26 – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Andrew Liszewski

Andrew Liszewski

Senior Reporter, News

Senior Reporter, News

    More From Andrew Liszewski

    Andrew Liszewski
    Andrew Liszewski
    Hohem’s compact SSD doubles as a smartphone hub.

    Launching in 1TB ($219) and 2TB ($339) capacities in early 2026, the SSD-01 offers 2,000MB/s read and 1,800MB/s write speeds, unlocking ProRes RAW and Open Gate recording on supported iPhones. It includes a pop-up USB-C connector plus two extra USB-C ports for power and attaching accessories like mics to your phone while recording.

    <em>The SSD-01 can be used with any device, but is primarily designed to expand a smartphone’s video recording capabilities.</em>
    <em>A built-in folding USB-C connector is joined by two additional USB-C ports for connecting power and other accessories.</em>
    <em>The drive’s write speed is fast enough to unlock 4K ProRes video recording at 60fps on iPhones, and up to 4K 120fps recordings on other devices.</em>
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    The SSD-01 can be used with any device, but is primarily designed to expand a smartphone’s video recording capabilities.
    Image: Hohem
    Andrew Liszewski
    Andrew Liszewski
    Baseus’ PicoGo 10,000mAh power bank is nearly as small as your AirPods.

    Measuring 2.8x2.4-inches and weighing about 172 grams, Baseus’ new PicoGo AC22 Ultra-Mini Power Bank is nearly as pocketable as your wireless earbuds’ charging case. Its USB-C port offers up to 45W of power so you can even charge some laptops, and with a built-in USB-C cable you can power up two devices simultaneously.

    The Baseus PicoGO AC22 Ultra-Mini Power bank next to an opened pair of Apple AirPods wireless earbuds.
    The PicoGo AC22 power bank is expected to launch in early 2026 for $59.99.
    Image: Baseus
    Andrew Liszewski
    Andrew Liszewski
    The $599 Tone T1 leaf blower is designed to be gentler on your ears.

    Whisper Aero claims its new Tone T1 leaf blower is up to 40 percent quieter than competing electric blowers. At its full power setting, it produces a 150mph blast of air at only 52 decibels, which is quieter than a fridge. It’s available for preorder now, with shipping starting in September 2026.

    Correction, January 5th: An earlier version of this article misstated the price of the Tone T1. The canyon sage base model is $599, while the silence is golden version is $699.

    The Whisper Aero Tone T1 leaf blower against a gradient background next to its charger.
    The Tone T1 will be available in canyon sage ($599) and silence is golden ($699) color options and has an estimated run time of up to 50 minutes in eco mode.
    Image: Whisper Aero
    Andrew Liszewski
    Andrew Liszewski
    8BitDo teases a new mobile smartphone controller called the FlipPad.

    The short teaser video shared through the company’s official X account is light on details, but the folding FlipPad will connect to iOS and Android smartphones through their USB-C port. There’s no analog thumbsticks, but it’s got a D-pad and a total of 12 face buttons. It’s expected to launch in the summer this year.

    The 8BitDo FlipPad controller attached to a smartphone.
    The FlipPad controller may lack Bluetooth and a rechargeable battery as it’s designed to connect to smartphones through their USB-C ports.
    Screenshot: X
    Andrew Liszewski
    Andrew Liszewski
    Timekettle’s translators will soon be optimized for the languages you’re speaking.

    In early 2026, the company’s handheld and earbud translators, including the W4, W4 Pro, and T1, will be getting a software upgrade introducing a new “SOTA Translation Engine Selector” that automatically chooses the optimal AI engine based on what two languages are being spoken. The upgrade should result in translations that sound more natural.

    Two people sitting at a cafe table converse while wearing Timekettle’s translating earbuds.
    Timekettle’s translating earbuds are designed to be shared with another user to bridge language gaps.
    Image: Timekettle