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Roundup highlights ten quirky Japanese gadgets rarely sold in the US

A tech feature compiled a list of ten niche Japanese gadgets, ranging from an AI companion shaped like a meerkat that remembers past conversations to a handheld umbrella with a built-in fan, that are largely absent from American retail shelves. The author sourced these products by digging through Japan's domestic gadget market, deliberately focusing on inventions rarely exported abroad.

Breville's Eye Q Toaster uses sensors to nail toast color every time

Engadget tested Breville's Eye Q toaster across all seven of its browning settings using fresh whole wheat bread, finding a smooth, consistent gradient from barely crisped to deep brown without burning. The device automatically senses timing rather than relying on a fixed dial, and includes a sourdough mode plus a button to add extra toasting time if needed.

Journalist deploys unrestricted AI agent to hack own smart home devices

A tech newsletter writer used an uncensored AI model from startup Abliteration AI to autonomously probe his home network, devices, and personal coding projects for security flaws. Over several days the agent uncovered vulnerabilities in household gadgets, broke into a PC, and flagged bugs in vibe-coded software, all while operating with guardrails stripped away.

Anker unveils Nano Universal Charger with global plug support at IFA 2026

Anker introduced the Nano Universal Charger, a compact wall charger built to work across more than 200 countries and regions using integrated US, UK and EU plug configurations. The device charges up to four gadgets simultaneously via three USB-C ports and one USB-A port, delivers up to 100W to a single laptop, and includes a circular display showing temperature and voltage readings. Anker has not disclosed pricing or a release timeline.

IFA 2026: Acer, Dell and iRobot unveil new gadgets in Berlin

At IFA 2026 in Berlin, Acer showed a concept Windows gaming handheld called the DualPlay Mini that swivels into a mini laptop-style PC. Dell introduced the budget-friendly 14S laptop with colorful finishes and configurable specs, while iRobot launched its $1,199 Roomba Max 875 Combo featuring a new carpet-sealing 'SealForce' skirt.

Epilogue's USB-C Operator devices let PCs play and back up Nintendo cartridges

Epilogue makes USB-C cartridge readers, the $50 GB Operator for Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance carts, and the $60 SN Operator for Super Nintendo and Super Famicom titles, with an N64 version in development. The devices connect real cartridges to Windows, Mac, Steam Deck, Xbox Ally or even phones, letting users back up save data and play games through companion Playback software that pulls the ROM and runs it in an emulator.

Memory chip shortage pushes hardware makers to raise prices or trim specs

A worldwide shortage of memory chips, driven largely by demand for AI infrastructure, is squeezing hardware manufacturers just as major companies prepare new product launches. Apple has already unveiled Mac minis and Mac Studios with new M6 chips, with an iPhone event expected in September featuring the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, a foldable iPhone, and new Apple Watches. Makers are responding to rising component costs by either raising prices on devices or reducing memory and storage specifications to keep costs down.

Today's top topics: openai anthropic apple ai safety iphone 18 pro dario amodei ios 27 artificial intelligence google nvidia
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