Google I/O is set to begin next week, promising a new era of Android with anticipated news on AI, XR, and Android 16. However, the past seven days have already delivered a wealth of significant tech news stories. Highlights from the week included the launch of an ultra-thin phone from Samsung, the debut of a best-in-class drone from DJI, and the return of a classic audio device.
Apple CarPlay Ultra Hits the Road
Apple’s next-generation CarPlay system, CarPlay Ultra, has finally arrived after an extended software development period. Originally anticipated to launch in 2024, its debut is currently limited to specific vehicles. CarPlay Ultra is presently only available on the new Aston Martin DBX SUV. This initial release provides a preview of what is expected to come to other car brands in the future, including models from Hyundai, Kia, and more.
The system promises a slick, iPhone-style software experience designed to take over a car’s entire infotainment system. Users can tailor CarPlay’s color schemes and wallpapers and also tweak vehicle functions like climate control, radio stations, and heated seats directly from the CarPlay interface. The source notes that this level of integration is long overdue and expresses hope that a wider rollout to other vehicles will not require another year of waiting.
Samsung Launches Ultra-Thin Galaxy S25 Edge
After months of teasers, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has been revealed, with initial hands-on impressions highlighting its design. The device is described as the Samsung phone for people who love to hate Samsung phones. As U.S. mobile editor Philip Berne wrote, “The Galaxy S25 Edge is the solution to a very simple formula.
Take a Galaxy S25 Plus. Shave 1.5mm off the thickness by removing the zoom camera and shrinking the battery. Add a 200MP camera sensor. Wrap it in titanium. Voila: Galaxy S25 Edge! ” The thinness and lightness of the phone are presented as features that need to be experienced firsthand. The design has reportedly already won over several writers and the social media editor, who believes it not only looks fantastic but also feels great in the hand.
DJI Unveils Best-in-Class Mavic Drone
DJI has introduced its latest drone, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, which has reportedly impressed reviewers. The drone is praised for its fantastic flight performance, speed, and power, leading to the assessment that it is hands-down the best Mavic drone to date. The DJI Mavic 4 Pro review reportedly awarded it a full 5 stars. The drone’s camera is highlighted for its versatility, able to be tilted in almost any direction.
It boasts a fantastic triple-lens setup, and a bigger battery allows for longer flight times between charges, offering an unparalleled degree of creative options for filming. The source suggests it’s not just a great DJI drone but might simply be the best drone currently available for purchase.
Garmin Introduces New Forerunner Watches
Garmin surprised the market by unveiling two new specialist running watches, the Garmin Forerunner 570 and Garmin Forerunner 970, having only been expecting one new model soon. These new watches offer updated tools for runners, such as a speaker and microphone for taking quick calls on-wrist while working out, a new Evening Report feature, and Garmin’s brightest AMOLED displays yet. The Forerunner 970 includes extra features like a titanium bezel, some unique new metrics such as Running Tolerance, and an ECG function.
A new heart rate monitor, the HRM 600, was also introduced, designed to work with the 970 to generate those advanced running metrics. These devices are described as flashy and cool-looking but come with notable price tags: the 570 costs $549.99 / £459.99 / AU$999, while the 970 clocks in at $749.99 / £629.99 / AU$1,399. While looking forward to testing them, the initial assessment is that either would be a great performance boost for serious runners and owners of much older Garmin watches like the Forerunner 945, but likely won’t tempt owners of more recent models to upgrade.
The Boombox Makes a Comeback
The classic boombox is reportedly making a return, not as a relic, but with modern upgrades. The new We Are Rewind GB-001 is described as a bona fide cassette boombox featuring modern enhancements. These include Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, a 3,000mAh battery providing 10 hours of speaker playback, and 104W of power, reportedly more than classic boomboxes offered.
The device is presented as perfectly combining 2020s and 1980s tech into a package that the source is excited to try. It is set to launch at a price of £379 / €449 (about $505 / AU$781), although a confirmed release date is not yet available.
Busy Week in Streaming Entertainment
It has been another busy week in the world of entertainment streaming. The week’s news included a new Superman trailer and the first official teaser for Marvel’s Ironheart TV show. Additionally, a wealth of announcements were made at this year’s Upfront ad-based trade show.
Significant reveals from Upfront included the news that the Max streaming service will be rechristened HBO Max once more in mid-2025 and a host of TV show renewals announced by Netflix. Despite these, Disney’s Upfront 2025 presentation reportedly made the biggest impression, with seven major Disney+ and Hulu announcements highlighted.
Android Gets a Makeover Ahead of I/O
Ahead of the Google I/O conference next week, Google hosted the Android Show, offering a glimpse at upcoming interface changes for Android 16. While new devices running the software were not shown, the new Material 3 Expressive guidelines were previewed, calling for extensive use of color, motion effects, and visual cues.
These changes reportedly feel like they are directly targeting the 18-24-year-old demographic, identified as the most stalwart iPhone fans. In its official blog post, Google stated, “It’s time to move beyond ‘clean’ and ‘boring’ designs to create interfaces that connect with people on an emotional level.” The rollout of this new approach is expected when Android 16 starts becoming available later this year.
