TechCapsules

Meta has reportedly removed a controversial feature from its Ray-Ban smart glasses that enabled users to identify children by simply looking at them through the device’s camera. The deleted function allowed wearers to access sensitive personal information, including a child’s full name, school affiliation, and home address, raising immediate privacy concerns among parents and advocacy groups. This incident has intensified scrutiny on the ethical implications of wearable technology and artificial intelligence integration in consumer electronics. The company’s [...]

Motorola is reportedly developing a premium smartwatch dubbed the Moto Watch Ultra, aiming to challenge Samsung’s 2024 Galaxy Watch Ultra. Leaked renders show a 46 mm stainless‑steel case, a rotating crown, an extra side button, and a circular display framed by a numbered bezel reminiscent of Samsung’s design. The device is expected to support LTE, built‑in GPS, Wi‑Fi, IP68 dust‑proofing and 5 ATM water resistance, and will ship with a black leather‑style strap featuring red stitching. Motorola has not confirmed whether [...]

Avi Schiffmann’s AI wearable Friend returns as Friend 2.0 with a built‑in speaker that delivers a consistent personality. The upgraded device, priced at $249, replaces the original $99 model and can converse about personal topics, as shown in a new commercial featuring a woman discussing her ex and a man talking about filmmaking. Schiffmann emphasizes the product as a confidant rather than an assistant or lover, while the company’s prior viral billboard campaign highlighted resistance to digitized companionship. [...]

Leaked images of the Pixel Watch 5 confirm that Google will keep the same 41 mm and 45 mm case dimensions as its predecessor. The watch retains the contact‑pin charging system introduced last year, the identical sensor layout, band attachment, button arrangement, and rotating crown. The analog face will feature the Gemini icon and Neural Expressive background, hinting at multi‑step app automation via Gemini Intelligence on Wear OS. No changes appear to the domed glass or bezel design.

Apple is reportedly developing its first smart ring, potentially named the iRing, marking its entry into the expanding wearable market. The device emphasizes health tracking, gesture controls, and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. Designed as a compact, screen-free alternative to the Apple Watch, the iRing targets users preferring minimalist yet functional wearables. Leaked information and patent filings indicate early-stage development, featuring advanced sensors for heart rate, activity, and sleep monitoring. Gesture control technology allows intuitive interaction with [...]

Samsung’s upcoming “Galaxy Buds On” have resurfaced in a fresh leak that reveals an open‑ear form factor and a charging case resembling the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. The images, obtained by SamMobile, show the earbuds accented in green or gray and suggest a possible light feature, though details remain vague. Industry observers note the design aligns Samsung with competitors such as Motorola and Bose that already offer open‑ear audio. The name “Galaxy Buds Able” has also circulated, but “Galaxy [...]

The Pixel Watch 5 resurfaced in Google’s own Google Health app ahead of its slated launch next month, appearing in the device‑pairing list for a user and leading to functional setup screens. The listing sits above the Fitbit Air and uses the same artwork as the Pixel Watch 4, indicating Google has added pairing support but has not yet updated visual assets. The watch first attracted attention earlier this year when a unit was recovered from the ocean floor, and subsequent leaks [...]

Rumors circulating on X claim Nothing is developing its first standalone smartwatch, priced below $300 and slated for a September launch in limited markets. Tipster Yogesh Brar, citing GSMArena, says the device will carry “typical Nothing DNA,” likely referencing the brand’s minimalist design language. Unlike the company’s CMF sub‑brand, which previously released the Watch 3 Pro running a proprietary RTOS, the new model could adopt Google’s Wear OS, though the software platform remains unconfirmed. If priced under $300, the watch would [...]