Brian Fagioli

Mint Mobile, a subsidiary of T-Mobile US, has announced a big update for its customers traveling to Canada. Starting today, all Mint plans now include unlimited talk, text, and 3GB of high-speed data per month for roaming in Canada at no extra charge. This enhancement builds on the existing perks of Mint Mobile plans, which already offer free calls to Mexico, Canada, and the UK, unlimited domestic talk and text, and access to T-Mobile’s extensive and award-winning 5G network in the US.

Aron North, Chief Marketing Officer of Mint Mobile, expressed enthusiasm about the new feature, stating, "Since joining forces with T-Mobile, we’ve been hard at work building an even better experience for Mint customers everywhere, and today, we’re excited to bring free roaming in Canada to everyone on every plan. Now, any Mint customer traveling to Canada this summer and beyond can call, text, and browse just like they’re at home.”

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Surfshark has introduced Alternative Number, an addition to its Alternative ID product suite. This feature provides users with a virtual US-based phone number, accessible through the Surfshark app, aimed at protecting users' actual phone numbers from misuse online.

Alternative Number helps shield personal information in an era where phone numbers are commonly required for online activities. "It can be difficult to keep your phone number to yourself online. We’re constantly asked for our numbers whenever we post ad listings, shop online, or sign up for free products/services. But there’s no telling where your number ends up once you share it online," says Sarunas Sereika, Alternative ID Product Manager at Surfshark.

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Sony Electronics has unveiled the ZV-E10 II, the eagerly awaited successor to the widely popular ZV-E10 mirrorless camera, acclaimed for its versatility and ease of use in content creation. The new ZV-E10 II not only retains the beloved features of its predecessor but also introduces enhancements to cater even more effectively to the needs of creators.

The ZV-E10 II is equipped with an updated 26-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and Sony’s latest BIONZ XR image processing engine, promising higher image quality and faster processing speeds. This second-generation model boasts enhanced autofocus capabilities, improved video features including a Cinematic Vlog Setting, and a redesigned user interface that supports vertical content creation seamlessly.

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Maxell has launched the OWS Pro Open Wireless Earhooks. These earbuds are designed with an open fit to allow users to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying audio content.

The earhooks are designed to sit securely on the outer ear and feature fast charging through a Type-C connection. They provide up to 18 hours of total playtime with the charging case, and the earbuds alone can deliver 6 hours of audio playback.

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The PC market is making a remarkable recovery, showcasing a 3 percent growth in the second quarter of 2024. This is quite impressive after a series of declines, with worldwide shipments of traditional PCs hitting 64.9 million units. Despite challenges in China, growth outside this region exceeded 5 percent, according to the IDC Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker.

This resurgence is significantly fueled by the excitement around AI-enhanced PCs and a vital commercial refresh cycle. "Navigating through market maturity and various challenges, the back-to-back quarters of growth reflect a vibrant and changing landscape," commented Ryan Reith, Group Vice President at IDC.

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OptConnect has announced the release of ema:USB, described as the first smart USB modem. This product is designed to simplify the process of integrating cellular connectivity into various hardware setups, reducing the usual delays and complexities.

The core of ema:USB features the OptConnect ema, a patented embedded modem that has achieved full certification as an LTE Category 4 device. This certification helps users avoid the costs and challenges associated with developing embedded wireless designs.

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Plugable has launched its latest product, the USB 3.0 Transfer Cable with USB-C Adapter (USBC-TRAN), tailored to simplify the process of data migration and syncing across various Windows computers. As an upgrade from the previous USB3-TRAN, the new cable features compatibility with both USB-C and USB-A ports, making it versatile for use with modern and legacy Windows systems.

Designed to support Windows versions from XP through to the latest Windows 11, in both 32-bit and 64-bit configurations, the USBC-TRAN offers comprehensive coverage for all user needs. It comes equipped with Bravura Easy Computer Sync software which can be installed on an unlimited number of PCs, allowing for seamless and unrestricted data transfer of any size -- ideal for both personal and professional settings where frequent data migration is necessary.

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Bosch home appliances has introduced the new smart-enabled 2-rack 300 Series dishwasher. Available for just $699, this full stainless steel tub dishwasher integrates seamlessly with smart home systems, making it an attractive option for tech-savvy consumers.

