often be overwhelming.
With its major Material 3 Expressive redesign in the works, Google is definitely adjusting its approach.
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The new Fitbit app redesign consists of four tabs – Today, Health, Sleep, and Fitness – and is predictably packed with AI. A huge part of the focus is using AI to create a “coach” that’s heavily personalized to you and your needs/condition, and is accessible everywhere. There’s a floating button that can be used at any time to ask questions, while each key health metric includes a shortcut to ask your AI coach specifically about that data. Beyond that, the UI as a whole shows a lot more information at a glance, rather than making you dig for it.
In playing around with the Fitbit redesign at Google’s event this week, I was pretty impressed overall. I think that this redesign is going to prove helpful to a lot of people. But my one concern is that there’s just so much going on here.
The data itself is already much more advanced – at least a glance – compared to the Fitbit app we have today, but the bigger thing that kept my focus were the huge text blocks of AI-generated insights. The app is absolutely packed with information like this and, while it’s all helpful, it’s also a lot to take in.
On the main screens – “Today” and “Sleep” especially – I was seeing massive paragraphs that took up a quarter of the display. That’s all well and good, but unless you’re hunting for this information, it’s a ton to take in and, at least for me, my eyes just wanted to glaze over it. Then there’s the interface for talking to your coach. Like any AI chatbot, it can be long-winded, and Fitbit was no exception. Again, unless you’re deeply invested in the information, it’s just so much to dig through.
The sleep tabFitbit’s AI coach
All of that said, I do still think the new Fitbit redesign and its AI insights will be incredibly helpful. I also think there are some really simple tweaks that could improve this. For one, condense the AI summaries in the main UI to a sentence or two. In the coach chatbot, have it default to shorter explanations and then have a button that lets it go wild with a more in-depth response that doubles as a novel. That’s a much better way, at least in my eyes, to split the difference between the “casual” users and those more invested in health training.
Made by Google 2025 – Pixel 10, Pixel Watch 4, and more
What a week.
Google hosted its big Pixel 10 launch event on Wednesday (at 1pm in the afternoon, as Jimmy Fallon wanted everyone to know) and we’ve got full coverage of everything announced. Check below for everything you need to know.
A Massachusetts man convicted in 1991 of murdering his neighbor after a party on the day after Christmas was denied parole for a third time by state officials earlier this month.
Christopher Berry, 53, has served 37 years of his life sentence for the killing of his Saugus neighbor, 87-year-old Virginia Woodward, on Dec. 26, 1987.
Berry, then a 16-year-old, hosted a small party at his home, drinking beer and smoking marijuana, as well as consuming Xanax and mescaline, before getting into a physical altercation with his father, according to documents filed with the state’s parole board.
After the fight, his father physically removed him from the apartment and told him not to come back. Berry then decided to break into Woodward’s home, located across the street, to steal property and money.
“After gaining entry, Mr. Berrry went into her kitchen and drank vodka,” parole documents state. “He then found Ms. Woodward lying in bed. With a butcher knife, Mr. Berry stabbed Ms. Woodward eight times in her head, chest, abdomen, upper arms, and hands. Mr. Berry then smoked a cigarette, which he extinguished on her forehead.”
Berry went home, and after authorities learned of Woodward’s death the following day, he was arrested shortly after.
On Aug. 13, the state’s parole board denied Berry parole and he is eligible for another review in two years. It’s the third time since 2015 that state officials have denied him parole.
Court decision grants possibility of parole
An Essex County jury found Berry guilty of first-degree murder on Oct. 4, 1991, and a judge sentenced him to life in prison without possibility of parole. He was also convicted of armed burglary with assault on an occupant and sentenced to a concurrent term in prison.
In 2013, however, the state’s Supreme Judicial Court made Berry and other defendants sentenced to life without parole as juveniles eligible for parole consideration after 15 years following its decision in the case of Commonwealth v. Diatchenko.
Berry appeared before the parole board in February and attorney Courtney Kenyon represented him, according to parole board documents.
What did parole board say?
