Pioneer Unveils the Initial Aftermarket CarPlay Device with Dolby Atmos Compatibility

Starting at $1,300 and shipping this spring, the Sphera is the latest aftermarket CarPlay unit from Pioneer that drivers should take note of. Introduced at CES 2026, the Sphera stands as the first aftermarket spatial audio head unit worldwide capable of supporting Dolby Atmos in CarPlay. This is excellent news for those wanting to enhance their car’s head unit with a solution that accommodates Dolby Atmos content. Additionally, the Sphera can serve as an option for vehicles with infotainment systems that lack CarPlay support.

Pioneer mentioned in its announcement that the Sphera is designed to be compatible with “millions of existing vehicles,” without specifying any particular models. The company also indicates that installation can be achieved with “minimal modification,” as the head unit is expected to fit a “wide variety of vehicles.”

The head unit will interface with the vehicle’s speakers and utilize Pioneer’s exclusive Pure Autotuning technology to tailor the sound experience to the car’s interior. Pure is intended to consider the cabin’s unique features, including size, shape, and materials. Pure Autotuning will “accurately adjust time alignment, frequency response, and channel levels to enhance performance and place the listener at the acoustical center.” This will guarantee the spatial audio and Dolby Atmos experience that users desire from their vehicle’s sound system.

The Pioneer Sphera features

The Sphera, depicted in the images above, is a 10.1-inch HD capacitive display that delivers “clear visibility and responsive controls.” The system is compatible with Pioneer’s Quick Swipe user interface for “rapid, intuitive adjustments while driving.” It offers a split-screen mode, wherein part of the display is allocated to specific features and controls, allowing drivers to access them effortlessly. Sphera supports wireless connection to iPhones (CarPlay) and Android devices (Android Auto), alongside Bluetooth.

The Sphera also includes an integrated Pioneer Luminous Bar that adds a “subtle visual signature to the dash.” This lighting system has two modes, including an Enhanced Visual Mode for navigation assistance and a Music Synchronization Mode that aligns lighting with audio. To achieve that “rich, immersive listening experience” in Dolby Atmos, Sphera will employ the car’s front and rear speakers. Users should not need to acquire additional hardware to ensure their CarPlay experience includes Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos.

While Sphera’s standout feature may be its support for Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos in CarPlay, the Pioneer receiver is also compatible with Android Auto. Although Spatial Audio (capitalized) is an Apple innovation for 3D sound, Dolby Atmos might also become accessible to Android Auto users in the future, as it’s a 3D sound technology distinct from Apple’s Spatial Audio. However, neither the press release nor Pioneer’s Sphera product page mentions Dolby Atmos support for Android. The product page states “more platforms are coming soon,” without specifically naming Android Auto. Additionally, Dolby Atmos may not be available for all audio content streaming in the vehicle. Pioneer notes in a footnote that streaming Dolby Atmos content might necessitate a subscription.

The Trendy USB Device You Must Include in Your Upcoming Costco Shopping List

innovative gadgets utilize your PC’s USB ports to introduce additional functionalities, while other practical USB devices can enhance your workspace. One such practical USB device is the Anker MagGo Magnetic Wireless Charging 5,000mAh Power Bank, which can be extremely useful if you possess a smartphone or mobile accessory that is compatible with Qi wireless charging. It is also equipped with built-in magnets, simplifying the attachment to a phone that supports MagSafe or Qi2 charging.

Although the wireless charging capability is indeed convenient, it also allows you to power up your device with a conventional USB cable, adding to its versatility. Costco is offering a two-pack of the Anker MagGo power bank for just $40 — a great deal — as Anker usually retails similar 5,000mAh wireless charging power banks for approximately $48 each. You can either keep both units for personal use or give the second power bank to a friend or family member to enhance their convenience. Now, let’s explore the different features of this power bank and what you can anticipate from it.

Effortless wired and wireless charging for those on the move

As indicated by its name, the Anker MagGo Magnetic Wireless Charging 5,000mAh Power Bank boasts a 5,000mAh battery. It’s essential to note that power banks can lose approximately 40% of the stored battery capacity during power conversions, so you are likely to receive about 3,000mAh of battery power when charging a mobile device with the Anker power bank. Therefore, if your smartphone has a 5,000mAh battery, don’t expect the Anker power bank to fully charge the phone from zero to 100%. The power loss during wireless charging is even more significant. Among its other features, the Anker model includes a built-in kickstand that proves useful when you wish to use the phone while charging it for video calls or media viewing.

