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Andrew Liszewski

Andrew Liszewski

Senior Reporter, News

Senior Reporter, News

    More From Andrew Liszewski

    Andrew Liszewski
    Andrew Liszewski
    Even the driver on JVC Kenwood’s wooden Bluetooth speaker is made of wood.

    If you’re on the hunt for a Bluetooth speaker not made of bright plastic or filled with flashing lights, JVC Kenwood’s WDS-01 is made of oak, cedar, pine, spruce, or walnut wood — including its 60-millimeter driver cone.

    Battery life is claimed to be up to eight hours, but availability is going to be a challenge. Only 100 custom-made units were released in Japan today, ranging in price from around $257 to $550.

    <em>The six-watt WDS-01 wireless speker is recharged using USB-C.</em>
    <em>Despite the premium pricing, JVC Kenwood warns that since it’s made of solid wood warping or cracking may occur over time.</em>
    <em>There is no water resistance. JVC Kenwood recommends keeping it dry and away from sunlight to preserve its appearance.</em>
    1/3
    The six-watt WDS-01 wireless speker is recharged using USB-C.
    Image: JVC Kenwood
    Ploopy upgraded its open-source trackball with better scrollingPloopy upgraded its open-source trackball with better scrolling
    Andrew Liszewski
    Andrew Liszewski
    Double tap page turns are only available on the premium Kindle Paperwhite.

    Amazon has introduced a new Kindle feature letting you tap the back and sides of the e-reader to turn pages and scroll lists.

    It was initially thought to be limited to only the Colorsoft and 12th-generation Paperwhite, but Amazon spokesperson Connor Rice has confirmed to The Verge that you’ll specifically need the pricier $199.99 Paperwhite Signature Edition or the Colorsoft to get the feature. The $159.99 basic 12th-generation Paperwhite doesn’t have it.

    A close-up of an Amazon Kindle’s screen showing a pop-up mesage.
    Amazon’s new double tap feature for Kindles is limited to the Colorsoft and only the Signature Edition of the 12th-generation Paperwhite.
    Photo by Andrew Liszewski / The Verge
    Robosen’s self-transforming Bumblebee is finally giving Optimus Prime some backupRobosen’s self-transforming Bumblebee is finally giving Optimus Prime some backup
    Audio-Technica’s R2-D2 earbuds play beeps and bloops for audio alertsAudio-Technica’s R2-D2 earbuds play beeps and bloops for audio alerts
    Some Kindles now let you double-tap anywhere to turn the pageSome Kindles now let you double-tap anywhere to turn the page
    Canon redesigned its entry-level EOS R50 with improved video capabilitiesCanon redesigned its entry-level EOS R50 with improved video capabilities
    Andrew Liszewski
    Andrew Liszewski
    Nintendo adds Tetris to its Music app and teases features coming later this year.

    Nintendo has expanded its Music app’s catalog with tracks from the Game Boy and NES versions of Tetris, Dr. Mario, and the Switch’s Kirby and the Forgotten Land. On a support page on its website, Nintendo also revealed details about an October 2025 update, as spotted by Nintendo Life.

    Using the app requires a Switch Online subscription, but later this year those who unsubscribe will still be able to access, edit, and share playlists they created.

    Andrew Liszewski
    Andrew Liszewski
    Insta360’s new grip turns its Ace Pro 2 action cam into a handheld shooter.

    Action cameras are typically designed to be used while mounted or attached to some kind of support, like a selfie stick. Their ergonomics aren’t ideal for handheld use, which is why Insta360 has launched a new Xplorer Grip Kit for its Ace Pro and Pro 2 cameras.

    Made of aluminum and steel, the $84.99 kit adds a sizable grip to the side of the cameras, a shutter lever, more protection, and additional mounting points for accessories.

    <em>The Xplorer Grip Kit turns the Insta360 Ace Pro and Ace Pro 2 action cameras into compact 8K handheld cameras.</em>
    <em>An optional lever attaches to the grip’s cold shoe mount and functions as a larger shutter button.</em>
    <em>A wrist strap is included, and the grip kit still allows the screen on both cameras to tilt up and down.</em>
    1/3
    The Xplorer Grip Kit turns the Insta360 Ace Pro and Ace Pro 2 action cameras into compact 8K handheld cameras.
    Image: Insta360
    Andrew Liszewski
    Andrew Liszewski
    Xiaomi’s new smart door lock can disguise your voice.

    It’s almost certainly not coming to the US due to deadbolt incompatibility, but Xiaomi has launched a new smart door lock in China that includes an intercom voice changer, letting you disguise your identity while speaking with someone at the door, as spotted by Notebookcheck.

    The Smart Door Lock 2 Cat Eye Edition also features several different ways to unlock it including a fingerprint reader, Bluetooth, NFC, passwords, and a physical key.

    <em>The smart door lock offers several ways to lock and unlock it, including a fingerprint reader, Bluetooth, and a traditional key.</em>
    <em>It’s launching in China for around $207, and offers up to six months of use between charges.</em>
    <em>The voice changer can help disguise the identify of who’s at home when talking to someone at the door.</em>
    1/3
    The smart door lock offers several ways to lock and unlock it, including a fingerprint reader, Bluetooth, and a traditional key.
    Image: Xiaomi

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