The latest addition to the Bosch dishwasher family boasts the brand’s five-point PrecisionWash system and the energy-efficient PureDry closed drying technology. Together, these features promise a spot-free clean and to dry dishes after every wash. The newly designed model also features a sleek, edge-to-edge recessed handle with integrated front controls.

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Logitech has released the G309 LIGHTSPEED wireless gaming mouse. This new mouse features dual-wireless connectivity and the HERO 25K sensor.

The G309 LIGHTSPEED is compatible with Logitech's POWERPLAY charging system, allowing operation without a traditional AA battery, which reduces the mouse's weight by 18 grams. With a HERO 25K sensor, the mouse can operate for over 300 hours on a single AA battery in LIGHTSPEED mode, and over 600 hours in Bluetooth mode.

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Sabrent has released the HB-STDK USB Type-C 3-Port Gaming Hub, designed specifically for use with Valve’s Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED systems. The hub features a compact design tailored to fit the portable gaming console, ensuring it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk while enhancing connectivity.

The device includes a USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 Type-C upstream connection that provides a speed of 5Gbps, along with dual USB-A downstream ports. It also has a Type-C port for power delivery (PD3.0), capable of charging the Steam Deck during use. These features aim to support various gaming and operating system setups, including non-standard and multi-boot configurations.

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Researchers on Google's Connectomics team have achieved the largest AI-assisted digital reconstruction of human brain tissue to date. Now, they are turning their attention to the mouse brain to further unravel the mysteries of neural connections.

The recent accomplishment involved mapping just 1 cubic millimeter of human brain tissue, a task that required an astounding 1.4 petabytes of data. This tiny section, equivalent to half a grain of rice, revealed unexpected structures within neurons. "We found some of the wires will wrap themselves into these giant knots," says Google Research Scientist Viren Jain. "We have no idea why -- nobody's ever seen it before."

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According to a new blog post, Linux Mint 22 is set to release this month, although the exact date remains uncertain. The BETA phase has been extended due to the need to address numerous critical bugs. So far, 109 bug reports have been submitted, with 53 still unresolved.

The development team has been working on issues such as AppArmor security changes causing application crashes, hardware acceleration playback libraries leading to Xorg crashes, and problems with Flatpak and Mintinstall.

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LIAN LI has introduced the EDGE series, a new line of power supplies specifically designed for vertical installation in dual-chamber PC cases. This series introduces a “T-shaped” form factor that optimizes space and improves cable management in modern PC builds.

The EDGE series features an outward-facing modular strip that simplifies wiring and keeps setups clean and organized. It also includes a built-in 4-port USB expansion hub, which reduces the need for additional cables by allowing RGB devices, fans, and controllers to connect directly without extra motherboard connections.

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Hatch Baby has issued a recall for approximately 919,400 power adapters sold with its Rest 1st Generation smart sound machines in the United States and an additional 44,352 units in Canada due to a shock hazard. The problem stems from the plastic housing of the AC power adapters which can detach when removed from the outlet, exposing the power prongs and creating a risk of electric shock.

The recalled adapters have the model number CYAP05 050100U and were sold exclusively with the Rest 1st Generation Sound Machine. These were not available for separate purchase. The affected adapters have a white rectangular plastic housing and feature labels such as "Jiangsu Chenyang Electron Co. LTD" and "Made in China." They were sold from January 2019 through September 2022 at various retailers including Hatch.co, Amazon, BuyBuyBaby, Target, Walmart, Nordstrom, Pottery Barn Kids, and BestBuy, with prices ranging from $60 to $200.

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Peppermint OS has announced updates to its lineup, introducing a new version called “Fully Loaded,” alongside its traditional lightweight Xfce desktop. The original Peppermint OS offers a minimalist interface and is available in 32-bit and 64-bit options, emphasizing efficiency and customization with only essential applications installed.

“Peppermint Fully Loaded” is designed for users who prefer a ready-to-use desktop. This version is pre-equipped with a full suite of applications including Firefox, GIMP, LibreOffice, and Thunderbird, aimed at providing a comprehensive user experience from the start. Additional tools like Btop++ for process monitoring, xDaily for system maintenance, and pfetch for system information are also included.

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