Furthermore, it has pass-through charging support, which means you can connect the power bank to a wall adapter and charge both the power bank and the attached device at the same time. Regarding charging speeds, it supports up to 7.5W for wireless charging; however, if a USB-C cable is connected, you can achieve up to 12W of wired charging. When using both the wireless and wired charging functions of the power bank simultaneously, the total charging output will be capped at 12W. The Anker power bank itself can be charged at 10W via the built-in USB-C port.

Feedback from Costco shoppers about the Anker MagGo power bank

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Will Include a Metallic Rose Gold Color Variant

**Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: New Apricot Color Option Launched**

Samsung is poised to unveil a fresh color variation for its forthcoming Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, named “Apricot.” This imaginative color selection showcases a pink plastic body paired with coordinating pink ear tips and a metallic stem finished in brushed rose gold, anticipated to be exclusive to the Buds 4 Pro iteration. The identification of this colorway emerged through a One UI 8.5 beta build, indicating Samsung’s intention to provide a more vivid alternative in addition to the traditional black/gray and silver/white color schemes.

Although the release date for the Galaxy Buds 4 series remains unknown, the presence of the Apricot hue in official beta constructs implies that Samsung is actively working on this new aesthetic. This development signifies a shift from the more neutral color palettes observed in the Galaxy Buds 3 series, which predominantly showcased standard colors of black, white, and silver.

Samsung has a track record of trying out distinctive color designs in its earbuds series, evident in prior models like the Galaxy Buds 2 and Buds Live. The possible launch of the Apricot colorway is consistent with this practice, providing consumers with a novel and fashionable option. As excitement mounts for the official announcement, tech enthusiasts and Samsung supporters are keen to find out if the Apricot colorway will truly debut with the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.

Rokid’s Latest AI Eyewear Delivers a Sleek Build and Prolonged Recording Capabilities in Contrast to Meta Ray-Bans

Rokid has unveiled its newest creation, the Rokid AI Glasses Style, at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. These smart glasses distinguish themselves by omitting the conventional microdisplay, instead emphasizing AI features, camera capabilities, and all-day comfort. Weighing a mere 38.5 grams, the glasses are crafted for prolonged use without discomfort.

The Rokid AI Glasses Style boasts a voice-first interface driven by ChatGPT and DeepSeek, along with a 12MP Sony camera fine-tuned for quick, social-ready vertical video. Users can capture 10-minute 4K videos and enjoy up to 12 hours of battery life, making these glasses perfect for documenting moments on the move without the need for a smartphone.

The glasses come with integrated microphones and open-ear speakers, facilitating smooth interaction with AI assistants for tasks such as obtaining directions, summarizing meetings, or translating spoken language. The lack of a display reduces weight and boosts battery efficiency, with the NXP RT600 chip managing low-power functions and Qualcomm’s AR1 platform overseeing AI and imaging.

Rokid’s design supports prescription lenses, including transition and tinted variations, ensuring the glasses seamlessly integrate with everyday eyewear. This consumer-centric approach represents a transition from Rokid’s earlier enterprise-oriented models.

Available for pre-order on Rokid’s website with a non-refundable deposit, the AI Glasses Style is slated for a worldwide release later in January, priced below $300. This groundbreaking product provides a lightweight, AI-driven substitute for traditional smart glasses, prioritizing practicality and user comfort.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Anticipated to Be Priced $50 More Than Galaxy S25 Series

Reports from Korea indicate that the Samsung Galaxy S26 series is likely to see a price hike, possibly impacting only select areas. As per FNNews, Samsung intends to increase prices by $30 to $50 for each model in Korea, with the 256GB version becoming the standard configuration. This strategy mirrors Apple’s approach of providing 256GB storage at no additional cost. Increased component expenses, especially due to shortages in memory and storage, are propelling these adjustments. Nevertheless, Samsung might keep existing prices in the U.S. to remain competitive with Apple’s iPhone 17. The Galaxy S26 series is anticipated to debut in February 2026, with sales starting in March.

Garmin Unveils AI Nutrition Features in Connect Plus to Engage Athletes

Garmin has recently launched its own nutrition tracking capability, stepping away from its former dependence on MyFitnessPal integration. This new function is accessible through the Garmin Connect Plus subscription service. The nutrition tracking tool enables users to set caloric targets and obtain nutrient suggestions customized to their body size. Users can log their food consumption by scanning barcodes or employing AI-driven image recognition, capable of identifying food items from pictures. This feature works in conjunction with Garmin’s Connect+ AI summaries and Lifestyle Logging to deliver insights into how eating habits influence health metrics.

