In a significant shake-up of its smart-home product range, Google has announced the discontinuation of two popular products: the Nest Protect Smoke & CO Alarm and the Nest x Yale Lock. After a successful 12-year run, these products will be replaced by innovative third-party collaborations, enhancing the safety and functionality of smart homes.
The Nest Protect Smoke & CO Alarm will be replaced by the First Alert Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm. This new model, set to launch in the coming months at a price of $130, is currently available for preorder. The First Alert alarm promises advanced safety features, including voice alerts, regular safety checkups, and the ability to silence alarms directly from the app. Moreover, it will seamlessly integrate with existing Nest Protect devices, ensuring that if a fire is detected, both systems will sound the alarm simultaneously. Users can easily manage the First Alert system through the Google Home app, just like they did with the Nest Protect.
Similarly, the Nest x Yale Lock will be succeeded by the Yale Smart Lock with Matter. This new smart lock, devoid of any Nest branding, is designed specifically for Google Home and is intended to work harmoniously with the Google Nest Video Doorbell. Yale emphasizes that the installation process is user-friendly and boasts a battery life of up to 12 months. The lock offers multiple unlocking options—including an entry code, mobile app, or traditional key—and is Matter-certified, facilitating easy connections with various smart home platforms. The Yale Smart Lock is expected to be available this summer.
Despite the discontinuation of the Nest Protect and Nest x Yale Lock, Google assures customers that both products will continue to receive security updates. The Nest Protect will remain operational through its expiration dates, and consumers can still purchase these products at retailers while supplies last.
Apple has officially confirmed that its annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) will commence on June 9. This year’s event will feature both an in-person gathering and a live-streamed keynote. Attendees can expect to see exciting new software capabilities for Apple’s hardware, including upcoming versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS.
While the full details of the announcements remain under wraps, rumors suggest that Apple is preparing to unveil one of the most substantial software overhauls in its history. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, this update aims to modernize the interfaces of the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, featuring redesigned menus, apps, icons, and system buttons for a more cohesive user experience. Additionally, this WWDC marks one year since the announcement of Apple Intelligence, which has experienced challenges since its launch. Attendees can expect updates on the Siri experience and future advancements in artificial intelligence.
Rivian has ventured into the micromobility space with the launch of a new startup called Also. Initially conceived as a stealth program to explore the potential of Rivian's software and hardware in smaller electric vehicles, Rivian decided to establish Also as an independent entity. The company will retain a minority ownership stake in Also, allowing for collaborative opportunities and leveraging Rivian's retail network. RJ Scaringe, Rivian's founder and CEO, will serve as the chairman of Also's board of directors.
The first designs from Also are anticipated to be revealed later this year, with a flagship product projected for a 2026 release. While specific details about the initial offering remain scarce, early indications suggest it may resemble an electric bike or motorcycle, featuring a seat, two wheels, a screen, and various computing components.
Google recently announced the new Pixel 9a, adjusting its release date from March 26 to April 10 due to a minor component quality issue. The spokesperson explained that a passive component did not meet the stringent quality standards set by Google, prompting the decision to investigate and implement corrective measures. The Pixel 9a will launch in the US, Canada, and the UK on April 10, followed by releases in European countries on April 14 and in Australia, India, Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia on April 16.
In an exciting development for audiophiles, Apple will introduce lossless audio support to the AirPods Max in April. The upcoming software update will allow the latest USB-C version of these noise-canceling headphones to handle audio files with a resolution of up to 24 bit/48 kHz. Unfortunately, the original Lightning-powered version of AirPods Max will not receive this upgrade.
The firmware update, part of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4, will also improve gaming performance through ultra-low latency. Additionally, the update will include significant enhancements for music production tasks, allowing users to record and mix with Personalized Spatial Audio and head tracking using Apple’s Logic Pro software for Mac. Apple has also released a new USB-C to 3.5-mm adapter cable for AirPods Max, enabling users to connect to analog audio sources, though it does not support lossless playback.
Sony is set to release the new WF-C710N headphones, featuring advancements in both battery life and noise cancellation. With a total run time of 30 hours with active noise cancellation engaged, the WF-C710N outperforms its predecessor, which offered only 20 hours. The headphones provide up to 8.5 hours of playback on a single charge, and new dual microphones enhance noise cancellation, ensuring optimal sound quality and call clarity. Preorders for the WF-C710N are open now, with a price tag of $120.
The newly unveiled Canon EOS R50 V is tailored for vloggers, delivering high-end video features without the hefty price tag. Equipped with a 24-MP APS-C sensor, the R50 V can shoot 10-bit 4:2:2 C-Log 3 video, with a maximum resolution of 4K/30, utilizing the full width of the sensor for enhanced quality. This camera also supports PQ and Hybrid Log Gamma video for HDR content and includes four-channel audio capabilities, a rarity for a camera priced at $649.
While the EOS R50 V lacks some premium features found in Canon’s cinema line, such as a viewfinder and built-in flash, it does boast a fully articulating rear screen. The camera will be available in April, priced at $649 for the body alone or $849 when bundled with the new 14-30mm F4-6.3 power zoom lens.
