Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
Plus: Major retailers cut back on self-checkout, explore AI solutions
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May 7, 2026
 
 
Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
News covering the consumer technology industrySIGN UP ⋅   SHARE
 
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Today's Digital Pulse
 
Google keeps it simple with screenless Fitbit Air
 
Google keeps it simple with screenless Fitbit Air
Fitbit Air (Google)
Google has launched the Fitbit Air, a screenless fitness tracker designed to be simple, lightweight and modular. The $99 Fitbit Air prioritizes ease of use for all ages with essential sensors like heart rate, blood oxygen and skin temperature. It is targeted at users who find current wearables too complex, bulky or expensive, aiming to make health tracking more accessible for families.
Full Story: The Verge (5/7)
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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
 
Smart lock taps solar power for home security
Lockin is set to debut the Veno Solar smart lock in June, offering two models with solar panels that eliminate the need for battery replacements. The smart lock is compatible with Matter and offers biometric options, including facial and palm vein recognition, along with five additional locking and unlocking methods.
Full Story: Trend Hunter (Toronto) (5/5)
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TCL rolls out bright news with RGB Mini-LED TVs
Notebookcheck (Austria) (5/6)
 
 
Report: Gen Z keeps it thrifty with subs and games
Variety (5/6)
 
 
LG's 2026 TVs secure global eco-certifications for sustainability
Residential Systems (5/6)
 
Access Now: Best Practices for Consumer Cardiovascular Tech
Discover best practices for using health solutions for cardiovascular management with CTA's newest standard. Access today — complimentary for CTA members.
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From Blue Chips to Startups
 
VW expects EV profitability to rise with Scalable Systems Platform
Volkswagen expects its electric vehicles to achieve profit margins comparable to gasoline vehicles by 2030, driven by the upcoming Scalable Systems Platform, which aims to cut production costs by 20%. Currently, VW's EVs have profit margins that are 70% to 80% of those for gas vehicles.
Full Story: InsideEVs (5/6)
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Samsung wearable watches out for possible fainting spells
PC Magazine (5/7)
 
 
Project Mariner discontinued as Google shifts focus to Gemini
Digital Trends (5/7)
 
 
Spotify adds AI tool to create personal podcasts
Engadget (5/7)
 
Drive Growth With Retail AI
Join us on May 27 at 2PM EDT to learn how AI and machine learning are essential tools to elevate conversion rates, increase order values, and build lasting customer loyalty. Register now!
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Tech News
 
Energizer launches child-safe coin cell batteries for devices
 
Energizer launches child-safe coin cell batteries for devices
(Energizer)