Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
Plus: Walmart uses AI to personalize beauty recommendations
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May 6, 2026
 
 
Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
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Today's Digital Pulse
 
Apple users get their pick of AI models for Apple Intelligence
 
Signage at the Apple Fifth Avenue store in New York, US, on Monday, April 27, 2026. Apple Inc. is expected to release earnings figures on April 30. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Bloomberg/Getty Images)
Apple is reportedly planning to let users select their preferred AI model to power Apple Intelligence features system-wide across iOS 27, macOS 27 and iPadOS 27. Users can pick from AI models provided by third-party developers who enable support via their App Store apps. In addition to Siri, these third-party models could also power tools like Writing Tools and Image Playground.
Full Story: The Verge (5/5)
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Inside the Spring Home Upgrade Surge
Shoppers are already acting on spring projects. From outdoor planting, kitchen refreshes and smart tech devices, get a snapshot of where demand is headed, and how to meet the moment with spring shoppers.
Meet the Spring Upgrade Shopper
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Smart Home
 
Google Home gets smarter vision with Gemini behind the lens
Google Home app updates bring several new Gemini-powered camera features, including faster navigation, smarter event filtering and improved video review tools like animated thumbnails and subject-based sorting. The update also improves familiar-face detection and voice controls, while Gemini improves multi-step commands and basic assistant tasks, such as alarms and lists.
Full Story: Engadget (5/5)
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Alexa+ lands on Bose speakers
Digital Trends (5/5)
 
 
Blink rings in sharper views with a 2K upgrade
The Verge (5/6)
 
 
Hue, WiZ lights get in the game with real-time sports sync
Forbes (5/6)
 
Rethink Attribution
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Wireless
 
Report: Samsung takes its time to get the ring right
 
A man stands in front of a large electronic screen showing the Samsung logo at a train station in Seoul on April 30, 2026. South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics posted a record quarterly profit on April 30, driven by strong sales of chips crucial for artificial intelligence. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP via Getty Images)
(Jung Yeon-je/Getty Images)
Samsung has postponed the launch of the Galaxy Ring 2, which is now expected to debut in early 2027 or later. The device will reportedly feature improved temperature sensing, more accurate sleep tracking and enhanced cardiovascular health insights.
Full Story: Digital Trends (5/6)
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Just like the real thing! Fast digital notebook feels like paper
Forbes (5/6)
 
 
Apple tightens the chat with Android encryption update
Engadget (5/4)
 
 
Microsoft 365 mobile apps bring the desktop to your phone
Computerworld (5/4)
 
 
 
 
Free eBooks and Resources
 
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Nonverbal Communications Skills -- The 10 Skills You Need to Learn
 
 
70+ Excel Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows (Free Cheat Sheet)
 
 
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Creating Positive Habits - The Ultimate Guide
 
 
 
 
Tech News
 
Retro apps challenge algorithm-driven social media
Divine, formerly Vine, and Friendster have been relaunched, aiming to offer alternatives to major social media platforms. Divine retains Vine's six-second looping videos and focuses on creator ownership and authenticity, with support from Jack Dorsey. Friendster, now an iOS app, avoids algorithms and ads, requiring users to connect in person by tapping phones. Both platforms reflect a trend toward minimalist, authentic social media experiences.
Full Story: Creative Bloq (5/5)
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