The board’s decision found that “Mr. Berry needs continued work on self-development, specifically regarding his judgment and coping skills.”
The parole board said Berry continues to struggle with substance use and anger. The decision states he is encouraged to pursue programming to address his decision-making, coping skills, relapse prevention, and anger.
He is also encouraged to provide confirmation of renunciation from gang affiliation, the board wrote.
The parole board heard opposition testimony from Essex County Assistant District Attorney Dawn Masterson in opposition to parole, the decision states.
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Apple usually announces its new hardware in the fall, and this year is likely no different. The event is reported to be on September 9, and Apple is expected to release its iPhone 17 lineup, along with updates for the Apple Watch and AirPods.
As always, there are many rumors circulating, including bigger screens and improved cameras for the iPhone 17 models and the introduction of an ultra-thin iPhone Air that could replace the Plus model. More broadly, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that this will be the first of three planned years of major iPhone redesigns, with a foldable iPhone coming in 2026.
iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 is expected to get a significant makeover to align more closely with the Pro models. It could feature a slightly larger 6.3-inch screen, which is an increase of 0.2 inches compared to the iPhone 16, as well as a 120Hz display, a substantial upgrade from the current 60Hz. It’s also rumored to have a 24-megapixel front camera.
It could come in new colors: purple and green.
The Pro’s upgrades will be noticeable on the back of the phone, rumors suggest. Conceptual renderings show that the three rear cameras may be arranged in a rectangular bar that extends from one edge of the device to the other. The flash, light sensor, and microphone would be positioned far to the right side. Where the MagSafe charger is, the Apple logo is said to be centered for aesthetic reasons.
Notably, the iPhone 17 Pro may switch materials, potentially replacing the titanium band around the screen with aluminum. This could help Apple reduce costs as well as provide a lighter feel.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to see fewer upgrades, too, with the most significant change being a slightly thicker body, likely to accommodate a larger battery — which would be a huge win.
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According to leaker Instant Digital, the iPhone 17 is predicted to be priced around $800, and the Pro Max is expected to have a price tag of $1,250. New colors for the Pro models potentially include dark blue and copper.
The Pro model is expected to be priced around $1,050. However, a recent leak indicates that there will be fewer storage options compared to the 16 Pro. Users may lose the 128GB option and will only have three choices: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB, down from the typical four options.
While the primary focus will be on the iPhones themselves, Apple may announce new phone cases as a bonus. Three weeks before the event, a leak showed “TechWoven” iPhone Pro 17 cases, featuring a higher quality woven material compared to the discontinued “FineWoven” line of fabric cases Apple released in 2023. The leak also shows that the cases may come with a crossbody strap.
iPhone Air
Image Credits:Apple Track
The most widely discussed rumor is that Apple might be introducing its slimmest phone ever, the iPhone Air, which may replace the iPhone Plus.
This rumored device is said to have a profile thickness of 5.5 mm, making it about 0.08 inches thinner than current iPhones. It’ll also feature a 6.6-inch screen.
This move appears to be Apple’s response to the trend of slimmer smartphones, following in the footsteps of other companies like Samsung and Huawei. The iPhone Air could potentially outshine the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which measures 5.8 mm thick. Additionally, it may pave the way for Apple’s long-rumored foldable phone, predicted to launch in September 2026.
While the thin design is stylish, it would come with some compromises. Based on the renders we’ve seen, the Air is expected to have only one rear camera lens, unlike the Plus, which has two. There are also rumors that there may not be enough space for a speaker at the bottom, meaning the only audio source could be the front earpiece at the top.
Reports suggest the device will be priced at $950 and will be available in black, silver, and light gold.
Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3
Image Credits:Apple
After a two-year wait, there are various rumors surrounding the Apple Watch Ultra 3, suggesting it will undergo significant changes. These may include faster charging speeds, 5G support, and satellite connectivity. Additionally, it’s speculated that the watch will feature a larger display.
