Amazon’s satellite internet service, named Leo, is on track to launch by mid-2026 according to CEO Andy Jassy. In his annual letter, Jassy stated the service will offer download speeds reaching up to 1Gbps, which would surpass the current speeds offered by competitor Starlink. Amazon has not provided further details about the initial service rollout. However, the company has been testing the technology with select partners for some time. Amazon is making significant promises for Leo, including faster upload and download speeds, lower costs, and direct integration with its vast ecosystem of products and services. The company may also market itself as a satellite internet provider separate from Elon Musk’s Starlink. To compete effectively, Amazon will need to accelerate its deployment, as it currently lags behind in the number of satellites launched into orbit. In other tech news, Dyson has introduced its first handheld fan. The new device features a motor capable of spinning at an impressive 65,000 RPM. A review of the JBL Live 780NC and 680NC headphones found a mixed performance. While they represent significant improvements in some areas, they also have notable shortcomings, leading to an average overall assessment. Sony has provided a preview of its next-generation True RGB Mini LED TV technology. This move adds another branded variation to the competitive Mini LED television market. The ASUS ZenBook A16 laptop has been reviewed. This 16-inch ultraportable model is designed to compete with devices like the LG Gram Pro 16. It is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite processor and aims to address criticisms of its predecessor, the ZenBook A14. The reviewer reported a positive experience using the device over the past week, noting its combination of light weight and powerful performance. The government of Greece has announced a plan to ban children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated the ban will begin at the start of 2027. The decision is driven by widespread concerns about the impact of social media on the mental and physical health of young people. Enforcement will be the responsibility of the social media platforms themselves, backed by the substantial penalties available under the European Union’s Digital Services Act. Amazon will end support for older Kindle e-readers and Fire tablets. Devices manufactured in 2012 or earlier will lose the ability to purchase, borrow, or download new books after May 20. Content already stored on the devices will remain accessible. The Fender Elie speakers have been reviewed. These hybrid speaker and amplifier units were praised for their excellent audio clarity and wide range of input options. However, the review also pointed out drawbacks including a heavy weight, exposed wood surfaces that could be prone to damage, and limited battery life. WhatsApp has updated its application with an improved native interface for Apple CarPlay. The redesign aims to make the app easier and safer to use while driving, providing a more polished user experience that requires less attention away from the road.