The nutrition tracking can be utilized via the Garmin Connect app on both Android and iOS devices. It can be incorporated as a primary tab in the app’s navigation bar or as a widget on the home screen. Users can log meals from a worldwide food database, encompassing packaged, restaurant, and regional food options. The tool also facilitates the creation of food favorites for more rapid logging, and specific Garmin watches allow for adding favorites directly from the wrist.

Garmin’s nutrition tracking offers reports on dietary patterns across different timeframes and employs AI to evaluate the effect of nutrition on health and training. This feature is part of Garmin’s wider emphasis on health tracking, which encompasses additional functionalities like Health Status and Lifestyle Logging. Garmin Connect Plus provides a 30-day free trial, after which it is priced at $6.99 per month or $69.99 annually.

Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming Set to Debut on Hisense and TCL Televisions Later This Year

It’ll be simpler to play games than ever on V homeOS and Google TV devices.

What you need to know:
– The Xbox Game Pass application is being introduced on additional smart TV operating systems, such as V homeOS and Google TV.
– Xbox has confirmed that its cloud gaming application will be available on select Hisense smart TVs later this year.
– TCL has also announced that the application will be integrated into the X11L series televisions in a forthcoming update.

Xbox is expanding cloud gaming support to more smart TV models in 2026, inclusive of screens powered by Google TV.

Xbox is collaborating with V (previously known as VIDAA) to launch its application on specific Hisense and V homeOS smart TVs later this year, as stated on January 5. V homeOS is an innovative operating system for Hisense that aims to compete with other proprietary smart TV OSes, such as Samsung’s Tizen OS or LG’s Web OS. In a separate initiative, TCL has also disclosed plans to include the Xbox app on its X11L series of Google TV-powered televisions later this year.

“This collaboration is centered around providing you with increased freedom and flexibility to play according to your preferences,” Xbox expressed regarding its agreement with Hisense and V homeOS. “Xbox Game Pass subscribers – encompassing Ultimate, Premium, and Essential subscribers – will have the ability to stream hundreds of games, ranging from new releases to beloved titles, directly via the Xbox app on compatible TVs through Xbox Cloud Gaming.”

In a press release regarding TCL’s new X11L SQD-Mini LED series of smart TVs, the firm revealed that it too will receive support for Xbox Cloud Gaming later this year. These flagship TVs operate on Google TV and will support the new Gemini for Google TV at launch. However, in TCL’s specification list for the X11L, the company mentions that the capability for Xbox Game Pass for cloud gaming without a console will be added in a future over-the-air (OTA) update.

TCL’s X11L series is now available for pre-order, though the smallest size presently available is a 75-inch model starting at an astounding $6,999 MSRP. These smart TVs will be the first Google TV-powered screens to receive the Xbox Game Pass app, which is already available on LG’s Web OS and Amazon’s Fire OS.

With cloud gaming, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can stream console games online without requiring any physical hardware, aside from the client device, a controller, and an Xbox account. Later this year, selected Hisense and TCL smart TVs will become part of the expanding list of supported Xbox Game Pass clients, which already includes Android phones and tablets.

Xbox states it will “provide more information on the Xbox Cloud Gaming experience with Hisense TVs in the upcoming months.” TCL indicates that the Xbox Game Pass app will be accessible for the X11L series in a future update.

Aqara Smart Lock U400 Launched with Apple Wallet Compatibility for Automatic Unlocking Capabilities

### Aqara Smart Lock U400: An Advancement in Smart Home Innovations

The Aqara Smart Lock U400 has officially launched at CES, presenting a new dimension of ease with its incorporation of the Home key functionality in Apple Wallet. This cutting-edge technology allows for automatic door unlocking as users approach, removing the necessity for manual engagement.

#### Ultra-Wideband Technology

Central to the U400 is ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, which improves the accuracy of location tracking. This enables the lock to identify when an authorized user, holding an iPhone or wearing an Apple Watch, is in proximity. Cathy You, Aqara’s Senior Vice President of Global Business and Strategy, highlighted the importance of this development, indicating that it signifies a move towards a more intuitive and fluid smart home environment.

#### Improved Security and Convenience

UWB technology outperforms conventional Bluetooth by employing Time of Flight (ToF) and Angle of Arrival (AoA) metrics to effectively monitor user movements. This guarantees that the lock engages only when an authorized user is approaching from outside, minimizing the chances of unintentional unlocks when users are indoors or merely walking by.

#### Various Unlocking Methods

The U400 provides a range of unlocking options, including:
– **Physical Key**: For standard access.
– **Fingerprint Recognition**: Fast and secure entry for registered users.
– **Passcodes**: Choices for recurring or one-time use, perfect for granting guest access.

In the event of a power outage, the lock can be temporarily powered by an external power bank, making sure access is maintained.