One of the most exciting potential upgrades for both the Ultra 3 and Series 11 is the incorporation of blood pressure monitoring capabilities. This feature would notify users if their blood pressure levels are too high or too low. Apple is also considering adding a sleep apnea feature. However, according to Bloomberg’s Gurman, the company may need to delay the release of these features for further tweaks.
Apple recently announced that a redesigned blood oxygen feature is rolling out to some Series 8, 10, and Ultra watches. This leads us to think the Ultra 3 may also get the capability, but the company didn’t mention if it would be available in watchOS 26 in its announcement.
The third generation of Apple Watch SE isn’t expected to receive major updates, aside from possibly a larger display. There continue to be reports of a plastic version being introduced, according to Gurman.
Rumored prices for the watches are: $250 for the Apple Watch SE 3, $400 for the Series 11, and $800 for the Ultra 3.
AirPods Pro 3
Image Credits:Apple
After the release of the AirPods Pro 2 in 2022, it’s about time for an upgrade, and Apple might just be ready to deliver. Rumors suggest that the AirPods Pro 3 will feature a sleeker design, touch-sensitive controls, smaller earbuds, and a slimmer case. Additionally, the H3 chip is expected to enhance active noise cancellation and adaptive audio.
This story has been updated to include additional rumors.
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Overwatch 2 console players will officially be able to use a keyboard and mouse starting with the release of Season 18. In posted ahead of the new season, the Overwatch 2 team says matchmaking pools will be tweaked slightly so players are sorted into a Mouse and Keyboard Pool and a Controller Pool. Those playing on a console using keyboard and mouse (KBM) inputs will be paired with PC players and other KBM console players, while the Controller Pool will be reserved only for console players using a controller. Season 18 arrives on August 26.
For players who switch to the Mouse and Keyboard Pool, “your internal MMR, skill ratings and ranks for all game modes will be separate from your statistics in the Controller Pool,” according to the patch notes. This group won’t have access to aim assist, as has been the case and will continue to be for PC players using a controller. KBM players will have to accept the prompt to switch to that pool in order to play, or manually switch in the Gameplay Options menu.
The Google TV app is rolling out a new update on Android that delivers a Material 3 Expressive redesign that also causes some problems for the phone-based remote.
Live in version 4.39 of the Google TV app for Android, the Material 3 Expressive redesign brings a fresh coat of paint to the app, as well as an entirely new page.
The “Highlights” tab that contains new releases, web articles, and more, has been swapped with “Hot & New,” page that instead solely shows new releases. The new design features auto-playing (silent) clips, summaries, and prominent buttons for “Add to watchlist” and “Share” buttons.
The “For You” tab remains overall similar, but with some more Material You colors, including on the search button. Pages for movies and shows also pick up a lot of added color to match the art from the actual content as well. The new phone remote for Google TV has also been updated, now acting as a full page rather than a sliding pane.
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The remote, notably, is partially broken in this release.
The long-press gesture on the “select” button on longer works, preventing access to some menus in apps like YouTube. Some users noticed this earlier today, and we’ve also been able to confirm that it worked in prior versions, but does not in the latest release. Hopefully, that’s a bug Google will fix quickly.
New Material 3 Expressive designPrevious Google TV design
The estimated Powerball jackpot is $700 million. The lump sum payment before taxes would be about $316 million.
The Double Play is a feature that gives players in select locations another chance to match their Powerball numbers in a separate drawing. The Double Play drawing is held following the regular drawing and has a top cash prize of $10 million.
Powerball is held in 45 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The Double Play add-on feature is available for purchase in 13 lottery jurisdictions, including Pennsylvania and Michigan.
A $2 ticket gives you a one in 292.2 million chance at joining the hall of Powerball jackpot champions.
The drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. Eastern, Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The deadline to purchase tickets is 9:45 p.m.
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In a new blog post, OpenAI warns against “unauthorized opportunities to gain exposure to OpenAI through a variety of means,” including special purpose vehicles, known as SPVs.
“We urge you to be careful if you are contacted by a firm that purports to have access to OpenAI, including through the sale of an SPV interest with exposure to OpenAI equity,” the company writes. The blog post acknowledges that “not every offer of OpenAI equity […] is problematic” but says firms may be “attempting to circumvent our transfer restrictions.”
