They can be high-tech, but crucially, are "screen-free." Bondu is a stuffed dinosaur that speaks 27 languages. It--or, more precisely, the AI chatbot embedded inside it--can also play games, help with homework, and patiently answer a child's questions, even the really inane ones. Its "bedtime mode" includes breathing exercises and stories. Bondu, which costs $300 and comes in four colors, is marketed as a playmate, a confidant, a teacher, a quasi-caregiver.

Cuneflow's e-paper writing tablet uses AI to record and transcribe meetings Cuneflow's e-paper writing tablet uses AI to record and transcribe meetings It's designed to automate the busywork of business. I recently reviewed reMarkable's Paper Pure, an e-paper writing tablet designed to be used in business meetings. The company markets itself as an almost analog space to think, pushing against the use of AI and the distractions of the digital age. Think of Cuneflow, then, as a rebuke of that philosophy, as its namesake e-paper writing slate has a built-in voice recorder to transcribe and extract insights from those very same business meetings. Is that a big enough draw for you to plonk down your money when it launches on Kickstarter?

Early writing is a tale of two scripts. Egyptian hieroglyphs and Mesopotamian cuneiform both emerged independently about 5300 years ago. The political powers of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia flourished in the centuries to come, partly because writing helped states control the flow of goods and consolidate power. The pen (or ancient stylus) was mightier than the sword. Or so the conventional story goes. But there is a glaring omission here because, at the dawn of writing, there weren't two scripts. That third, mysterious script, called proto-Elamite, appeared in ancient Iran while cuneiform and hieroglyphs were both in their infancy - and has been shockingly overlooked by all but a handful of scholars since its discovery 125 years ago.

Amazon's eReaders are best-in-class, and offer a legitimate opportunity for distraction-free reading. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. The right Kindle will reignite your love of reading. Using a Kindle may seem unnecessary in a world where reading books, articles, and any other text on a phone or tablet is easy. Carrying around a dedicated mono-tasking device will add weight to your load, and it's another gadget to keep track of and charge. Yet Kindles remain popular because they only have one job and do it very well: let you carry and consume the stories that captivate you. A Kindle's e-ink screen won't reflect the sun when reading outdoors, unlike the reflective LCD displays used on phones and tablets.

Apple's Siri AI will be powered by Gemini The reMarkable 2 bundle includes a Marker stylus and folio case. E Ink tablets can provide the best of both worlds, giving you a similar tactile response to writing with pen and paper while also conveniently holding all of your digital files. For example, you can get the reMarkable 2 tablet with the Marker and Book Folio for $449, instead of the usual $568. The company also sells a newer stylus called Marker Plus that lets you erase by flipping it around just like a real pencil, but that will cost you an extra $50. If you've been eyeing a dedicated writing tablet for work, school or just jotting down notes without the distraction of endless apps, this bundle deal is an ideal opportunity to pick one up.

Google's Chromebook Successor Is Coming. Here's Everything We Know So Far Google has officially acknowledged the upcoming merger of Android and Chromebooks, and it may be coming in 2026. It's never fun to be in last place. Google has been coasting along with its Android tablets and Chromebooks for years, playing second fiddle to the bigger players in the game. But the company has a new card up its sleeve: the upcoming merger of its two platforms into something entirely new.

As more and more age tech hits the market, I've been testing the most innovative gadgets for older folks and caregivers. Age tech is a rapidly growing category focused on remote caregiving, improving quality of life, and enabling older folks to stay in their own homes for longer. The US Census Bureau says around 16 million elders (over 65) live alone. While the majority are healthy, with family and friends nearby, many lack support and may be battling physical and mental decline. Whether you're getting older or trying to help an aging loved one, there's an increasingly diverse range of gadgetry to choose from, but as a nascent category, it's tricky to know what will help.

More pixels doesn't always mean a better screen. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Every year, tech and television companies boast their products' latest and greatest, highest-resolution displays. The 4K display--a screen with a horizontal display of approximately 4,000 pixels-- first became widely available around 2014. Barely a decade later, you can purchase a TV with double the resolution .