AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D launched; iOS 18.4 adds Matter support for robot vacuums
Key Takeaways
- AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU outperforms Ryzen 9 7900X in gaming and productivity benchmarks.
- iOS 18.4 introduces Matter support for robot vacuums and AI-powered priority notifications.
- Microsoft extends AI features to Intel, AMD Copilot Plus PCs, previously Qualcomm-exclusive.
- Amazon launches Nova Act, an AI model for shopping, claiming 75% lower cost than rivals.
- United Airlines gets FAA approval for Starlink internet on Embraer 175 aircraft.
Gadget Mania
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D announced: faster gaming, productivity
Amazfit Bip 6 smartwatch ($80) hands-on review
Best gadgets of March 2025 reviewed
On March 31, 2025, an article reviewed the best gadgets of March 2025, highlighting new products like the MacBook Air M4, Mac Studio, the Hypershell X exoskeleton, and AMD's response to Nvidia's mid-range GPUs. The Hypershell X exoskeleton aids leg movement during exercise, reducing fatigue during a three-hour hike. The Google Pixel 9a and gaming laptops with Nvidia RTX 50-series GPUs are delayed until April, and the Oppo Find N5 foldable smartphone is larger and thinner than competing models but is not available for sale in North America.
Software Central
iOS 18.4 released: Matter support for robot vacuums
Apple released iOS 18.4 on March 31, 2025, introducing Matter support for robot vacuums in the Apple Home app and Apple Intelligence-powered priority notifications. Firmware updates from Roborock, iRobot, and Ecovacs will enable compatibility, allowing users to control their vacuums and integrate them into smart home automations.
Windows 11 BSOD redesign: Blue screen may turn black
Google's 'Quick Share' replaces 'Quick Share from Google'
Thunderbird to offer paid 'Thundermail' and AI services
On March 31, 2025, Mozilla announced plans to introduce paid online services for Thunderbird, including a mail provider service called Thundermail, to generate revenue. Thunderbird will also offer Thunderbird Appointment (a scheduling tool), Thunderbird Send (a file-sharing service), and Thunderbird Assist (AI features). These new features will initially be offered to active community members, then to others for a fee, with limited free options to be introduced later.
AI Breakthroughs
Microsoft expands AI features to Intel, AMD Copilot Plus PCs
Amazon launches Nova Act AI model for shopping
On March 31, 2025, Amazon launched Nova Act, a new AI model designed for online shopping tasks, initially available to developers in a "research preview." Amazon is also expanding access to its other Nova AI models through a web portal, claiming its Nova suite is at least 75 percent less expensive than comparable rivals.
Apple's AI Doctor expected in 2026
World to pay developers for 'mini-apps' using World ID
World is launching a pilot program on April 1, 2025, to pay developers who create "mini-apps" using its World ID authentication system. $300,000 will be distributed to qualifying developers based on app usage over three months, with top developers potentially earning up to $25,000 per week. World claims that more than 12 million individuals have created World IDs to date.
Oura Advisor exits beta; Samsung Health adds AI
Published on March 31, 2025, Oura announced it is taking its AI-based Oura Advisor out of beta and making it available to current Oura subscribers for $6/month. Samsung is also expected to start charging for subscription features, with Samsung Health adopting AI-powered suggestions based on aggregated data.
Tech Horizons
United Airlines gets FAA approval for Starlink internet
On March 31, 2025, the FAA approved United Airlines to operate flights with Starlink satellite internet service on its Embraer 175 aircraft. United expects to install Starlink on all 300 regional jets by the end of the year and plans to outfit its entire fleet of more than 1,000 aircraft with Starlink in the next few years; Starlink will be a free service for UnitedPlus members. SpaceX has also signed deals with partners like T-Mobile and Royal Caribbean to offer Starlink beyond rural households, where Elon Musk believes it is most suitable.
Cosmic Discoveries
SpaceX launches Fram2 mission with amateur astronauts
Cyber Watch
France fines Apple $162M over App Tracking Transparency
Gaming Buzz
Nintendo Switch 2: Price, release date reveal imminent?
A special Nintendo Direct streaming on YouTube on April 2, 2025, is expected to reveal the price, release date, and pre-order details for the Nintendo Switch 2, and potentially showcase new games. Nintendo is also planning a worldwide roadshow for gamers to try the Switch 2, starting in New York and Paris from April 4-6, 2025, with events continuing across North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia until May 11, 2025.