#### Compatibility and Requirements

To make use of the U400, users must have a Thread-compatible hub, such as the Apple TV 4K, second-generation HomePod, or HomePod Mini. The lock works with iPhone models starting from the iPhone 11 and later, operating on iOS 18.5 or newer, in addition to Apple Watch Series 6 and later. It’s important to note that the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) and iPhone 16e do not have the required UWB chip for compatibility.

#### Availability and Pricing

The Aqara Smart Lock U400 is available for purchase in the USA for $270. It can be found on Amazon US, Amazon Canada, and select Apple stores in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, with plans to arrive at US Apple stores later this month.

In conclusion, the Aqara Smart Lock U400 signifies a noteworthy progression in smart home access technology, merging convenience, security, and advanced features to transform user interaction with home security systems.

Apple’s New iPhone Poised to Start Mass Manufacturing, According to Leaker

### iPhone 17e: A Cost-Effective Option on the Horizon

The iPhone 17e is in the works as a more economical variant of the iPhone 17. Recent leaks indicate that its release might coincide closely with last year’s iPhone 16e, which launched on February 28.

#### Production Timeline

As per a post by leaker Smart Pikachu on Weibo, the iPhone 17e is anticipated to commence production shortly after CES concludes this week. If Apple initiates mass production in mid-January, a launch in late February could be expected, paralleling the iPhone 16e’s release schedule.

#### Key Features

The iPhone 17e is believed to showcase several significant features:

– **6.1-inch Display with Dynamic Island**: This feature enriches the user interface by delivering a more engaging experience.
– **A19 Chip**: The addition of this chip implies enhanced performance and efficiency.
– **No ProMotion Support**: Unlike its premium counterparts, the iPhone 17e may lack ProMotion technology for smoother scrolling.

Further rumors suggest that the iPhone 17e will also support MagSafe, incorporate a new Center Stage front camera, and boast slimmer bezels compared to the iPhone 16e.

#### Conclusion

The iPhone 17e appears to be a promising entry-level option, particularly given the appeal of the iPhone 17 series. As production intensifies, it will be intriguing to observe how the market reacts to this more budget-friendly choice.

Auction of Steve Jobs Collectibles Includes His Desk, Bow Ties, and More Items

### Steve Jobs Memorabilia Auction: An Extraordinary Chance for Collectors

A major auction showcasing memorabilia from Steve Jobs’ life has now commenced online, providing a rare insight into Apple’s formative years and the personal belongings of its co-founder. The auction, organized by RR Auction, is scheduled to end on January 30, 2024, and features an assorted collection of items that underscore the history and impact of one of technology’s most pivotal figures.

#### Featured Items

Among the prominent items up for bids is the original desk from the garage where Apple was established, a meaningful artifact of tech heritage. Bidders can also vie for the very first check signed by Jobs and his partner Steve Wozniak, along with personal relics like Jobs’ high school bow ties. The auction includes various Apple-related memorabilia, with opening bids starting at $100, appealing to a broad spectrum of collectors.

Noteworthy items consist of:

– **Apple 1 Prototype**: The earliest known version of the Apple 1, with a starting price of $50,000 and an estimated worth exceeding $500,000.
– **First Apple Check**: The inaugural check issued by Apple, beginning at $25,000, also believed to be valued at around $500,000.
– **Apple 1 Byte Shop Wooden Case**: Once owned by Jobs, this piece starts at just $500, with an approximation of $5,000.
– **Steve Jobs’ Desk**: Opening bids at $5,000, with projected worth of $25,000 or more.
– **Personal Posters**: Several posters belonging to Jobs are available starting at $200.

The auction also features lesser-known items, such as an Apple 1 heatsink and a ribbon cable, both prized due to their association with Jobs.

#### Background and Significance

Numerous items in this auction are being offered by John Chovanec, Jobs’ stepbrother, who received much of the belongings from Jobs’ childhood space. Chovanec reminisces about a touching moment when Jobs recounted the story behind the early Macintosh development in that very location, emphasizing the emotional ties these artifacts possess.

One particularly intriguing item is a $500 check made out to circuit board designer Howard Cantin, who contributed to the Apple 1 board. Cantin chose a cash payment instead of stock options, a choice that, in retrospect, could have resulted in considerable financial outcomes.

#### Conclusion

This auction offers a distinctive chance for collectors and enthusiasts of Apple and Steve Jobs to acquire a fragment of tech history. With a collection ranging from the iconic to the personal, the auction encapsulates not just Jobs’ legacy, but also the origins of a company that revolutionized the technology industry. As the auction date draws near, increased interest is anticipated, marking it as a significant occurrence in the realm of memorabilia collecting.