“If so, the sale will not be recognized and carry no economic value to you,” OpenAI says.
Investors have increasingly used SPVs (which pool money for one-off investments) as a way to buy into hot AI startups, prompting other VCs to criticize them as a vehicle for “tourist chumps.”
Business Insider reports that OpenAI isn’t the only major AI company looking to crack down on SPVs, with Anthropic reportedly telling Menlo Ventures it must use its own capital, not an SPV, to invest in an upcoming round.
Amazon’s Blade Runner limited series finally has a release window. reports that the upcoming sequel show, Blade Runner 2099, is slated for a 2026 release on Prime Video. The story at this point remains a mystery, though the title suggests it’ll take place 50 years after the events of Blade Runner 2049. Ridley Scott is said to be involved in the production.
It was revealed last year that , and according to Deadline, she’ll be joined by Hunter Schafer, Dimitri Abold, Lewis Gribben, Katelyn Rose Downey and Daniel Rigby. We first heard about the possibility of Blade Runner 2099 back in 2022, when it was reported that Amazon Studios was developing a live-action series set in that universe, but there have been few updates since. The release window was noted in an internal memo obtained by Deadline, which reports that the series is now in post-production.
States across the US are slowly rolling out support for adding your driver’s license or ID to the Google Wallet app on Android.
Update 8/23
How to add your state ID on Android
Open the Google Wallet app on Android 9+
Tap the “Add to Wallet” button in the bottom-right corner
Choose “ID” and then “Driver’s license or state ID”
Select your state and follow the instructions
The process involves taking a picture of the front and back of your physical card, as well as a short video of yourself for verification: a “photo from this video will be submitted to your ID issuer.”
Once approved, the ID will appear below the carousel of payment methods alongside other passes. The order can be rearranged, while you can remotely remove the ID online if your phone is missing: myaccount.google.com > Personal Info > Manage IDs.
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What Google Wallet state IDs are supported
Where state IDs are coming next
Google previously said to expect support in the following places:
Arkansas (Upcoming availability announced April 2025)
Puerto Rico (Upcoming availability announced April 2025)
West Virginia (Upcoming availability announced April 2025)
Where you can use state IDs
The primary place you can use this digital ID is at TSA checkpoints in some US airports. There are two ways to do so, starting with tapping your phone at the NFC terminal. You then review the information that will be shared with the TSA and authenticate with device unlock. There’s also a QR code method that requires opening the ID in Google Wallet.
Officially, you still have to carry the physical ID card at all times.
Some apps, like from car rental services, are beginning to accept digital IDs for identity and age verification. On mobile, if an app or website requests your age, it’s as simple as confirming (and authenticating) that you want to share this information with a system-level prompt/sheet. On desktop web, the experience involves scanning a QR code.
Google wants to make it possible to do that “without any possibility to link back to a user’s personal identity” through what it calls Zero-Knowledge Proof. This technology will be open-sourced for anyone to use.
Looking ahead, the IDs can be used at DMVs in Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and New Mexico as part of “improved and streamlined customer experiences.”
Google is also working on letting you use digital IDs to “recover Amazon accounts, access online health services with CVS and MyChart by Epic, verify profiles on platforms like Uber and more.”
Using passport as REAL ID
Google in April pointed out how you can “use your ID pass created from a U.S. passport with TSA security for domestic travel at supported airports, even if you do not have a REAL ID driver’s license or state-issued ID.” This comes ahead of the May 7, 2025 deadline.
To do so, open Google Wallet > Add to Wallet > ID pass. This three-step process involves taking a picture of your passport’s info page, and then scanning the security chip found inside the back cover of your passport. You also have to record a video of your face that Google will review “to make sure you’re a real person, and compare the video to your passport photo to make sure you’re the owner of the passport.”
The NFC and QR code instructions for using this digital passport ID are unchanged from above. You also have to keep the physical version on you when traveling. As a reminder, this won’t work internationally.
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